Anglin Answers Myth, Fact Issues Regarding PJC Proposal
by Dr. Pam Anglin, A.B.A., B.B.A., M.B.A., Ed.D., C.P.A.
MYTH: On November 8 residents of the Paris Junior College (PJC) service area outside the taxing district will decide whether to be annexed into the PJC tax base. While the initial increase is being advertised as low as 8.5 cents per $100 evaluation, that figure can be unilaterally increased to 27 cents per $100 without any authorization by the citizens of the county once they vote to join PJC’s tax base.
FACT: The Board of Regents has approved a tax rate upon annexation of 8.5 cents per $100 valuation. Historically, there has been a legal cap in place of 27 cents. The college has never come close to the cap and if you look at historical rates the rate has remained consistent and has not fluctuated more than a penny over the last decade. The Truth-in-Taxation legislation applies and requires public hearings for any increase in revenue and an increase over 8 percent could bring about a rollback election. Voters would have the right to reject any such dramatic increase. Counties being annexed would also now have geographic representation on the Board and collectively, the Board makes any taxing decisions. If anything, the newly annexed counties would have greater input on tax rates in the future.
MYTH: About 1/3 of PJC’s current enrollment live outside the taxing authority of the district.
FACT: As the 2015 data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shows the in-taxing-district students were just over 14% and the number of out-of-taxing-district students was just under 80% of the total student body.
MYTH: By joining the taxing district, the average homeowner in Hunt or Hopkins County could pay as much as $17,340 over a 60-year lifetime. The average homeowner could pay over $250 per year. The tax rate would apply to all property owners without exemptions, many of whom will never utilize community college services.
FACT: Average homeowners in Hunt or Hopkins County would pay significantly less than $250 per year, or $17,340 over a 60-year lifetime:
- The average home value in Hopkins County is $73,428 and the tax would be $62.41 per year or $3,744.60 over 60 years.
- The average home value in Hunt County is $105,767 and the tax of $89.90 per year or $5,394 over 60 years.
Furthermore, existing tax exemptions would apply. For example, the PJC Board of Regents currently provides a $10,000 property tax exemption to homeowners 65 and over to help offset the possibility of property tax increases among those living on fixed incomes. With annexation, the college will enact a property tax freeze for those 65 and older.
MYTH: The only benefit new taxpayers would see is a savings of $2,700 in tuition over the course of two years, assuming they went to school at all. Those not utilizing PJC services would see no measurable benefit.
FACT: A 2014 economic impact study conducted by EMSI demonstrated PJC’s impact to the five-county area is $141.7 million annually. Additionally, skilled training for employees is an important benefit the region can offer when competing with other areas to attract industry and jobs. Students completing a community college degree typically earn $500,000 more over a lifetime than a high school graduate.
MYTH: In Hunt County, the single jurisdiction with the most out-of-district students, there are about 1,270 students on the Greenville campus. That’s in a county with a population of a little over 87,000. Over 87,000 will be subject to increased property taxes for the benefit of only twelve hundred students.
FACT: 1,270 students represents one year’s enrollment. Over the coming decades, educating 1,200 students per year will build a well-educated and skilled workforce able to compete with other states and countries, keeping the East Texas economy vibrant by attracting good-paying jobs to the region.
MYTH: There are additional concerns over this massive increase on the taxing base of PJC other than just property tax rates. One of the stated programs and services included in the PJC district service plan is the ability to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand workforce program areas. Specifically PJC’s interest in offering nursing bachelor’s degrees, the school would benefit significantly from increased state funding for contact hours for those courses. But community colleges with baccalaureate programs do not maintain the same scientific and liberal education foundations used in nursing programs offered at four-year colleges. Unlike their four-year counterparts, many community college students do not receive critical course-work in algebra and statistics. Additionally, while PJC currently has achieved a nursing program, in 2015 PJC nursing pass-rate was only 75.47 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination N-CLEX. This is below that required 80 percent for first-time takers. The Board of Nursing will move PJC’s approval status from full to full-with-warning, if the program experiences pass rates lower than 80% for two consecutive years. PJC should be focusing on improving the program it has, before considering an extension. Additionally, while the PJC program is approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, it is not accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students from non-accredited schools who desire to go on to graduate programs in nursing are often turned away if their baccalaureate degree is not from an accredited school.
