The Central Oregon Community College budget committee unanimously approved the 2012-13 budget Wednesday.

The $40 million budget overcomes a $2.5 million shortfall in several ways, among which are tuition and fee increases for all students. COCC will also pull from some of its reserve funds.

Despite declining funding, the budget avoids cuts to programs or staff.

Wednesday marked the committee’s third meeting. In past years, the budget process has been interrupted by dire financial news.

“I would describe this third budget meeting as fairly uneventful, and in my world that’s a fairly good thing,” said David Dona, associate chief financial officer.

Still, property taxes are projected to decline by 1 percent, while state funding will fall by 7 percent year-to-year. Combined, those two sources of public support will have fallen from $17.5 million in 2011-12 to $17.1 million next year.

COCC raised tuition and fees — the other main source of college revenue — to overcome the declines in tax and state revenue.

The technology fee for all students will increase by $2 to $8 per credit hour, regardless of residency status. About 86 percent of COCC students are in-district, and their tuition will increase by $6 per credit hour. Other students will also see increased tuition rates.

An in-district student will pay about $4,000 for a full course load next year, a $360 increase.

The Board of Directors is expected to vote on the budget in June.

COCC President Jim Middleton praised the budget and the people behind it.

Last week, a community college accreditation committee visited COCC’s campus and listed seven recommendations. Along with the recommendations, Middleton said, was praise for the college’s budgeting and financial controls.

“There are a lot of institutions that are not getting that (commendation),” Middleton said. “It was recognized and applauded as one of the institution’s outstanding strengths.”