Clatsop Community College has been impacted financially by a decline in revenues and increased expenses over the past few years and is at a critical point to find financial stability. Faced with a budget deficit for fiscal year 2024-25, Clatsop Community College has taken steps to balance the college’s budget through various means including the restructuring of some departments and positions, several position eliminations, reduction of budget in numerous departments, and reduction of hours of some positions. CCC employees directly impacted by the reductions met with administration today, Wednesday April 17th, 2024 to go over the type of reduction they would be experiencing.
Interim President Teena Toyas announced to the college employees at an all-employee meeting on Tuesday, April 16th that the college deficit is over $900,000 and budget cuts will need to be made to achieve a balanced budget for the fiscal 2024-25 year which starts in July. To find necessary funds needed to rid the college of the deficit in the budget, college administration reviewed budget documents, looked at financial projections, and met with department managers across the college to identify areas to cut that would have the least overall impact to students attending CCC.
“The college is in a situation that requires action to reduce spending. Reviews of programs, staffing levels, and services have been conducted to assess areas where cuts can be made that will least impact our students,” stated Interim President Teena Toyas. “We are in a critical moment for the college and its financial sustainability.”
With approximately 80% of the college’s budget being employees, it is inevitable to have to cut positions to get to a fiscally sustainable level. “The decision to reduce these positions was not made lightly, and it’s heartbreaking to have to take this drastic step to help balance our budget,” Teena said. “We understand the impact this may have on individuals and their families. Our priority remains to support all members of our campus community through this challenging time.”
An all-employee communication went out at the end of the day on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 to inform the college of the changes that will take effect near the end of June. The communication read:
Hello CCC,
As you know, the meetings to directly inform employees about their positions being affected by the budget reduction started today. The meetings with the greatest impact to positions have been completed. There are a few remaining meetings that will be scheduled at the beginning of next week to complete this reduction process. After the remaining meetings are completed, we will inform you of those reductions as well.
It is important that we acknowledge the loss that those directly affected are experiencing right now, as well as the grief that they and co-workers are feeling. This affects all of the college and as we move forward through the remainder of spring term, please be kind to one another through this process.
The positions that have been affected are:
- Building Maintenance Technician- Reduction of hours
- 2 Academic Success Advisors- Position eliminations with strategic restructure
- Library Assistant 1- Elimination
- Foundation Administrative Assistant 3- Elimination
- Accounting Specialist-A/R Student Accounts- Elimination
- Accounting Clerk 1- Position eliminations with strategic restructure
- Distance Learning Coordinator- Reduction of hours
- Lead Technical Services Specialist- Reduction of hours
- Registrar- Strategic restructure
- DEI Project Coordinator for Alliance for Equity in Education- Strategic restructure
- 4 ERP Contract Employees- Contracts will end on June 30, 2024 and not be renewed
Take care,
Since last spring, the College has been evaluating a budget shortfall, and looking at ways to reduce spending and increase revenue. During 2023 fall term, two vice-president positions at the college were consolidated and several positions have not been rehired after being vacated. To increase revenue, the CCC Board of Education approved to increase tuition to $125 per credit starting fall term of 2024 during the March 14th board meeting. This increase will bring in an estimated $168,000 per year to the college even if enrollment stays at current levels. The burden of the tuition increase to the students should remain low as many students will be able to offset the additional cost with financial aid and scholarship funding.
Various factors contributed to the budget gap this past year including lower enrollment since 2019, uncertain timber funding, the purchase and implementation of a new database system due to the former system discontinuing, increased employee cost with union contracts and cost of living increases. Payout of contracts from former employees has also been a factor in the budget this fiscal year.
“Despite this challenging climate, I know CCC will continue to fulfill our mission of supporting students and our community,” stated Teena.
