The University may have to reduce their operating budget by 2 percent if the Joint Appropriation committee approves the amended fiscal year 2012 budget, according to a Wednesday release.

Gov. Nathan Deal has recommended cuts to the FY12 budget for the University System of Georgia, bringing the operating budget to $1.7 billion.  

“The governor asked for a reduction from all Georgia agencies except K-12 education and Medicaid,” John Brown, vice chancellor of fiscal affairs at the University System of Georgia, told The Red & Black. “While the economy is picking up, we’re still tight on revenue.”

Brown said students’ fees and tuition will not supplement the FY12 budget decrease.

“We are committed to keeping fees and tuition low,” Brown said. “There could be a normal, slight increase to tuition.”

Despite the $33.95 million reduction to FY12, Deal recommended allocating $1.8 billion for the FY13 budget — a $86.9 million increase over FY12.

Included in the amended FY13 budget is $52.3 million in state funds for a new Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The University has raised $15 million for the hospital, Brown said adding the project is estimated to cost more then $70 million.

In an effort to increase enrollment at Georgia colleges and universities, Deal proposed a $113.9 million allocation to formula funding with $72.6 million going toward enrollment growth. Last year, universities in the system received no funding for formula enrollment growth.

Brown explained the formula takes into consideration students, the number of programs and the square feet of buildings. The resulting amount is paid by state funds and tuition. 

“Our schools are the front line in our effort to create prosperity,” Deal said in his State of the State address on Jan. 10. “It is here we make our most strategic investment in the future.”

The Board of Regents passed the FY13 budget and amended FY12 at their September board meeting. The Georgia Assembly is expected to vote on the proposed budgets in March.