CLC studying how to pay for new buildings

College of Lake County officials are exploring how to cover their share of a projected $71.3 million tab to construct two new buildings at the Grayslake and Waukegan campuses.

Tentative plans call for a 115,000-square-foot student services building for the Lakeshore campus in downtown Waukegan and a structure with 60,000 square feet of classroom space at the Grayslake flagship.

"At the Grayslake campus, we'll be primarily expanding our current programs," said Nancy McNerney, acting vice president of administrative affairs at CLC. "We're running out of space. We expect that growth will pay for costs, including administrative costs."

CLC President Girard "Jerry" Weber, speaking at a meeting Tuesday, said all-credit fall enrollment at the system's three campuses is at 17,000 students, up 10 percent from last year. He said more space is needed because of an expected continuation of growth.

State money would cover the bulk of the construction costs for the two buildings. The state would provide about $53.5 million, with CLC required to cover the remaining $17.8 million.

McNerney led a presentation for elected board members at the Vernon Hills Southlake campus on the possible ways the school could come up with its share.

She said a loan for the project could be repaid, in part, through money gained from a $3 increase in student fees. She said the $3 hike would generate an estimated $5.9 million over 10 years.

Other potential sources for CLC to tap into include its building fund and $200,000 in annual revenue derived from a lease with Job Center of Lake County.

Early estimates show the two new buildings would cost $606,609 yearly for employee salaries, utilities and operational expenses. McNerney said the additional costs could be covered by a 2.7 percent enrollment increase or a $2.30 tuition hike.

"I think we are sound fiscally and we have an opportunity for growth here," she said.

Along with student services, the new Waukegan building would offer classrooms and a lecture hall suitable for community gatherings. The new Grayslake classroom structure is planned near the campus' technology building.

CLC's student enrollment gains this year are similar to what's been reported at other suburban community colleges.