What happened: Midland College proposed a $77 million budget for fiscal year 2025–26. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the budget and accompanying tax rate on first reading on Aug. 19. Both items return for second reading on Sept. 16.

Why it matters: The plan lowers the property tax rate slightly. After higher home appraisals, the average homeowner’s bill will be about 0.2% lower, or relatively flat compared to last year.

Go deeper: The plan relies more on local property taxes and state appropriations, while tuition and fees are essentially flat from last year. Facilities costs continue to rise, and the college set aside a $1 million cushion for Texas’ outcomes-based House Bill 8 funding in case state payments fluctuate.

Key points:

  • Taxes and revenue: Midland College expects $77 million in revenue, up $5.3 million from last year. Property taxes total $48.7 million, state appropriations $11.4 million, and tuition and fees $11.9 million. The remainder comes from other local sources and auxiliary operations.
  • Personnel costs: Salaries and benefits total about $54.5 million, roughly 71% of total spending, up about $3.7 million from last year.
  • Campus operations: Utilities, building maintenance, classroom supplies, contracted services, and other day-to-day costs total about $16.9 million, up slightly but relatively flat compared to last year.
  • Debt and reserves: Debt service is about $4.1 million, near last year’s level. To manage potential swings in Texas’ HB 8 outcomes-based funding, the college includes a $1.0 million contingency so it doesn’t have to cut mid-year if state payments arrive lower or later than planned.