CRYSTAL LAKE – McHenry County College officials maintain that a $42 million proposed expansion can move forward without using taxpayer dollars or going to a referendum.

Though the college has been criticized for its plan at public meetings and in letters to this newspaper, several board members say a property-tax increase or referendum would be looked at only as a last resort.

The college is looking to expand its health and wellness curriculum with a 120,000-square-foot building for classroom space, a health clinic and a fitness center.