Two area universities approved 2008-2009 operating budgets in separate board action Thursday.

Northwest Missouri State University’s governing board approved its education and general budget of $74.8 million, up from $68 million last year. Missouri Western State University’s operating budget increased $1.4 million over last year to $47.6 million.

“This remains a budget born of optimism,” said Dr. Jim Scanlon, Western president, in a news release Thursday.

A portion of the increases are due to improved state appropriations. Northwest will receive $33 million ($1.3 million over last year) and Western receives about $23 million from the state ($1.2 million over last year’s appropriation). A majority of the remaining operating funds come through student tuition and fees.

The fiscal year for Northwest and Western begins July 1. Gov. Matt Blunt is scheduled to sign the bill that authorizes financial support to Missouri public higher education institutions today.

Northwest’s board also approved a 2 percent cost of living increase for faculty and staff Thursday. According to Northwest, the university employs 720 people who will earn $31.5 million in the next fiscal year.

In other board action at Western — a construction contract for the renovation of Agenstein Hall and the construction of Remington Hall, an adjoining classroom building, was awarded to the low bidder, Lawhon Construction Co., of St. Joseph. The general contractor’s bid of $27.3 million beat out three other contractors.

Jimmy Myers can be reached at

jimmym@npgco.com.