The Ontario County Board of Supervisors endorsed a $1.2 million augmentation to Finger Lakes Community College’s (FLCC) 2024 budget on Thursday, Oct. 26.
This latest approval, directed towards reinforcing student accomplishments, workforce growth, and healthcare professional training, is on top of the $3.8 million allocated in August. The overall $5 million marked for FLCC’s operations in the 2024 county budget follows dialogues centered around the college’s newly-minted five-year strategic plan. “FLCC’s tradition of outstanding education will be bolstered by this collaborative funding approach,” noted Board Chairman Todd Campbell.
This fiscal endorsement came after the unveiling of a report, co-sponsored by the college and Ontario County, shedding light on FLCC’s substantial economic influence across a seven-county expanse. The study, executed by labor market analytics firm Lightcast, revealed that FLCC infuses $197.9 million yearly into the regional economy. Delving into specifics, every dollar students invested in their FLCC education translates to a $4.90 rise in their prospective earnings. On the taxpayers’ front, for each dollar channelled into the college, there’s a $2.40 return, attributable to increased lifetime earnings of students and amplified business output.
The report dissected FLCC’s comprehensive economic impact, encompassing payroll, purchasing, and infrastructural undertakings. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the institution employed 476 individuals and maintained a $33.7 million payroll, further allocating $14.1 million for operational expenses. Additionally, the presence of FLCC deterred potential student emigrations, bolstering local spending by $5 million. Former students’ contribution to the local workforce also generated an impressive $155.8 million in added income. “FLCC’s profound impact stretches beyond academics, driving significant economic growth in our region,” articulated Ontario County Administrator Chris DeBolt.
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