DOVER — Every year since 2006, Delaware Technical Community College’s leaders have asked lawmakers to consider the same funding source for campus infrastructure – a statewide property tax. For the last several years, the idea has received little or no discussion. But the proposal received attention from some lawmakers during a budget hearing Tuesday before the Bond Bill Committee.
No. The response is a plain and simple NO. Public education in this nation is a protected right for Kindergarten through 12th grade. It is compulsory, mandatory. College is not. Post secondary education is a choice and a choice that must be earned through performance in the K-12 school system. I support taxes that support K-12 education. I do not and will not support a special property tax leveled against property-owners to fund one and only one voluntary institution of education.
Delaware Tech officials estimate such a tax would cost the average property owner $15 to $20 per year. The committee is responsible for approving funding for building projects and facilities improvements.
Schools that provide compulsory educational services must put their capital needs before their constituency through referendum. Yes, I'd like a line item in the budget, too. I'd like to add a room to my house every year for the next fifty. Delaware Legislators - would you please issue a property tax on my neighbors so that I can build my McMansion? Ummm, I mean perform "infrastructure upgrades?" Yeah, I didn't think so. Why in a million years would any legislator entertain this ridiculous proposal?
The college’s main argument revolves around the crowding of its buildings. Delaware Tech is scheduled to receive $3.2 million for capital projects in Gov. Jack Markell’s recommended budget. George asked lawmakers for another $9.7 million.“With your track record, we ought to find a permanent source of funding, whether it’s $15 a year or $20,” said Venables, D-Laurel.
Track Record? Okay, so my home houses four full-time residents and five furry ones. Our structure has at various times housed two teenagers fresh the MD foster-care system, and an infant niece. We pay bills on time, our mortgage is current, we maintain our property,we've updated all major systems except plumbing. In fact, I could really use some money so that I can replace my recalled plumbing and repair the rotted posts that are precariously supporting my deck. And I need a hot tub with a gazebo enclosure as that major snowfall some years back desimated both. Our credit is good, so I have a great "track record" Mr. Venables, would you please give me a line item?
While the proposal received some positive feedback, George acknowledged getting legislation to institute the tax would be “a high mountain to climb.”
Hey George, I have an idea. You make more money than the President of the United States. In 2009, you were Delaware's top earner. "Delaware Technical & Community College President, Orlando George Jr., will make $455,000 this year. That's more than the President of the United States of America makes ($400,000.) And no one in the federal government is allowed to earn more in salary than the President." YOU NEED MORE MULLAH FOR YOUR SCHOOL - TAKE A PAY CUT!
Committee member Michael Ramone said the college should find money elsewhere for capital projects, such as grants or public-private partnerships.
Thank you, Mike Ramone, for injecting some common sense into the debate.
The state’s other two public institutions, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, often use private funding provided by bondholders to build dormitories and dining halls. Those projects receive bond funding because they have stable sources of revenue from student fees.Delaware Tech would benefit from the dedicated tax for its projects, allowing the college to participate in the state’s general obligation bond issue.
Ahhh, the heart of the issue. UD and DSU maintain their infrastructure by using the bond mechanism. Their eligibility is predicated on their ability to recoup some expenditures through existing income channels such as student fees. SO, why hasn't Del Tech adopted some policy changes and instituted some procedures that will create eligibility for the general obligation bond? Greed, that's why. Del Tech wants a dedicated funding stream of gift money so that they don't have a payback obligation.
Essentially, this school, where enrollment is purely voluntary, wants all Delaware Property Owners to pay into a very special kitty of funds that does not require repayment. And the request is coming from 2009's highest paid Delawarean. If that's not greed, I don't know what is?
Legislators - Please Tell George NO! Del Tech should be seeking parity, not special favors. However, if you are feeling generous, I'll take that personal line item to cover my own capital expenses...
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