http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-971636.mp3
Macomb, IL – Western Illinois University will receive less money from the state next fiscal year. But WIU President Al Goldfarb said the biggest concern remains the state's cash flow problem.
Goldfarb said the new state budget includes $55.5 million in operating funds for the university. The current budget - which expires June 30 - provides WIU with $56.2 million.
Goldfarb said the state is providing less money to WIU today than it did when he became the university's president 10 years ago.
"We have had significant decreases during that time period," Goldfarb said. "We've had to do tuition increases and fee increases because not only have we had the budget reductions since I arrived, but we've had no funding to support facilities issues in terms of taking care of deferred maintenance."
Goldfarb said cash flow is an even bigger concern. WIU is still waiting for $25.3 million owed for the current fiscal year, and the state recently extended its lapse period for making payments to December 31, 2011.
Goldfarb said Western will get by, but it will be tight.
"Our goal is to protect our current employees, to avoid furloughs, and to avoid layoffs," Goldfarb said. "But that means again we will be slow in filling positions. We'll be trying to use attrition as much as possible."
Goldfarb also said WIU will continue to be frugal when considering whether to make purchases, though he said that is causing the school to fall behind on technology and maintenance.
Goldfarb said Provost Jack Thomas - who becomes WIU's president on July 1 - also believes that protecting current employees is the top priority.
Despite the spending reduction and cash flow problem, Goldfarb said he appreciates that the cuts to higher education were not deeper. He believes universities can help the state as the economy turns around.
"The more individuals you can produce who hopefully will go into well paying positions, positions that support their communities, the better it is in terms of increasing the tax base and tax revenue," Goldfarb said.
He said all universities are engaged in public service to their communities. He points to the Small Business Development Center and the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs as a couple such examples at WIU.