Bell suggests tapping UI reserves; Nellis says they’ve eroded

JFAC Co-Chair Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, said the University of Idaho has exercised good fiscal management and has maintained reserves in tough times. She told UI President Duane Nellis, “I hope you can find some one-time ways to help us through this.” Nellis responded, “I do worry, though. … If we were to have a major windstorm or flood or some significant event, fire, we’re very, very concerned about that. … What if a major piece of research equipment breaks for a project that is bringing in millions of dollars?” Some flexibility is needed to deal with such situations, he said. “We’ve gradually eroded that base, and are very concerned about that.”