FACT: PJC has an accredited nursing program. It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Yes PJC’s NCLEX pass rate in 2015 was 75.47 percent, at the same time in which Texas A&M – Commerce had an 80 percent pass rate. If you look at historical numbers for PJC pass rates, the college has consistently been above the 80 percent mark. The 2016 numbers will be posted in January 2017 by the Board of Nursing, and the PJC 2016 pass rate to date is 93.75 percent. Also, there is a critical shortage of nurses locally, regionally, statewide and nationally that will take all of the existing institutions and more to meet this critical need. We are lagging far behind replacement rates as many nurses retire.
MYTH: Residents of the area already have access to an accredited nursing baccalaureate program at Texas A&M Commerce. By way of comparison, Texas A&M Commerce nursing program had a 93% pass-rate through the N-CLEX of 2015. That program is going into its third year and the campus has recently been approved to offer a family nurse-practitioner program as an advanced degree.
FACT: The Texas A&M Commerce nursing program had an 80% pass-rate for 2015 as posted by the Board of Nursing. Paris Junior College supports the A&M Commerce baccalaureate program because it brings opportunities for local residents to pursue advanced nursing credentials. PJC supports the University’s addition of the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Program. This program will not only provide Nurse Practitioners but provide masters degreed nurses that will provide potential faculty for community college LVN and RN programs. The proposed future program is scheduled for a public hearing at the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas on October 27, 2016.
MYTH: Several Texas universities, including Texas A&M Commerce, currently offer four-year baccalaureate degrees with annual tuition less than $10,000.00.
FACT: Texas A&M University – Commerce offers only one approved baccalaureate degree for annual tuition less than $10,000. That degree is in organizational leadership, not nursing.
MYTH: There’s not a lack of services in the area; what seems to be lacking is evidence for the claims by community colleges that they have been targeted for funding cuts by the Texas legislature.
FACT: The State of Texas budget allocation per community college student statewide fell from $2,313 in 2002 to the current level of $1,851; a decline of just under 20%.
MYTH: If the citizens of the five counties desire to assume more financial responsibility for PJC through additional property tax burden, it would certainly be an invitation for the legislature to reduce state funding.
FACT: Community colleges are funded through a statewide formula. Attempting to reduce the funding for one college would require change to the funding formula for all 50 community colleges across Texas.
MYTH: There is no justification for a ten-fold increase in the value of the district’s taxing base or the institutionalizing of a completely new property tax at a time when the state is moving to bring property tax relief to its citizens.
FACT: Paris Junior College’s goal is to make sure accessible and affordable educational opportunities are available to the residents of the area. This goal includes academic preparation for those students who seek to transfer on to a university as well as providing certificates and associate degrees in workforce programs to better meet the needs of local business and industry.
Persistence Foils Attempt to Evade Arrest
A credible Crime Stopper tip led Hopkins County Deputies to a residence on State Highway 11E Wednesday. The Sheriff’s office was seeking William David McPherson, 39, for Violation of Probation Burglary of a Habitation with Intend to commit other felony—that’s a Felony 1—and for Violation of Parole Assault Family Violence Impede Breath/Circulation—a Felony 3. When they knocked on the door of the residence, no one answered.
However, Paul Fenimore, with the Sheriff’s office, did not give up. He knocked numerous times on doors and windows seeking to gain the attention of anyone in the residence. Still no one answered. He found an open window located on the south side of the residence and a cell phone was heard vibrating on a table when being called. Officers continued to announce their presence but no acknowledgement. A door was heard squeaking shut and the officer continued to call the wanted felon to come to the door.
Finally, Lori Elaine McPherson, 38, of Como, came to the door and opened it slightly. The wanted subject was inside.
He was arrested on the two warrants and Ms McPherson was arrested for Hinder Apprehension or prosecution of a Known Felon. She is in Hopkins County Jail on a $10,000 bond. He is being held at Hopkins County Jail with no bond set.
Local Woman Attempts Escape From Arresting Officer
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call of a suspicious person at a residence near FM 2653 and CR 4738, Wednesday evening around 9:30 p.m. When Cpl. Todd Evans responded he found Kristy Marie Green, 33, of Sulphur Springs walking in a bar ditch. He stopped to check on her welfare and when she was identified it was found that she was wanted by Rockwall County for Bond Forfeiture Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3.
Green was arrested and handcuffed but later fled on foot. Evans was forced to deploy his tazer. She is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Escape While Arrested/Confined, a felony, and is being held for Rockwall County.
