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EDWARDSVILLE, IL ( KPLR ) -
$115 million dollars. That's how much money the Southern Illinois University campuses are owed by the State of Illinois. Without that money the school is preparing for a serious budget battle that may include not making payroll for employees.
The University is limiting purchases on supplies and equipment and has a hiring freeze. University officials say they are doing everything in their power to avoid layoffs.
At Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, students are the top priority, but for the past five months the State of Illinois has put the University on the back burner.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said, "We have not as of now received any of the state funding that was promised to us that should have been coming in as of July 1."
Chancellor Vandegrift says the state payments were usually behind by 3 months or so, but in October it became clear SIUE wasn't going to see a dime and the University isn't alone.
"The state is experiencing a decline in tax revenue and as a result all the state universities have a similar problem," said Vandegrift.
It's a $115 million dollar problem for the SIU system which includes five schools. SIUE is owed about $34 million of that.
"That could result in us having difficulties making salaries," said Vandegrift.
Officials at SIUE held a town hall forum Wednesday to address concerns. The university has 2,400 full time staff members.
"I think people are worried but not panicked," said Vandegrift.
The University is making temporary cuts now to avoid layoffs in the future.
"We have a hiring freeze on campus and we have limited certain purchases on equipment and supplies and cut off non essential salaries," said Vandegrift.
Vandegrift says November's payroll is fine, but after this month's it's unclear.
"With the actions we've taken it's likely we can make payroll in December but there is no iron clad commitment but we think we can do some things like borrow against funds," said Vandegrift.
SIUE says it will also be able to make it through January with the help of spring tuition payments. Chancellor Vandegrift says the real payroll problems could start in February if the state payments don't kick in.
The University is doing everything it can to get the state to address its concerns but says it may need the help of legislators and Governor Pat Quinn.
The University is limiting purchases on supplies and equipment and has a hiring freeze. University officials say they are doing everything in their power to avoid layoffs.
At Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, students are the top priority, but for the past five months the State of Illinois has put the University on the back burner.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said, "We have not as of now received any of the state funding that was promised to us that should have been coming in as of July 1."
Chancellor Vandegrift says the state payments were usually behind by 3 months or so, but in October it became clear SIUE wasn't going to see a dime and the University isn't alone.
"The state is experiencing a decline in tax revenue and as a result all the state universities have a similar problem," said Vandegrift.
It's a $115 million dollar problem for the SIU system which includes five schools. SIUE is owed about $34 million of that.
"That could result in us having difficulties making salaries," said Vandegrift.
Officials at SIUE held a town hall forum Wednesday to address concerns. The university has 2,400 full time staff members.
"I think people are worried but not panicked," said Vandegrift.
The University is making temporary cuts now to avoid layoffs in the future.
"We have a hiring freeze on campus and we have limited certain purchases on equipment and supplies and cut off non essential salaries," said Vandegrift.
Vandegrift says November's payroll is fine, but after this month's it's unclear.
"With the actions we've taken it's likely we can make payroll in December but there is no iron clad commitment but we think we can do some things like borrow against funds," said Vandegrift.
SIUE says it will also be able to make it through January with the help of spring tuition payments. Chancellor Vandegrift says the real payroll problems could start in February if the state payments don't kick in.
The University is doing everything it can to get the state to address its concerns but says it may need the help of legislators and Governor Pat Quinn.
