ECC holds the line on spending in new budget

Aiming to stay as lean as possible to weather the economic storm, Elgin Community College trustees have approved a $87.6 million budget - a $200,000 decrease from last year.

A majority of next year's budget - $56.7 million - will be spent on staff salaries, benefits, supplies and student services.

Another $9.5 million will go toward operations and maintenance of the college, $1 million will be spent on capital projects and $2 million will pay down the bond and interest fund.

Vice President of Business and Finance Sharon Konney called the college's plan "not really cutting back but holding the line and not increasing spending."

Travel and conference expenses will not increase next year. Spending on office and instructional supplies will only increase minimally, because of the inflation rate.

The college is tied to negotiated salary increases - including the recently approved 5.5-percent raise for college President David Sam and nonunion administrators.

However, bringing insurance plans under the same carrier has saved "significant money," she said.

Most of ECC's operating budget revenue - nearly 60 percent - comes from property taxes. About 25 percent comes from tuition and fees; 12.5 percent from the state.