MCC Needs Voter OK in November for $56 Million Bond

This November, Macomb Community College will ask voters to approve a $56 million bond to upgrade college facilities and technology.

The MCC board of trustees authorized the placement of this Facilities and Technology Bond Proposal on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

“I and my colleagues on Macomb’s board of trustees take very seriously the responsibility we have to represent the needs of the community,” said James F. Kelly, board chairperson, in a prepared statement. “To maintain its role as an indispensable resource that supports the county’s economic vitality, the college is at a point that it is important to strategically and systematically plan for moderate capital expenditures to renovate and update facilities and technology.”    

Per the proposal, the bonds would be sold in a series to cover the expense of renovating and updating the college's facilities, infrastructure and technology. MCC estimates the sale of the first bond series will result in an approximately .15 mill increase, or about $8.94 for the average Macomb County homeowner. 

These funds cannot be used for staff salaries and benefits, ordinary repairs and maintenance costs or other operating expenditures.

As much of MCC was built more than four decades ago, significant renovations are needed to make necessary technology upgrades, increase accessibility as mandated by today’s standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, and improve building operational efficiency through modern heating and cooling, plumbing and lighting systems.

“Preserving and updating the college’s facilities are critical to maintaining the community’s more than 60-year investment in Macomb Community College,” said Jim Jacobs, MCC president, in a prepared statement. “Macomb County counts on the college as a vital resource to provide training in high-demand career fields as well as an affordable start to a bachelor’s degree in an age when education beyond high school is critical to long-term economic viability for both individuals and Macomb County.”