Board of Trustees Planning and Budgeting Committee Meeting Notes — 4/13/10

The committee discussed a possible progressive parcel tax in the city of San Francisco to support the college’s general fund. The proposed parcel tax is “progressive” because the amount of tax charged to single-family homes would be less than to multi-family, commercial, and other parcels of land. Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether state law allows a progressive tax for community colleges and the issue is being investigated by the college’s legal counsel. Parcel taxes have not been used for community colleges in the past, but currently San Mateo is going to put a parcel tax on the June ballot for their community college. The discussion included timelines, public polling, the current reputation of the college, and the effect of a parcel tax on a potential bond measure in 2011.

The committee heard a discussion of the current budget projections for the next two academic years. Projected budget deficits at the college for 2010-2011 range between $4.0 million and $12.2 million. Projected deficits for 2011-2012 range between $10.0 million and $17.7 million. Yes, these are all deficits.
These projections include step increases for all District employees and at least a partial restoration of classes cut during this academic year.