HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Board of Trustees Work Session
October 25, 2013
The Board of Trustees of Harford Community College met on Friday, October 25, 2013, at
9:00 a.m. in the Chesapeake Center Board Room.
Trustees present: Mr. John F. Haggerty (arrived at 10:12 a.m.); Mr. Bryan E. Kelly;
Mr. Richard D. Norling; Dr. James J. Valdes; and, Dr. Dennis Golladay as SecretaryTreasurer
Trustees absent: Mrs. Doris Carey; Mrs. April L. Fritts; Rev. Cordell E. Hunter, Sr.; Mrs. Jan P.
Stinchcomb; and Mr. Bradley R. Stover;
Staff present: D. Cruise, A. Haggray, K. Krsolovic, R. Johnson, B. Morrison, S. Phillips,
G. Pizzuto, and C. Sherman
Call to Order. J. Valdes called the work session to order.
Roll Call. Carol Sherman called the roll; quorum was not present.
Closed Session. J. Valdes asked for a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel
matters.
In accordance with State Government Article of The Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 10
508(a)(1)(i) and (ii) and (7) closed sessions permitted, motion was made by B. Kelly, seconded
by R. Norling to move into closed session to discuss personnel matters. The three members
present voted in favor of the motion; no one opposed the motion; motion adopted.
At 9:10 a.m. the Board moved into closed session. The closed session adjourned at 9:25 a.m.
Personnel Appointment. Since quorum was not present, the personnel appointment will be
considered at the November 12 Board meeting.
Long Range Budget Planning. R. Johnson provided historical perspective related to tuition
increases and adequate reserves. Noted were:
 The College has received no new county operating funds since FY 2008.
 From FY 2007-FY 2011, the College experienced significant enrollment growth, however,
new funds from the state lagged during the growth period.
 Noncredit enrollment has been almost flat for seven years.
 Over the last couple of years health care costs have risen significantly.
 To meet budget needs, there have been significant “transfers in” from the net fund balance.
These “transfers in” cover the operating budget deficit.
 The College has the lowest tuition in the state.
 The College has no formal reserve policy.
 Over the last six fiscal years, there has been signification construction on campus.
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10/25/13
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R. Johnson discussed previous Board action which supported a plan to maintain affordability and
financial solvency by identifying a two-year known tuition and fee schedule and a five-year plan
beyond the “known schedule” that would be updated every year and adjusted dependent upon net
fund balance. Discussion followed regarding an appropriate fund balance. Research suggests
reserves should be 15-25% of the budget. For the College, cash flow issues arise if the reserve is
less than 15%.
R. Johnson shared information on fund balances and reserves as of July 1, 2013, and he
presented several scenarios for 3-4-5-year net fund balance strategies. Proposed tuition increases
based on the fund balance strategies were included in the scenarios. Assumptions in the
development of the scenarios included:
 No new state money.
 No new county money.
 Flat enrollment.
There was support for constructing the FY 2015 budget with a list of objectives that relate to
long-range budget planning. Suggested guidelines for the long-range plan include:
 Establishing a reserve fund of at least 15% of the total operating budget.
 Keeping Harford’s tuition within the lower half of all Maryland community colleges.
 Reducing deferred maintenance backlog.
In reviewing the scenarios to achieve the fund balance strategic objectives, general consensus
was support for the model with tuition increases of $12 per year for three to four years. This
model also recognizes the need to maintain competitive salaries.
Financial goals statement is to be drafted and shared with the Board as part of the FY 2015
budget review in December. Action on the FY 2015 proposed budget and financial guidelines
will be taken in January.
Harford Sports Complex. R. Johnson and K. Krsolovic provided background information on the
Harford Sports Complex (formerly known as Thomas Run Park). The concept for the complex
was initiated by Senator Amoss in the late 1980’s to provide an adult recreation facility on the
campus of Harford Community College. In January 1989, the Board of Trustees unanimously
approved a motion supporting the concept of the development of an adult recreation sports
complex on College property provided that funding for the project was guaranteed from revenue
sources outside the College’s regular operating and capital budgets.
The complex is a College auxiliary enterprise and includes two softball fields. While the original
intent was for the complex to be self-supporting, for many years the complex has operated at a
loss. Over the last four years the park lost $107K. To correct this situation, the rates charged for
external users need to be reviewed. Recent example was cited – all day rental charge for a
softball tournament was $200. The tournament began at 9 a.m. and concluded at 2 a.m. the
following day. During the tournament, the College had to have an attendant present at a cost of
$8-10/hour. The current practice needs to be reviewed and a business model developed to return
the operation to a break-even point. Charging rates competitive with similar parks will increase
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10/25/13
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Harford’s current rates significantly. Further, changes in fee collection will be made to ensure
that charges are paid and funds will be audited.
Consensus was to proceed with development of a business model and establishment of rates that
are competitive with similar facilities.
Electronic Board Agenda. D. Golladay discussed the opportunity to move to an electronic
agenda using the IPad to replace hardcopy materials provided in Board binders at each meeting.
A ShareFile program was demonstrated. It is easy to use and cost is minimal. More sophisticated
commercial programs hosted by an external vendor are available at considerably higher costs.
Files can be access from the IPad or from a desktop or laptop through a Web interface.
Consensus was to proceed with implementation. Next steps are to complete further testing
internally. Any issues would be resolved. IPads would be distributed to trustees and preliminary
training would be provided by College staff.
Other.
 Rededication for the University Center was held on October 24. Event was well attended.
Program included remarks by John Ferriter, Chair of the Northeastern Maryland Higher
Education Advisory Board; Jim Richardson, Director Harford County Office of Economic
Development; Lyle Sheldon, President/CEO of Upper Chesapeake Health System; Gary
Martin, Deputy to the Commander, CECOM; Dr. Steve Pannill, President Cecil College; and
Bonnie Wohlfort and Jamie Stromberg, students at Notre Dame of Maryland University, one
of the universities offering programs at the University Center.
 Towson University in Northeastern Maryland (located on Harford’s West campus) will open
in Fall 2014. The last two years of six undergraduate programs to be offered in this facility
include Business Administration (Management concentration), Information Technology,
Integrated Early Childhood Education/Special Education, Integrated Elementary
Education/Special Education, Psychology, and Sociology (Criminal Justice concentration).
 The late William Boniface was named the 2013 recipient of the Robert and Anne Heighe
Award for Excellence in Equestrian Journalism. A reception will be hosted at the HaysHeighe House on October 24 at 7 p.m.
 Reception for Admiral Mark Mullen USN (Ret.), keynote speaker for the Connect Harford
Symposium, will be held on October 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Maryland Golf and Country Club.
The work session adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
____________________________________
Dennis Golladay
Secretary-Treasurer
____________________________________
James J. Valdes
Chair