College outlines $10-year capital plan focused on deferred maintenance, accessibility and utilities

President Herbst and college administrators presented a 10-year capital and deferred-maintenance plan to the Warren County higher education committee on Oct. 12, 2025, emphasizing roof and ventilation replacements, electrical and wastewater upgrades, accessibility work and the need to pursue state and federal grants.

The presentation focused on immediate repairs to aging buildings and infrastructure rather than new academic construction, officials said. "I have school here. Belt tightening that needs to happen is not in any way a message that I am pessimistic about our future. I'm very optimistic about our future together," President Herbst said as the meeting opened.

Keith Kaplan, the college's vice president of administrative services and treasurer, told committee members he expects periodic financial briefings so the committee is not surprised by changing needs and external mandates. Mark Warren, the college's executive director of facilities, walked the committee through building-by-building needs, timelines and rough cost estimates.

Warren said Washington Hall recently received ventilation work and that "Total enrollment of students from Warren County is 648. Total enrollment of students from Washington County is 484," noting those county counts as context for campus…