The Kaskaskia College Board has approved a 7.8-percent increase in its tax levy after no one in opposition showed up at the Truth in Taxation Hearing.
Vice President of Administrative Services Judy Hempker says the 7.8-percent increase translates in a $ 2-million increase in the tax levy.
“From fiscal 17 to fiscal 22 the community college system averages were 16% state funding, 46% local, and 38% student. And if you go back to the funding model it’s supposed to be a third, a third, a third. So, part of the requirement for our funding is such that we have to rely on property taxes to fund operations. And when we can achieve it through strong EAVs while decreasing the rate, I think that speaks a lot about the college.”
Hempker explains how the money will be used.
“It’s all about our students. To continue to provide a modern, comfortable, safe environment, our students need more and more wrap-around services to ensure they assist and complete. We have numerous strategic planning initiatives to complete including maintaining and improving our learning spaces to meet the needs of all of our programs but also all the modes of delivery that are required in today’s world. There are also inflationary pressures that are impacting supplies, compensation, and benefit costs.”
Hempker says the college’s total levy in all funds will be $13,350,470.
The board also acted on a number of personnel issues.
- Kendra Ripperda was promoted from the Trenton Education Center Coordinator to Finance and Advancement Administrative Assistant.
- Cynthia Field from adjunct faculty to Paramedicine Program Facilitator.
- Stephanie Burgher was hired as an Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Bethany Hall was named Children’s Learning Center Director
- The resignation of Jodie Simcox as Buildings and Grounds Technician was approved.
- The resignation of Madison Reuss as Coordinator of Student Recruitment was approved.
