Budget reflects Harper's escalating costs

The Harper College board of trustees on Wednesday approved a balanced spending plan that is 4.4 percent higher than last year's budget and is tentatively set at $92.2 million.

The $3.9 million difference accounts for a 2.3 percent rise in salary payments and a .9 percent increase in additional costs for benefits.

"The reality is that the costs that the school has, they escalate no matter what we do," said board Chairman Gregory Dowell.

"Our charge is to present a balanced budget for the district so that's really why we thoughtfully put in increases."

This all comes despite a projected decrease in the college's enrollment. Enrollment was down 9 percent from last school year as of Wednesday evening.

Harper President Kenneth Ender said that number is expected to be closer to 5 percent after classes start Monday, as many students register at the last minute.

Still, community colleges are seeing an overall decline in enrollment with the economy's uptick, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Ronald Ally said.

Despite the overall increase in spending, Harper budgeted 2.2 percent less for the college's operation and maintenance fund, bringing the fund's total to $17.9 million.

Dowell said that with the operation and maintenance fund, it's more about finding the least amount of money the college needs to spend.

"We establish what the minimal amount is where we can keep higher education at the right level for our students, then anything in excess of that you really have to sort of weigh what the benefits are," he said.

And while the state, under the original concept of its partnership with community colleges, is supposed to fund 33 percent of the Harper College's costs, it will provide only about 7 percent of Harper's operating revenues this spending year, college officials estimate.

Local property taxes account for 50 percent of Harper's revenue, and 42 percent comes from the college's tuition and fees.

Dowell said that with the uncertainty surrounding the state budget, Harper is doing its best to prepare for the future, especially when it comes to pensions.

"We have to make sure we stay in that fiscally strong position today because we can't control what's going to happen tomorrow," Dowell said.