Anderson Oconee Pickens

Shortfall in Funding Necessitates New Surcharge for Anderson County Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/306/2007

CONTACT: RONNIE L. BOOTH (646-1774)
(By Rebecca Eidson)

PENDLETON --- At its regular meeting July 30, the Tri-County Technical College Commission voted to assess a $78 surcharge per semester for students residing in Anderson County as a result of an unexpected shortfall in funding from Anderson County.

“Anderson County, like Oconee and Pickens, is obligated to fund a portion of our physical plant expenses based on a formula written into our enabling legislation by the S.C. General Assembly.” explained Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, president of the College. “The Anderson County share of this obligation for fiscal year 2008 is $2,416,520.”

According to Dr. Booth, the estimated shortfall in funding from the County is approximately $350,000.  “Our understanding is that insufficient funds were generated from the millage assigned to Tri-County,” Dr. Booth said. 

The budget shortfall left the College with no choice but to add the surcharge. “We regret that our Anderson County students are impacted by what has happened,” Dr. Booth said.  “Rest assured that our first priority is to be sure each and every student is familiar with and applies for the many types of financial aid that are available to help offset this additional cost.” 

One popular form of financial aid is the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, which pays $864 toward tuition for full-time eligible students, as well as a prorated amount for part-time students taking at least six credit hours. Tuition for full-time residents of Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties is $1,416 per semester.

Tri-County is not the first or only college in the State Technical College System to require different levels of tuition or other payments based on county of residence within its service area.  Several other technical colleges have charges that vary by county of residence.

“Our financial obligations are very real, and we cannot operate with a deficit,” Dr. Booth said. “Our next course of action will be to request an increase in the millage rate so that this situation can be rectified before Fall 2008.”