At tonight’s listening session several people talked about the structural deficit problem: the fact that due to the state funding formula, we are looking at a deficit that grows by a million dollars each year for as far as the projections go. As Craig mentioned, our revenues increase by about 2% a year (less than inflation) while our expenses go up by more than 4% per year. This is the real problem that makes the issues brought up today look like child’s play. Several people asked us to consider the long term, a sentiment I couldn’t agree with more. Others asked us to consider an operating referendum to avoid cuts. I agree that given the current situation we will need to consider this as we move forward. But an operating referendum alone can’t solve this problem – the deficit is not a one time or short term issue.
A while ago someone asked for my long term plan for solving the structural deficit. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I have to say there is no magic bullet for this, I haven’t heard anyone on the board or administration articulate any specific ideas that get us out of this situation. What we need more than anything is else is good ideas.