Initial approval given to Southeast Community College budget

LINCOLN – Southeast Community College officials have given preliminary approval to the new budget of the school, for 2024-2025. 

The SCC Board meeting at the Lincoln Campus Tuesday gave an initial O-K to a budget totaling about $351 million.  It carries about a 7.7% increase in the school’s general fund budget and will include spending for expanded programs. 

This year, community colleges are operating without property tax support for their general operations, due to a change in state law.  State aid is making up the difference in what’s called the Community Colleges Futures Fund.

Community colleges retained authority to use a capital improvements levy backed by property taxes, of up to two cents.  The proposed budget includes a 4.6% increase in pay and benefits for college staff. 

SCC is recording about a nine-percent increase in enrollment and the additional tuition revenue that goes with it.   Final approval of the budget is expected in September.

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SCC Board members approved several projects on Tuesday, at the Lincoln Campus. 

One is replacement of the roof on the U-section of the main Lincoln campus building, at a cost of just over $149,000.  The board also approved installation of a temporary rock parking lot on the Lincoln Campus, for $59,600. It eventually will be replaced by permanent parking. 

The board also approved construction of sidewalks to provide a better connection with new facilities on the Lincoln Campus.