LMC postpones millage renewal proposal to Aug. 8 ballot
At a special meeting this morning, the Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv Board of Trustees unanimously voted to withdraw the millage renewal proposal slated to be on the May 2 ballot. The decision was made due to language in the proposal that may have been inconsistent with the intent of the renewal request.ÌýÌý
“It is a priority at Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv to be transparent with our taxpayers,†Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke said. “We don’t want to communicate anything that may be unclear about what we are asking.â€Ìý
The updated millage proposal with revised language will be on the Aug. 8 ballot.ÌýÌý
“Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv is grateful to the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, and Kinexus Group for their endorsements of this millage renewal proposal. We hope we can count on their support in the August election,†Kubatzke said.Ìý
According to a 2021 study byÌý, LMC’s positive economic impact on the community totals more than $400 million a year. This includes the economic and social impact of LMC alumni, workforce training, and college operations. LMC is a leader in higher education, community and employer partnerships, workforce training, and retraining and serves as a cultural hub for Southwest Michigan.ÌýÌýÌý
“LMC offers more thanÌý75 accredited academic programsÌýwith small class sizes taught by accomplished and knowledgeable faculty,†said LMC Board Chair John Grover. “Nearly 400 high school students are enrolled in ourÌýEarly College Program. Many of our in-district students qualify for free tuition through theÌýLMC Promise. Plus, LMC offers community destinations such as theÌýFab LabÌýand, the largest performing arts center in the region.Ìý
“We would not want to jeopardize any of the benefits that LMC brings to the community due to ambiguous wording,†Grover continued. “We felt the best solution was to wait until the August ballot.â€Ìý