Northwest Indiana Discussion

Hammond councilman says College Bound should end at some point

21 hours ago • Chelsea Schneider Kirk chelsea.schneider@nwi.com, (219) 933-3241

HAMMOND | A Hammond councilman wants the city to focus its gaming revenue on infrastructure work, contending at some point the College Bound scholarship program must come to an end.

Councilman Anthony Higgs' comments came as the Hammond City Council debated offering a voluntary retirement program, which could tap into gaming revenue to pay participants a financial incentive. Under the program, retirees would receive $1,000 for each year served with the city.

Some council members were concerned about the impact the program may have on the gaming revenue they receive for their districts for infrastructure projects.

The program is designed to use gaming revenue as a secondary funding source if the department's budget of the retiree can't cover the payment. However, the pool of gaming revenue the City Council approved for use also is the same pot that pays at least $2.5 million to the College Bound program every year.

“College Bound absorbs quite a bit of casino money,” Higgs said. “I understand it's important, and it helps in terms of those parents that are struggling trying to make sure their kids get a feasible education and learning environment, but the reality of it is, at some point, we have to realize that we got to spend that money in our city to make it better. I don't know how many years we are planning on funding College Bound, but at some point, it has to come to a halt.”

Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said he met with Higgs after the council meeting and the councilman indicated the city should think about coming out of the business of College Bound.

“I totally disagree with him,” said McDermott, who feels the program is serving its intended purpose. "I don't know if other councilmen feel that or not. I'd be surprised if they did.”

College Bound, which awards college scholarships to students of Hammond homeowners meeting certain eligibility requirements, was given an original 10-year run. The program will begin its eighth year in fall 2013.

McDermott has said the city may explore using water sale proceeds to provide long-term funding for the program instead of using gaming revenue.

Higgs said it may be possible to move the program off gaming revenue.

“In the same sense,” Higgs said, “we need to be concentrating on more infrastructure in the city.”


http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/hammond-councilman-says-college-bound-should-end-at-some-point/article_05e636d2-db43-5011-95db-652b638baee5.html