Harper board increases president’s housing allowance

The Harper College board of trustees recently approved an amendment to President Ken Ender’s contract raising his housing allowance from $20,000 to $32,000 annually.

Officials said the money will offset some expenses Ender incurs when hosting events at his Inverness home that promote or benefit Harper. In the past two years, Ender hosted 15 events with nearly 1,000 total attendees, spokesman Phil Burdick said.

In a move officials said will be cheaper, Harper also will provide Ender with a vehicle and cover related expenses instead of paying a $1,000 monthly car allowance.

The contract amendment came as the board approved a balanced operational budget for fiscal year 2013, up 3.3 percent from the prior year to $89.5 million. The increase was primarily due to contractual salary increases.