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JJC OKS 12 PERCENT TUITION HIKE

FUNDING FOR COLLEGE'S MASTER PLAN FALLS ON STUDENTS, AND TAXPAYERS COULD BE NEXT

JOLIET -- Joliet Junior College students will fund the brunt of the college's $220 million master plan by way of a 12 percent tuition increase in the first year.

But, property taxpayers aren't necessarily off the hook, either.

In addition to approving the $9-per-credit-hour increase each of the next four years, the community college board also moved forward with plans to add an $89 million property tax referendum to November's ballot.

"This is a great motivational tool for students and faculty," Trustee Jeff May said of the referendum. "If they don't want to see a tuition increase in years two, three or four, they can go out there and promote the great programs of Joliet Junior College."

Contrary to his statement, however, May did not vote for the referendum, saying that he believes it will certainly fail. May did move for the tuition increase, which was supported by the entire board, except for Trustee Susan Block.

In supporting the tuition increase, May and others said it could be reduced if the referendum passes or if other factors, such as getting better interest rates on debt, are met.

In addition, the tuition increase earmarked for the college's master plan, trustees approved an additional $2-per-credit-hour increase to cover budgeted items and $1-per-credit-hour student service fee to fund student ID cards and intramural sports programs.

That will raise tuition $12 per credit hour -- or 15.8 percent -- from $76 to $88 starting in the fall. The master plan increase aside, administration had suggested a $4-per-credit hour increase in this year's budget to help fund such needs as five new faculty positions, an additional financial aid specialist, an extra recruitment specialist, an additional police officer, the installation of more than 100 security cameras and upgrades of existing cameras, the installation of deadbolts on all rooms and an upgraded emergency notification system.

College spokesman Jeff Julian said administration will analyze the preliminary budget to determine what impact that lower revenue may have on the proposed programs.

Last week, Trustee Andrew Mihelich suggested the board increase tuition a full $36 per credit hour in the first year to fund $159 million of the $220 million master plan. The plan calls for construction of a new nursing building on the main campus, eight new science labs, an expanded auto shop, a new culinary/hospitality facility at the City Center campus, a new campus center and library and total renovation of all classrooms.

Mihelich's plan, however, was derailed by state law, which caps the rate that community college's can charge for tuition. That plan also did not sit well with students and faculty, based on comments made at Tuesday's board meeting from student Krystal Moya and union President Bob Marcink.

"To place the entire burden of $159 million on the students' shoulders would be a mistake," said Moya, who is editor of the student newspaper. "The community uses the school, its fitness center, its library."

"I don't believe most students or parents will object to a reasonable tuition increase," Marcink said. "JJC is one of the key economic engines that drives this local economy. For that reason, we believe the entire community should be given the chance to weigh in on whether to fund part of the plan to benefit the entire community."

Some trustees in favor of the referendum, mainly Mihelich and Vice Chairman Dick Dystrup, said the community should be asked to fund a larger portion of the college's cost. Both also pleaded that the board unanimously approve the referendum motion, a plea that fell on deaf ears.

May, Block and board Secretary Barbara DeLaney voted against the measure.

JJC officials estimate a successful referendum will add $17.71 in the first year to the tax bill of a home valued at $229,000.