The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting on Monday, August 4. Highlights included the 2025-26 property tax rate proposal, summer financial update, and updates on College investments. 

Below are highlights from the meeting.

Property Tax Rate

ACC Trustees proposed a new tax rate for the College for 2025-26. In a 7-1 vote, the board is considering a no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.1035 (10.35 cents) per $100. This rate supports the approved FY2026 operating budget. The proposed rate would mean a slight increase— approximately $8/year—for the average property tax bill. 

A public hearing will be scheduled for Monday, September 8.

Financial Report – Summer Semester

ACC Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance & Public Administration Neil Vickers presented the Summer 2025 Financial Report. The College is on track with a projected $22.4 million surplus and a $64 million increase in net assets. Summer enrollment rose 13.1%, far exceeding the 2% growth budgeted.

ACC also is tracking substantial enrollment growth for the fall semester. Data indicate enrollment is up 13.2% and student credit hours are up 17%. Faculty salary costs came in over budget to meet the growing demand, but Vickers says the College was prepared, having budgeted for added sections and improved recruitment processes. This growth isn’t entirely tied to the free tuition program, signaling broader economic trends that ACC is actively monitoring and managing.

Investment Policy and Strategies

The Board of Trustees adopted a resolution approving updates to the College’s Investment Policy and strategies. This annual review is required by the Texas Public Funds Investment Act. ACC invests public funds with a focus on safety, liquidity, and strong oversight—using only low-risk, approved instruments like U.S. Treasuries and insured deposits. The policy also ensures diversification, regular monitoring, and competitive bidding to protect taxpayer dollars and maximize returns. Small adjustments were proposed, with no impact on current strategies or portfolio performance.

Policy Updates

The Board adopted revisions to Policy BGC (Local) to ensure compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 37 and formalize the structure and recognition of the Faculty Senate. SB 37 requires governing boards of higher education institutions to adopt formal policies on how Faculty Senates are selected and structured.

The Board also updated policies to strengthen the College’s Comprehensive Safety Program, adding disaster response, fire safety, and instructional safety guidelines. The updates add new language to comply with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, adding requirements for hazing prevention, reporting, and investigation. 

Use of Reserve Funds

The Board approved the use of up to $5 million from ACC’s surplus funds for one year to cover potential gaps in federal funding due to recent federal budget changes. Some longstanding federal grants may be reduced or eliminated. This contingency funding aims to ensure programs and commitments continue in the short-term while a long-term strategy is developed.

Limited Tax and Refunding Bonds

Trustees approved an amendment to a previously adopted resolution authorizing the issuance of ACC’s Limited Tax and Refunding Bonds. This amendment sets a maximum bond term of August 1, 2055 for both the new construction portions of the bonds, in compliance with state law. 

Chancellor’s Evaluation

The Board authorized the Chair to negotiate an amendment to the Chancellor’s contract to include several amendments.  Those include an additional 10 days of vacation time and the same pay raise approved for all ACC employees. Board members shared their thanks and gratitude for the work Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has been doing to reshape the College’s culture and leadership. 

View all agendas and recordings from the meeting here. Recordings are usually available by the Thursday following the meeting.

Tags: Board, Board of Trustees, chancellor, Financial Report, property tax