JCC may lose out on state funds after nixing millage request

By James W. Jenkins

Staff Writer

At an emergency meeting Aug. 28, Jackson Community College board of trustees decided against placing a millage request on the Nov. 7 ballot.

The funds allotted from the millage would help with building renovations, and maintenance for the school, along with other things.

The proposed tax increase would have raised $30 million over 10 years and possible trigger more than $14 million in state bonds.

Dale Moretz, chairman of the disbanded JCC Citizens Advisory Committee feels that, “the college can not afford to give up $14 million in state funds.”

Committee member William Lambkin believes that “taking a risk and pushing to get a millage is what should be done.”

Dennis Dapra however believes that, “going for a millage now would not work; there is not enough voter support, nor enough time to get that support.”

A concerned citizen attending the meeting agreed with DaPra,

“Asking for a millage now would be a waste. The steps for receiving to receiving a millage are long.”

In the end the board could not come to a unanimous decision so they let the millage die on the floor.