JJC Board of Trustees Approves FY2019 Budget at June Meeting

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees approved the college’s FY 2019 budget at their June 13 meeting.

The total operating budget for FY19 is $95.7 million, representing a 4.6 percent increase compared to last year’s operating budget. This is the 46th consecutive year that the college’s operating budget has been balanced.

“I believe Joliet Junior College has thrived over its 117-year history because we adapt to environmental stressors, we champion innovation, and we work to understand the unique educational needs of our district,” Dr. Judy Mitchell, JJC president, said. “And most importantly, we evolve to meet those needs through judicious planning.”

See the FY19 budget

In order to present a balanced operating budget for the 46th consecutive year, the following planning goals were employed:

• Address potential impact of the state of Illinois on the college’s budget;
• Employ realistic projections in property tax revenues;
• Maintain emphasis on student success;
• Accommodate staff and resource needs to address enrollment;
• Maintain responsible reserves; and
• Proactively plan and budget for new academic programming.

Mitchell said it was important throughout the planning process to keep the college’s operational budget conservative while supporting the goals and objectives outlined in the college’s strategic plan. Highlights of the budget include:

• A $2 technology fee increase to support the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system;
• New personnel costs related to state and federal compliance and support services; and
• A required grant fund match for the U.S. Department of Education Title III Grant to support student engagement, persistence and completion programs.

Additionally, the college’s financial team was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the FY2017 budget. This marks the 12th year in a row JJC has received the award for its budget, which is only given to government bodies that meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting and achieve standards of excellence in financial reporting.

“We must invest in JJC to grow JJC,” Dr. Mitchell said. “I will continue to focus on innovative solutions to support those investments. It is our students who serve as constant reminders of why we are here: to provide a high quality education and prepare them for a successful future.”