Budget Questions and Answers

Questions have been raised or submitted by members of the campus community. Answers are provided by various sources within the college. Each answer is dated. Please read questions previously posted and then feel free to submit an additional question. Our goal is to answer within five working days.

Questions asked before 3-20-09  and Questions and answers about furloughs are on separate pages.

• Is it possible to consider leasing space from UW Tacoma, instead of our current site in an effort to reduce costs?

• Is Evergreen extending the option for exempt employees to offer "voluntary layoff?"

• Are cuts to classified positions determined by seniority?  What protocols must be followed when eliminating a classified position?

• How much is Evergreen currently spending on CAB building renovation and how much are we spending on Library building renovation?

Is it possible to consider leasing space from UW Tacoma, instead of our current site in an effort to reduce costs?

Options for reducing the Tacoma lease and operating costs have and will continue to be explored. Discussions with the current and prospective new landlords have begun. A cost/benefit analysis for any new site is necessary given that the current location was designed and constructed specifically to meet the programmatic needs of the Tacoma program. If a new location that meets the programmatic needs at a lesser cost is identified, the timing of the move will not coincide with the current 09-11 budget reduction plan due to existing lease terms and the likely need to either build or remodel the new facility. 

Source: Walter Niemiec, Associate VP for Academic Budget & Financial Planning;  John Hurley, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Date: 5-6-09

Is Evergreen extending the option for exempt employees to offer "voluntary layoff?" 

If an exempt employee wanted to volunteer to be laid off that would be an individual decision and discussion between the employee and their supervisor. A voluntary furlough would not be called for or considered at this time. 

Source: Holly Joseph Colbert, Executive Associate to Vice President for Finance and Administration
Date: 5-6-09

Are cuts to classified positions determined by seniority?  What protocols must be followed when eliminating a classified position?

The cuts are determined by continuing need for specific position/s. When it is determined to cut a position then the right to another position in the layoff unit is based upon seniority and the skill and ability of the individual. Article 33 of the collective bargaining agreement describes the process for retaining employment with the college once a position disappears as the result of a budget reduction. 

Source: Allen Toothaker, Associate VP for Human Resources
Date: 3-20-09

How much is Evergreen currently spending on CAB building renovation and how much are we spending on Library building renovation?

The estimated, inclusive cost for CAB building renovation is $20.5 million.  The final cost for the library building, Phase II is $24 million.  Please refer to this question also:  What if we stopped our capital projects (e.g. CAB construction) – could we use that money to save jobs? 

Source: Paul Smith, Director of Facilities Services
Date: 3-20- 2009