The 48 community colleges of Illinois are yet to receive $135.5 million funds from the state from July to December 2012. Till date, the colleges have received only $33.2 million, just 20 percent of the states' obligation.
Among the colleges, Illinois Central College has to receive more than $3 million from the state, Spoon River College in Canton needs to get $1 million, while Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg should get around $1 million from the state.
"The state continues to be about six months behind in paying its obligations," Ellen Andres, chief financial officer of the Illinois Community College Board, the state's coordinating board for community colleges told PJ Star. "That's the same as last year and last year was the worst."
Due to a large amount of payment backlog dues and lower revenues, the Illinois state has put a full stop to certain funding projects.
As the arrival of funds is not imminent, the colleges maintain cash flow either by increasing annual tuition fees, using their fund balances or potentially lowering their credit rating.
"Essentially the state is telling us, without saying it, that we're going to put the costs on the backs of students rather than ante up the money," John Erwin, president of Illinois Central College, told the newspaper.
As a result, the community colleges conserve utility costs, delay capital improvements, avoid unnecessary travel and even downsize their staff.
The state's financial problems have forced colleges to become stronger and more efficient, Spoon River President Curt Oldfield told the newspaper. "But at some point, even those measures don't offset the lack of revenues coming in."
Spoon River's staff strength has come down to 138 members in 2012 from 158 in 2008.
