Voters approved renewal of Montcalm Community College’s operating millage during the Feb. 27 primary election.

“We are grateful to the voters for their continued support of the college, which has been serving the community for nearly 60 years,” said Interim President Connie Stewart.

“The millage plays an important role in keeping college affordable, recruiting and retaining quality faculty, adding and refining programs to meet the needs of Michigan’s fastest growing industries, keeping instructional technology and tools updated, and taking workforce training to the next level,” Stewart said.

Originally approved by voters in 1996 and renewed in 2005 and in 2014, the millage makes up about 19 percent of the college’s budget, or about $3.9 million annually, and will continue to do so for another 10 years, from 2026 to 2035.

The 1.1487 mill levy is assessed against all properties in the college’s geographic area, which includes all of Montcalm County and portions of Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Mecosta and Newaygo counties. Votes from the 51 precincts within these eight counties will be certified in the coming days to make the results official. Unofficial results show the renewal passed by a margin of 117 votes with 8,191 “yes” votes and 8,074 “no” votes.

MCC has been at the forefront of higher education and job training in our region since 1965, positively impacting the lives of more than 125,000 learners since its inception. MCC is a small college with big reach, delivering tremendous value to more than 1,600 students enrolled each semester.

“MCC drives job creation and economic development in our region,” Stewart said. “The area’s largest employers and small businesses rely on MCC when it comes to job training. We’re training the next generation of nurses, business leaders, entrepreneurs, computer technicians, skilled trades professionals, agricultural workers, and more.”

According to an economic impact study completed in 2021, the net impact of MCC’s former students currently employed in the regional workforce amounted to $40.6 million in added income in FY 2019-20.

MCC Board of Trustees Chairperson Karen Carbonelli said the millage is vital to supporting our region.

“Proceeds from the millage help the college deliver superior educational and job training opportunities that are affordable,” Carbonelli said. “This supports our overall economy as we continue to play a key role in economic development and support the strength and stability of our area.”

With campuses in Sidney and Greenville, MCC offers more than 50 degree, certificate and job training programs; courses for transfer to other institutions; online courses; cultural events; and career and personal development courses.

Visit montcalm.edu for more information.

Media contact:

Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833