State Bar trims budget for 2016 Monday, February 1, 2016 Categories: News Releases Contact: Laura Ernde 415-538-2283 barcomm@calbar.ca.gov MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 1, 2016 — The Board of Trustees for the State Bar of California adopted a budget for 2016-2018 today that includes a 6.2 percent reduction in expenditures for this year. The board approved a $146.1 million spending plan for 2016, down from $155.8 million in 2015. The budget calls for across-the-board cuts to travel, catering and temporary help and the elimination of 21 vacant positions. The board will revisit the plan in March. “I commend the bar’s new leadership team for bringing to the board a fiscally responsible budget that incorporates numerous efficiencies while maintaining our commitment to public protection,” State Bar President David Pasternak said. "They have displayed an extraordinary understanding of the bar's finances within an extremely short period of time." In other action, the board: Established a policy of keeping two months of operating expenses in reserve at the suggestion and with the agreement of the California State Auditor. Authorized the State Bar to borrow up to $10 million to make improvements to the bar’s headquarters at 180 Howard St., San Francisco. After construction, the bar plans to lease three vacant floors at market rates. This prudent use of the bar’s resources is anticipated to yield a return on investment within five years. Executive Director Elizabeth Parker said the fiscal policies adopted today show that the State Bar is committed to transparency, accountability, excellence and financial responsibility. Another recent example is the Audit Committee’s quarterly review of senior executive travel expenses, which are posted on the bar’s website. Details about today’s board actions can be found on the Board of Trustees agenda on the State Bar website. Previous Article Next Article