Hudson Valley Community College Budget Gets County Lawmakers’ Approval
By Doug La Rocque The Rensselaer County Legislature opened its recent meeting with a public hearing on the proposed 111 million dollars spending plan as outlined by College President Dr. Drew Matonak. The President talked about the many changes in the campus and educational curriculum during his eight plus years at the helm of the school.[private]He also highlighted the affordability of the college, announcing that tuition for the coming year would only increase by $100 per semester, the first time in four years’ tuition has gone up. At a yearly tuition of $4,300, Dr. Matonak describes HVCC as one of the most economical educational institutions in the state. “In fact, of the 30 SUNY community colleges in New York State, two thirds had a higher tuition that Hudson Valley last year.” With help from federal and state grants, Dr. Matonak said 56% of its students graduated with no college debt, and another 28% with less than $5,000 in debt. Expanding educational opportunities were also part of the President’s testimony at the public hearing. “I am proud to say that during the last two years we have introduced 15 new academic programs, bringing the total to 86 Associate Degrees and Certificates, with 27 of those programs on line.” The college plans to offer eight new courses of study this fall, including chemical dependency counseling, clean energy management and IT Help Desk support among them.
Dr.Matonak reported that construction of the new 4.5-million dollar athletic complex is nearing completion, and reminded the lawmakers
that through a number of gifts, grants and creative funding, the complex is being built without any county monies or contributions from the college’s operating budget. “We are also raising funds for the construction of a new 14-million-dollar Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills on campus. The new facility will enable us to double the number of students enrolled in Advanced Manufacturing Technology Degree programs, and provide the highly skilled talent that manufacturers require in the workplace.” It is hoped that construction on the new center can begin in 2017. Some of the other points touched on by President Matonak include expanded student housing, enhancement of student services and creating an environment where these students enjoy learning. He also said the response on campus to the many upgrades in food service this year has been very positive. The college now also has a veteran’s affairs advisor on campus once a week and discussions are underway to add additional dates to that service. Dr. Matonak also wanted to thank what he described as the strong and committed leadership at the school. “There is no doubt that Hudson Valley is very strong and well positioned to take on our future challenges because of this continued stable leadership.” The President also again announced he plans to retire on August 31 in 2018. Dr. Matonak says he wanted to give the school’s Board of Trustees enough time to find a replacement capable of carrying on the school’s vision without any delays in implementation. During the regular portion of the meeting, the Legislature voted unanimously to approve the budget.
Special Presentations The Legislature made two special presentations prior to the meeting, the first to Natalie Shudt, recently named the Rensselaer County Dairy Princess. Legislative Majority Leader Ken Herrington, himself a long time dairy farmer in Brunswick, called the title tangible evidence of her high character and commitment and indicative of her future service to her community. Shudt is from Melrose and will be entering her Senior year at Hoosic Valley Central School. She has been a part of 4-H for five years, and plans to study Bovine Genetics in college. Also praised was Jean Brooks, who recently was given the distinction of being named the 2016 Friend of the Commission on Economic Opportunity. The CEO’s mission is to create partnerships and develop opportunities for social and economic growth and empowerment in individuals, families and communities. The 19-year employee of the Rensselaer County Youth Department was cited for her many contributions to the county’s children in need, including raising funds for school supplies, jackets and Christmas gifts.
Legislative Highlights During the regular portion of the meeting, the lawmakers approved a resolution accepting the third portion of a three year matching state grant, placing $130,375 dollars in the District Attorney’s 2017 budget for two full time Victim Liaison staff members. The Legislature also renewed a contract with Empire Blue Shield to provide a Medicare Advantage option to the county’s retirees. Other resolutions included the approval to purchase an adequate level of flu vaccine, acceptance of a grant to help fund the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Program as well as the Farm to School Project. Also approved was a resolution to replace a ten-year-old handicapped accessible van for the County Veterans Service Agency. The meeting was adjourned in memory of James Walsh, a long time public servant, former county legislator and Troy Deputy Mayor.[/private]