The Northeast Texas Community College Board of Trustees met for a Public Hearing on the Proposed 2023-2024 Operating Budget and Proposed Tax Rate and its regular August meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22nd at 5:30 p.m.
One member of the public addressed the board during the hearing before it was adjourned and the regular meeting commenced. Dr. Ron Clinton reported that NTCC held in-service activities for faculty and staff this week as they prepare for the start of the Fall 2023 semester, which begins Monday, Aug. 28th. He said that enrollment is currently tracking slightly up in headcount, semester hours and contact hours.
“The implementation of House Bill 8 is drastically changing the way community colleges receive state appropriations. The old model focused almost exclusively on the number of students enrolled in classes, so that was the key metric that we tracked. The new model is largely based on performance – meaning how many students complete at least 15 hours of dual credit classes, how many transfer to universities and how many complete degrees and certificates. So while enrollment growth remains important, our funding is less dependent upon that alone,” Clinton said.
Clinton also reported that the new Health Science Simulation Center is nearing full completion and classes will commence in that facility this fall. An addition to the Shelby Automotive program is almost complete, as well as comprehensive campus HVAC renovations that have been ongoing throughout the summer.
In action items, the board approved the consent agenda and the 2023-2024 Operating Budget. The balanced budget of $22,229,864 is an 8.58 percent increase over last year’s budget of $20,472,986. According to Brandi Cave, Interim Chief Financial Officer, this was due, in part, to a $1.6 million increase in state appropriations received this year. The budget included a 4% raise for employees and absorbs anticipated increases in operating costs such as utilities and insurance premiums.
Next, the board approved the 2023-2024 tax rate of 11 cents per $100 of property valuation. This was an an eight percent decrease compared with last year’s rate and is two cents lower than the 13-cent rate approved by voters in 2015.
The board also approved an adjustment in tuition and fees for dual credit classes. In order to participate in Texas’ new FAST Scholarship program that makes dual credit classes more accessible for high school students, NTCC is required to lower its rate to $55 per credit hour for dual credit classes. The board approved the new $55 rate as well as minor changes to the fee schedule.
The board declined to take action on the nomination of a candidate for the Morris County Appraisal District board before releasing five employees from contracts and approving eleven new employees.
“This is probably the most personnel action items we’ve ever presented to our board in one meeting. We are excited to welcome these new employees and look forward to seeing the impact they have on our campus,” Clinton said. New hires that were approved include:
Anthony Nelson – Director of Culinary Arts
Kadi Downs – Assistant Softball Coach/Assistant Housing Director
JaQuacy Minter – College Navigator
Maryna Ortero – Faculty Member in Spanish
Elizabeth Bailey – Faculty Member in Criminal Justice
Emily Mikel – Faculty Member in Nursing – CNA
Brittany Carrington – Faculty Member in Funeral Service Education
Brant Davis – Faculty Member in Funeral Service Education
Haley Colwell – Head Softball Coach
Ian Albertson – Director of Residential Life
Donnie Featherston – Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Innovation
