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Fort Scott Community College President Clayton Tatro will be presenting the college's proposal to turn the vacant building into the Fort Scott Community College Occupational Center, a consolidation of three occupational programs in one building.
"Really what we are trying to do is consolidate programs in one building," Tatro said.
Tatro said FSCC would like to move the college's construction trades, truck driving, and cosmetology programs. He said making the move will have significant impact in transforming the operations of FSCC.
"This could literally transform the operations of the college in the academic building as well, in the vocational technology building, in Arnold Arena." Tatro said. "There would be a huge domino effect as we would be able to move spaces and to move operations into spaces that would make more sense."
Making the move would also be quite simple, according to Tatro. He said the plan would take very little renovation and very little outside dollars. The cosmetology program would require majority of the renovation which would cost between $40,000-$50,000. He added, the cost to move the other programs would be the labor to move the equipment and materials.
"The finished spaces in the building work very well for us ... the unfinished spaces in the building work very well for us," Tatro said. "There would be very little we would have to do as far as renovation costs to move into the building ... We don't need or want to create any additional wall inside in that open area."
The consolidation would not only allow the construction trade program to stay in Bourbon County, it would allow the college as a whole to operate more efficiently.
"We could give the entire vocational technology building over to [the agriculture department] and we would create some synergy with our livestock judging program and meats judging program," Tatro said.
According to the proposal, FSCC would save $33,420 each year by not paying the leases to house the cosmetology and construction trades programs in off-campus facilities. It also states that deferred maintenance money is available to fund the renovation costs. If FSCC were to move into the building, the proposal projects there would be no increase in the college's mill levy.
"We think this plan makes sense, not only for the college but also provides the biggest impact and the biggest benefit for the taxpayers of Bourbon County as well," Tatro said.
Tatro will present the plan in its entirety at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting which will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday. In anticipation of a large attendance, the city has moved the location of Tuesday evening's commission meeting will be moved into Memorial Hall.
Comments
Yip lets let the College take it. Maybe they can dismantle it and move it to Crawford County. Oh yea by the way they will need more funds to keep it up so the Mill Levy will need to be raised and so will your taxes.
I can see the benefits to the plan the Juco is proposing, but in terms of genuine need, the Police Department still comes out on top in my opinion.
PD should come before FSCC.
I agree that the collage is growing and needs more space, yet the needs of our police department should be concidered first priority.
Besides, the collage ask the citizens and tax payer for approval to build their rodeo arena and after we said no they went ahead and built it so why doesn't the collage just build another building on their grounds to house these departments. They don't need our aproval!
Good points above. I'm still for the Police Dept to take the building. Whichever way you feel-PD, FSCC, or someone else, show up at Memorial Hall and let the Commissioners know.
>> dismantle it and move it to Crawford County.
That's funny,LMAO
The police department is important, but so is the Community College. And I guess the point in the article about no increase in the mill levy was missed.
Ok so the police dept goes out there. Now Lets see that puts them futher away from the main artery of Fort Scott Highway 69. Now its spring time and 23rd street is congested with the rummage sales, Soccer at the Juco and other items. So are we going to Widen 23rd street so Safety vehicles can go down it. O and Tell those people in a quiet residential neighborhood that now you have to listen to sirens coming and going all night. Hey wait a minute the fair is going on. How we going to do traffic then for safety vehicles to come and go to other areas of town. I think I read somewhere they said the police cars could be parked inside to save wear and tear and they would be worth more for resale. Wrong they will still bring 300-700 at the auction just like always. Moving the Police department there is a BAD IDEA. NEXT IDEA Please!!!!
I think the only way that I would be for FSCC to get this building is to move the harly-davidson and john deere schools up to Fort Scott.
I still believe that city hall and PD can fit in the building easy and I also think that since fscc is doing so good that they need to get off our tax roll i pay over 800.00 a year and its time to go out on their own
I still think PD & City Hall should be combined & put in the building and not convinced that PD needs all of it.
It was interesting that the police chief seemed to break this story to the community when he first made his case to take it over. By that time, he already had nice plans drawn up for it. Any one have any idea who paid for those? That seems to be a waste of taxpayer money if it hadn't been decided who was moving there.
We keep hearing the Hawkins building not being large enough. Has there been any thought that more of the Fire Dept operations be moved to the east station? We've got some $$ tied up in that facility to keep a couple people, a fire truck and rescue truck. Perhaps we need to figure out more ways to make better use of the space there.
As far as the JUCO wanting this building, I agree they should not get this one. It's the city's & they need it worse. It still bothers me to go to Pittsburg & see all the buildings with FSCC name on them & know that our tax dollars went there. I think they should put those schools in Bourbon county. Our businesses could use the income from the students coming in. If they need to look into a building for these programs, maybe they should consider the old Wal-Mart building (next to Tractor Supply). There's a lot of good space there that could be used.
I didn't get to go, but did anyone attend the meeting tonight? Any good comments come from it?
Oh my God complain complain Soldier Rd, We want to better the Police Dept and give them more space and all you do is complain.
As for the Community College being on the "tax roll". The mill levy for the College is in the middle as compared to others in the state. In fact, the mill is lower than it was in 2003-2004 time frame. The college actually returns more money to the community than they take in from taxs.
>>the college actually returns more money......
I'm still waiting ...for the return on my tax dollars spent ..........
The college is seeking their own self-interests.
Chief Puterbaugh is seeking the interests of the Police Department which has served this community long before the community college existed.
Imagine this town without a police department. Now imagine this town without a college.
We need a police department more than we need a community college that's a fact.
How much more obvious does it have to get to see that this IS the perfect fit for the police department.
I'd hate to see what the morale of the Police department will look like if this property goes to someone else.
