College Board OKs Tentative Budget

The Ventura County Community College District board has approved a tentative $62.5-million operating budget, reflecting about $1.8 million in cuts, most of them in maintenance and supplies.

The tentative 1993-94 fiscal budget, approved unanimously late Tuesday, is based on a district estimate that tax revenues allocated from the state will be reduced by 2.2% compared to the last fiscal year, officials said.

In adopting the tentative budget, board members avoided laying off employees or dropping classes. But they said they may have to resort to both options later if the Legislature withholds more tax revenue than projected. The board will adopt a final budget in September.

Board members approved an array of cuts, trimming travel expenses, utilities, equipment repair, postage, printing, new equipment purchases and capital improvements.

Under the tentative plan, Moorpark College will receive $19.6 million for its annual operations, $723,000 less than last year. Oxnard College will have a budget of $11 million, $912,000 less than last year. Ventura College will receive $20.7 million, a cut of $1.6 million compared to last year.

Board members also decided to offer early retirement incentives to employees and are considering asking staff and faculty unions to freeze or reduce salaries.

“If you have any spare change, throw it this way,” Ventura College President Jess Carreon said. “We’re going to be having bake sales soon.”