PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON FY 2009 BUDGET
The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College
held a public hearing Tuesday afternoon on the 2009
Fiscal Year Budget for the college.
The planned published budget of $38.37 million was
approved by the Trustees. Property valuations in the
five-county area covered by the college have increased
slightly. The increase will generate additional funds
for the general and plant fund as well as the equipment
replacement funds. There will be a slight increase in
the levy requested this year, due in part to the
previously approved early retirement program. The per
$1,000 property tax valuation rate for Fiscal Year 2009
will be $.75827 compared with this year’s rate of
$.73979. Less than four percent of the general fund
budget comes from property taxes.
The Iowa Lakes Report featured the fast-growing Wind
Energy and Turbine Technology program. Instructor Al
Zeitz – who has been with the program since its
inception – talked about the new building addition as
well as remodeling of the facility used by the Wind
Energy students. Zeitz also shared that students in the
program are “in demand” when they graduate due to the
excellent education the students receive at Iowa Lakes.
Zeitz says that superb education shows in the earnings
students receive once they graduate – with students
earning $17 to $25 per hour to start. That is likely to
increase as the wind industry continues to grow in the
United States as well as around the world.
Two students attended the meeting and shared with the
Trustees their own personal reasons for selecting the
Wind Energy program and why they want to be a part of
this industry. In addition, Zeitz told the Trustees
that he is currently working on a potential articulation
agreement with the University of Iowa that will provide
seamless transition for students in the program who
pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Iowa.
Two other instructors, Craig Evert and Ahmad Hemami,
also spoke with the Trustees. The fourth instructor,
Mike Schmidt, spoke at Ag Outlook in Spencer on Tuesday
and was unable to attend.
In other news, Executive Director of Economic
Development, Clark Marshall, addressed the board about
260 E and 260 F Training agreements. The agreements for
Farmers Coop Elevator in Ruthven and Stylecraft/Klaussner
of Milford were approved.
Also during the meeting, the Trustees shared reports on
state and local organizations. The next meeting of the
Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday,
March 18, in Estherville.
