By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Although Barton Community College will be moving past federal assistance through COVID-19 pandemic funds, the Great Bend college expects to see a significant boost in state aid for the fiscal year 2023 budget.
Despite an increase in revenue, Barton is anticipating a $943,000 deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman anticipated the negative number to drop as more numbers become official during the budget process.
"The first time we shared this draft, I think we were like $1.9 million in red," said Heilman. "We stated at that time, that was a very preliminary figure and it would decrease. We see in the second draft, it has decreased. With the next draft, it will decrease further."
The preliminary deficit was more than $1.8 million when calculations were presented this past April, and now it is under $1 million.
Barton has been underfunded since the development of the State Funding Formula in 2012. Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean expects an additional $2 million in state aid compared to a year ago.
"We've been owed this since 2012," said Dean. "Because the State of Kansas has a lot of money right now, they are going to cover the gap for all the community colleges and tech colleges. We'll see additional money this next year."
Nearly $19 million of Barton’s expenses are directed to salaries in fiscal year 2023. That figure includes an estimated five-percent wage change which has not been approved yet.
As of May 25, Barton had 66 vacant positions they are attempting to fill.