The Kansas Board of Regents noted its objection to some budget cuts Thursday, appealing some decisions back to the state.

Regents accepted a 3 percent budget cut for the existing fiscal year, but asked the state to re-examine budget cuts of an additional 4 percent in the upcoming fiscal year.

The board also asked the state to re-examine cuts to additional projects such as $15 million set aside for deferred maintenance on campuses and $15 million for the expansion of the Kansas University School of Pharmacy.

“The reality is that we are all going to get cut. Our message has pretty much been all along that the ’09 cuts are doable,” said board chairwoman Donna Shank, referring to the current fiscal year’s 3 percent cuts. “The real challenge is going to be the 2010 budget.”

Regent Christine Downey-Schmidt said that while the appeals may not be granted, she felt the board should provide the Legislature with information on how significant the cuts will be. She also said she feared that higher education would be targeted for additional cuts if these went by without objection.

Though the measures passed unanimously, Regent Gary Sherrer noted his objection to the general philosophy behind the votes, wondering whether the board considered the 2009 funds insignificant because they were not being appealed.

He suggested an acceptance of the additional cuts to show the regents were aware of the gravity of the situation.

“If we get through the session with only that cut, it will be a victory,” Sherrer said.

Regents also considered raising housing and dining rates at the six Regents universities, including KU, which had asked for a 5.1 percent average increase for a two-person unit.

The board asked its member institutions to review the numbers more in light of recent economic conditions, which include tumbling fuel and food costs. While some regents appeared to express support for the existing numbers for now, others called for universities to hold the line.

“Somebody has to pay for this, and they’re called the students and their families,” Sherrer said, adding that he didn’t think adjustments that were higher than inflation costs were appropriate in the current economic climate.

The board is scheduled to make a final determination on the residential and dining requests for additional funds during its meeting next month.