Future budget repeal likely

Benjamin Holbrook
Critic Staff

Carol Moore says that there's no reason to celebrate, but no bad news--yet.

More budgeting shortfalls may become reality soon and the Burke Mountain Room was filled to capacity on Thursday to here Lyndon State College’s administration discuss.

President Carol Moore and Dean of Administration Wayne Hamilton spoke before faculty, staff and students assembled to hear news on what the college can expect, especially after dealing with a 100,000 dollar deficit earlier this semester.
Moore says the college and the administration are awaiting budgeting action on the part of the Vermont General Assembly which is due to convene next Tuesday.

“There is no dramatic budget news,” Moore said, “but there is nothing to cheer about either.”

To an audible gasp from those assembled, Moore said Governor James Douglas informed Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Robert Clarke to project a five percent decrease in current budgeting operations.

According to Hamilton Gov. Douglas said that it is pretty definite that the state will see another repeal.

“Certainly if we get another rescission we’ll look at structural changes – personnel,” Moore said. The administration will also be looking at academic and non-academic programs in terms of viability.

Hamilton says that for now all adjustments have been made in response to the $100,000 “hit” taken earlier this semester, which included the termination of a library job, and expenses are on target for the year.

An issue that has been brought up in meetings before is why a new building is being built since LSC has to deal with budget problems. “That (building) money was generated through bond sales so it is safe and secure,” Hamilton said. “I think it is very fortunate for Lyndon that we secured the money when we did with the economy the way it is now.” Hamilton also said the new building allows LSC to remain competitive and to draw in new students.
In terms of closing budgeting gaps in the future Hamilton says that the college will need to increase full time enrollment by 120 students on top of where they are currently. Tuition will also need to be increased by 6.5 percent annually.

“We would like to include more people in closing the gap,” said Bob Whittaker, dean of institutional advancement. Whitaker says that in turning to fundraising and asking alumni, friends, staff and parents for contributions it would infringe less upon the students.

Still, with Tuesday’s meeting of legislators in Montpelier and the possibility of a thrid budget reduction next spring people are worried. “We need to be planning for the worst,” Hamilton said. Higher education tends to get cut more often by the legislature because, “they believe that raising tuition will off-set any cuts made,” Hamilton said.

Moore told the audience at the end of the meeting that if there is another recession another open budget meeting will be planned. Asked if the gathered group could come together before any structural changes were decided Moore said she didn’t want to discuss an individual’s position in an open setting.