JWCC Trustees approve balanced budget, buy 40 acres of neighboring land for $1.02 million

QUINCY — During their July meeting Monday, the John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a $19,566,691 balanced budget for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year. The budget includes a zero-dollar increase in tuition and universal fees and projects a 6 percent bump in credit hours delivered to JWCC students compared to last year.

Enrollment drives most of JWCC’s budget, as tuition and fees account for 44 percent of total revenue. Corporate and personal property taxes make up 39 percent, state funding 11 percent, and 6 percent comes from other sources.

State funding is projected to decrease approximately 15 percent to $2,077,360, down from the previous fiscal year’s $2,454,961 budgeted amount.

JWCC lowered the local property tax rate from the previous year by approximately 1 cent per $100 EAV.  An increase in equalized assessed valuation for property in the district will result in an estimated $665,898 in operating revenue.

Trustees also accepted offers of the sale of real estate to JWCC from the Deters Land Trust and Weiman Family Trust. JWCC will acquire two tracts of land encompassing 40 acres north of its current property for $1.02 million. Funds held in reserve and restricted for facility and property operations will be used for the purchase.

“The College was granted the first right of refusal on this land nearly 30 years ago as part of our original campus planning, and we were approached by the owners to act on that option,” JWCC Interim President Josh Welker said.  “Acquiring the property is a strategic, long-term investment that ensures we can grow with the region, support future educational and community needs, and protect the value of our campus for generations to come.”

Board Chair Bob Rhea shared that JWCC does not have immediate plans for the property’s development and Trustees view the property acquisition as a responsibility the Board has to future students and the community.

“As a Board, our responsibility is to think not just about today, but about the needs of students and the community well into the future,” Rhea said. “Securing this land honors the original vision for the campus and ensures we remain prepared to grow and serve—whatever the future may hold. JWCC shares a connection with the Deters and Weiman families, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to education and community.  We are honored to carry that legacy forward as we continue serving this region.”

Trustees also hired the Pauly Group to conduct a national search for the College’s next president. Trustees expect to begin the search soon with a goal of hiring the College’s next leader by late fall. Josh Welker, JWCC Dean of Business Services and Institutional Effectiveness, is currently serving as interim president.

In other business, the Board:

Approved acceptance of $1,994,875 in grant funds – $389,975 annually over a five-year period from the Department of Education for TRiO Student Support Services.

Authorized submission of an $18,000 grant application to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for the Illinois Cooperative Work Study program.

Approved six Resource Allocation and Management Project (RAMP) documents and matching funds commitment for submission to the Illinois Community College Board for the 2026 Fiscal Year budget.

Authorized entry into an agreement with Quanada to recognize the organization’s services and maintain open communication.

Authorized entry into a 22-month lease agreement with Bella Ease for use of space within JWCC’s Southeast Education Center and to end the lease with Bella Ease at the Mt. Sterling Education Center.

Authorized payment of the first half of the Illinois Community College Trustee Association dues in the amount of $3,744.

The next meeting of the JWCC Board of Trustees will be Wednesday, August 20 at the College’s location at Bella Ease in downtown Quincy.