Western Nevada College faces dwindling budget

The state’s Board of Regents on Friday approved a shrinking budget for the next biennium for Western Nevada College during a special meeting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In September, Western Nevada College President Carol Lucey’s budget proposal was criticized by members of the board for not properly reflecting budget cuts resulting from a new funding formula. She was asked to bring back a different proposal this month.

Lucey stepped down from her position earlier this month, a decision spurred by budget woes.

Chet Burton, vice president for finance and administrative services at WNC, will serve as executive officer in charge until an interim or acting president is named.

The college has been hit hard by budget cuts in recent years, including the loss of resources under the new higher education funding formula approved by the 2013 Legislature that shifted more money to Southern Nevada campuses.

State budget revenues for the college for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 fiscal years are $20.8 million, $20.1 and $19.6 million, respectively.

Contact reporter Yesenia Amaro at yamaro@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0440.