The seven institutions affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention (of which The Baptist Courier is one) were asked to share with Courier readers information about how they are dealing with the financial stresses of the economic downturn. Here are brief summaries of their responses:
Anderson University
Measures being taken by Anderson University are described as “prudent,” but don’t include hiring freezes, layoffs or cuts in benefits “at this time,” according to university spokesperson Barry Ray. “Anderson University, like most other institutions, is watching the economy closely and looking for ways to trim costs while protecting the quality of the educational experience its students enjoy,” he said.
Charleston Southern University
No hiring freeze is anticipated at Charleston Southern University. Also, no faculty or staff position reductions are planned, and the university will seek to fill new faculty positions that were previously approved. But, “mindful of the economic challenges that exist,” the university has implemented the following “cost-containment” measures: 1) no salary increases; 2) a voluntary 6 percent salary cut by CSU president Jairy Hunter; 3) only essential travel approved; 4) only essential office equipment purchases made; 5) postage cost reductions through the use of technology. “I am confident about the future of Charleston Southern in these challenging economic times,” said Hunter. “We are taking proactive measures to ensure financial stability.” School officials say they project a balanced budget at the end of the year.
North Greenville University
In the midst of a 15th consecutive year of rising enrollment, North Greenville University plans to offer raises to employees, according to university spokesperson Laverne Howell. “It has been our practice to take a fiscally conservative approach to budget forecasting,” he said. “We are grateful to have exceeded both our fall and spring enrollment goals. This, combined with our non-borrowing policy (the school has assumed no long-term debt since 1991), will allow us to provide raises. We will try to maintain our current budget with only this addition of raises and the same benefits as in 2008-09 for the new academic year.”
Connie Maxwell Children’s Home
As donations and investment income have fallen off at the Greenwood campus, salaries of top administrators have been frozen, and budget planners are conducting an “extensive review” and “planning for the what-ifs,” according to Connie Maxwell president Ben Davis. “We are different from all the other six institutions because every one of them benefits financially when they receive a ‘client,’?” he said. “Because children can’t pay, and folks from broken homes can’t, don’t or won’t pay, each new child is an expense to us. Because we see changed lives, however, these children are priceless to us. The best interests of the children remain our foremost goal, and we are doing everything we can to see that this area does not suffer.”
South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging
SCBMA, which operates retirement centers in Laurens and Darlington, has enacted no special measures, partly because “sound business principles that we have enacted and continue to strengthen in our ministry have brought us to the most sound financial condition SCBMA has seen in its more than 50 years of existence,” said acting president Kirby Winstead. He said staffing and operational support are subject to state and federal guidelines, and described as “excellent” the level of care the ministry provides to its residents. “We are watching carefully to see if any of our residents in independent living begin to have difficulty meeting their obligations,” he said, adding that the ministry will not turn out residents who have problems paying after they are admitted. “If South Carolina Baptists will continue to support us through the Cooperative Program and the Mother’s Day Offering, we will find a way to fulfill our charge,” he said.
The Baptist Courier
Through attrition, The Baptist Courier has reduced the number of staff members from seven to six. Also, the Courier has reduced the level of health insurance coverage it provides to employees. In late 2008, the Courier negotiated a contract with a new print and mail services provider, a move designed to save on production costs.
The Baptist Foundation
The Baptist Foundation, the investment and estate planning arm of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, doesn’t plan to reduce staff, said foundation president Weldon Fallaw. “Our primary objective is to continue, and even increase, our response in assisting South Carolina Baptists in money management and estate planning, especially during these very critical times,” he said. Nevertheless, anticipated budget restraints have prompted the ministry to trim operating expenses by 10 percent and trim some staff benefits. Fallaw noted that the foundation lowered its budget request from Cooperative Program mission funds for most of the past decade and anticipates no increase in funding for the next fiscal year.
‘Economy Watch’ related stories:
Special Section: Economy Watch
SCBC taking steps to absorb economy’s punch in ’09
South Carolina Baptist institutions prepare for economy’s effects
SBC agencies, institutions cut staff, tighten budgets
South Carolina WMU anticipates ‘high level of service’
Convention staff prepares to serve churches assisting communities during recession
Churches can protect pastor even in tough economy