Regents approve service plan development

Published or Revised October 26, 2005

Paris Junior College Board of Regents Monday night gave approval to developing a service plan for the annexation of Lamar County into the college's tax base. This action by the regents authorizes PJC administrators to develop the service plan, which is the first step required before regents can schedule public hearings and an election. PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin said the service plan explains advantages of the county being part of the tax base. The most significant advantage being that a student residing in the district can today save $32 per credit hour on tuition costs. Currently the tax base for Paris Junior College includes the City of Paris and the area once known as the Cunningham Independent School District. "We would like to bring the remainder of Lamar County into our tax base and then ask the other counties in our service area to become a part of our district," Dr. Anglin said. In addition to Lamar County, the college's service area, as designated by the Texas Legislature, includes Delta, Hunt, most of Hopkins and Red River counties, and an area west to Honey Grove in Fannin County. Texas lawmakers passed legislation this year to spell out steps necessary for community colleges to expand tax bases to coincide with service areas. Following the unanimous vote to approve the annexation proceedings, board president Paul Gene Roden said, "We have just taken a serious step in the history for PJC. It is a good and positive step for all of the PJC service area." The board also approved the purchase of a 34-passenger bus from National Bus Sales for $87,395. The bus will be used to transport sports and academic teams to competition throughout the conference. In other business, the board: Approved the 2006-2007 academic calendar. Heard a report on the homecoming activities coming up Nov. 10-12. Accepted the resignation of vocational nurse instructor Sandra Edwards. Accepted the retirement announcement of Continuing Education Director Robbie White, effective Aug. 31, 2006.