GRCC Trustees approve tax increase request | Education

Grand Rapids (WZZM) - Voters defeated the last two requests. But this time trustees at Grand Rapids Community College are hopeful voters will approve an appeal for higher property taxes.

"No tax is a good tax, but there are times when the greater good is worth the tax," says GRCC President Steven Ender. "I believe this is one of those times."

Monday night the GRCC Board of Trustees voted 5-2 to hold an election on the tax increase in May.

The school wants to collect an additional $100 million over the next 20 years to renovate buildings and bring college technology up to date.

"Office space is extremely crowded and there is no private space to meet with students," says tax increase supporter Joanne Kelty.

"Whatever we can do to provide an environment that is safe and conducive to academic excellence," added supporter John Caccamo.

The last time the college asked voters for higher taxes was in 2007. An increase was on the ballot twice that year and was defeated both times.

There are also opponents to this year's request.

"I do not disagree this facility needs some work," explained opponent Keith Den Hollander to the board. "I'm concerned as to whether you've done all the due diligence possible to make sure you are not asking us for money that's not necessary and there is no other place this money could come from."

Dr. Richard Ryskkamp was one of 2 trustees who voted against asking for the tax increase. He says more study is needed and college salaries and retirement costs should be reduced first.

"If we don't, passing this millage is like putting air into a flat tire before mending the hole," he says. "It will just go flat again and we will run out of money again."

College administrators say the property tax increase will cost the owner of a $150,000 home an additional $26.25 per year.