Electors Support Lakeland Community College Renewal Levy

Voters chose to support Lakeland Community College's renewal levy Tuesday. Electors approved of the levy by a margin of 44,152 to 31,901, according to preliminary vote counts.

"I think it speaks well of how voters view the college and what we're doing," said Morris Beverage, the college's president.

The 10-year levy first passed in 1992. It raises almost $8.8 million per year for the college, according to the Lake County Auditor's Office.

Because it is a renewal levy, it does not raise taxes. Beverage said that was a key point they made sure to get out.

The money raised by the levy goes to operating expenses.

Beverage had previously said that if the levy did not pass, it would force the college to increase tuition and scale back ancillary services like child care and tutoring.

The levy will cost property owners $38.50 per year per valuation of $100,000.