Seven Sentenced Wednesday Afternoon
Wednesday afternoon in Eighth Judicial District Court seven pleas were entered and sentencing handed down, according to the office of the District Attorney.
Pleas and sentencing included:
Jeremy Don Campbell pled to 12 months state jail time for endangering a child. He also pled to 4 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for bail jumping. If he commits a new felony he will be eligible for 25 years to life. Campbell, 29 of Sulphur Springs and his wife were charged with endangerment with eminent bodily injury of an 8-month old child. The female child had tested positive for methamphetamine.
Denzil Harris was sentenced to five years in prison for Possession of a Controlled Substance over 1-gram and less than 4-grams.
Adam Lindauer had his probation revoked and was sentenced to four years in prison for Burglary of a Habitation.
Tabitha Hughes was placed on 10 years of probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance over 4-grams and less than 200-grams.
Cyprien Lacombe was sentenced to two years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Jodice Macon was sentenced to five years in prison for Failure to Appear.
Daniel Stewart was sentenced to five years deferred for delivery of marijuana more than 1/4 oz but less than 5lbs.
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Agrilife: Arts and Crafts Show Highlights Fall Festival
Creative Arts Contest Results
The 2016 Hopkins County Fall Festival has come and gone until next year, and we could not have asked for better weather! Sun shine and a gentle breeze greeted fair-goers. Two of the highlights each year are the Arts & Crafts Show (by the way, I purchased some absolutely fabulous items handcrafted items!), and the Creative Arts Contest. Hopkins County residents showcased their talents in the Creative Arts Contest, and many people visited the exhibit during public viewing times.
There were 247 total entries in the 2016 contest. The categories with the most entries were photography and food preservation. The youth division had the most overall entries. Below are the results of the contest:
- Children (ages 10 & under)
– Art: Ezekiel Deterding – B; Katelyn Alexander – RB
– Bake Show: Kandise Ross – B; Lena Reyes – RB
– Food Preservation: Kaitlyn Myers – B
– Handiwork: Katelyn Alexander – B
– Holiday/Seasonal: Ezekiel Deterding – B
– Photography: Lena Reyes – B; Christian Ebel – RB
– Woodworking: Lena Reyes – B
- Youth (ages 11-19)
– Art: Savannah Deterding – B; Esparanza Deterding – RB
– Bake Show: Katelyn Allen & Hailey Halbert – B
– Clothing: Jorja Bessonett – B
– Creative Crafts: Kasin Wimberly – B; Wesley McDonald – RB
– Decorated Cakes: Kaylon Hume & Harrison Fite – B; Hailey Fouse & Samantha Ryman – RB
– Food Preservation: Marissa Greenway – B
– Handiwork: Aleigh Bessonett – B; Jorja Bessonett – RB
– Horticulture: Marissa Greenway – B
– Photography: Savannah Allen- B; Maurie Flecker – RB
– Woodworking: Tate Myers – B; Wesley McDonald – RB
- Adult (ages 20-69)
– Art: Gerri Miller – B
– Bake Show: Sheila Funderburk – B; Donnie Faltesek – RB
– Clothing: Kathy Kirkpatrick – B
– Food Preservation: Audrey Greenway – B; Jo Alice McCue – RB
– Handiwork: Joann Brennan – B; Karen Chapman – RB
– Holiday/Seasonal: Joann Brennan – B
– Horticulture: Linda Phillips – B; Audrey Greenway – RB
– Photography: Kim Beck – B; Kim Beck – RB (different class)
– Quilts: Kathy Kirkpatrick – B
– Woodworking: John London – B
- Older Texans (ages 70 & above)
– Bake Show: Hillis Bass – B; Bobbie Carpenter – RB
– Creative Crafts: David Dougan – B; Patricia Dorner – RB
– Food Preservation: Bobbie Carpenter – B; Bobbie Carpenter – RB (different class)
– Handiwork: Bobbie Carpenter – B; Bobbie Carpenter – RB (different class)
– Holiday/Seasonal: Patsy Bowman – B
– Horticulture: Sheri Walters – B; Patricia Dorner – RB
– Photography: Sheri Walters – B
– Quilts: Hillis Bass – B
– Woodworking: Charles Husbands – B; James Morgan – RB
- Nursing Home/Assisted Living
– Eldys Batchelor – B; John Hadley – RB
Congratulations to everyone who took the time to prepare and enter items!
