WMU's estimated 2013-14 operating budget set

KALAMAZOO—Meeting June 12, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved an estimated general fund operating budget of just over $366.6 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year that will begin July 1.

The newly approved and balanced budget includes an $8 million increase in total revenue as well as an $8 million increase in expenses. Also included in the budget is a targeted budget reduction of $6.9 million, or 2.86 percent.

Major revenue ingredients to the WMU budget include $97.2 million in anticipated state appropriations. That amount is up more than $1.9 million compared to last year's appropriation from the state. The top revenue element in the new budget is $259.9 million in expected tuition income from students both on and off campus. The tuition revenue includes a 3.75 percent increase in tuition and required fees, which was also approved by trustees June 12.

Major expense changes in the new budget include an increase of more than $6.3 million for instruction costs, which includes compensation and academic program support. Also part of the budget are an increase of $605,254 in support for campus operations and maintenance budgets and an $871,000—or 5.5 percent—increase in utility costs.