And, probably more important, it also is $36 million less than last year's higher-education request.
The $53 million includes $35.4 million for top priorities at nine of the state-owned colleges and Regents administrative office; $4.8 million in one-time money; and $12.8 million in supplemental increases.
Regents Chairman Nolan Karras called the $53 million budget proposal "modest." Given the continued uncertainty of the state's fiscal climate and a limited amount of new money legislators will have to meet the state's growing demands, the proposed budget zeroes in on needs, not pet projects, he said.
"We purposely went through the needs and could have come up with a $173 million budget. But that doesn't make sense in terms of what the state has the ability to do," said Karras. "I believe we struck the right balance."
At the top of the budget wish list are faculty and staff pay raises. Although the Regents did not recommend a specific dollar amount for a boost in paychecks, they did lay out three compensation scenarios and the percentage of a Regents-mandated tuition hike needed to cover a portion of wages at each school.
Also among the priorities are money for retention of key faculty and staff, costs of operation and maintenance, money to train more nurses and engineers, and scholarships.
The budget's big-ticket item is a $14.4 million request for fuel and power. As college and universities scramble to become more energy-efficient, utility costs continue to climb, they say.
Utah Valley State College President William Sederburg said the budget recommendations reflect reality.
"[The budget proposal], while focusing on institutional needs, also recognizes that an inequity exists particularly for UVSC when compared to other institutions," Sederburg said.
The request now goes to Gov. Olene Walker where it will be incorporated into the state's budget.
A new governor, as of January 2005, and lawmakers in next year's legislative session will have final say.
Still, Karras is confident legislators will appreciate the "reasonable" approach for this year's budget.
"It's part of building a relationship because we understand the pressure they are under," Karras said.
sykes@sltrib.com
