By: Sabrina Ahmed
sahmed@klkntv.com
The Board of Regents is trying to bring back a University of Nebraska policy and it's causing a stir. It's been a policy for almost fifty years, and they're trying to get a University owned house for the school's President back in Lincoln. Since 1965, the University has provided a house to the President.
The Board of Regents says it's used for the functions he hosts, as many as five nights a week. But in 1996, that house burned down. Since then, the University has provided $24,000 dollars a year to the President to compensate. The Regents say if a house is provided, it won't come out of the University's budget.
"This is a private donor who has an expressed desire to the foundation that 'I will give you this money if you use it to buy the residence,'" Regent Tim Clare said.
Some have expressed concern that the house is only being considered to compete with the Big 10, but Clare says this is too old of a policy to think that.
"You know we weren't in the Big 10 back then either, so I don't think that has any real bearing on it whatsoever, I think certainly it's an argument," Regent Clare said.
The Regents say this is not being pushed by President Milliken. They say he has other agenda items on the top of his list.
"Everyone on Board of Regents recognizes the vision and value that J.B. brings to the University, how he's taken the University to new heights and places we've never been and also the business that he conducts at his residence," Regent Clare said.
Many of you have commented on our Facebook page, many saying the President's salary of $411,000 a year, and other compensations should be enough.
Troy Wells says "Doesn't he make like $450 grand a year? Let him buy his own house."
Trevor Tegley says, "Sure, but the house must be on University grounds! Would save money over the long haul after paying for his free car/gas/chauffeur."
The Board of Regents will vote for this at their meeting on Friday. Regent Clare says he thinks it will pass.
