.
Feedback

Legislators Rethink Community College Chargebacks

Rockland legislators discuss rescinding 2012 motion that shifted community college chargebacks from the county to the towns.

 

Rockland County legislators reconsidered their 2012 action that transferred the county’s responsibility for community college chargebacks to the towns.  The discussion during Wednesday’s Budget & Finance Committee meeting came after Rockland Community College President (RCC) Dr. Cliff Wood confirmed that RCC kept the $2.7 million in revenue from chargebacks it received from out-of-county students attending the Suffern-based college while the county had been paying the $1.7 million in chargeback fees for Rockland residents going to other community colleges. 

Wood agreed with Legislator Ilan Schoenberger’s description that the county payment of tuition chargebacks was comparable to a subsidy for the college.   Schoenberger proposed that the legislature should rescind the $1.7 million in chargebacks it shifted to the towns and should push the state to pay its 40 percent share of the college’s costs, not the 25 percent it is currently funding.  He said he had changed his position on the issue.

I think we should deal with this issue,” said Schoenberger.  “We should resolve this.”

Committee Chair Michael Grant opposed putting the proposed resolution before the committee because he had received it Wednesday morning and it did not include a funding mechanism.  The resolution did not state where the funds would come from to pay the $1.7 million in chargebacks. 

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence said he spoke on behalf of the other four town supervisors and asked the committee to reconsider and vote on the resolution to repeal the chargebacks.

“They’ve asked me to ask this legislature for an up or down vote on this and either move it to the full legislature or not move it to the full legislature,” said St. Lawrence.

He said Ramapo’s chargebacks amounted to $580,000, however if the coverage of FIT students was limited to two years that number would fall to about $183,000. He expressed a willingness on the part of the town supervisors to work with the county to resolve the chargeback issue.  

Wood told the committee that chargebacks paid by the home counties of students represented 16 percent of RCC’s revenue in 2012.  He said about 1,600 out-of-county students attend the college and the vast majority of them, 900, hail from Orange County. 

The committee also discussed FIT’s classification as a community college. More than half of RCC’s chargeback costs, a total of $1 million, were attributable to FIT. Wood said FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) is considered a “two plus two institution” that offers associates and bachelor’s degrees as well as master’s degrees. He noted that FIT students are required to earn an Associate’s Degree before pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree. 

