College freezes internal purchases
Maria Schmitt
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: News
Two e-mails sent Tuesday and Wednesday advised college faculty and staff to decrease spending the college's dime.
The first e-mail, sent by Business Office Director Kathy Caldwell, asked college employees to refrain from purchasing expensive equipment with college credit cards, even if normally allowed. It also asked employees to monitor all college credit card spending.
"We are also asking that you exercise moderation and diligence concerning other college [credit card] purchases," the e-mail said.
The second e-mail, sent by Controller Patrick Flannery on Wednesday, stated the college will freeze all equipment purchases, including computers and printers.
The e-mail also asked employees to be cautious when spending college money on travel or office supplies.
Caldwell said Wednesday that the college is simply looking ahead to next year's budget and hopes curtailing spending will help avoid a budget deficit.
"We're just trying to hold the line," she said. "We don't want to get anywhere near a desperate situation. This gives us a little cushion."
The college avoids taking money from areas of the budget that directly affect students, Caldwell said.
"Our top priority is students," she said. "We don't want to short that portion at all."
Treasurer Ken Cole said the college is seriously examining all finances within the current economic situation.
"We've got to be very careful with our resources," Cole said. "We're going to look at all our expenditures."
Finance monitoring will continue until the economy improves, Cole said.
The first e-mail, sent by Business Office Director Kathy Caldwell, asked college employees to refrain from purchasing expensive equipment with college credit cards, even if normally allowed. It also asked employees to monitor all college credit card spending.
"We are also asking that you exercise moderation and diligence concerning other college [credit card] purchases," the e-mail said.
The second e-mail, sent by Controller Patrick Flannery on Wednesday, stated the college will freeze all equipment purchases, including computers and printers.
The e-mail also asked employees to be cautious when spending college money on travel or office supplies.
Caldwell said Wednesday that the college is simply looking ahead to next year's budget and hopes curtailing spending will help avoid a budget deficit.
"We're just trying to hold the line," she said. "We don't want to get anywhere near a desperate situation. This gives us a little cushion."
The college avoids taking money from areas of the budget that directly affect students, Caldwell said.
"Our top priority is students," she said. "We don't want to short that portion at all."
Treasurer Ken Cole said the college is seriously examining all finances within the current economic situation.
"We've got to be very careful with our resources," Cole said. "We're going to look at all our expenditures."
Finance monitoring will continue until the economy improves, Cole said.
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