WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Exploris

could be in a world of trouble when Wake County passes its budget. County commissioners may reduce the museum's funding by $1 million, which is two-thirds of its budget.

"It would cripple Exploris as we know it. This is a program that counts on the county as a basic part of our budget," museum director Anne Bryan said.

Exploris may not be able to count on that funding this year. Republican commissioners have enough votes to kill a proposed 4-cent increase in property taxes. Instead, they are considering an alternative budget that includes the cuts at Exploris.

"Everybody's not going to get everything they want, but they're also not having everything taken away. There comes a time in everybody's life when they have to regroup and shift around," Commissioner Phil Jeffreys said.

Exploris officials said they could not regroup from the cut that is being considered. Residents who pay taxes and visit the museum said the county is in a tough position.

"I don't want to pay more taxes, but on the other hand, I hate to see them cut programs like this. Exploris is a good program," taxpayer Ray Ulansee said.

County officials are sorting through a maze of budget options. Exploris could find out Wednesday when the county manager tells commissioners what they have to cut if they do not raise taxes.

County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the budget Monday.