The Programs Finance Committee caused disappointment among the majority of groups seeking funds Monday, with the Oregon Daily Emerald taking the greatest hit, having 25 percent of its budget slashed — the maximum reduction allowed.
Two groups had their hearings tabled, while three others failed to receive requested increases. All five groups left the meeting confused about the hearing’s process.
The Emerald’s request of $132,870 is used to partially offset printing costs and serves as a subscription fee for students who can pick up the paper at no cost on the stand.
PFC member Arlie Adkins opposed the process that led to the cut. He said that because the decrease was so drastic, the committee should have explained their reasons more thoroughly and allowed more time for discussion.
“It’s ridiculous … This was such a major cut and not necessarily justified,” he said.
Because MEChA had a $4600 rollover from last year, many PFC members deemed that the group didn’t spend its budget responsibly and didn’t give them the requested increase.
MEChA Co-Director Isaac Bass said he didn’t understand why his group should suffer the consequences of mistakes made by previous members. He added that the committee’s explanations frustrated him.
“They gave us good time and I do feel that they listen,” he said. “But the feeling that I get is that their minds were made up before we entered the room.”
PFC member Lawrence Gillespie expressed his strong support for the group but said the committee was just following the rules.
The LGBTA and Survival Center also failed to receive requested increases in their budgets.
The PFC tabled the Inter-Fraternity Council, which was also confused by the PFC process.
“We weren’t given the knowledge of what to expect at the hearing,” IFC President Kevin Gelbrich said.
But PFC Chair Mary Elizabeth Madden said all groups were contacted about the rules and regulations.
PFC members also emphasized that they scrutinize groups only to ensure that student incidental fees are properly used.