EWU trustees approve 2016 operating budget

After an initial viewing in May, and passing an interim budget for the 2015-16 academic year in mid-June, the Eastern Washington University board of trustees approved a final spending package Friday, July 17.

Meeting both in person and over the telephone in the trustees boardroom in Showalter Hall, the operational budget of $271.5 million for fiscal year 2016, which began July 1, was unanimously approved. The board also voted to accept a 2015-17 capital budget totaling $84.9 million.

The board was unable to approve a final budget earlier due to the Washington Legislature going into three special sessions before finally approving a $38.2 billion state operating budget for the 2015-17 biennium, June 29.

EWU President Mary Cullinan commended state lawmakers for their historic reinvestment in higher education. “This budget is great news for our hardworking students and their families,” Cullinan said in a statement.

The school wins with the budget reflecting a slight $3.9 million increase over the numbers presented at the May 14 board meeting. And students win with a 5 percent operating fee reduction for resident undergraduate tuition for the 2015-2016 academic year.

The reduction in tuition and fees for Eastern surpasses the 15 percent students at the University of Washington will see.

The budget is based on a projected enrollment of 10,651 students, a number that has recently remained flat.

The tuition decrease means the quarterly rate for resident undergraduates will drop from $2,457 to $2,351 or $7,052 annually. By fall 2016, tuition levels are expected to drop by another 15 percent.

With what has been termed an “unprecedented reduction in tuition” Eastern will remain the most affordable public university in the state. “This budget will enable EWU to continue serving as a vital resource for Spokane, the region and the state,” Cullinan said.

Eastern’s capital budget includes money for design, but not construction of a new science building and $36.3 million from bond sales to remodel the Pence Union Building. Ground breaking is expected in early 2016 on the PUB project.

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.