EVERETT — It just got more expensive to attend Everett Community College.

The college’s Board of Trustees approved a $46 million operating budget last week that includes hikes in tuition and fees.

Next fall students taking 15 credits will pay $127 more a quarter — that’s a bump to $1

,172 from $1,045.

Fees, such as those paid for labs, also are up by 5 percent.

It was a difficult call for officials, who are dealing with nearly $8.5 million less in state funding than just three years ago, said Jennifer Howard, vice president of Administrative Services.

“They all know how much of an impact this has,” said Howard, who coordinates the college’s budget.

Like other community colleges statewide, Everett is seeing its share of state tax money shrink.

In 2011-2012, less than half of the college’s operating dollars will come from the state. Compare that to 2008-2009, when 64 percent of its dollars came from the state.

“This impacts every part of our college at a time when students are still struggling to get the education and training they need to find jobs,” EvCC president David Beyer said.

EvCC also cut spending. Those trims include not filling open staff positions, cutting back on travel and spending less on equipment, Howard said.

College staff also are taking on heavier work loads and trying to conserve supplies.

The college is trying to bump up other sources of revenue, such as renting more college facilities and luring more international students, who pay higher tuition rates.

The school is even selling surplus equipment on Craigslist.

Officials do not plan to eliminate any instructional programs next school year.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197; dsmith@heraldnet.com.