Schoenberger said he thought the chargeback for FIT should be limited to two years, the same as the other community colleges. He also noted several pending lawsuits in other parts of the state could affect the chargeback situation.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from New City Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Eileen McDonald February 16, 2013 at 07:15 pm
I grew up near Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, so I do not need research. I am not a bigot like yourself
Watchdog February 16, 2013 at 07:59 pm
I grew up IN, not NEAR, the South Bronx in a diversified neighborhood, Italians, Irish, Jewish, Scottish, Polish, Puerto Rican, Germans, African American and we all voted for whom we chose. We played together, went to school together, partied together and most joined the military. How does this compare to New Square, a segregated, single race, single religion community where ALL residents are instructed how to vote? When you find your answer, you can then decide who are the real bigots.
Watchdog February 16, 2013 at 08:00 pm
If you grew up NEAR Broadway, would you then consider yourself an actress?
Watchdog February 16, 2013 at 08:19 pm
Eileen, where did you read that? Did you grow up NEAR a Liar?
Eileen McDonald February 16, 2013 at 09:29 pm
SCHOENBERGER FOR CE
Watchdog February 16, 2013 at 09:34 pm
I lived with, played with, went to school with and served in the military with Jews all my life from the South Bronx to the U.S.Army to Rockland. . In fact, I credit my Jewish friends in the military with me in the early 1960's for encouraging me to go to college which I did at night as soon as I was discharged, getting advanced degrees. But these were the type of caring Jews who assimilated into society and welcomed minority participation into their lives. Not the New Square selfish segregationists who will not even look you in the eye unless you can do something for them. They are destroying this County.
SCHOENBERGER REPRESENTS SEGREGATED NEW SQUARE...THEY ALONE ELECTED HIM...HE LOST BIG TIME IN ALL THE OTHER AREAS IN HIS DISTRICT...EVEN HIS OWN NEIGHBORHOOD DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM.
Don February 16, 2013 at 10:01 pm
You mean the same Schoenberger who was the chair of the county's Budget and Finance Committee which greatly contributed to the predicament we're now in? You mean the same one whose budget included millions in revenue from red light cameras, which knowingly weren't permitted by the state NYS because we did not have one million residents. You mean the one who co-sponsored a lawsuit in which the county sued Clarkstown without having the background information? You mean the one whose own neighbors of 30 years wouldn't vote him in, but the New Square almost unanimously did? OK, please explain why.
Don February 16, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Eileen, Any special interest group that is instructed on how to vote should raise a red flag, so enough with the name calling. With regards to the special interest group we speak of, look what has been done to the East Ramapo school district. Did that not happen? And that's just one of many examples. Rockland taxpayers are tired of being screwed. Maybe you don't mind it. I'd rather live amongst the Williamsburg hipsters than have Schoenberger as CE. Learn about Ed Day at electday.com and tell me again why Schoenberger is most qualified.
Eileen McDonald February 16, 2013 at 10:47 pm
I'd hate to say this, but your choice, Ed Day, if he wants to be CE, would have to deal with what you bigots call "the bloc". If you want to assume what you do about Schoenberger, or anyone else, Day will wind up being someone doing the same thing. Oh, he'll say he wouldn't etc, but trust me, he wants to succeed outside New City, and if all your bs is actual, Day will do the same.
Watchdog February 16, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Just what do you mean by the CE having to "deal with. the bloc" What exactly does that mean?
Watchdog February 16, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Eileen, how many Irish folks live in New Square. Word has it that IRISH NEED NOT APPLY. Is that accurate?
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=irish+need+not+apply&qpvt=irish+need+not+apply&FORM=IGRE
Mike February 16, 2013 at 11:42 pm
Eileen, here is the definition of bigot:
a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion. So who are the bigots? Those who respect differences, live together in neighborhoods, whose children attend the same schools or those who isolate themselves and don't seek nor allow any integration into their surroundings? And you do know who fits the latter description
Jack Moolick February 17, 2013 at 12:03 am
Just got in and seeing the comments made on this blog and I am surprised that Eileen McDonald, if that is indeed her/his real name, is suggesting that Schoenberger should be elected County Executive without even attempting to highlight or even gloss over his "accomplishments" over the years. All I can honestly see is massive deficits, huge tax increases, huge increases in County Fees and solutions that involve massive borrowings, TANS and RANS with no mention of how we are going to solve these major problems with the deficit and under funded pension plans.
Ed Day has oproposed some solutions https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B41ERRPqFe7Lcks1R1puZ0ktcTA/preview?pli=1 Taxpayers should evaluate both candidates but for the life of me I cannot fathom how we couhld be looking for soluhtions from the same group of politicians who were responsible for creating these massive financial problems.
