WIU Approves New Operating and Capital Budget

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved the fiscal year operating and capital budget Friday. The board approved an operating budget increase of $15.5 million. The proposed budget, which will be forwarded to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for consideration, includes an additional $6 million to support salary and cost increases; $2 million for deferred maintenance; $4.5 million for the operation of the Quad Cities Riverfront campus; $1.5 million for student financial aid; $750,000 for both the healthcare professional education program and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.