ECC budget funds five new instructors

Elgin Community College may increase its annual budget by as much as $3 million next year.

In a tentative budget document released last week, college trustees said they plan to spend $85.7 million.

The majority of that -- nearly $55 million -- will be spent on staff salaries, benefits, supplies and student services.

Another $9 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.

Most of ECC's operating budget revenue comes from property taxes. About 25 percent comes from tuition and fees.

Vice President of Business and Finance Sharon Konney pinned the bigger budget on several items.

The college is adding five, new, full-time faculty members this year, Konney said.

Additionally, she said, ECC is expanding its curriculum with two new health programs -- histotechnology and radiography.

The other added cost, she said, "is money for gas and electric. Just maintaining our grounds and putting gas in our tractors is getting more expensive than ever," she said.

ECC's 2009 tentative budget is available for public viewing through June 10 at the Renner Learning Resources Center, on the second floor of the Student Resource Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

The board will vote on the budget after a public hearing at 7 p.m. June 10.