Lady Cats Prepare for Bi-District Following Win in Marshall
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness said he told his team they needed to take care of securing second place in district before really thinking about anything else. The Lady Cats took care of that on their to do list defeating Marshall, 3-0 on the road Tuesday night. The Lady finished with a 9-3 mark in district play.
Coach Maness said his team impressed him as they played really well. He said they were able to focus on some of the things they would need to do in the playoffs.Kaylee Jefferson had a big game at the net getting 14 kills. Coach Maness said it was a big game for all his hitters. He said the Lady Cats were able to run their offense using really good passes and really, really good serving. Coach Maness said the Lady Cats had Marshall on their heels from the start as the Lady Cats had control of the match the entire time.
The Lady Cats have a warm up match for the playoffs at Emory Rains Friday at 5 p.m. Coach Maness said Rains would provide an opportunity for the Lady Cats to work on a lot of the things they would need to do in the playoffs. The bi-district match against Forney is scheduled for Tuesday, November 1 at Edgewood at 7 p.m. The Lady Jackrabbits defeated the Lady Cats in tournaments at Garland and at Wills Point early in the season. Coach Maness said the Lady Cats had grown a lot since then. He said the playoffs are exciting times adding if the Lady Cats get by the bi-district match, they might be playing for awhile. The Lady Cats enter the playoffs wit a 30-10 record.
Cumby Lady Trojans in Bi-District Next Tuesday
The Cumby Lady Trojans’ volleyball team took a hard fought 3-2 win at home against the Fruitvale Lady Bobcats Tuesday night. Score was 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 21-25 and 17-15.
Cumby’s leading servers were Paige Seely with 15 points and Jaycee Weatherbee with 13 points. Sydney Spillers, Alyssa Morgan and Ashley Hagood had 7 serving points. Alysse Bullock had 6 points and Samantha Hagood 3 service points. Ashley Hagood led the Lady Trojans in kills with 11, Weatherbee had 9, Lauren Hudson 6, Morgan 4, Harley McLarry 2 and Bullock 1. Spillers led Cumby in digs with 47. Other digs totals were Seely 15, Weatherbee 12, Samantha Hagood 10 and Ashley Hagood 9. Weatherbee also led the team in blocks with 3. Hudson had 2 and McLarry 1.
Cumby ends district play with an 8-2 record and their season mark is 14-14. The Lady Trojans meet the Maud Lady Cardinals in a bi-district playoff match next Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in Mt. Vernon.
Northeast Texas Rural Transportation Summit Set for November 9
The Sulphur Springs Hopkins County EDC and the ArkTex Council of Governments are hosting a Northeast Texas Rural Transportation Summit to be held on Wednesday, November 9 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
The event is being held in an effort to discuss our region’s transportation needs and how best to meet them. Every city and county within the region has identified needed highway improvements including safety, increased capacity maintenance and design.
There are many factors limiting our region’s ability to build newer and better roads, with lack of funding topping the list.
Tickets for the event are $25 and include admission and lunch, and can be purchased from the Sulphur Springs EDC, or RSVP with them by calling 903/439-0101. Deadline for ticket purchase is November 4th The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Local elected officials, Paris and Atlanta area TxDOT representatives along with officials from TxDOT in Austin will discuss our region’s long-term transportation needs. State Senators and Representatives will also be making presentations.
The goal of this summit is to share communication with TxDot and the region the common goals for improving our roadways. Your input is valuable. During this event you will have the opportunity to speak directly with TxDOT officials and participate in a panel discussion with state officials from the Northeast part of the state.
Six Sentenced in Eighth Judicial District Court Wednesday
Six pleas were made Wednesday morning at Eighth Judicial District Court, according to the District Attorney’s office. Court was held in the courtroom at the Hopkins County jail.
Pleas include:
Shayne Lappin’s probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 Less Than 1-Gram was revoked. He was sentenced to seven months state jail.
Jeremy Sharp pled to 12 months state jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance, PG1 less than a gram.
Taylor Connaster pled to 6 months state jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 less than a gram.
Francisco Velasco was committed to county jail for 30 days as a sanction for not paying his probation fees.
Brittany Bone pled to 3 years TDCJ for delivery CS PG 1 one to four grams.
Jose Wis-Soto Rios pled to 180 days county jail for PCS PG1 less than 1 gram.
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