SMC Board Approves Budget

The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees this week approved an operating budget for the next year. The almost 23 million dollar spending plan is described as balanced by board members, with SMC President Doctor David Mathews saying that there were some challenges this year. He noted that state-mandated contributions to the retirement system are rising by 12 percent next year, so a three percent funding increase from Lansing will actually be largely offset. Of 190 thousand more dollars coming in, about 150 thousand is going right back to the state. Still, Mathews is pleased with the next budget, saying that SMC has been able to continue investing in its facilities while keeping the books well balanced.