By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
What are the benefits of having Barton Community College just outside of
Great Bend? What are citizens getting in return from their property tax dollars
that go toward the college? These are questions that are asked a lot, and the
college can provide a purely statistical response after having the Docking
Institute at Fort Hays State University conduct a return on tax investment from
Barton Community College.
The college’s average economic impact between 2019 and 2021 in Barton County
was $20.6 million.
Barton’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness Todd Mobray
stated over that three-year average, for every $1 of revenue derived from
Barton County taxes, the college spent $2.05 directly back in the county.
"We're trying to get additional information," said Mobray. "We know we spend $2.05 directly in Barton County for every one dollar in taxes. The economic impact number will be higher than that because the information the institute will get from us will add to that."
An expanded survey will calculate what revenue the college brings to town, including hosting the Class 1A-DII State Basketball Tournament.
Of the college’s total revenue, Barton County taxes accounted for nearly 28% of
the budget. Tuition and fees made up more than 34% of the college's revenue, state aid 27% and grants and other sources at 10%.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, Barton had 212 full-time employees living in
Barton County and 109 part-time employees living within the county. Almost
$13.7 million was paid in salaries and benefits to Barton County residents.
More than $2.1 million was awarded in financial aid for Barton County
residents.
