Final Budget Set for Board Review in September
Angelina College this week held a public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate for the upcoming annual budget, with the new rate approved and set for final review in September.
In August, AC’s Board of Trustees viewed the annual budget and tax-rate proposal the college’s administration submitted. Prior to approval, the board offered a public hearing, where members of the public are invited to lend their voices. Following this week’s public vote, the board will now move forward on final budget approval.
According to AC president Dr. Michael Simon, the approved tax rate for the upcoming rate will be .159115, which includes maintenance and operating (.145505), or 14.5 cents. The principal and interest is .013610, adding up to just a 7.19 increase in tax revenue for the college.
“I can’t express enough how much Angelina College appreciates the support Angelina County citizens have shown over the years,” Simon said. “We couldn’t be the college we are without their support and investment.”
Simon also stressed the importance of assuring the public that the trustees and administration are devoted to ensuring such an investment pays off for the entire community.
“They (trustees and administrators) see themselves as stewards of those dollars, and we want to make sure we get the absolute best return on value we possibly can for our taxpayers,” Simon said.
Simon also mentioned the “1/3, 1/3 and 1/3” approach, meaning the college strives to keep the taxpayer investment, the tuition fees, and the state reimbursement as close to balanced as possible to prevent extra burdens on the public. Currently, Simon said, AC’s tuition and fees generate more revenue than tax revenue does in the annual budget.
“We’ve really tried to be protective of our taxpayers and make sure we’re balancing our approach in how we build the revenue,” Simon said.
In return, Simon added, the college wants to reciprocate the public’s investment in every way possible. For example, AC has been diligent in obtaining federal monies such as Pell Grants to ensure students can afford to attend. According to Krista Brown, Associate Vice President of Student Services, AC awarded approximately $13 million in total aid in 2023-2024, with the college projected to award more than $15 million in 2024-2025.
The results are evident, as the college awarded degrees and certifications to nearly 700 graduates this past year – the highest number of graduates in several years.
Simon said in addition to newly qualified professionals, another benefit is an influx of revenue returned to area businesses.
“Those are federal dollars we bring in, and through our payroll and through our programs, the services we purchase locally – that money goes right back into this community,” Simon said. “It’s money that otherwise wouldn’t come into this area that we’re putting right back into the entire area’s economy.”
Just as important as the monetary returns, Simon added, is the human element.
“Not only are we a good investment because we put value back into the community, but I think of all the businesses that will say to me – both in the private and public sectors – ‘We couldn’t do it if we didn’t have AC nurses, or AC fire fighters or police officers, or AC accountants, or AC welders – all these professions we’re helping create right here on our campus through education and training,” Simon said. “Businesses can’t function without trained and qualified talent, and we have continued serving as a major resource for those needs for more than 50 years.”
Finally, Simon added, as Angelina College celebrates its 56th year of existence, the public deserves credit for the overall financial health of the institution, which regularly earns high marks from the governing bodies. The state performs a financial analysis of all 50 community college districts in Texas, Simon said, using the “same metrics one might use in a small business or even a household.”
“You’re looking at income vs. savings, a return on capital, those sorts of things,” Simon said. “And Angelina College’s financial health far exceeds the state’s minimum requirements in every one of those categories.
“That’s how we are ensuring that this college is here for this community for another 50 years.”
