By Patrick Baron
NORMAL – Future renovations and contract renewals were the focal points of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees meeting this morning, although concerns were raised about cost shifting based on Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget.
The board agreed to spend $627,000 to replace the artificial turf in Hancock Stadium, using funds from the athletic and recreation facilities reserves. Working with INTO University partnerships, the board voted to renovate Fell Hall for $1.5 million with university funds and funds from the partnership with INTO. The board also approved the use of $3.5 million to cover exterior repairs and curtain wall replacement for Wilkins residential hall and spending $1.6 million for upgrades for the heating and cooling system in the dorm rooms of Watterson Towers. In addition, Watterson Towers will receive an upgrade to its fire detection system for a total of $1.9 million. The dorm projects will be funded through bond revenue reserves.
ISU President Larry Dietz explained the upgrades are necessary to keep up with the university’s safety standards.
“We need to keep our buildings safe and a lot of these renovations are really about that,” said Dietz.
The board also agreed to extend contracts with Aenta Student Health and Securitas. The contract with Aenta will see a 5.2 percent increase in health insurance rates for students, meaning students will pay $262 for health insurance in the spring and fall semesters and $197 in the summer semester. The extension of the contract with Securitas, which provides unarmed campus security services, will cost the university $2.85 million.
ISU President Larry Dietz said amid a troubled fiscal climate in the state, at the end of the day the state needs to commit to previous funding agreements. Dietz noted Governor Rauner’s budget address earlier this week raised some concerns, particularly when it comes to cost shifts.
“Call it what you want, but if we’re going to be expected to spend more on expenses that are being transferred to us, that’s going to represent a major cut,” Dietz explained.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
