JWCC Trustees pass balanced budget with tuition freeze, tax rate reduction

QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees passed a balanced budget with a tuition freeze and tax rate reduction during its regular meeting Wednesday night.

The Board approved a budget just over $19 million for the next fiscal year which includes a zero-dollar increase in tuition and universal fees. Enrollment drives most of JWCC’s budget, as tuition and fees account for 42.8 percent of total revenue. Corporate and personal property taxes make up 38.1 percent, state funding 12.9 percent, and 6.1 percent is from facilities rentals and other sources.  

State funding is projected to increase approximately 1.8 percent to $2,454,961, up from the previous fiscal year’s $2,412,078 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 additional $491,525 in operating revenue.

“Passing a budget with a tuition freeze and a tax rate reduction shows our commitment to making education affordable for everyone,” JWCC President Bryan Renfro said.  “We care deeply about our students and we’re dedicated to easing financial burdens while providing quality education.”

In addition to the budget, the board heard about the potential impact of issues associated with launching and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, particularly in educational access and enrollment. Like all other higher education institutions, JWCC experienced issues with the FAFSA earlier this year. However, with these issues resolved, JWCC is seeing an increasing number of applications, yet it remains to be seen exactly what that impact will be on the coming Fall enrollment.

“At JWCC, we believe that FAFSA completion is pivotal for ensuring student success.”  Renfro said.  “Through hosting events and providing personalized support, we ensure that every student, particularly first-generation learners, can access financial aid.  It’s more than filling out forms; it’s about empowering students to pursue their educational dreams with confidence.”

JWCC has several events planned to help assist individuals to complete the FAFSA.

In other business, the board:

• Accepted $90,000 from the Illinois Community College Board for the Rev Up EV Capacity Building Project to determine regional use and maintenance of Electrical Vehicles, provide community education, and gauge interest in development of related career pathways. 
• Accepted $49,547 in grant funds from the Illinois Department on Aging to engage seniors in volunteer service through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program hosted by JWCC.
• Approved submission of a five-year grant totaling $1,949,875 from the Department of Education for JWCC’s Student Support Services TRiO program.  The program provides academic and personal support for 175 low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities on JWCC’s campus. The grant also supports services to help retain and graduate students and assist with transfer to a four-year institution.
• Approved submission of a $197,255 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board for the Fiscal Year 2025 Pipeline for Advancement of Healthcare Workforce program. Funds are aimed at increasing enrollment and degree completion for individuals in nursing, CMA, Surgical Tech, and EMT/Paramedic pathways to fill in-demand local jobs.
• Approved submission of a $167,780 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board for the Fiscal Year 2025 Perkins program. The funds would help JWCC purchase equipment for and provide services for students in career and technical programs.
• Approved five Resource Allocation and Management Plan documents and matching funds commitment for submission to the Illinois Community College Board for capital projects.
• Adopted the 2024-25 College catalog.
• Authorized a lease agreement with the Regional Office of Education at the Southeast Education Center in Pittsfield.
• Authorized agreement with Architechnics Inc. for a science lab renovation.
• Authorized payment of the first half of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association dues for Fiscal Year 2025.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, August 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the JWCC Workforce Development Center at 2710 North 42nd Street in Quincy.