Updated: April 27, 10:30 a.m.
Following the passage of the state government budget bill, Flathead Valley Community College is poised to lose roughly $1.3 million in funding for the upcoming biennium, forcing the school to hike tuition and reduce expenditures, officials said.
Faced with the likely reduction in state funding, the FVCC Board of Trustees on April 25 voted to increase tuition and fees by $16.40 per credit. One credit for an in-district student from Flathead or Lincoln counties currently costs roughly $143 in tuition and fees.
The revenue generated by the increase in tuition and fees will cover less than 50 percent of the budget shortfall that was projected, and FVCC will reduce expenditures to make up for the remaining funding cuts, according to college officials.
Jane Karas, president of FVCC, said the administration was considering a variety of options to reduce expenditures, including not filling vacant positions and restructuring operations throughout the campus. The number of potential vacant positions that could be left unfilled is unknown at this time, she said. The campus is also utilizing new technology, such as a new software program for the human resources department, to shore up costs. Some courses may be offered every other year instead of annually, she said.
“We are already very efficient and effective and lean in how we operate but there are always ways to look at how we can operate more effectively,” she told the Beacon.
“We are looking at different ways to do things with the least impact on students and programs.”
Karas traveled to Helena multiple times during the legislative session to testify on behalf of the community college and meet with lawmakers in an effort to prevent a reduction in state funding.
Nevertheless, the Republican-led Legislature approved proposed spending cuts for multiple agencies within the budget to make up a shortfall left by reduced revenues.
House Bill 2, which funds the state government with $10.3 billion for the next two years, passed the Legislature on a near party-line vote with House Republicans, including the Flathead delegation, voting in favor and all but one Democrat opposed. Dave Fern of Whitefish and Zac Perry of Columbia Falls were among those voting against the bill.
In the state Senate, Republicans Mark Blasdel, Al Olszewski and Keith Regier voted in favor while fellow GOP members Dee Brown, Bob Keenan and Chas Vincent were opposed. House Rep. Matt Regier was absent for the third and final reading on April 21.
The passage through the House and Senate means the bill lands on Gov. Steve Bullock’s desk for his signature or veto, including potential line-item vetoes.
The two-year spending plan is 0.6 percent higher than the previous budget, but it also includes cuts across many state agencies. Democrats have said some cuts within the budget are too deep. The Democratic governor has not said whether he plans to approve the budget bill.
Under the budget, FVCC, the largest community college in Montana, will see a drop in state funding for the 2019 biennium, July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.
FVCC received roughly $17 million in the previous biennium.
According to the latest figures, 2,447 students are taking classes at the community college, 14 more than last spring. The number of full-time equivalent students was 1,344, 10 more than a year ago. Both sets of numbers represent a 1 percent increase over 2016.
Karas noted that 96 percent of FVCC students are from across Montana.
“We provide education to Montanans who want to stay here, work here and continue their education here,” she said.
Karas said the college will continue to work with students who are challenged by the tuition increase to help them through financial assistance, including payment plans, loans or scholarships.
FVCC’s Budget Committee, which included student representation, recommended the tuition and fee increases in light of the potential state funding cuts. A student forum was held last week to comment on the increases.
“I highly value not only my own education, but the ability for everyone to seek education. My fellow students whom I have randomly questioned have all agreed that we would prefer to pay a little extra in tuition than to lose out on the quality of education and services that we currently receive,” stated FVCC Student Government President Garret Deffert. “Regardless of the outcome of this, we will continue to work toward a strong future, and we will persevere in reaching our goals. What we do to advance beyond the roadblocks and detours in life is what will define us and help us succeed in achieving the future toward which we aspire.”