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CVTC LEVY WILL INCREASE 4.5%

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 -- 12:22 PM

It?s time for schools, including technical colleges, to finalize their budgets.

Chippewa Valley Technical College?s board will meet Thursday night in Eau Claire.

They?re expected to approve a 4.5% increase to their property tax levy, which would raise it to $33.5-million. Property taxes in their 11-county district account for about half of their overall budget.

CVTC President Bruce Barker says the school hasn?t seen the big increase in enrollment other schools have reported as a result of tough economic times.

"We haven't too much," he says, "We've been very fortunate here, because our economy is so diverse. We've had some layoffs, and certainly Neillsville has experienced some of that, but we haven't had the huge numbers."

Mid State Technical College, which covers the hard-hit Wisconsin Rapids area, and Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, where GM is closing up shop, have seen ?huge? enrollment increases, he says.

Still, CVTC is expanding its welding certificate program here in Neillsville, in response to plant closings?and openings.

"There is a great need for welders across this part of the state. Manufacturing is still the largest employer both statewide, and in our district. Obviously, with the growth of OEM and some of the other businesses in your area, that's highlighted that," Barker says.

The program will be taught at the Neillsville High School.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.