Madison College Surveys Employees on Master Facilities Plan

On Campus: MATC asks whether employees support $380 million facilities plan
By DEBORAH ZIFF dziff[at] madison [dot] com 608-252-6234 | Posted: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 9:33 am | Wisconsin State Journal

Madison Area Technical College faculty and staff are getting an opportunity to weigh in on the college's $380 million facilities master plan.

A steering committee made up of faculty, staff, administrators and union leaders sent out a survey to MATC employees asking whether now is a good time to expand the college and whether the plan should be phased in or completed at one time.

In order to complete a capital project that costs more than $1.5 million, the college must go to referendum to ask taxpayers if they are willing to fund the new buildings.

The survey asks whether the college should go to referendum as soon as this fall, next spring, or never.

Employees are also asked whether they would support a referendum for just the first phase of the project, which could cost up to $150 million for buildings for health care, fire, protective services and advanced manufacturing.

Taxes on the average family home for that option would be between $20 and $40 per year, according to the survey.

The survey also tests out key messages such as "Our College. Our Future," "Stepping Up Our Commitment," and "A Shot in the Arm."

The survey was created by School Perceptions, a public opinion firm, which will collect the data and compile it for the college.