Mike Hirsch February 17, 2013 at 12:32 am
An intelligent argument for your candidate Jack, but most people choose based on emotion, not logic. It is our human nature. Just be glad that there are significant differences between Day and Schoenberger and both have a chance to prevail, and that all voters will have a clear choice this year. Whomever is elected, democracy is the winner in this race. I wish the same could be said of Clarkstown.
Jack Moolick February 17, 2013 at 12:53 am
Thanks Mike but I am afraid and quite frankly, disappointed that the same forces you see in Clarkstown are as much a factor in the race for County Executive as they are in the elections in Clarkstown. For Democracy to be the winner, it would have to be very loosely defined. The individual voter has been replaced with self-serving group thinking and voting.
Andrew Wiley February 17, 2013 at 01:40 am
County government is a mess and no one person is going to fix it. The premise that the executive branch can reverse the course of county debt and structual deficits is not going to happen. The county legislators can and will override any veto regarding the budget.
Jack Moolick February 17, 2013 at 01:47 am
That is a completelty defeatest attitude. So what do we do Andrew? Stay home? Do nothing?
Eileen McDonald February 17, 2013 at 02:41 am
Wilden is my name,, si am of Scottish descent and 57 years old. My choice to support Legislator Schoenberger is definite thanks to the comments I have seen here. As well as having read up on all 4 candidates. This Tappan resident exists. At least I use my name, Watchdog obviously doesn't
Mike Hirsch February 17, 2013 at 02:54 am
Andrew, of course you are correct that no one person can fix the mess that our county is in, but one person can make a difference. That is all that we can ask of ourselves and each other.
Andrew Wiley February 17, 2013 at 02:56 am
Elections can play a small part in sending a message to those in office. Whoever wins the race for County Executive will still have to work with a majority of legislators who up until now have been unable to solve the budget crisis. Have you seen any concrete plans for fixing the financial mess. Their fix is proposed new bonding in the amount of 100 milion for operation costs from previous budgets and double digit tax increases.
Mike Hirsch February 17, 2013 at 03:03 am
Yes Jack, it will be difficult for an independent minded candidate like Ed to prevail against the collusion of all the other parties and vested interests, but he does have a fighting chance. I have known him a very long time and wouldn't bet against him.
Jack Moolick February 17, 2013 at 03:15 am
Have you read this?
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B41ERRPqFe7Lcks1R1puZ0ktcTA/preview?pli=1
Jack Moolick February 17, 2013 at 03:30 am
Wilden, this is Ed days Plan:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B41ERRPqFe7Lcks1R1puZ0ktcTA/preview?pli=1 Since you have indicated that you have reviewed the plans for all candidates and came to your conclusion, perhaps you can enlighten the rest of us as to what plans Mr. Schoenberger specifically has for erasing the deficit and bringing the budget into balance. In addition, perhaps you can also critique Mr Days plan, indicating what you would do differently? I am also curious ad to why you would take the name of an Irish woman to post your comments and why you do not use your own first name since you are criticizing others for using oen names? Are you a man or a woman?
Don February 18, 2013 at 08:16 pm
"Eileen", perhaps you can ask your friends in Williamsburg about this? http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/national-news/internet-averse-haredi-schools-reaping-millions-federal-tech-funds
Watchdog February 19, 2013 at 01:30 pm
Schoenbergers District of New Square is in the news again Eikeen or whiever you are...SURPRISE? http://www.lohud.com/comments/article/20130218/NEWS03/302180042/Report-New-Square-yeshiva-got-millions-tech-funds-despite-no-student-access-computers
Watchdog February 19, 2013 at 01:37 pm
Schoenbergers District of New Square is in the news again Eileen or whoever you are...SURPRISE? SHAME on you to take an IRISH. name to post your dribble WILDER FROM TAPPAN. http://www.lohud.com/comments/article/20130218/NEWS03/302180042/Report-New-Square-yeshiva-got-millions-tech-funds-despite-no-student-access-computers
Jack Moolick February 19, 2013 at 03:04 pm
That is unbelievable! No story in PATCH? !
Mike Hirsch February 20, 2013 at 02:01 pm
Why does that surprise you? Hillary Clinton did stuff for this community in exchange for their votes. Are the Hasids any more guilty than St Lawrence and Schoenberger for manipulating the system for their own advantage? If you want to cast blame, blame the average uninvolved American.
Don February 20, 2013 at 02:06 pm
Lohud.com already remove the story from their site, even though it was the 2nd most popular in the past few days. Which politicians do you think pressured them?
Don February 20, 2013 at 02:14 pm
They have it at a "new location"...however, all of the previous comments are gone - http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013302180091
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Jimmy R June 14, 2013 at 05:10 pm
The first thing little Frankie wanted to know was that since he was mayor of Suffern for the day,Read More could he get his bicycle fixed at the village Department of Public Works.
