BCC trustees approve budget, plumbing program

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees held its Income-Neutral Rate and Public Budget hearing on Tuesday, and then approved the 2022 budget, as published July 30 in the Great Bend Tribune. No one from the public was present to speak at both hearings.

The Revenue Neutral Rate, 32,328 mills, is the mill levy that would bring in the same amount of taxpayers’ money as last year. Barton’s proposed tax rate for 2021-2022 is 33,050 mills, roughly the same as last year, which in turn increases the tax claim by approximately $ 236,362, said Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean. The estimated valuation of the county has risen over the past year, largely due to its oil and gas production.

Similar to the other taxable companies, Barton receives approximately 95% of the amounts claimed due to arrears and unpaid taxes. The application for a mill tax is based on the district’s estimate from June 10th.

Sanitary program approved

The trustees also approved a plan to offer a plumbing certification program on the Great Bend campus. The program was originally approved to serve Barton’s correctional partner, the Larned Mental Health Correctional Facility. However, with the change in the Kansas Department of Corrections provider agreement, the college decided to move this program to campus. Due to the closure of the automotive program, there is ample space to support the program.

According to a summary of the proposal, the college will maintain approval to offer the program at the LCMHF in the hopes that it could support programming in both the correctional facility and Great Bend campus in the future.

According to O * Net, the state will see 6% growth in the plumbing industry with an estimated 620 vacancies per year. The average annual wage is $ 55,090.

The program will be taught at LCMHF for another semester this fall, said Mary Foley, executive director of Workforce Training and Economic Development.

“We are currently planning to launch the program on campus for the first time in January 2022,” said Foley. “To do this, we still need approval from the Kansas Board of Regents. We hope for approval in November. “

There is a full-time faculty member who will handle the transition from the correctional facility to the campus program.

The 16-hour plumbing program covers topics such as craft, safety, plumbing fixtures, and commercial drawing. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will receive NCCER Level 1 certification and an OSHA 10 card.

New mission statement

The board also reviewed its crisis communication plan and strategic plan, and approved a revised mission statement presented by Todd Mobray, director of institutional research.

The old mission statement was:

• The Barton Community College’s mission is to provide high quality educational opportunities that are accessible, affordable, constantly improving, and student-centered. Barton strives to provide a learning-driven and innovative education system that meets the demands of the workforce, empowers communities and meets the needs of a diverse population.

The new mission statement is:

• Barton offers exceptional and affordable learning opportunities that support the needs of students, communities, and staff.

staff

Several new employees were introduced at the beginning of the meeting. The board also approved the following new staff:

• Dawne Hargrove – Part-time Customer Service Representative (Ft. Riley Campus)

• Colvin Hooser – Student Services Specialist (part time) (Ft. Leavenworth Campus)

• James Henderson – Instructor (Hazardous Waste Workers Training) (Ft. Riley Campus); contract

• Dianna Holguin – Instructor (Nursing) (Barton Campus); contract

Rescheduling

Vice President Dean said the administration is reviewing certificate of attendance refinancing. According to the budget summary approved during the meeting, the college has $ 9,115,000 in outstanding debt, which is the principle that goes with leasing purchases. In other BCC documents, these are listed as construction projects from 2008, dormitory construction / refinancing from 2013 and refinancing of participation certificates for library and technical building in 2015.

If the debt can be refinanced at a lower rate, Dean will submit a summary for board approval at the next study meeting in September.

You might also like

Comments are closed.