Hagerstown Community College asks Washington County to consider increased operating support and capital planning for large renovation
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Summary
HCC presented enrollment and program data, requested a 3% increase in county operational support, sought county help for a $50–$60 million administration/student affairs building and asked for partner funding for a $100,000 paramedic mannequin; commissioners asked clarifying questions and agreed to contingency funding for the mannequin if matching grant is secured.
Representatives from Hagerstown Community College presented the annual report to the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28 and requested additional county support for operations and capital projects.
The presenter (listed on the agenda as the college president; the transcript does not provide the presenter's full name) outlined a new strategic plan, progress on dual-credit and online-course quality certification goals, and Title III federal grant achievements. The college said it is pursuing national accreditation for its dual-credit program and is on track with a Quality Matters certification goal for general-education online courses.
On county support, the college requested a 3% increase in operational funding and asked the county to consider setting aside funds in advance for a proposed $50–$60 million administration and student-affairs building, noting the state would likely cover about two-thirds of the project if approved. The presenter said the college faces a net funding reduction from the loss of the small-college subsidy and state funding adjustments tied to rapid growth in dual-credit enrollment.
On targeted capital needs, the college asked the county to consider contributing $25,000 toward a $100,000 advanced training mannequin for the paramedic program, subject to securing the Appalachian Regional Commission grant. Administrator Michelle Gordon and commissioners discussed making a county contribution contingent on the grant; the presenter agreed to that approach.
Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about corrected state funding calculations, the mannequin grant application status and potential student impacts from changes to enrollment funding. The presenter emphasized workforce and nursing program outcomes, saying career-program graduates earn substantially more three years after graduation.
The college sought the board’s support and asked commissioners to consider both near-term operational increases and long-term capital planning.