CWU President Working Without Pay

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Story Published: Jun 26, 2009 at 5:21 PM PST

By Sade Malloy

Ellensburg -- Cutting back on campus cut backs. The state's bad budget has CWU's president working without pay. While that sheds thousands from his salary, it may be nothing compared to the overall impact on the community this university supports.

School might be out for the summer but Central Washington University is still learning the hard lessons of balancing an ever shrinking budget. The University is facing $14 million in cuts over the next two years so the president, provost and vice presidents are working for two weeks without pay. The president's cut alone amounts to $11,000. "If I reduce my payroll through even voluntary means that means people have less money in their wallets which means they're going to spend less in Ellensburg," says Jim Gaudino, Central Washington Unversity, President.

Faculty and staff are being asked to do the same. CWU brings in more than $250 million into Kittitas County and it's the largest employer. So when they cut back, it hurts everyone. "Always, a worry to us because we have to pay bills," says Gail Munden, Soup Bowl, owner.

The Soup Bowl's owner is worried. It just completed a $20,000 expansion, just in time for a tanked economy and now its best customers forced to cut back. "Before they were coming in 2,3 times a week most of them now you're seeing them come once every 2,3 weeks," says Gail Munden, Soup Bowl, owner.

To make some extra cash Gail says she's opened the store 7 days a week, she's even looking into a happy hour to attract more college kids.
But that might not be enough.
Action News asks,"Are you expecting more cuts in the future?"
"There will be more cuts in the future, what amounts I don't know," says Jim Gaudino, Central Washington University, President.

Central's financial future looks bleak but the University is determined
to minimize it's effect on students and just as importantly, the impact on his community.

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