(WSB Radio) --  It's the start of the new fiscal year, but that only means more challenges for Governor Perdue and legislative leaders when it comes to a balanced budget.

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, a fiscal watchdog group, is projecting the state will face an $800 million shortfall for 2010 which could require Perdue to lower the revenue estimate by a much as a $1 billion.

Perdue says he'll wait until the final numbers from in from the close of 2009 to decide how to proceed.  He's already asking state departments for an additional three percent in cuts, but could require more.

Under law, Perdue can make some budget adjustments or call lawmakers into special session to make cuts to the budget.

He says he'll be meeting with House and Senate leaders in coming weeks to decide.