Sep/Oct/Nov Page 1

The 3rd Called Legislative Session was dominated by passage of redistricting. Two other significant bills were also passed. Both the government reorganization bill (HB7) and the fiscal matters bill (HB28) were hold overs from the regular legislative session. The effects on higher education are as follows:

HB7 authorizes the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to do efficiency and records management reviews of state agencies including higher education. The bill also addresses insurance related to retirement by grandfathering employees who were employed as of August 31, 2003 to the plan in affect as of that date. Thus, the new retirement rules pertaining to having to be 65 with a minimum of 10 years of service before retirement insurance is available will only apply to employees hired after 8/31/03. This is my interpretation of this language.
HB28 clarified the B-ON-TIME program which mandates that 5% of Tuition- Designated above $46 per semester credit hour must be remitted to the State to support this program. The B-ON-TIME program waives interest on student loans and in certain cases also waives the loan entirely if a student maintains a B average and graduates in four years.

Roll-Forward of FY 03 Budget Balances

The Budget Committee previously approved the roll-forward option in FY 03 and the same option is being used for FY 04. The Roll-forward option rolls the funds available from the past years into the present year. Therefore, we will be working with one year when the roll-forward process is completed.

Budget & Finance Departments have been reviewing all the cost centers to ascertain that any deficit balances have been cleared and that all revenue has been budgeted. These preparations are part of the end-of-year closing procedures and are necessary for the roll-forward to FY04.

The roll-forward of budget balances is tentatively scheduled for the end of October 2003. Local funds only will be rolled forward. State funds will be handled as in the past where the remaining budget balance is reduced to $0 and encumbrances only are rolled forward.

Facilities Services

Facilities Services remains busy with activities following Hurricane Claudette. The grounds staff is removing, pruning, and removing dead trees. We are straightening the trees for the second time after the heavy rains. New landscaping is scheduled for placement near the Center building. Fall plants are scheduled for installation.

Facilities Maintenance is connecting computer servers and biology lab appliances to the emergency generator. Doing the work ourselves may save the university as much as $8,000.00.

Custodial Services is absent one custodian and are currently interviewing for that position.

Property Management is preparing for the implementation of People Soft 8.4, and the end of the year close and reconciliation with the AFR and SPA.

Three new vehicles were added to the university’s fleet this past year.

Construction efforts have been hampered and delayed as a result of the rain. Temporary sheeting is scheduled for placement over all openings to allow for work inside while it is moist outside. Windows are scheduled for placement. The Facilities Services Shop remains on schedule for completion for October 26.