Budget cuts and layoffs that district officials hoped would be delayed until after the 2012-13 year could take effect as early as next January, Chancellor Linda Thor told about 400 faculty, staff and students during a May 17 meeting in Smithwick Theatre.

Previously, the district had hoped to cover budget shortfalls through the 2012-13 year with reserve money called a “stability fund,” but a decline in Foothill College’s enrollment has led to reduced state apportionment funding.

Vice chancellor of business Kevin McElroy told the audience the district will receive $4.6 million less than originally projected this school year.

Thor said the district does not anticipate enrollment rebounding and expects a lower level of base funding in the coming years.

“In that case we need to permanently adjust our staffing downward,” she said.

Foothill president Judy Miner cited several reasons for the college’s decreased enrollment, including the college previously claiming an incorrect amount of apportionment for their work experience program.

“There were more hours that we were claiming than we now understand that we could,” Miner said.

She also cited repeatability rules limiting student enrollment in physical education and arts classes and tightening of apportionment paid for “to be arranged” hours as factors.

Adding uncertainty to the district’s future revenue is what happens Nov. 6, when Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative will appear alongside another initiative sponsored by attorney Molly Munger.

Thor told the audience that if Brown’s initiative receives fewer votes than Munger’s, the district will face $9 million more in cuts.

The district asked colleges and central services to have preliminary budget plans for “worst case reductions” ready by June 30, Thor said.

McElroy said overly optimistic state budget revenue projections, including”accounting maneuvers” based on uncertain assumptions, could possibly lead to future mid-year cuts.