Budget news is good at West Hills College—22 jobs saved

Strong budgetary restraints imposed over the past two years at West Hills Community College District resulted in some good news during Tuesday afternoon’s board of trustees meeting in Coalinga.

During his report to the board, Chancellor Frank Gornick told trustees that furloughs accepted by the district’s administrators and classified and certificated employees resulted in saving of $1.4 million and the equivalent of 22 jobs during the 2009-2010 fiscal year that will close June 30th. He thanked the employee groups involved for their cooperation during difficult budget times.

Vice Chancellor of Business Services Ken Stoppenbrink said the district is ending the year in strong fiscal condition with a $3.4 million reserve, which is 11.5 percent of the district’s general fund budget.

Stoppenbrink presented the tentative 2010-2011 budget, which trustees approved. Highlights of the budget include:

A general fund budget of $35 million based on an estimated full time equivalent count of 5,286 students district wide.

$12 million in restricted funds, which are provided by grants to the district from state and federal sources. These funds cover a variety of programs that provide special services including job training, veterans’ services and support for first generation and low-income high school and college students.

A capital outlay budget of $31 million for new construction that is underway at WHCC, WHCL and North District Center, Firebaugh.

Restoration of furlough days and step raises for all staff with no cost of living adjustment.

Stoppenbrink told trustees that the May state budget revise might have impacts on the California Community College System.

“With an estimated state budget deficit of almost $20 billion, the budget process is working its way through committees and due to an election year, we may not see any state budget until late in the fall,” Stoppenbrink said.

Gornick noted that the district is contributing in a positive way to the local economy with major construction projects underway at both colleges. A new $10 million center is under construction at West Hills College Coalinga and should be done in time for fall semester classes in August.

A $24 million multi-use sports complex, Golden Eagle Arena, is about 40 percent complete at West Hills College Lemoore. It should be open in time for graduation ceremonies at the college next May.

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West Hills Community College District serves the west side of the San Joaquin Valley and is part of the California Community College System. Its two colleges, West Hills College Coalinga, which includes North District Center, Firebaugh, and West Hills College Lemoore, serve more than 7,000 students on campus and online each semester.