SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University looks on course to finish the year even on its budget, but the uncertainty begins next year.

Amire Mohammadi, vice president for finance and administration, updated trustees on SRU's financial status at a meeting Thursday.

“We are not asking for any increases in any of our fees (for next year,)” Mohammadi said.

Despite the lack of increases, SRU President William Behre said the administration is not relaxing. He said future fee increases will be unavoidable.

“This year we're able to hold costs steady, and we're not asking for any fee increase. I don't think that's sustainable over time,” Behre said.

Molly Mercer, interim chief financial officer, presented details about the current budget, fiscal year 2018 to 2019, which was set at $142,433,238. She said there were some minor fluctuations in revenue and expenditure, but those items naturally balanced out.

“Things are on track. We do expect to achieve that balanced budget,” Mercer said.

Mercer also presented a preliminary look at the budget for fiscal year 2019-20 with projected revenue of $143,164,214 and expenses of $145,496,432.

These figures also do not reflect any change in a collective bargaining agreement for full-time faculty that expires June 30.

“At this time of the year, it's not uncommon for our budget to look unbalanced,” Mercer said. “(The CBA) can obviously be a big cost for the institution.”

Mohammadi said the university's budget will remain incomplete until the agreement is completed, which is negotiated at the state level.

“We do not really have any control over the collective bargaining agreement,” Mohammadi said. “That's one big uncertainty that we need to work through.”

Behre said these contract negotiations are important and deserved, but that doesn't make them any less nervewracking.

“The only issue I ever have with bargaining is when there's a disconnect between what's agreed upon in a contract and our ability to actually fund that contract. That's the part that has to get in sync,” Behre said. “I don't think anybody on this campus would argue against reasonable and judicious contract raises for people because people deserve raises.”