UNC officials said their decision to postpone the board was influenced -- although not directly caused -- by the state budget crisis. The $2 million board and public address system were to be funded privately.
"Because of the budget constraints the state and University face this year, Dick Baddour and I feel it is better to delay the installation of the video board," Moeser stated in a press release.
Moeser stated that this was not a matter of financing but of public perception. He said it is important to be sensitive to public perceptions of finances during the budget crisis.
Moeser stated that he, Baddour and football coach John Bunting agreed to postpone the installation.
"I thank them for putting the football program's needs behind what is best for the University," he stated in the press release. "Dick had worked tirelessly to find funding for the board that would not use state or academic dollars."
State officials have projected a budget shortfall of about $2 billion for the 2002-03 fiscal year, and members of the N.C. General Assembly have discussed cutting funding for UNC-system schools.
Gov. Mike Easley announced Tuesday that he will recommend that the UNC system's recurring budget be trimmed by 5 percent. But Easley has stated that he will not support any cuts that harm classroom instruction.
UNC Board of Trustees member Richard Stevens said he supports the decision to delay the video board.
"I thought that (delaying installation of the video board) was a good idea," said Stevens. "There was no state money going into this project, but it might have given off the wrong impression considering our budget crisis."
