The room and board rates for 2016 could see a 2-percent increase.

Mark Hudson explained a couple of factors that would contribute to the possible increase at the Residence Hall Association meeting Thursday.

He said the possibility of an increase in the state minimum wage would have a significant affect on the budget. If the minimum wage were raised to $10, it would result in an extra $361,299 in expenses for student workers.

“The house adjourned and said they aren’t going to (increase the minimum wage to $10), but I will believe it when they leave town,” Hudson said.

The Illinois House of Representatives can still reconvene to discuss the matter.

He added the Bond Revenue Committee, comprised of six students from both Student Senate and RHA who determine recommendations for future room and board rates, also had to consider enrollment.

Enrollment is currently down, and Hudson said enrollment in Fall 2016 could certainly affect whether to go through with the 2-percent increase.

The proposed rates would increase room and board rates to $58. The meal plan would have a varied increase from $25 to $36 depending on the chosen plan.

This budget will go to Dan Nadler, the vice president for Academic Affairs, President Bill Perry, and then finally to the Board of Trustees for approval. The next board meeting will take place Jan. 23 in the Grand Ballroom in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Last year, the room and board rates did not increase. Hudson said this was a possibility this year too, but it would depend on how the committee, Nadler, Perry and the board choose to handle the situation.

He said they could have another year without an increase and use it to market to potential students, or they can increase in to prepare for potential issues in the future.

RHA also approved the RHA budget for 2015. For 2015, they have $12,050 budgeted. They currently have a balance of $13,445.

Kyle Anderson, the RHA treasurer, said the remaining money from 2014 would carry over into the next year.

The budget included an increase of $350 in money given for scholarships within RHA.

This was the RHA’s last meeting of the semester. The RHA will meet again at 5 p.m. Jan. 15 in Stevenson Hall.

Jarad Jarmon can be reached at 581-2812 or jsjarmon@eiu.edu.