Financial: Pres. Dillard on the budget: Pulling no punches, IEEE President Dillard addresses the Institute's financial problems and their implications on the member's pocketbook

IEEE is currently experiencing some of its most serious financial challenges since the merger in 1963. Despite a 1976 dues increase, the Institute's Executive Committee determined that only an 8-percent reduction in the professional staff payroll could produce a surplus budget while, at the same time, maintaining the generally high level of member services. Further, the only alternatives to another dues increase in 1977 would seem to be either a severe cut in member services or deficit spending. In light of the potentially serious consequences to the member of this financial quandary, Spectrum interviewed IEEE's current President, Joseph K. Dillard. His forthright responses to our questions are presented herewith in the hope that a better-informed membership can help guide our Institute through the difficult economic times that lie ahead.