County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef today announced that his proposed 2013-2014 Rockland Community College (RCC) Budget was delivered to the Rockland County Legislature. The recommended spending plan totals $67,566,782 for the year 2013-2014, with a County contribution of $16,375,567. There is no increase in the County contribution over the 2012-2013 Adopted Budget.

Rockland Community College will be receiving an increase in state aid for the second consecutive year. The college will see a $1.1 million increase in state aid in 2013-14. Base state aid per full-time equivalent (FTE) student is increasing by $150 to $2,422 from $2,272. The college faces a number of financial challenges including an increase in employee benefits of $379,000 or 2 percent primarily because of pension costs, and an increase in contractual expenses and supplies of $351,000 or 4 percent. In addition, enrollment at the college is declining by 373 FTE students or 5.9 percent.

The proposed budget recommends a tuition increase for full-time students of $75 per semester or $150 for the entire year. Even with the proposed increase in tuition, total tuition revenue will decrease by $790,000 or 3 percent due to the decline in enrollment.

“In spite of this proposed modest increase in tuition, RCC continues to offer an affordable, quality education that is a tremendous value for our residents,” said Vanderhoef. “It remains a gem in our County – offering innovative programs, dedicated and experienced faculty, and flexible learning opportunities. I particularly want to thank RCC President Dr. Cliff Wood, his administration and the RCC Board of Trustees for their hard work in ensuring that RCC continues to provide an academically superior and affordable education to its students.”

Vanderhoef indicated that his proposed budget is a sound financial document that will meet the ongoing educational and operational needs of the College for 2013-2014.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)