Associated Press

North Dakota agencies may use their existing budgets as a starting point for drafting new spending plans for the next two years.

Gov. John Hoeven has presented budget-writing guidelines to state agency directors. In some years, state departments have been required to suggest cuts in current spending.

Hoeven's instructions this year say agencies should look for budget efficiencies. But they don't require state administrators to identify cuts.

The work is used to put together the governor's budget recommendations to the North Dakota Legislature. Hoeven will present his plan in December.

Budget analysts say North Dakota's treasury is building up reserves that could top $600 million next year.