The state Department of Environmental Quality today announced layoffs and a reorganization to cope with a $1.2 million budget shortfall for the year that begins July 1.

Nine employees are being laid off, DEQ spokesman Bill Hayden said. Eight may retire, and the ninth may take another job in the agency.

Five vacant positions are being eliminated.

The DEQ will combine some operations and eliminate a program that helps small businesses meet environmental regulations, among other changes.

The DEQ has more than 800 employees and an annual budget of about $160 million.

--Rex Springston