Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1976 [PAGE 433]

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422

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[ O c t o b e r 15

T h e funds requested for the capital budget have been increased by $199,800 by the inclusion of planning funds for the Agricultural Engineering Building ($156,600) at the Urbana-Champaign campus and an increase in planning funds ($43,200) for the Law Building Addition, Urbana-Champaign campus. T h e Board of Trustees' approval of these requests constitutes an endorsement of a list of high priority items of expenditure which will improve the University and improve its service to the people. These requests become the basis for preparation and submission of detailed budget requests to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for FY 1977. I recommend approval of the requests as submitted herewith.

In presenting this recommendation, President Corbally emphasized that, in taking the action recommended, the Trustees should not regard it as a commitment to carry out all of the activities identified or for which funds are requested. H e said, at the time of consideration of the 1976-77 operating budget, there would be an opportunity to discuss priorities and allocations. In the subsequent discussion by the Trustees, various points of view were expressed, in support of and in opposition to the recommendation. It was stated that the document represents legitimate needs, deserving of support if the institution is to maintain its level of excellence. Concern was expressed that, in the light of the State's financial situation, the requests were not reasonable and to take action without knowing the sources of income would be fiscally irresponsible. T h e question of the Trustees' credibility was raised and the budget request was characterized as likely to weaken such credibility. Some needs could be deferred; for example, in continuing education. It was argued that costs are increasing for the University as for other sectors of the economy and that there is a continuing obligation to assert the University's needs and defend them and that the Trustees could be criticized for requesting too little as well as too much. Finally, it was pointed out that the proof of the viability of the budget would lie in the priorities and ultimate allocations which would come before the Board at a later time. T h e student advisory vote was: Aye, Mr. Conlon, Mr. Summers, Mr. Szegho; no, none. O n motion of Mr. H a h n , this recommendation was approved by the following vote: Aye, Mr. H a h n , Mr. Howard, Mr. Lenz, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Neal, Mrs. Rader, Mr. Velasquezj no, Mr. Forsyth, Mrs. Shepherd; absent, Governor Walker. FY 1977 Incremental Operating Budget Continuing and Programmatic Components

State Funds I. Continuing Components A. Inflation and Market Driven 1. Salary Increases (7.5 percent) 2. General Price Increases (7.0 percent) 3. Utility Price Increases (20.0 percent) Subtotal B. Operating Costs for New Facilities

Total

($14 035 400) ( 2 096 300) ( 2 331 000) $18 462 700 $ 1 695 500 $20 158 200