With Staff Cuts Looming, RCC Offers Details About Deficit

Editor's note: Rockland Community College issued a revised announcement Wednesday afternoon. This article has been changed to reflect the revision.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland Community College is facing a deficit. The trustees issued a statement early in October saying they were working on ways to deal with it without compromising the academic integrity and quality of the institution, but warned that "addressing such a challenge may necessitate making difficult choices."

When RCC officials submitted their budget to county officials in the spring, no indication was given that there was an issue with their finances, a county spokesperson told Patch.

"Options being considered include furloughs, early retirement, and voluntary separations," college officials said Wednesday as they released some details about the financial crisis.

Facts Regarding the Deficit (UPDATED)

• The worst-case scenario for the 2023/2024 budget is a structural deficit of $3.4 million.
• One main contributing factor to the structural deficit is a reduction in enrollment over the past several years (except for 2023 which had an increase of 8%).
• While we are cautiously optimistic about enrollment this year, and we expect to generate $1.5 million in revenue alone to offset the shortfall, more work must be done.
• RCC is reviewing every vendor contract and will re-negotiate where appropriate and possible for lower costs.
• The College is actively pursuing other income-generating opportunities to offset the anticipated deficit including site rentals and additional grants.
• For any decisions that will impact our employees, we will approach these choices with a clear understanding of their profound implications for our employees' lives and the broader community. Options being considered include furloughs, early retirement, and voluntary separations.