Members of the EMU Board’s Budget Committee discussed how to balance short- and long-term goals during their first meeting Wednesday night.
Jean Sun, EMU business manager, reminded the committee that the EMU building has $6 to $8 million in deferred maintenance.
“Maintenance has been neglected so long, it seems urgent this year to do something about it,” said Chess Patricolo, EMU
Board chairwoman.
Previous budget committees have put off making decisions about repair and maintenance. EMU Board members took a tour last week that demonstrated some of the
areas that need attention.
Student Senate representative Sara Hamilton said there is nothing glamorous about maintenance.
“It’s really expensive, and no one sees it because it’s all behind the scenes,” she said.
Hamilton also expressed that some cuts may be needed in order to funnel money into the building itself.
Patricolo said maintenance should be a committee priority.
“I recommend it be one of our highest goals,” she said.
The budget committee plans to set goals at its next regular meeting on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. in the EMU Board Room.