Funding

Dr. Wallace reviewed the state funding shortfalls that continue to increase and related that he does not expect to see an upturn until the end of 2009-10. The state is experiencing a $70-100 million shortfall in taxes each month and 4 percent of the current budget appropriation is being withheld.

FCCJ will become a state college in 2008-09. The funding model for state colleges will be implemented in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Gerald Orso asked for the status of this topic.

Response: Mr. Bowers related that administration thinks it makes sense to raise the tuition reimbursement age for dependents to 24 years which will be in line with the age the federal government uses for financial aid purposes. The current Rule says under the age of 22, dependent is eligible for reimbursement. The new college Rule will state that if the dependent is under 24 years of age the first day of class, they are eligible for reimbursement.  The Rule with changes should go to the October Board.

Support from Administration for Career Employees’ Council representatives and officers to attend monthly meetings

Gerald Orso indicated that some CEC reps are having difficulty attending the regular scheduled monthly meetings and would like a letter of support from Dr. Wallace sent to the supervisors of the CEC reps.

Response: Comments from the Campus Presidents, who were present, indicate that they are willing to work with all CEC representatives and supervisors to make sure the representatives are allowed to attend meetings and screening committee meetings on which they are asked to serve.  For additional support and recognition, it was agreed that a letter would also come from Dr. Wallace’s office.

In-grade increase for career employees where a reclassification is not applicable

Gerald asked the status of going forward with this item.

Response: There are many areas to be reviewed and discussed before this suggestion can be implemented. It was suggested that any thoughts about the in-grade increase procedure be sent to Bonnie Trenary in human resources.

Screening committees for selection of full-time administrative/professional personnel – APM 03-0304

Gerald Orso related that most times when a screening committee is created for administrative and professional positions, he is not advised; therefore, career employees get bypassed for serving on screening committees. 

Response: It is difficult to know in advance who is choosing employees to serve on a screening committee, and the suggestion was made that Sonja Cross in human resources is the person who can assist Gerald in solving this problem and also the campus presidents would like to be contacted by Gerald.

Pay Plan (6Hx7-4.24) Longevity

Gerald related that career employees with longevity are still concerned about new personnel starting at entry level but because the salary schedule moves every year by the same percentage as employees receive as an increase, experienced employees never move off of the entry step in their pay grade. CEC would like to begin a dialogue with administration regarding this issue.

Response: Dr. Wallace said they would be happy to talk with us about the issue and stated that, if market conditions are supportive, perhaps we can look at making a change. He was concerned about having more discussion as to whether this is a problem of perception or of substance.