Voters should punch the “yes” hole to give Kishwaukee Community College needed construction funds and in doing so help the community to grow.

On Nov. 6, the college will be asking voters to approve new building bonds. The bonds would increase tax bills for the next 10 years, when they would be retired. The increase will mean a $44 tax bill for a $60,000 home for the first year and a $34 bill for the 10th year.

Although no one likes the idea of tax hikes, the increase for Kishwaukee is of dire necessity. If the college does not receive the needed money, off-campus classroom space might not be too far down the line.

Currently, many classes are being held in five pre-fabricated wooden buildings. The buildings were built 22 years ago when the college was first opened—they were meant to last only five years.

Needless to say, the buildings are in sad shape, especially on rainy days when dampness and crickets take over.

College President Norman Jenkins said the pre-fabs have been repaired many times to keep them going, but have now reached the point of being a liability and too expensive to maintain at a safe level.

What the college officials want to do is construct new buildings and remodel some of the existing permanent structures. The new buildings would make space for the college’s agriculture/horticulture programs, a technology center and a structure for adult basic education and student services.

The remodeled rooms would provide space for programs including business, printing and computer labs. These departments prove to be desperately cramped right now.

So far, the college’s Board of Trustees has proven to be responsible in its outlook. This must continue so that the burden on the taxpayers does not become too hefty.

The board responsibly has chosen to purchase building bonds on a 10-year plan in order to save as much money as possible. The total cost of the project is almost $10 million but could escalate quickly with a drawn out repayment plan.

Retiring the bonds in 10 years instead of 20 will cut about $5 million off of the project’s cost.

Kishwaukee Community College is a benefit to all of DeKalb County, including NIU.

The college does its share to attract business to the area by offering training programs specifically geared toward a company’s needs. In return, the school gets top of the line training equipment.

Courses and programs that are not offered at NIU are availalble at Kishwaukee, such as the agriculture/horticulture programs which are a necessity to the rural area.

In addition, NIU students turn to Kishwaukee when they are closed out of a class at the university. And 80 percent of the baccalaureate students transfer to NIU.

Kishwaukee is a necessary part of DeKalb County. The college is in desperate need of the taxpayers support now. And as DeKalb County voters, it is our responsibility to keep this positive resource going.