There were no changes to Barton Community College’s proposed budget Thursday. It was approved by the BCC Board of Trustees after a public hearing at which no one came forward to comment.
Dean of Administration Mark Dean said the mill levy will depend on the final valuations for Barton County, including the outcome of any appeals. “The mill levy is expected to stay exactly the same as it was last year,” he said, of the estimated tax rate of 32.771. The amount to be raised is $8,791,000; last year 32.771 mills raised $8,457,514.
The most conservative estimates were used, Dean noted, so if there is any change he expects it will be a lower mill levy.
The trustees held their August study session on Thursday as well. Dean of Information Services Charles Perkins discussed the accreditation process of the Higher Learning Commission, saying an on-site visit from the HLC will happen in October.
“This is six months earlier than we anticipated,” he said. “This is our quality check-up visit.”
The HLC Strategy Forum will be held Oct. 3-5 in Illinois, about an hour west of Chicago. BCC President Dr. Carl Heilman and six other college employees plan to attend, and the Commission has strongly suggested one of the trustees attend. Board chairman Mike Johnson said he won’t be able to go, but a trustee will be chosen for the forum.
The trustees are also planning their annual retreat, scheduled to take place all day on Thursday, Oct. 11, at the college’s Camp Aldrich Conference Center.
Other information shared at Thursday’s study session included Dr. Heilman’s monthly report on agreements he has signed. These include new agreements or memorandums of understanding with the Kansas Department of Corrections and with Newman University.