Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu; 217.786.2219 SPRINGFIELD – The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees took the first official steps last night to begin a $33.8 million construction program by designating four projects as top facility priorities for the college and engaging the services of a financial advisor and bond counsel. Planned improvements include a new workforce careers center, connecting link facility between Menard and Sangamon Halls, second entrance/exit to the main campus, expansion of the truck driver training lot, eight-classroom facility at the Taylorville campus, and facility upgrades at the Jacksonville campus. Funding for the projects will come from a combination of extending an expiring bond levy, reducing the protection, health and safety (PHS) bond levy, and issuing bonds for major roof and tuck pointing projects. The net effect will be no increase in the tax rate. Speer Financial, Inc. of Chicago was selected as financial advisor for the projects and Hart, Southworth and Witsman of Springfield as bond counsel. Kevin McCanna of Speer Financial said the next step will be to bring a debt certificate agreement to the July board meeting for approval. The debt certificate will be retired by the issuance of funding bonds, the sale of which should be brought to the board for approval in November. Board chair Andy Ramage acknowledged that the board’s action gives the official “go ahead” for the construction projects. Board member Kent Gray said he was pleased the board was able to announce that “we have crafted a proposal that gives greater service to taxpayers with no increase in the tax rate.” Also last evening, the board approved an increase in the tuition rate for the truck driver training program, the first such increase in 11 years. The increase from $3,000 to $3,500 for the 10 credit hour program reflects the large increase in gas prices over that period and an increase in training hours. The board selected new officers: former chair Roger Rutherford will serve as vice-chair, and Cinda Edwards was chosen as board secretary. Faye Fullerton, Ed.D., vice president for student services, and Marci Rockey, director of student life, gave a presentation on the importance of student engagement in campus activities as a factor in student success. Expansion of student life offerings under consideration are intramural athletics, a student-driven activities program, and enhanced programming for the Multicultural Awareness Center.
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008
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