If all goes as planned, local students may be able to attend college classes with more regularity in Warrenton as early as August. An ad hoc committee consisting of Warren County R-III administrators, government officials and community members are leading the charge to make Warrenton a satellite campus for a college institution. Discussions so far have centered on luring East Central College, a two-year school in Union, and either William Woods University or Lindenwood University, both four-year schools located in Fulton and St. Charles, respectively. Already, East Central and William Woods rent space for evening classes held at Warrenton High School throughout the year. "If we as a community don't begin to move in that direction, it will bypass us," Boonslick Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Steve Etcher said. "Other communities will see that is the seed that grows and creates jobs." To make Warrenton more attractive over other communities, committee members felt they needed to entice the colleges with a financial package. The funds would cover rent, utilities and other start-up costs. After the two years, the colleges would be responsible for funding themselves. Warren County R-III Superintendent Dr. John Long said the area's willingness to fund a college has been met with a favorable response from college officials. The Warren County R-III School Board voted Jan. 14 to contribute $15,000 for the first year contingent on the city of Warrenton and the county doing at least the same amount or greater. The county commission, which formally approved its 2010 budget Monday, allocated $25,000 for the first year. While the city of Warrenton has yet to commit, Mayor Greg Costello said the offer will be discussed when the time draws closer to work on the 2010-11 budget, which will run on the fiscal year beginning July 1. With the three governmental entities expected to contribute up to $55,000, additional funds will be sought from the private sector, according to Etcher. In the past year, Etcher said, BRPC spent up to $1 million to help job seekers return to school. It's that high cost that make local officials believe the county can benefit from having classes held here regularly. Long said he envisioned high school students attending on weekday afternoons and enrolling in dual-credit courses that would transfer to other colleges after graduation. He also stated a partnership with East Central would allow high school graduates who participated in the A+ plus program to receive free tuition for two years without the hassle of driving to St. Charles or Union. In addition, teachers would not have to worry about the inconvenience of attending evening classes at Lindenwood's St. Charles campus. Its expected bachelor's and master's degree programs would be available. "What they would offer is what the community would support," Long said. A satellite campus also could benefit local governments that levy sales taxes. Since St. Charles is the likely destination for college students now, a Warrenton location would be enticing to surrounding communities, such as Wright City, Montgomery City and Hawk Point. The student visitors will likely be spending money when eating, shopping and getting gas, Long noted. "Every person who we can bring in will have their wallet and that will benefit all of us," he said. Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson added: "There are a lot of Warren County dollars that leave because there isn't a school here. All that money is being spent elsewhere." Having a college campus here also would help attract new businesses, according to Etcher. He said prospective business owners prefer a nearby college institution so they can tap into an educated work force. While a location has not been finalized, both Long and Etcher noted that the outlet mall is the preferred site. They both acknowledged college officials have looked at the mall and have discussed how the open space could be transformed into classrooms. "If we're going to be serious about growing our community, we have to attract jobs for tomorrow," Etcher said. "We have to elevate the work force."