WCC tax renewal on March ballot

By Lilly Kujawski
Editor

Washtenaw County residents will see a proposal to renew property tax funding for WCC on the March 10 ballot. The tax, first approved by voters in 2008, is a 1.00 mill tax to support operating costs at the college over the next 10 years.

While “operating costs” may seem less than glamorous, it’s an important part of keeping the college up-and-running, said Christina Fleming, WCC board of trustees chairwoman.

“The community supports this facility; it supports keeping the lights on, supports paying the administrative staff to keep the facilities clean and beautiful,” Fleming said. “The food service area—making sure that is maintained; the building maintenance—making sure the bricks aren’t falling on your head.”

“These things may seem kind of small, but this is our campus,” she said.

This tax is one of two local property taxes that together fund 48% of the college’s operating budget, according to WCC’s 2019 annual report. The next highest source of funding, at 30%, comes from tuition and fees.

Tax support helps keep tuition rates down for students, said WCC Trustee Dave DeVarti.

“These millages—which are generously supported by taxpayers—are vital to us keeping our tuition rates down and continuing to make access to post-secondary education accessible to people throughout the community, no matter what their economic needs are,” DeVarti said.

No major backlash anticipated at the polls after IT outsourcing

In July, WCC’s board of trustees voted to outsource the college’s information technology services department to Virginia-based company Ellucian in a 5-2 vote. The move prompted outcry from some college staff, faculty and students, as well as local residents.

WCC President Rose Bellanca said she doesn’t expect the outsourcing issue to have a significant impact on community members when they vote whether to renew the millage.

“If there is, the negativity will probably be from, maybe, some disgruntled past employees,” Bellanca said. “It was the right thing to do; I mean, we did it for the right reason.”

“There might be a little anger, and I respect that,” Bellanca said. “We tried to take care of everyone and treat them well… but I respect there’s a difference of opinion.”

Fleming, who voted in favor of the outsourcing, concurred with Bellanca.

“I haven’t run into too many people who expressed a concern about it,” Fleming said.

DeVarti voted against the outsourcing proposal, but shared similar observations.

“I wish we could’ve kept management of our IT program in-house; we weren’t able to—the board made its decision; I was in the minority,” DeVarti said. “There are people who are disgruntled by that decision, but I don’t see it playing out—within the broad community—as an attack on the funding for the college.”

Fleming said that when she cast her vote in July, the potential for backlash did cross her mind.

“With anything that is controversial, you do have it in the back of your mind, ‘OK, how’s this going to impact the community? What are they going to think of us?’” Fleming said. “It’s kind of an unknown impact.”

DeVarti said he’s aware that there are some people in the community upset about the outsourcing decision, as well as other issues, who may have legitimate reasons to be. He said he takes those concerns seriously and it’s the the board’s job to pay attention to them.

“It’s up to us on the board to look at those specific issues and ask the administration to address those or give us answers to raise the questions that we need to raise to be responsive to any legitimate concerns people are raising,” DeVarti said. “I don’t want to gloss over and ignore what criticisms people are making.”

The community has backed millages in previous years, Fleming said.

“Traditionally, our community has been very supportive of the college, so I do expect the community to support it,” Fleming said. In 2016, a similar WCC millage passed with 70% in favor, according to previous Voice reports.

Even so, Fleming said the vote is never a sure thing and it’s important to remind the community of WCC’s importance.

“We got to work for it, too; we have to sell our value, we have to show we are valuable; we have to remind people we are valuable,” Fleming said. “I see the millage as an investment.”

The value of the college is shown in the services it provides for local residents and the role it plays in the community, DeVarti said.

“I think the community college gives a lot back to the community, both in presenting tremendous educational opportunities at affordable costs, but things like the Morris Lawrence building provides a community center that… community groups throughout the county make use of on a regular basis,” DeVarti said.

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