Harper College has a slight budget increase for 2017-18

Harper College in Palatine will have a $110 million operating budget for the 2017-18 academic season, a slight increase from last year.

Of the $110 million, roughly $93 million will be used in the education fund. That covers faculty, administrative and professional salaries, along with educational supplies and equipment.

Harper officials noted the education fund is up about $596,600, or 0.6 percent, due to higher costs for salaries and benefits.

Another $17 million has been set aside in the operations and maintenance fund. The budget is down by $108,249, or 0.6 percent, compared to 2016-17.

The $110 million operating budget is up from $109.8 million in 2016-17. President Ken Ender said the budget approved earlier this month reflects the Harper board's commitment to fiscal responsibility.

"In today's job market, it's critical that Harper provides programs that will help workers learn new skills and retrain for new careers, as well as provide an affordable alternative to soaring tuition at traditional four-year universities," Ender said.

Similar to other schools, Harper had to contend with a lack of state funding while legislators were embroiled in a roughly two-year budget impasse. The uncertain funding led to budget cuts.

"It's wonderful to have a (state) budget, irrespective of whether they send us the money or not," Ender said.