Fort Lewis College trustees Friday approved an operating budget of $52.5 million for the year beginning July 1.

The spending plan is $7.4 million less than the budget for the year ending June 30. But money left over from the current year could increase the “roll forward” sum much more than campus budget makers’ conservative estimate of $400,000, FLC spokesman Mitch Davis said.

Total state funding for the upcoming year will be about $10.6 million. Tuition should provide $39.3 million, with fees and “roll forward” money kicking at least $1.66 million.

The operating budget covers a 3 percent salary increase for faculty and staff. Wages of hourly employees such as custodians and groundskeepers are regulated by the state.

Budget committee members recommended spending $55,000 to bring all faculty members to a minimum of 100 percent of the peer average. About $15,000 was allotted for staff equity adjustments.

The goal of salary equity was voiced in the 2010-11 budget. The budget committee at the time recommended: “The college should strive to raise faculty salaries to an average of 100 percent of peer salaries within three to five years, while accounting for the higher cost of living in Durango by adding a dollar amount to each faculty member’s salary.”

The operating budget also accounts for a 6 percent increase in resident tuition but no increase for nonresidents. Room-and-board rates increased 3 percent.