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MALONE — Franklin County agreed Thursday to fund its share of architecture fees for the first phase of what could be a $33 million capital project at North Country Community College.

But the action in no way obligates taxpayers to the estimated $8.25 million cost of the initial construction phase at the Saranac Lake campus, said Interim President Fred Smith.

Also during his presentation, Smith outlined the college's proposed 2009-10 budget, which asks the county for a $50,000 increase from this year's expenditure.

A public hearing was set for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, to take comments from residents about that spending package.

DESIGN FEE
However, most of the discussion Thursday centered on the first portion of the three-pronged construction outlined in the college's master plan, which includes a new student center, new library and classroom renovations.

Legislators approved a late resolution to pay the firm JMZ no more than $55,000 for its share of the overall $220,000 design and consulting fee.

Essex County, as co-sponsor of the college, has also agreed to provide an equal $55,000 share, Smith said, and the state will pay the other $110,000.

The study will take about eight months and will provide the final construction costs the county sponsors want to know before deciding whether to go forward and seek bond funding to pay for it.

Estimates are that the first phase could cost about $33 million, again with the state paying 50 percent and the counties splitting the rest evenly.

THE RIGHT TIME
Timothy Burpoe (D-Saranac Lake), chairman of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, urged his colleagues to approve the resolution now while construction costs are low and there is high competition among contractors seeking work.

"We may be the beneficiaries of this."

Smith added that interest rates for bonds are also low and that there would be plenty of jobs created in the Saranac Lake area during the two years of construction.

BUDGET UP SLIGHTLY
Smith gave legislators an overview of the proposed NCCC budget, which stands at $12,799,000, an increase of 0.03 percent, or $4,000, from this year.

Included is a $170 increase in tuition, bringing the cost to $3,660 a year.

Smith said the increase will likely be offset for 85 percent of the students by an increase in their Tuition Assistance Program grant, while the other 15 percent will likely get a higher allotment in their federal Pell grant.

Still others may be able to attend the college tuition-free, under a scholarship program available to higher-achieving students in each of the counties' school districts.

Smith said 15 of the top 20 graduates from Franklin Academy this year have enrolled at North Country, which will save those families a total of $110,000 if the students complete the entire two years.

Enrollment will increase by about 20 full-time equivalent students, and plans are being formulated to introduce new programs at the college, including one concerning conservation, Smith said.

Essex County has scheduled its public hearing on the budget for Monday, July 20.

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at: draymo@pressrepublican.com