The Chautauqua Institution needs to save money, interim chief executive Kyle Keogh said.

The Institution is looking to reduce the budget by $5.7 million.

Because of this, staffing levels and operational budgets have been cut. 

The workforce has been reduced by 20 percent, leaving 124 full-time, year-round employees on the payroll.

Still, that is higher than the 111 full-time employees they had before the COVID-19 Pandemic, Keogh said. 

The Institution has reduced its discretionary retirement contribution. Vice presidents have taken a salary reduction.

"These decisions were not made lightly. They reflect the need to align our spending with realistic income projections. Our 2025 summer attendance did not meet our goals, annual philanthropy has remained relatively flat, and operating costs— including those tied to program and compliance with New York State employment regulations—have continued to rise beyond what we can absorb through pricing, fundraising, or new business efforts," Keogh said.

A webinar will be held Monday at 1 p.m. to address questions and concerns. 

Those interested in attending can register here.