PCC Vice President William Swinford was unsure how exactly tuition or fee increases will affect the new courses. Community college boards have roughly 25 percent leeway in adopting the state rate. Swinford doubts the college board of trustees will see the proposed fall fees at its May 21, but is sure the new charges will be available for trustees in June. The increases are big news for emergency service workers since two-year schools train the state's firefighters, sheriff's deputies and paramedics. Existing staff is reimbursed for continued education.
Recruits generally pay their own basic training.
The sheriff's department annually subsidizes training for a handful of detention deputies, spokeswoman Michal Shanley said. Road deputies generally acquire training on their own. County Fire Division must fill nearly a dozen openings this year, Training Lt. Bob Bohn said. Any increase in tuition will come out of a recruit's pocket, he said.