Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1948 [PAGE 958]

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UNIVERSITY

OF

ILLINOIS

957

In its study of this question, the Committee has also given careful consideration to requests from local governments that the University contribute to the costs of operating municipal services and of public improvements because of the increased demands upon these services. The Committee is sympathetic with the needs of local governments for increased operating revenues and recognizes the effect of the tax exemption status of the University on their budgets. However, the ultimate decision which the Board of Trustees must make will involve the question of the University's legal right, regardless of what the Board may wish to do as a matter of public policy. In view of previous court decisions in cases which have a direct bearing on this question, the Committee has grave doubts about the legal right of the University to pay from State appropriations, or other public funds, taxes assessed by local governments, or to make contributions from public funds to local governments for the operation of municipal services. In a matter of such far reaching importance as that of the tax status of the University, this Committee recommends that the opinion and assistance of qualified counsel, independent of the University, be obtained on the various questions involved. To this end the Committee recommends the employment of the firm of Chapman and Cutler to render such an opinion, to advise with respect to the trial of any lawsuits which involve any of such questions, and if found necessary, to participate therein until final decisions have been obtained.

JOHN R. FORNOF KENNEY E. WILLIAMSON F R A N K H. MCKELVEY CHESTER R. DAVIS, Chairman

Committee on General Policy

On motion of Mr. Davis, this report was adopted.

APPOINTMENT OF UNIVERSITY AUDITORS

Mr. Williamson presented the following report.

The Finance Committee recommends that the firm of George Rossetter and Co., Certified Public Accountants of Chicago, be engaged as auditors for the year ended June 30, 1948, in place of Arthur Young and Co., who handled the audit for the past five years, such services to be charged on the basis of per diem rates and expenses with the understanding that the aggregate charge will not exceed the following sums: University of Illinois (including all divisions) $8 000 University of Illinois Foundation 500 University of Illinois Athletic Association 700 These maximum costs are based on the assumption that, if the audit discloses extraordinary needs beyond the scope of the usual examination, further compensation for such additional work will be allowed after review and approval by the Finance Committee.

On motion of Mr. Williamson, the employment of George Rossetter and Co. was authorized as recommended.

MATTERS PRESENTED BY PRESIDENT STODDARD

The Board considered the following matters presented by the President of the University.

AWARD OF CERTIFICATES OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (1) The Committee on Accountancy recommends that the certificate of Certified Public Accountant be awarded the following who have made applications therefor under the Accountancy Act of 1943 and who have submitted evidence that they are holders of C.P.A. certificates issued by other states on the basis of successfully passing the regular written examinations: