Tensions ran high yesterday afternoon as Chair of the Board of Regents Craig Cole introduced himself to an audience of almost 200 people in Kane Hall.

“We want to hear your thoughts,” Cole said to the crowd.

In a rare departure from their traditional meetings, the regents held a public forum to address the issues and controversy regarding the proposed budget for the 2009-2011 biennium.

“I don’t know the last time the regents had a public hearing,” said Cole.

The board posted on their Web site: “The purpose of the special meeting [was] to receive public comment and input on the 2009-11 biennial budget. Individual personnel matters will not be considered, nor will testimony on them be received.”

Even though 37 speakers signed up for slotted times in advance, the auditorium was filled with nearly 200 staff, students and faculty. Employees in the Custodial Services department had a large presence, having just finished a rally minutes prior in Red Square.

UW custodian Ken Mills took the stand to speak about the recent shift in custodial work hours. In March of this year, 85 custodians currently working the swing shift from 4:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. were told they would be moved to the day shift, a decision that has upset established second jobs and family life for many. That shift is scheduled to take place this coming Monday.

“We are expected to be here at five in the morning,” Mills said about the new work schedule. “Do you know of any childcare facilities open at five in the morning?”

Cutting costs are cited for the change in the custodial department, but those being affected by the shift change feel that the change is not only disruptive of their lifestyles, but inefficient and undesireable for the UW community.

Individuals also spoke on behalf of the Women’s Center.

“I feel like I have a vested interest in the outcome of this [Women’s Center] facility,” said senior Christina Daggett during her testimonial. Speakers informed the regents that the center is facing a 50 percent cut from its budget. Daggett and several others gave anecdotal remarks on what kind of impact the program has made in their lives.

Defendants of the swim program were also on the list to speak, with several alumni and others speaking on the importance of maintaining it.

Members of the Anti Budget Cut (ABC) Coalition also spoke, making allegations of racism and elitism and interrupting the regents on numerous occasions.

“We’re a group that believes in your mission … because we’re stuck with this budget,” Cole said in response to the group’s accusations. “Don’t misinterpret that we like this budget.”

The ABC Coalition proposed their own budget, which, among other things, called for salary caps on highly paid administrators. They requested a response by June 10. The regents are meeting to finalize the budget June 11.

“The board is a deliberative board. Deliberate and digest,” student regent Jean-Paul Willynck said. “We’re all just kind of processing that.”

Willynck said the decisions will not be easy.

“It’s really hard to look at the university and say, ‘You don’t really need this unit,’” he said. “You just can’t do that.”

Reach reporter Brian Hsu at news@dailyuw.com.