NICC passes budget--sort of

The Northeast Iowa Community College Board of Trustees has approved a budget for 2011. But the spending plan could change, based on what the Iowa legislature does.

Following a public hearing, trustees approved the fiscal year 2011 budget, but changes might be necessary later in the year. The college will wait to see what kind of budget the legislature passes, specifically the level of state aid to community colleges. That figure, along with updated state revenue estimates, will available in March. If the state makes further cuts in aid, NICC would have to make further cuts in its budget. The school has already made nearly $1 million in spending cuts.