The Macomb Community College Board of Trustees has authorized the placement of a bond proposal on the November 6, 2012, general election ballot.  The Facilities and Technology Bond Proposal seeks voter approval to borrow up to $56 million to preserve and update the college’s facilities and technology. 

The bonds would be sold in series to cover necessary capital expenditures to renovate and update college facilities, infrastructure and technology.  It is estimated that the sale of the first series of bonds will result in an approximately .15 mill increase, about $8.94 for the average Macomb County homeowner.  The debt levy for each series of bonds sold will be retired within 10 years.  Use of bond funds is restricted to capital expenditures and cannot be used for staff salaries and benefits, ordinary repairs and maintenance costs or other operating expenditures.

“I and my colleagues on Macomb’s board of trustees take very seriously the responsibility we have to represent the needs of the community,” said James F. Kelly, chairperson, Macomb Community College Board of Trustees.  “To maintain its role as an indispensable resource that supports the county’s economic vitality, the college is at a point that it is important to strategically and systematically plan for moderate capital expenditures to renovate and update facilities and technology.”    

Much of the college’s infrastructure and facilities was constructed more than 40 years ago.  The bond would fund renovations to update learning environments with integrated technology important to preparing students for the 21st century workplace, increase accessibility as mandated by today’s standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, and improve building operational efficiency through modern heating and cooling, plumbing and lighting systems.

“Preserving and updating the college’s facilities are critical to maintaining the community’s nearly 60-year investment in Macomb Community College,” said Jim Jacobs, president, Macomb
Community College.  “Macomb County counts on the college as a vital resource to provide training in high-demand career fields as well as an affordable start to a bachelor’s degree in an age when education beyond high school is critical to long-term economic viability for both individuals and Macomb County.” 

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 50,000 students annually.  Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan.  The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor-degree completion and
graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities. 

#   #   #