Paul Williams June 16, 2013 at 08:33 am
He also wanted to know the most effective method of spying on the other kids so he could get electedRead More Class President.
Green Farmer June 13, 2013 at 01:39 pm
Why not cut out the middle man and just send the money directly to the religious schools.
Paul Williams June 16, 2013 at 08:27 am
If they reported all their income........if every other home was not owned by a "RABBI"Read More and tax free.....if they returned all the books and learning materials they "borrowed" .......ETC ETC.....Get real Weeder.
Green Farmer June 13, 2013 at 01:42 pm
It will never happen.
M. Leybra June 16, 2013 at 07:25 pm
Shouldn't be happening in the first place & "requiring" another law to stop rippingRead More off Joe Blow taxpayer for county government elite, disgusting.
Champs pose for a picture (photo by Craig Fetterman)
Kevin Zawacki (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 11:03 am
Congratulations to the Cubs!
Scott F. June 12, 2013 at 11:35 am
The boys were awesome last night and all season long, a well deserved Championship for a great groupRead More of boys
Lisa Buchman (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 11:20 am
Fantastic! Just posted the photo on New City Facebook too!
Aerial of United Water's proposed water treatment plant
Tom Nimick June 11, 2013 at 09:23 pm
Mr. Pointing says that an issues conference is unusual. The unusual step is called for because thisRead More project is highly unusual; it is unprecedented. This French-owned water company wants to implement its pet technology at our expense - it makes sense for the company because the project makes lots of money. There is information available that calls into question the "definitive" studies carried out by the water company. Of course they found that their technology was the best option - what a surprise! They have not made the case that they carried out a disinterested examination of the issues in the public interest. Yes there are still issues. Also, stop threatening us with increased costs from delay. First, it does not make sense and second, you are trying to bully us into accepting your proposal. That is one more sign that something is wrong in your proposal.
John Taggart June 13, 2013 at 08:08 am
An issues conference will be a wast of time and money. So many ' issues ' have been pulled out ofRead More thin air. The people who organized against the plant will just keep saying the same thing. No amount of info will be enough, no answer will be accepted. The issues conference will be a circus of endless questions, ideas, and demands. Haverstraw bay reclassified as drinking water will better protect it, provide an endless supply of water and finally help end the stereotype of the Hudson being polluted Recommend
mike sullivan June 11, 2013 at 08:14 pm
get a life
Tom Nimick June 11, 2013 at 09:12 pm
There were no open meetings. I attended the April meeting and Mr. Lettre was directed by the TownRead More Board to return with more precise estimates and to include options for other upgrades. I have attended every meeting of the Town Board since that time and Mr. Lettre never returned in an open meeting. Mr. Borelli indicated that Mr. Lettre had addressed his concerns directly and privately. According to the Open Meetings Law, the deliberations of the Town Board are to be open and visible to the public. Private individual meetings or communications with members of the Town Board so as to avoid open deliberations flouts the intent of the Open Meetings Law. Mr. Gromack's statement of other meetings is inaccurate and, since it was specifically in response to a question about open meetings, dishonest. Mr. Borelli, shame on you for accepting a private communication and not standing by your guidance to Mr. Lettre that he was to come back to an open meeting of the Town Board.
Watchdog June 17, 2013 at 04:27 pm
Borelli and Ho -Man are in the bag for Lettre. They are not Republicans...just political hacks forRead More Lettre. RINOS.
galledeb June 10, 2013 at 10:45 am
How can I get more information? When and where are auditions?
Maddie June 10, 2013 at 04:25 pm
You can contact Pastor Robin at rdemaggio@ramapocentral.org
Tracy Urvater June 13, 2013 at 09:25 am
What are the dates of this camp?
Cicadas emerging from their 17 year slumber.
Kevin Zawacki (Editor) June 9, 2013 at 09:32 pm
Thanks for sharing, Grace! Your thoughts on their noise?
Grace Anthony Zemsky June 10, 2013 at 09:00 am
The traffic from the nearby Palisades Parkway is more of a noise nuisance than the cicada chorus.Read More (We have triple-paned windows because of it.) There is something almost musical about the hum of the cicadas. Of course, it may bother me more if I lived in the "affected area" and heard it constantly. Upon entering this nearby neighborhood, the sound crescendos. And yet, it can't be heard a couple of streets away. The drone of locusts is more bothersome than these 17 year cicadas.
Coleen Crowe June 10, 2013 at 01:30 pm
There are swarms of them at my house in upper nyack. Take a ride down Broadway in Upper Nyack nearRead More Nyack beach and they are super loud.
Linda June 8, 2013 at 10:39 am
I missed this! Is there still a way to get a signed copy? Maybe he will do another signing?
John Murphy June 11, 2013 at 08:20 am
This is the most accurate word picture of one of the tragic corollary side effects of one ofRead More humanities ' gruesome failings , which is war. Thank you Pam Sitomer for putting your writing genius to work for a noble cause.