Going, going, gone: the future of state funds at EvCC

By: Ashley Stewart

Posted: 2/26/10

How much was lost in state allocations for the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year?

On April 26, 2009, the Legislature passed a final budget resulting a $1.79 million reduction in state allocations for EvCC. The college built a budget with an estimated $2.9 million less than the year before. The 2008 to 2009 budget saw a reduction of only $227,000 for that year.

How much of a loss will there be for 2010 to 2011?

If the 2010 to 2011 budget is anything like Gregoire's December budget proposal, EvCC will face a 6 percent reduction in state allocations; $1.56 million less than this year's sum.

How much of the state budget is allocated to colleges?

16 percent of the state operating budget goes to higher education. Because the state faces a budget deficit of approximately $2.6 billion as of January, allocations are decreasing.

How does EvCC make money?

This year, 61 percent of college revenue came from state allocations. Revenue from tuition charges accounts for 24 percent of funds, with an additional 10 percent coming from self-support programs. Student fees make up for 24 percent; the remaining one percent from other sources. The total budget revenue for the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year was $41,038,340.

How does the college spend?

Faculty and staff wages make up 53 percent of EvCC's expenditures, with another 17 percent towards employee benefits. 18 percent of EvCC spending goes towards goods and services, followed by two percent on equipment, two percent on grants to students, one percent to debt service and zero percent for travel.

How can EvCC afford to make renovations like Café Bistro?

Funds to build these facilities come from a different pot of money. The funds for these renovations were borrowed from the State Treasury and are to be paid back in student fees. Students voted to finance the production of these facilities. Next year, five dollars per credit up to ten credits will be paid from each attending student for the Athletic Center, as it was voted.

How will next year's reduction affect programs?

The college has already cut back on most expenditures.
"Right now, we're probably talking people and programs," said Dottie Krzyzanoski, vice president of Student Services.
Many classes may become self-support programs, raising the cost of the course in order to keep it available.

Which courses are at risk?

Courses will either be kept or cut based on the number of students enrolled in the program, the amount it costs for the college to offer, and the way the course relates to other classes. The goal is to make cuts without affecting a high number of students, and to keep essential programs available.

How will this affect students?

The reduction has the potential to increase class sizes, sacrificing individual attention from teachers. Though an effort is being made to preserve essential courses, prerequisites may be eliminated.

What can students do?

Students are encouraged to contact the Legislature about the importance of maintaining tuition and financial aid. The Legislature is still in session, meaning the upcoming year's budget is not yet set.