MCC approves funding plan; Bond issue to go to voters in November 2008

Special to the Journal

To meet the escalating higher education needs of Mohave County through the year 2020, the Mohave Community College Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve the Education Programs and Facilities Master Plan for MCC at a special meeting of the board on May 8 at the Bullhead City campus.

The Board subsequently voted to place a general obligation bond issue in the amount of $111.5 million on the ballot for the November, 2008 general election.

Following the vote, Board President Dan Hargrove said, “Approval of the plan and the decision to go for the bond issue is a good step forward. We have to look toward the future or we will get caught in the past, and we will not be able to provide what we are dictated to provide for the students and the county.”

MCC's enrollment in fiscal year 2005-06 was 14,712 individuals, an increase of 37.4 percent from 2001-02. By the year 2020, the college conservatively estimates that enrollment will be 21,931 students. The master plan was developed to provide programs and services for future students and to correct inadequacies in current facilities.

The Education Programs and Facilities Master Plan, which was presented to the Board at its regular meeting last month, is the result of a two-year, in-depth review of current programs and facilities and a conservative projection of program development and facility needs through the year 2020.

The plan identifies the amount and type of space that will be needed to meet the demand for college programs and services.

“The college philosophy stresses functionality - achieving the maximum square footage in support of the program at the most efficient cost possible,” MCC Chancellor Tom Henry said.

Specifically, the plan calls for renovation of 178,589 square feet of existing buildings and construction of 332,677 square feet of new facilities. In addition, the bond funds would provide for infrastructure improvements, property acquisition for learning centers in high-growth areas, and a contingency fund.

“This plan will position the college to support the workforce and economic development of Mohave County through 2020 and probably well beyond,” Henry said.

“Sound statistics show that the residents of Mohave County realize a return of $2.50 for every dollar they invest in higher education,” he said. “That return on investment comes from higher-skilled workers earning higher wages, which circulate throughout the county improving the economy in general and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.”

William Lovejoy, vice chancellor for administration at MCC, explained that the voters' endorsement of this improvement to the community college would result in an additional tax on a property valued at $100,000 of 3 cents per day in the first year, 7 cents per day in the peak year and 5 cents per day on average over the life of the bond issue.

“Renovation and construction projects will take place in phases, and bonds would be issued for each phase to minimize the impact on taxpayers,” Lovejoy said. “The first year, 2009/2010, a property owner would pay $11.61 per year on property valued at $100,000. That rate would gradually increase to a peak of $25.96 per year in 2017-2018, and dwindle to an average of $3.28 per year for the last three years of the bond payment.”

Because the construction project would be spread over a period of six to eight years, provisions for inflation have been included in the per-square-foot construction costs. Architectural and engineering fees, site preparation, and furnishings and equipment are also included.

“We have seen many schools struggle to complete facilities plans because they did not build all contingencies into the bond issue,” Lovejoy said. “We want to be certain there are no surprises for the taxpayers, so everything has been considered.”

The estimated cost for renovation is $125 per square foot and the cost for new construction is estimated at $225, based on costs provided by Mohave County contractors and adjusted for inflation.

Included in the new facilities will be one-stop student services centers, a library, new classrooms and laboratories, multi-use conference/classroom facilities that will be available to the communities as well as the college, and childcare facilities for college students' children.

Lake Havasu City trustee Kathy Hodel said, “With the population in Mohave County projected to double in the next 13 years, MCC needs to keep up with the pace. At our peak times, our classrooms are full. If we don't keep up, we will put future students, economic development and the college in jeopardy. Doors will be closed for students if classrooms are full.

“I have personally seen our graduates increase their salaries by improving their jobs and it has paid off for our county. Every dollar we invest in our college is returned two and a half times in higher taxes receipts and avoided social services costs,” Hodel added.

Kingman trustee Lynda French said, “The plan was very well done. It is comprehensive and addresses the needs of our growing county, and I think the board acted accordingly.”

John Neal, also a Kingman trustee, said, “It's my sincere hope for the benefit of the communities in general, and more particularly the students, that this effort is successful.”

Victor Wakimoto, secretary of the board, said, “This is very positive for the communities and for students; and I agree with Kathy (Hodel) and Lynda (French) about the return on investment by the taxpayers. It pays dividends for year and years to come.”

The complete facilities improvement plan will be available at the library on each of MCC's campuses and on the college Web site at www.mohave.edu.