What happened: The Midland College Board of Trustees met Aug. 19 to adopt the 2025–26 preliminary budget and approve the proposed 2025 property tax rate on first hearing.

Key points:

  • Budget and tax rate: Trustees approved the college’s preliminary budget, along with salary schedules, and a proposed tax rate slightly down from last year’s. For the average homeowner, the tax bill will be about 0.2% lower than last year or essentially unchanged despite rising property values. The college expects revenues to increase with an additional $1.8 million in state performance funding and $648,000 in Pre-K funding. The college expects local property tax revenue to grow by $4.1 million, driven by higher valuations, including a 23% increase in mineral values.

    Salaries and benefits remain the largest category, with Phase 2 of the compensation study providing pay increases. Health insurance premiums climbed 8%, pushing overall benefits up 8.6%. The budget also adds $1.2 million for preventative maintenance, $938,000 for facility planning, $1 million for a House Bill 8 reserve, and $121,000 for dual credit instructional materials. The board passed the budget and tax rate unanimously.