During the Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) Board of Directors meeting held Monday evening, the board reviewed the proposed 2009-10 budget. Nelson Dahl, Vice President of Finance, presented an overview with highlights of the general operational budget. The $42.9 million proposed budget contains the resources necessary to maintain the college’s strategic directions, accomplish its annual goals and support enrollment growth. Dahl said the FY10 budget was prepared with the assumption of generating 2,406 full-time equivalent enrollments (FTEs). “This estimate represents an increase of 92 FTEs or 4% over the current year-end enrollment estimate of 2,314.”

With property tax as MSTC's major source of funding, Dahl said the college is estimating an overall tax rate of $1.55, assuming a potential 2% decrease in equalized valuation. "The proposed budget's real dollar impact on area taxpayers is expected to be relatively minor as the annual tax on a $100,000 home will be $155.92 for MSTC services. This reflects an increase of eight dollars.” He added that MSTC maintains a considerably lower impact than other taxing jurisdictions because the college serves a broader tax-base consisting of 97 municipalities.

The Board authorized administration to publish a public notice to announce a public hearing on the 2009-10 budget. The next Mid-State Technical College Board of Directors meeting will be held on Monday, June 15, at the Wisconsin Rapids campus. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.; a public hearing on the proposed 2009-10 budget will begin at 5:00 p.m.; and the regular board meeting will immediately follow the public hearing.