Aug. 28, 2008 SPRINGFIELD – The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees approved a resolution last night signaling its intent to issue funding bonds as the next step in a $33.8-million building program on three of its campuses. At its July meeting, the Board authorized the sale of debt certificates, which was completed on Aug. 8. The debt certificates were purchased by United Community Bank ($8-million) and Northern Trust ($27.2-million) at a rate of 3.84 percent. Last night’s resolution signals the intent of the Board to issue funding bonds and authorizes the administration to publish a public notice of a 30-day petition period. The construction program includes a new Workforce Careers Center on the main campus, with a second entrance/exit to campus and expansion of the truck driver training lot. A new connector building between Menard and Sangamon Halls will provide areas for student study and activities. Also planned is construction of an eight-classroom facility at the Taylorville campus and facility upgrades at the Jacksonville campus. Retirement of the funding bonds utilized to finance 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, and no increase in tuition costs to pay for the projects. Also last night, following a public hearing at which there were no comments, the Board approved a balanced fiscal year 2009 operating budget totaling $35,265,211. Vice President for Administrative Services Rich Vertrees said the college ended the year with a $198,000 addition to its operating fund balance. Board Chair Andy Ramage commended Vertrees and his staff for their excellent planning and management of the college’s finances. President Charlotte Warren reported on the Aug. 7 Registration Blitz during which 293 students registered for classes, with 2,031 credit hours generated. She also said students and staff are enthusiastically welcoming the new Subway and Great American Grill restaurants that recently opened in the Menard Hall Student Union. Both restaurants are open to the public. Subway’s hours are 7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Great American Grill serves between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. New faculty were introduced including Joseph Hoenes, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Leslie Rios, Librarian; Tina Schmohe, Associate Degree Nursing; James Sichlau, Psychology; Roberta (Beth) Wiediger, Psychology; and Peggy Wisdom, Basic Nurse Assistant. Chief Information Officer Esteban Cruz updated the board on a new Help Desk System to be installed soon that he said will significantly improve services to computer users on LLCC campuses.
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008
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