The police department is a worthy cause and I agree there is a need. But to use your example, and turn the tables, the College is seeking the interests of the College which has served this community longer than any other Community College in the State of Kansas. Which means they are looking out for the best interests of the community they serve. By the way, according to the Chamber of Commerce, the College employees 162 people.
162 people? Whuupeeedooo! Is that how you determine which entity is more important to the community?
The Police Department puts their LIFE on the line daily for over 8,000 people, and they are usually understaffed,overworked and underpaid. They don't get 3 monthes off each summer, they work ****** hours in all kinds of weather and put up with the worst of personalities. If they got the kind of money the college received we could have 250 police and they'd be driving Cadillacs as their cruisers!
I've seen towns without a community college that were very livable and thriving.
Now imagine a town of this size without a police department, this should put it all into it's proper perspective.
Very well said like2b_onree. I completely agree with everything you wrote. Our officers sacrifice a lot to do the job they do. They don't get paid near enough, work very long hours and weird schedules, and everyday when they go to work they run the risk of not coming home to their families at night. They need a space where they can do the job to the best of their ability. They have NEVER had an actual police department. I think it's time the city steps up to the plate and does something that has been long overdue.
If I thought that importance was based on the number of employees then I would have said, "the College needs it because they employ more people". Or recommended the approximately 16 or so businesses that are also are bigger than the city in terms of employment need it more. Did I say that?? No, guess not. My comment since you missed it was in reference to money being returned to the economy. When you employ 162 people, they spend money here, buy houses, rent houses, buy cars and pay taxes. I know several of the police, and sheriff personnel. I also agree they need a police department that is more conducive to their needs. I also agree that they do a lot for the community, work hard, and are an asset to the community. I never said they did not deserve so try not to manipulate my point. Some people are implying that whoever does not get the facility will fail. Like2b_onree, if the College does not get it, then they will still be a college, just different if they have to change their programs. Likewise, if the PD does not get it, Fort Scott will not be without a PD. As to who deserves and needs it.... They both do. But how that is decided is difficult for various reasons and I hope it works out to benefit for both the College, the city and the PD.
Ok, by pointing out how many people the college employs in your letter, then defending that in your next letter by stating the benefits of having that many employees to me,you have in effect implied the college deserves it more because of the number of employees it has. I can't for the life of me see how it can be seen as anything else. Maybe I am missing something.
I contend there is no reason they "deserve" it more.
Furthermore, I believe Chief Puterbaugh made a very good case for moving the police department into that building.
As far as traffic and accessibility goes,someone mentioned that as a concern, I believe the Armorey would work very well for emergency vehicles, with even LESS interference than where they are now on National Avenue. This goes doubly for a situation where the police AND the fire department must leave simultaneously!!
Yep, missing something. As I stated, the number of employees does not imply a greater need or worth, those comments were in reference to the amount of money being returned to the local economy, not a deciding factor of the building. Two different subjects.
You are right, the number of employees or the money it brings to the community does not elevate it's worth when compared to public safety services in a community.
After all, there are some things that you cannot put a dollar value on.
For example,how do you measure the worth to the community of having an organized,efficient,police force who serves it's community with pride?
One that outsiders can be impressed by, and when considering relocating their business and family to this area (or perhaps enrolling at the college across the street) feel this may be the safe environment they have been looking for.
I agree to an extent. I did not.. again did not compare number of employees of the College to the police dept. You said "You are right, the number of employees or the money it brings to the community does not elevate it's worth when compared to public safety services in a community" I did not equate number of employees to public safety. Again, I said, two different topics. (following statement is not to be negative toward the police dept) How many people, or business' go look at, or examine the police department before they move somewhere? Outsiders do not consider moving, or moving a business because they are "impressed" or not with city governance, or a police department. That said: I see both as being valid, just to a different degree and based on different criteria. Lets just hope the city make a decision that works for everyone involved. Nuff said, were friends, next topic please. "Hey, How bout them Jayhawks'?
The next topic will have to be on the page with the next topic! :)
Meanwhile, this topic is on this page and although I am not trying to argue just for the sake of arguing, I must disagree with your assumption that people and business's do not consider city governance or the police department when considering a new area to relocate in.
This happens all the time, everywhere. In fact many people move away from bad city governance and especially bad police forces and high crime rates. There is almost nothing worse than moving to an area where the police department is considered corrupt,inept, or incapable. On the contrary a sound,organized,respected police department brings about a measure of security that is very good for the community and in fact, you don't often see one without the other.
So moving the police dept will increase the polulation, because people will now compare it with other cities and like the Fort Scott dept better and move here? I have moved several times and not once did I base a move on what the police department looked like, or how big it was. The Chamber of commerce and the city itself do however tout the schools and the college when trying to convince anyone or anything to move here. Sounds like you and I agree for the most part, particulary on the major points. So lets just have coffee. I've got mine here. Cheers.
the polulation?.................:)
Thats what you said. You said: (quote) " I must disagree with your assumption that people and business's do not consider city governance or the police department when considering a new area to relocate in." Your assertion is that people look at the police department before they move to a new community. People moving to or not moving to a community affect population. Here is the bottom line. None of us, who think we know what is going on will be making the decision on who gets the armory bld. And no matter what we say, we will not change the minds of those who will make the decision. They will make a decison on the facts as they see them, not on what people on a blog say. 1. Both organizations are worthy. 2. no matter what is decided, a lot of people will disagree so you can not make everyone happy.
lighten up. read my one word post again.......
you typo-errored the word population and posted the word "polulation!!
All I was doing was having fun,that's why I put a smiley face at the end of it!!! as in your quote,"So lets just have coffee. I've got mine here. Cheers."
Ohhh, cool. Did not see the typo. Sorry, did not meant to sound like I was jumping on your case. Coffee sounds good. Enjoying mine friend. Cheers!