MISSION VIEJO : College Spending, Hiring Freeze Asked

With the Saddleback Community College District facing a possible $1.5-million loss of state funding next year, Chancellor Richard Sneed has called for a hiring and spending freeze and the initiation of an early-retirement plan.

“It is clear that 1993-94 will be an extremely lean year for the (district),” Sneed said in a report to the Board of Trustees earlier this week. “It is our intent, however, to honor fully the salary adjustments presented to the bargaining units. Nevertheless, all must understand that with reduced revenues and increased expenditures, we cannot continue to operate as before.”

Under Gov. Pete Wilson’s proposed budget, community college districts would not receive money for growth, for cost-of-living adjustments or for students who hold bachelor’s degrees, Sneed said. That could mean an estimated loss of about $1.5 million for the district, which includes Saddleback and Irvine Valley colleges.

About 20% of the 33,000 students at both campuses hold bachelor’s degrees. If state funding were withheld for such students, fees could more than double from $50 to about $105 per unit.

To help balance the budget for next year, Sneed announced the formation of a 13-member budget coordinating council, including district, college and faculty representatives.

Meanwhile, a hiring freeze will begin Feb. 1 for all vacant positions except those involving special circumstances, such as the search for a new president at Saddleback College, Sneed said. Also, Sneed announced a freeze on spending, including supplies, materials, travel, services and capital costs. Any spending in such areas will require approval of the college president or vice chancellor, Sneed said.

The new budget council will also be responsible for creating an early-retirement plan.