Election 2011: County to Vote on Lakeland Community College Renewal Levy

What: Lakeland Community College 1.5-mill renewal levy

Election Day: Nov. 8

Proposed Ballot Language: A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Lake County Community College District (Lakeland Community College) for the purpose of paying operating costs, purchasing furnishings, equipment and the construction and improvement of property at a rate not exceeding 1.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 15 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 10 years, commencing in 2012, first due in calendar year 2013.

History: The levy was first passed in 1992.

It raises almost $8.8 million per year for the college, according to the Lake County Auditor's Office. The money goes to operating expenses.

It costs $38.50 per year for the owner of a property valued at $100,000.

Argument For: Because it is a renewal levy, it will not increase taxes if passed.

Also, Lakeland President Dr. Morris Beverage said that if the levy is not passed, it could force the college to increase tuition and scale back ancillary services like child care and tutoring.

Argument Against: If not passed, property owners' taxes would decrease $38.50 per $100,000 valuation.

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