LCCC officials say the renewal will support the existing 1.8-mill operating levy and add 0.5 mills which equates to an additional investment of $1.46 per month per $100,000 in property value.
Since the levy was last updated in 2010, LCCC has delivered valuable results to the community.
In the past decade, LCCC has experienced a 94 percent increase in students earning degrees and certificates with more than 85 percent of graduates continue to live and work in Lorain County.
More than 12,000 students have successfully transferred to four-year colleges and universities, saving tens of thousands of dollars in college debt due to their strong start at LCCC.
LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger said the levy represents 12 percent of its $70 million operating budget with the additional amount set to generate $3.7 million per year.
The levy initially passed in 1963 delivering the funding that led to the creation of the college Oct. 3, 1963.
“Us going back to the voters now to ask for their continued support is to ensure that the future generations over this next decade have the access to the affordable education, to new degree programs to facilities and technologies that are going to ensure their success,” Ballinger said.
The levy aims to keep LCCC's tuition low and continue developing new programs to evolve along with the economy.
“It sets a vision for what this community is all about, and to continue that impact over these years is pretty fantastic,” said Traci Green, vice president, strategic and institutional development at LCCC.
Statistics show every dollar invested in local community colleges generates a return of $14 for the community, LCCC figures reveal.
A second study from the U.S. Department of Education looking at return on investment showed LCCC ranked second in Ohio as one of the lowest net prices.
Board Chair Ben Fligner lauded the move to keep LCCC strong and viable.
“This issue is critical to keeping our workforce and our local economy strong," Fligner said. "Because without LCCC, many people could not afford the college education and training needed to prepare for jobs in today’s economy.
