As we welcome faculty, staff and students back for spring semester 2010, we are beginning to make internal plans to respond to the governor’s call for budget reduction plans of 6, 8, or 10% for each year of the biennium.
The state has requested budget reduction plans for FY 2010, effective March 1, 2010, that are at a pro-rated level based on the support that each institution receives from the general fund. For CSN, this reduction could range from $1.65M to $2.75M.
Our strategy at the beginning of this fiscal year included establishing a reserve should the state realize a revenue shortfall. Our initial budget included a reserve of approximately $1.2M to accommodate this shortfall. Budget cuts will be necessary to meet the balance of any state imposed budget reduction. These reductions will be determined through a participatory process working with faculty, staff, and student leadership.
More difficult to address is the budget picture for FY 2011. State revenue projections are not likely to be realized and the governor’s proposed cuts of 6, 8, or 10% mean a reduction to CSN’s budget of $5.0M to $8.2M.
Again, we will involve faculty, staff and students and focus on protecting our institutional mission as we prepare these budget reduction plans and keep you apprised as new information arises.