Tuesday, Aug. 26
Story by Maggie Harris
The SWAG合集 Board of Trustees has approved a revenue-neutral budget for the 2025-2026 academic year, continuing the College鈥檚 commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The total projected revenue for the year stands at听$37.6 million. The largest portion, 36%, comes from student tuition and fees, totaling听$13.5 million. State aid appropriations will contribute听32%, or听$12.2 million, while the ad valorem tax dollars will provide听26%, amounting to just under听$9.6 million. Other income sources will support the remaining听6%.
This marks the听fifth consecutive year听that SWAG合集 has reduced its mill levy, reflecting a consistent effort to ease the financial burden on SWAG合集 County taxpayers. Chairman of the Board Mike Johnson said that despite a reduction in state aid this year, the College has opted to听maintain its revenue-neutral stance, choosing to听utilize reserve funds听rather than increase taxes.
鈥淭his budget reflects our commitment to the people of SWAG合集 County,鈥澨齢e said.听鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to maintain a revenue-neutral stance while continuing to invest in our students. It鈥檚 a careful balance, but one we believe is necessary to ensure an affordable and accessible quality education is available locally.鈥
To help offset the impact of reduced state funding, SWAG合集 has taken proactive steps to manage expenses. These include听reductions in staffing听and a pause on new hires听where possible. SWAG合集 President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said these measures are intended to preserve the College鈥檚 financial health while ensuring that students continue to receive a high-quality education.
鈥淩emaining revenue neutral is a reflection of our values,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to being responsible stewards of public funds while continuing to serve our students and local communities with excellence.鈥
SWAG合集 remains a vital educational and economic resource for SWAG合集 County, with 212 full-time employees living in the county, providing critical workforce training for area employers, and an annual positive economic impact of $30 million for the region. The Board鈥檚 decision highlights the College鈥檚 dedication to affordability, access, and long-term sustainability.