Baltimore City Community College prioritizes GO bonds for $33M deferred maintenance

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues concerning deferred maintenance at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC). The session highlighted the college's ongoing struggle with significant maintenance needs and the implications of funding decisions.

The meeting began with a presentation from BCCC representatives, who emphasized the necessity of funding deferred maintenance through General Obligation (GO) bonds. They argued that the current proposal of $9 million for deferred maintenance is insufficient, as it only represents $4 million in new funding. The college previously received $10.5 million authorized in the 2023 legislative session, but complications arose when $5 million in PAYGO funds were not released, delaying essential maintenance projects.

BCCC officials reported a backlog of $33 million in deferred maintenance needs, which includes critical updates to HVAC systems, life safety systems, and sustainability projects. They indicated that the proposed funding would not allow for the initiation of new projects, as the college requires an estimated $12.5 million to complete ongoing projects from a previous deferred maintenance list.

Eileen Waitzman, BCCC's controller, provided further insights into the college's financial situation. She noted that while the college has an estimated fund balance of $89.6 million, most of these funds are restricted for specific uses, leaving only about $10.7 million available. Waitzman cautioned that using $9 million for deferred maintenance would significantly reduce the reserve fund, potentially raising concerns among auditors and oversight agencies regarding the college's financial stability.

The committee also discussed the implications of deleting GO bonds for property acquisition, which BCCC opposed, reiterating that the special fund balance is not readily accessible and should be preserved as a reserve.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing BCCC's deferred maintenance needs through reliable funding mechanisms. The college's representatives expressed their agreement with the recommendation for GO bonds but highlighted the critical need for timely and adequate funding to ensure the maintenance backlog does not continue to grow. The committee's discussions will likely influence future funding decisions and the college's ability to maintain its facilities effectively.