Henry Ford Community College President Says Millage Renewal Critical to Keep Doors Open

The longterm sustainability of Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn hinges on the passage of two critical millage proposals set to go before voters on the Nov. 5 election ballot.

HFCC President Stan Jensen told the audience at a Dearborn/Dearborn Heights League of Women Voters forum Monday night at city hall that the college could be in danger of closing its doors if voters say no to the proposals.


"These millages are a significant part of our budget," Jensen said. "We have already cut our expenses. We're as lean as we can get."

Jensen's presentation was part of a three-segment program that also included a discussion about the Dearborn Public Schools’ bond proposal and a question and answer session involving city council candidates.

Moderator Linda DePoorter explained that the first HFCC proposal would continue the existing 2.5 mills and 0.5 mills for general operating expenses from 2015 to 2024. The second proposal would add 1 mill for general operating purposes for five years, from 2014 to 2018.

DePoorter said the first proposal would raise an estimated $10 million for the college in 2015; while the second proposal would raise an estimated $3.3 million beginning in 2014.

For a house with a $100,000 taxable value, a homeowner would continue to pay roughly $135 per year if the millage renewal passed. A homeowner would also pay an additional $45 per year if voters approved the second proposal granting a 1-mill increase.

Arguing for the millage proposals, Jensen said for every dollar spent by a student at HFCC, there's a $6 return to the community. In addition, he said 95 percent of HFCC graduates remain employed in Michigan.

"Without the college, there would be diminished educational opportunities in our community, loss of arts programs and industrial and health care partnerships," Jensen said.

Of the 28 community colleges and 14 public universities in Michigan, Jensen said HFCC also has one of the lowest in-district tuition rate for students.

Jensen said the college recently cut $9 million out of its budget for the current fiscal year, down from $84.6 million in 2012-13. The college closed a $16 million deficit in August, and the HFCC Board of Trustees also approved the combined retirements and layoffs of 52 employees.

"We've gotten our fiscal house in order and I believe we're well worth the 3 mill renewal and 1 mill increase," he said.

When asked what would happen if the millage proposals failed to pass in November, Jensen said, "The very existence of the college would be in jeopardy."

The forum is available on repeat broadcast on CDTV. Times will be posted on www.lwvddh.org and the tape will be available at cdtv.pegcentral.com.

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