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News

Garage permit cost will not rise

Staff Council looks at rising energy costs, Athletics deficit

by JEB SCHNEIDER
The Daily Cougar

UH President and System Chancellor Jay Gogue announced Wednesday at the UH Staff Council Spring forum that the University will not increase the cost of parking garage permits in 2007.

The council reported that only 400 parking garage decals out of a possible 1,500 have been sold to students, faculty and staff. An average of 40 visitors use the garage each day.

The biannual meeting gives the council the opportunity to address questions and concerns of the staff directly to the president and other administration officials.

Several initiatives were presented by Gogue and Provost Donald Foss, including the creation of an ombudsman position, the redesign of performance evaluations, monthly payroll deductions for parking and administration support of UH Staff Tuition Scholarship Program.

In response to rising energy costs, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance John Rudley said the University should allow different companies to bid for the account. 

The University had chosen to fix 50 percent of the costs under contract with Constellation Energy and to have 50 percent available for competitive bidding in the energy markets.

"This will enable us to reap benefits in the current rising market and to save money in a market that is declining," Rudley said.

Director of Athletics Dave Maggard said that to reduce deficits caused by budget shortfalls, the Athletics Department should schedule more games against elite football programs such as Miami and Nebraska. 

Maggard said winning seasons and increased merchandise sales would also decrease the department's deficit.

It was noted that the latest five-year plan for the program had already reduced the deficit to $8.9 million from $10 million.

The Staff Council is an advisory board to the University president and administration. The council consists of elected members from each campus division to represent the entire staff body.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Fall 2006.
 

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