MATC Increases Taxes 31% over 5 Years

Need I remind you that this board is unelected?

The Milwaukee Area Technical College Board on Tuesday night unanimously approved a 2009 budget that increases the property tax levy 4.9% — an increase that means the college has boosted the levy 31% in the last five years.

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The overall budget increases spending 6.2% from what the college budgeted for 2008.

1. So what is the return on investment to the taxpayer for this?  Did enrollment go up the same, more or less as the rate of increase.  Did 31% more students go throught the tech college during that period? 

   And what about demographics of new students?  Are these returning students tweaking their education?  Milwaukee residents with no prior experience or displaced workers?  Again, an important metric in the funding decision by the taxpayers.

   Finally, what are the end results?  Percentage graduated; Percentage employed; and most importantly, percentage employed in Wisconsin?  What’s the ROI to taxpayers?

   Generally, I favor a dollar spent on tech college vs. the UW money pit as grads tend to stay in Wisconsin and add to our workforce making WI a more desirable place to set up shop for businesses.  But if the tech college is wasting money on indoctrination into various social causes rather than employable trade skills, then that is the argument for change to shout from the rooftops.  It’s something the taxpayer will understand; i.e. We’re gettin screwed again!

   Posted by on June 27, 2008 at 0849 hrs




2. MATC is just out of control. But - since there is no oversight at all or any repercussions for their actions - they just spend like drunken sailors.

   Technical colleges fill a very good spot in our education system, but tution needs to keep better pace with expenses.

   Posted by on June 27, 2008 at 0944 hrs