After eliminating a landlord/tenant student liaison position from the university’s budget in 2001, the position is once again being considered.

The liaison position was discussed Thursday night at the first Student Affairs Commission meeting of the 2008-09 school year, held in the Ames City Council chambers.

The $75,000 per year position was eliminated because of university cutbacks during what Daniel Fischer, President of the Government of the Student Body and senior in agricultural business, called “tough economic times.”

“There were quite a few budget cuts in 2001,” Fischer said.

Now considering bringing the position back, the Student Affairs Commission predicts that the cost of the position will increase.

For many, however, the position is a necessity. It will be a mediating point before legal action between renters and landlords ensues.

According to statistics given at the Student Affairs Commission’s meeting, around two-thirds of the student population lives off campus.

The new liaison will be unbiased. Both neglecting landlords and unruly tenants can be pursued.

“I think mediation would be very attractive for landlords,” said Robert McMahon, senior in history and off-campus representative for GSB.

In addition, the liaison would eliminate some of the burden put on Student Legal Services, who have to deal with many legal issues involving students and their landlords. The liaison position would help to deal with these issues without pursuing legal action.

“If we decide to make it happen we’ll have to figure out where the money will come from,” Fischer said.