Board of governors sets levy, approves budget

Thursday, September 16, 2010

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- No one from the public spoke at two hearings Wednesday where the Mid-Plains Community College board of governors later set a tax levy to support an annual budget.

The first hearing began at 6:19 p.m. and focused on hearing public comment on their proposed tax levy. The proposed levy is set at $0.087994 per $100.

At 6:23 p.m. the board conducted a second hearing to hear comment on the proposed 2010-11 budget. All funds totaled revenues projected at $34,058,180 and expenses at $35,680,557.

Then, at 6:30 p.m., the board began its regular September meeting.

All three meetings were held on the North Campus of North Platte Community College campus. Board Chair Elizabeth Benjamin called each of the meetings to order. Those present were Board Chair Elizabeth Benjamin, Dr. Michael Chipps, President of Mid-Plains Community College; and Governors Roger Wilson, Glenn Colson, Ernie Mehl, Glenda Hasenauer, Kent Miller, Jane Hornung, Ted Klug, Jr., Dale Wahlgren and Louie Stithem. David Lynch was absent and excused.

During the open forum portion of the meeting, Chairwoman Benjamin announced that the board will hear a full report from the college's auditors on Dec. 8.

Under recognition, the board learned that Sally Thalken's 2009-10 North Platte Community College Women's Volleyball Team was awarded the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The award recognized that the team had an overall 3.5 grade point average and finished ninth nationally.

Athletically, Sally's team won their district championship and traveled to the national tournament. The team also finished ninth in the nation in competition.

Sally brought her six sophomore student athletes to be recognized for their academic accomplishments.

Under consent items, (June, July, and August Financial Reports will be released prior to the October board meeting.) The Board accepted, on a 9-1 vote (Stithem abstained), the following with a consent motion and approval:

1. Minutes from Aug. 25 Board Work Session

2. Minutes from Aug. 25 Board Meeting

3. Approval of Bills for August totaling $888,422.43

Under action required by law:

* The board unanimously approved the use of property taxes to fund the 2010-11 budget in the amount of 9,590,417. The calculated levy for general operations is to be 7.5818 cents per each hundred dollars of assessed value down from 8.4464 cents for 2009-10. The calculated levy for capital improvements is to be 1.0000 cent per each hundred dollars of assessed value up from 0.1179 cents for 2009-2010. The calculated levy for ADA/Hazmat Abatement is to be 0.2176 cents per each hundred dollars of assessed value down from 0.2351 cents for 2009-10.

* 2010-11 Budget: After some discussion, the Board unanimously moved to adopt the 2010-11 budget with expenses for all funds totaling $35,680,557

* 1 percent Increase in Base Limitation: The board approved the increase of the base limitation by one percent, carrying forward to 2011-2012 the unused budget authority of $3,192,928.38 from 2010-2011 and preceding fiscal years. The "additional 1 percent" is used to calculate Unused Restricted Funds Authority carried over to future years. It has no impact on current year tax requests. It allows the college to receive a large increase in restricted funds (i.e. State Aid and Property Taxes) in future years if needed to meet future growth of the institution.

* Board Meeting: On a 9-1 vote (Miller voted no) the Board approved combining the Nov. 17 and Dec. 18 meeting into one meeting. The meeting will be held Dec. 8, 2010.

* Board Policy: In second reading, the Board approved, on a 9-1 vote (Wilson voted no) of the College Environment Policy 7136.

This new policy expects administration, faculty, staff and students to demonstrate respect for others and an appreciation for the worth of every person.

The new policy sets the tone that all members of the College Community share responsibility for maintaining a quality campus environment. The policy will further define, outline and detail what and how violations will be addressed. The new policy is now formally adopted and added to the Board's policy.

Under information and reports, the board heard reports on:

* Early Childhood Education. The Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary Education has requested a follow-up to their recent review of the college's Early Childhood Education program. Dr. Chipps and Dr. Jody Tomaneck, led the group through the response the college is planning to send to the CCPE.

* Center for Enterprise. Cinch Munson, Area Associate VP for the Center for Enterprise lead the Board in a discussion about the CFE.

* NCCA Meeting. Roger Wilson gave a report concerning last week's NCCA Executive Board meeting. He said the group focused on the positives and negatives concerning the association.

* President's Report: Dr. Chipps gave his monthly presentation to the Board.

Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 9:51 p.m. until their next meeting scheduled to be held on Oct. 27 McCook beginning at 6:30 p.m.