Trustees OK $41 M budget

Odessa College trustees unanimously approved a $41.3 million budget proposal Tuesday evening.

Gary Johnson, OC Board vice president, highlighted the budget for the 2008-'09 year emphasizing four specific areas. This includes student retention, enrollment growth, technology upgrades and educating a quality workforce.

The budget also includes a salary increase of 6 percent for all employees, and a one-time $1,000 increase for clerical employees.

"We need to reward our folks for doing a great job," Johnson said.

Virginia Chisum, vice president for business affairs, said the proposed tax rate for the 2008 tax year is 16.24 cents per $100 valuation. Last year's tax rate was 18.17 per $100 valuation, Johnson said.

Johnson said the board plans to consider approving the proposed tax rate at a later date.

Johnson said there is no increase in tuition fees for Fall 2008, but there are increases expected in Spring 2009 and Spring 2010.

OC President Gregory Williams said the budget allows for many new opportunities for students, faculty and staff.

"This is an exciting budget," he said. "There are a number of things here that will propel us forward."

In other action, trustees approved fee increases for three continuing education courses, including Drivers Education, Law Enforcement Academy and the travel fee for Marine Ecology.

For example, the law enforcement academy one-time fee will increase from $264 to $450 as of Fall 2008 due to rising fuel and ammunition costs.

Trustees heard a report on the college plan to install a $116,850 security system in five buildings on campus, including the OC Children's Center, Wrangler Hall, Century Commons and the new gaming center.