On Friday, 8/27, WCC hosted a budget forum with guest Alan Frey.  Following are some of the key points presented at the forum.  The power point slides will be available very soon as an attachment to this entry, and a DVD of the forum will be available this week through the WCC library. 

1. All California community colleges are profiting annually.  The beginning balances of all California community colleges last year increased by over $1 million.

 The ending balances in 08-09 were also up.

2. There is no legal requirement to maintain any kind of reserve; the 5% reserve was a Chancellor's Office recommendation only.  "Watch lists" do not exist.

3. Last year was the only year in the history of community colleges in which they received less money than previous years; otherwise, they have always received more money than in previous years.

4. The CCFS-311 report, which is due to the Chancellor's office by October 10 (assuming the state budget is in), will contain actual figures of money received and spent last year.  Review the "Actual" figures since these are the most accurate presentation of dollar amounts with regard to the budget.  The "Budget" figures are projections for the year ahead and are not usually accurate.  Current year CCFS-311 must be included in a Board packet.

5. YCCD's actual ending balance for unrestricted money in

2008-2009 (what was leftover after all bills had been paid at the end of the school year) was $2,507,025, so that is the amount in the bank with which YCCD started 2009-2010, and this was prior to whatever money the district received in 2009-2010.  For restricted funds, the amount totaled $130,112.

6. The last three pages of the CCFS-311 show how the district is shifting money out of general fund and into other funds (to show that less money is available).  ***In 2008-2009, YCCD shifted $1,300,000 out of general fund and into Fund 69 ("Other Internal Services Fund").  How is this money being spent?

7. The trustees can set up multiple funds with a majority vote.

8. In the power point presentation, review the "History"

page to compare the budgeted (white) and actuals (green) columns to study how honest the district has been in the past few years about reporting projected costs.

9. Datatel - upkeep and maintenance costs are high as are consultation fees.

10. ACCA (Association of Community College Administrators) has among its priorities:  elimination of the 50% law as well as the 75/25 law.