The Cowley College Board of Trustees approved a .75 mill levy to be authorized annually for a period of five years and a special building fund during a meeting Monday.
According to board meeting minutes released Tuesday, this .75 mill levy will raise approximately $208,000 each year producing approximately $1 million for the five year period. This would cost a taxpayer $11 with a home valued at $100,000.
“We are not able to provide education without buildings that are fit for students to be in,” Board Member Glennis Zimmerman stated.
The vote was 6-1 with Brian Sanderholm absent from the meeting. Gary Wilson was against.
Director of Institutional Communications Rama Peroo told KSOK-NewsCow Wednesday there is a public protest period that must expire before before the mill levy is established.
The board also expressed interest in Kay County south of the Kansas/Oklahoma border.
Chairman Bob Juden requested the Board of Trustees direct Cowley President Dr. Dennis Rittle and his team to research and explore opportunities for Cowley College to create a stronger presence in Kay County, with a particular focus on providing educational services to underserved populations.
The board also approved the following increases: $5 per credit hour increase to the accelerate fee (high school only), $2 per credit hour increase to general fees, $5 increase per semester to the security fee, and a new $3 per credit hour activity fee. Additionally, administration requests to increase all Dormitory Plans by $100.00 per academic year.
Jason O’Toole, Executive Director of Student Affairs, provided a housing update and told trustees dorms are currently at 81 percent occupancy.
