Associated Press Writer

By DALE WETZELBy DALE WETZEL

The Board of Higher Education wants some changes in Gov. John Hoeven's proposed budget for North Dakota's colleges. However, members said they will not push for a bigger spending increase than the $82 million the governor favors.

"We are so clear about not asking for more," said Eddie Dunn, chancellor of the state university system. "That's a statement that we want to pour concrete around. … It's a very reasonable budget that (Hoeven has) provided to higher ed, and we want to respect that."

The board met Thursday over the state's interactive video network to review Hoeven's proposal, which he presented to the Legislature earlier this month. It would boost the university system's general fund budget by 21 percent, from $387 million to $469 million.

Of the increase, almost $30 million was earmarked for one-time projects, including building maintenance and repairs, while $52 million was for continuing operating expenses.

The board on Thursday voted to support shifting $8.1 million from the sum set aside for single projects to its permanent budget, while keeping the $82 million increase intact. North Dakota's general fund budget is financed mostly by taxes on income, sales, corporations, energy, tobacco and gambling.

"I clearly understand the governor's rationale in making his proposals in this manner," said John Q. Paulsen, the board's president. "I do believe, however, that we should request the Legislature to make some refinements."

Paulsen said he had spoken to Hoeven and aides about the governor's proposed higher education budget, and described them as "extremely anxious that we not pursue any requests for additional funding."

Board member Bruce Christianson was skeptical about whether the board should forswear asking for added money.

"As board members, we're charged with being advocates for the higher education system in the state of North Dakota, and I don't want to tie my hands as an advocate … should there be an opportunity to receive additional funding," Christianson said.

The House Appropriations Committee will get first crack at the proposed North Dakota university system budget when the Legislature begins Jan. 3. Lawmakers will decide the final shape of the spending plan, but Hoeven's recommendations will be influential in determining the budget's final makeup.

Administrators of each of North Dakota's 11 colleges make individual presentations to the Legislature's appropriations committees. Dunn said they would be free to mention projects that Hoeven left out of his proposed budget, if the Board of Higher Education had suggested that Hoeven include them.

Sharon Etemad, president of Lake Region State College, said she wanted to bring up a $3 million wind turbine development at the Devils Lake school, which includes the turbine and a new electric boiler to replace an existing boiler that is fueled by natural gas.

Hoeven's budget endorses the project but does not include money for construction. Lake Region is expected to finance it from energy savings the campus expects to realize. Etemad said she had hoped to use those savings elsewhere on campus.