Athletics works on budget shortfall

The Fresno State Athletics Department has taken steps to reduce an anticipated budget shortfall. 

 “We have made some very difficult decisions,” said Athletics Director Scott Johnson, “but they were necessary to bring our budget closer to balance.  In addition, there will be modifications made to the budget preparation process and reorganization of internal procedures and operations.”

 To aid in facilitating a balanced budget, Johnson and his executive staff are implementing a freeze on hiring vacant positions and on technology purchases, restricting travel, deferring major facility maintenance projects and reducing sport-related budgets in the areas of recruiting, equipment and operations.  Each sport will be required to recommend permanent cuts for the next fiscal year as well. 

 Actions to reduce expenditures over $650,000 include reductions in operating and administrative expenses ($154,000), sport related costs ($308,000), a number of personnel layoffs ($57,000) and other cuts and deferrals ($155,000).   

 An increase in additional revenues not previously budgeted of approximately $600,000 has been identified which includes approximately $300,000 from a Bulldog Foundation endowment, bowl game revenues and other new miscellaneous income.

“Until our revenue grows to catch up with increasing costs, we must continue to take decisive actions to manage department expenses,” Johnson said.  “Our development and fundraising efforts will continue and I believe the implementation of a new development fundraising plan will help provide better financial stability.  We will continue to look at other ways to reach and maintain a balanced budget and work towards bringing expenditures in line with future revenues.”