MISSION VIEJO : College Board to Weigh Budget Cuts

Saddleback Community College District board members will consider $2 million in possible budget cuts Monday to help deal with anticipated losses from the county’s bankruptcy.

Officials are recommending leaving vacant positions open at Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College and the district headquarters as a way to save much of the money.

But funds for new computers and musical equipment at Saddleback College also might be cut.

District spokeswoman Diane Riopka said the $2 million saved from proposed cutbacks could be spent on “necessary expenses” if the district loses some of the $24 million it had in the county investment pool when it collapsed.

“The way we look at it now, we’re anticipating we’ll be short about $2 million,” Riopka said.

The district had an approved budget of $70 million for the fiscal year ending June 30.

Saddleback College spokesman Kurt Hueg said the proposed cuts for computers and musical instruments are frustrating.

“The college had a substantial equipment order in the works to benefit instructional programs,” Hueg said. “We really want to see these items purchased.”