Salary increases for all faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University have been removed from the university’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 due to a larger-than-expected withhold of state appropriations from the Governor’s Office.
Gov. Jay Nixon announced that he would restrict $400 million from state appropriations in response to additional spending approved by the General Assembly and the possible override of his veto of House Bill 253, the tax cut bill. This restriction is in addition to the normal 3 percent withhold that was factored in to the budget approved by Missouri Western’s Board of Governors June 27, reducing Missouri Western’s anticipated state appropriation by approximately $826,000.
The governor said if his veto of the tax cut bill is not overturned when the General Assembly returns to Jefferson City for the veto session in September, he will restore the appropriation. If the governor restores the appropriation, Missouri Western will restore the 3 percent salary increases for faculty and staff approved by the Board of Governors, retroactive to July 1.
“I can’t express how disappointed I am that this action is necessary,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, in an email to faculty and staff. “The employees of Missouri Western have faithfully served our students and our region. I appreciate your dedication, and it is my hope that we will be able to express that appreciation financially in September.”
Salary and fringe benefits make up about 71 percent of Missouri Western’s total budget, said Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration.
“We’ve already cut operating budgets by about 40 percent in recent years, and unfortunately there’s really no place else in the budget we can make up this reduction,” Fessler said. “Our employees deserve a pay raise, and I hope we’re able to give them one this year.”
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.