University News
BOT Approves FY11 Budget
October 16, 2009
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved the recommended Fiscal Year 2011 operating budget increase of $10.6 million at its Oct. 16 meeting in Macomb.
Western's current FY2010 appropriated budget is $123.9 million. The proposed FY11 budget includes an additional $6.6 million to support salary and cost increases; $1.5 million for deferred maintenance; $1 million for student financial aid; $750,000 for the healthcare professional education program; and $750,000 for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program. In addition, the board approved a FY2011 capital budget request of $51.1 million to support campus utility infrastructure; WIU-QC Riverfront Campus Building 3; life safety and accessibility improvements; and planning for a WIU-Macomb Science Complex, which will consolidate existing programs and support new academic programs in the sciences. A capital renewal budget of $3.6 million to address deferred maintenance needs was also approved.
The Board approved Western's proposal to offer a Master of Science in Biology and a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Zoo and Aquarium Studies at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Students enrolled in the 32-semester-hour program would complete some coursework and conduct research at the aquarium, as well as at Western's Macomb and/or Quad Cities campuses. Following the Board's action, the proposal will be forwarded to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) for approval.
The Board granted a request to transfer operations and licensing of WQPT public television services from Black Hawk College in Moline (IL) to Western. There are no personnel services or direct operating costs for Western. WQPT's operating funds (more than $1.7 million) and all WQPT reserve funds (more than $1 million) will be transferred to a restricted WIU Foundation account. Acquiring WQPT supports increased community service, visibility and marketing for Western in the Quad Cities; complements the work of academic departments; enhances fundraising efforts; and provides opportunities for resource sharing between University Television, Tri States Public Radio and WQPT.
Collective bargaining agreements with the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 (Civil Service Unit B), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 417 and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 were approved by Western's Board. Each will result in base salary increases of 3.5 percent for the current fiscal year.
The Board kept the annual compensation for WIU President Al Goldfarb at his current salary of $270,000 per Goldfarb's request to not grant a salary increase. During the June meeting, the Board approved a report commending his performance for the year and extended Goldfarb's contract through June 30, 2011.
The Board also awarded a bid for the architectural design work for the Corbin/Olson halls renovation project to FGM Architects, Inc., Oak Brook (IL), not to exceed $1.8 million.
Under new business, BOT Chair Steve Nelson reported that Bruce Biagini has resigned as the University's ethics officer and will not provide legal services for the University or its Board. Heidi Benson has been appointed as the ethics officer, as well as the University's and Board's attorney.
The Board confirmed the FY10 all-funds budget; and approved vendors for the University's tax deferred supplemental retirement plan. The board also heard the annual strategic plan update, the annual technology strategic plan update and the facility assessment report.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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