University officials submitted a spending reduction plan Friday to outline how the University would meet its share of the statewide spending cuts ordered by Gov. James S. Gilmore III (R).
State officials gave the University less than three days notice to submit a plan to the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget outlining how the University could reduce its current fiscal year operating budget by $2.4 million and next year's budget by $6.7 million, or about 15 percent. The Medical Center is exempt from the spending cuts.
The contents of the University's spending reduction plan are classified as the "Governor's Confidential Working Papers," which exempts it from disclosure by the Freedom of Information Act.
The cuts are deep but only reflect a "worst-case scenario," University spokeswoman Louise Dudley said.
"We will not know what specific budget reduction steps will be required until we receive more information from the governor's office in response to information submitted by the University to the state late last week," University Executive Vice President Leonard W. Sandridge Jr. said.
"Until we have more information from the state, it is not possible to assess the long-term implications of the budget reductions," he added.
Gilmore mandated the $421 million cut in spending over two years after the General Assembly deadlocked during budget negotiations over his proposed phaseout of the car tax.
To achieve these cuts, Gilmore ordered a freeze on state agencies' hiring and discretionary spending and directed them not to enter into new contracts for capital outlay projects.
Major University capital projects affected by the freeze include the $10 million state grant for the proposed Special Collections Library and the $9 million studio arts building, both of which are being financed by a combination of state and private funds.
Also affected are a major electrical upgrade project, a new sprinkler system for the Chemistry Building, and a construction project at the Law School, all totaling about $3.6 million.
Gilmore has said he foresees no need for layoffs in state agencies this fiscal year, and University firings are "highly unlikely," Dudley said.
But faculty pay increases for the 2000-2001 fiscal year were part of the budget package disputed in the General Assembly, so the possibility exists for a salary freeze in the future.
With hope for a resolution to the budget impasse dwindling in the tense General Assembly, the University may be forced to provide normal operating services with increasingly restricted state funding.
University administrators can only "do the best we can to minimize the impact of the budget cuts on the University," Dudley said.
Read More
Virginia Attorney General Speaks On Free Speech And Criminal Justice Reform
By Vyshnavi Tatta | 12 hours agoMiyares said pursuing repeat criminal offenders is a more crucial step in reducing crime, saying that studies show a small percentage of criminals commit a majority of crimes.
Student Council passes summer budget, bill supporting allergy policy reform
By Arshiya Pant | 12 hours agoThe biggest expenditure categories outlined in the summer 2024 budget were CIO Consultant funds and Support and Access Services, respectively receiving $67,000 and $65,950.
New Vice President of Research Lori McMahon aims to work towards U.Va.’s 2030 plan
By Caroline Hagood | 13 hours agoMcMahon said she was drawn to the University after reading the University's 2030 plan and that she was inspired by the vision of President Jim Ryan and other University leaders.
