Lake Land College Board Reviews Balanced $60.8 Million Operating Budget for FY 2026

Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees reviewed a proposed balanced operating budget of $60,790,628 for fiscal year 2026. The budget, which reflects a slight decrease from the previous year’s estimated income, was presented as a non-action item and will be placed on public display for 30 days before a final vote in August.

FY 2026 Budget Key Points:

• Balanced Budget: The proposed operating budget for Fund 1 and Fund 2 is balanced, with both estimated income and corresponding expenditures at $60,790,628.

• Slight Decrease: The projected income is a slight decrease from the FY 2025 estimated income of $61,049,472.

• Public Display: The budget will be available for public comment for at least 30 days.

• Final Approval: A final vote on the budget is scheduled for the board’s August 18, 2025, meeting at the Effingham Technology Center.

MATTOON — The Lake Land College Board of Trustees took its first official look at a balanced operating budget of nearly $60.8 million for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. The spending plan, which aligns projected income and expenditures, was presented by John Woodruff, Vice President for Business Services, during the board’s July 14 meeting.

The operating budget, which covers the college’s primary Education and Building funds, estimates both income and expenses at $60,790,628. Woodruff noted that this figure represents a slight decrease from the fiscal year 2025 estimated income of $61,049,472. He highlighted that decreases in state funding for credit hour reimbursement and equalization were contributing factors.

Trustee Larry D. Lilly, who serves as Finance Committee Chair, reported that the committee had conducted an in-depth review of the budget and recommended it for board approval.

College President Dr. Jonathan Bullock informed the board that the proposed budget will be placed on public display for at least 30 days to allow for public comment, as required by law. Final approval of the budget is expected at the next regular board meeting.

“Approval of the FY 2026 Budget will be requested during the August 18, 2025, regular Board meeting,” Bullock stated. The August meeting is scheduled to be held at the college’s Effingham Technology Center to accommodate the timing requirements for the budget’s final adoption.