SCC Board Approves Tax Rate, Honors Retiring President

The  Board of Trustees approved the tax rate 2011-12 fiscal year at Monday night’s regular meeting.

The board voted to keep the tax rate at 17.96 cents per $100 assessed valuation, the same rate it has been for the last three years. The debt service levy will also remain at 4 cents. 

The 17.96 cents was the maximum amount approved by voters. 

Vice President for Administrative Services Todd Galbierz said that, although assessed property values are down more than 4 percent in St. Charles County, the college has been able to maintain funding from other sources.

“The last few years enrollment has really been strong at the college, and with that comes revenue from enrollment,” Galbierz said. “The college also increased the tuition rates for the semester that we are in currently. So we take a look at our funding sources each year and adjust as appropriate.”

Galbierz said the board will still have to monitor revenues closely, but he believes the board has set a realistic budget. By January, 90 percent of tax revenues should be in, Galbierz said. 

Once those revenues have been received, Galbierz said the board will determine whether or not to make budget cuts. 

Board Honors Retiring President 

President John M. McGuire attended his last board meeting at the college on Monday. 

The board gave McGuire a photo collage documenting his experiences at St. Charles Community College.  after being president for 15 years. 

He said he is amazed at how young he looks in some of the photographs.

“Fifteen years of wonderful memories, wonderful colleagues,” McGuire said. “It’s been a joy.”

McGuire is the school’s second president. McGuire’s replacement, Ronald Chesbrough, is set to start his new position on Oct. 3.