Traverse City Record-Eagle

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June 7, 2012

NMC to receive 2.7% funding increase

Lansing budget deal will give $10.3M to community colleges

TRAVERSE CITY — Community colleges in Michigan will receive $10.3 million more in state funding next year under a budget deal expected to be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

At Northwestern Michigan College, that means approximately $231,700 in its base foundation allowance from the state, a 2.7 percent funding increase over last year. Funding is based on a number of criteria, including the level of degree attainment at the school, credit hour completion rates, administrative costs and service to the community.

NMC President Tim Nelson said the budget deal is welcome news coming after years of funding decreases. Last year, funding remained essentially flat.

"It's certainly going in the right direction," Nelson said. "They're recognizing the work we do and the affordability we bring to our students."

The deal also provides approximately $50,000 to offset the school's costs to the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System, but Nelson said the college could face up to $500,000 in costs to the system next year.

Funding increases are contingent on reporting and performance requirements to the state that Nelson said the college will meet.

Nelson is waiting for a final retirement reform bill to emerge from the capital before he makes a budget recommendation to the community college board. A board study session is scheduled for June 18, with a vote expected on June 25. A budget must be approved before the end of the month.

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