VC proposes tax rate raise
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An average homeowner will pay about 75 cents more per month if a proposed tax increase by Victoria College goes through.
The Victoria College Board of Trustees voted this week on a proposed tax rate increase from 14.45 cents to 15.34 cents per $100 of assessed home value to help meet increases in operating costs.
The tax increase would be about $9 per year, from $144.50 to $153.40, for the owner of a $100,000 home.
"The goal of the college is to hold the line on costs while continuing to provide the kind of quality education and services the community has come to expect," VC President Tom Butler said.
The board will have two public hearings before final approval of the tax increase.
The college has increased the tax rate only four times in the past 10 years.
The last time the board increased the tax rate was after a decrease in 2004 and 2005.
"The board works very hard to keep the tax rate low," Butler said. "This year's extra expenses, like the new Health Science Center and our aging technology, were two drivers for the increase."
As a result of this ongoing effort, VC's tax rate continues to be in the mid-range for community colleges in the state while sustaining its distinction for high quality education.
The property tax increase will allow VC to cover the increased cost of maintenance and operation of the new HSC, replace and upgrade aging technology infrastructure and provide a 2 percent salary increase for employees.
"We are aware of the economic times and the percent of the salary increase is lower than last year's, but it's not the lowest we've had," Butler said.
Salary rates increase and decrease depending on the budget set for the year. The board also approved the 2009-10 operating budget.
"The budget, unlike the taxes, is flexible document that the board can change as needed," Butler said.
The college has set up community hearings throughout the month of August to receive input from the community.
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Sorry, "rukiddingme", but I've had this moniker with the Advocate since June 2008. I just don't comment on everything or for that matter everyday.
August 21, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.The president's salary is public information. I don't know what it is, but he also gets a car and housing allowance as well, if I am not mistaken. I believe the salary was published in the newspaper when the president was hired.
I forgot to include, in my previous post regarding the "work" schedule of VC employees...they don't work a 40 hour week, either. It's more like 37-38 hours. Sure, I know there are times (like registration periods) when they may work more hours, but for the majority of the year....they don't even work 40.
And my taxes will be going up to give these people a raise?? Unbelievable. Then again...look who is on the board...a Welder, an O'Connor, a McHaney. These aren't exactly average income people. How is a few more dollars going to affect their pocketbook?
I can tell you one thing for sure....the next time I receive a mailing from the Victoria College Foundation asking for money...it's going straight to the trash, unopened.
One last point...VC does employ some fine people, and they probably deserve the money they are making currently. It's the RAISE (when every other business and governmental unit is cutting back) that I am complaining about.
August 13, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.This is a public institution! There is no legitiate reason why the president's salary could not be published. I bet you he makes more than the city manager. You know one of the newspaper's owner is on the college board. I guess she is very protective of the college's business...
I think there are some inaccuracies in this article. I recall a college tax increase in 2007 or 08 that is not mentioned here. It was to cover employee health insurance premiums that Gov. Perry was chosing not to cover any more. The legislature got in the middle and the costs were covered in the end, but the college board went ahead with the tax increase anyway saying it was needed for technology.
August 13, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.I dare you Victoria Advocate to print these comments in the paper.
August 13, 2009 at 12:21 p.m.No way and looking for more teachers bad news. Why when UHV is now a 4 year college. Why waste my property tax money. Close Victoria College or reduce it to bare minimum and sell the buildings to UHV. We have no say on how VC is run or money spent since VISD has no connection with VC. We elect members to VISD and not VC. As far as I am conserned CLOSE VC down or take it off property tax rolls now.
August 13, 2009 at 12:06 p.m.Is Victoria College hiring? Just wondering because I haven't had a cola in two years and my premiums, copay,and deductibles make it so I can't afford routine preventative healthcare.
August 13, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.Yet sales tax at nealy 9% and property tax at 2.7,water and electric...well I keep the airconditioning between 79 an 81 and my water bill has never been higher. My backyard is getting over run with household trash because one trashcan is not enough for once a week pickup and I do not want to spend more for an additional can. I tried to put out some boxes next to my trash and the truck would not pick it up. In fact, I pick up the stuff they leave behind. Maybe next year will be better.
Come on!!! I haven't seen a raise in over two years. I pay for public school tax, even though i have no children in school anymore. Gas is going back up, food prices are ridiculous,home and auto insurance is out of control. Can't hardly afford entertaiment. Now they want to bleed us more!!! Give us normal folks a break.
August 13, 2009 at 10:17 a.m.I say NO. This is a 6.1% increase on top of a 4% increase in property values. I don't see how it helps the community to pay higher taxes when the tax payers are not getting higher wages.
August 13, 2009 at 9:47 a.m.The tax hike should not be required when property valuations are already up. All taxing agencies are receiving more already because of this fact alone. And for the raises..I have heard of no agencies, govt. or private sector giving cost of living this year. That is not keeping in touch with reality. This year has been the worst economic year America has seen in 75 years, yet the college is quoted as saying it is not the lowest raise they have given. In this economy is should be no raise, tighten the belt, do without, etc...just like everyone else in this community.
August 13, 2009 at 8:23 a.m.The County Commissioners Court decided NOT to raise your taxes during these difficult economic times. As a result, there is NO raise for County employees, and they will have to pay higher insurance premiums each month...meaning a net loss of income each month. Retirements benefits were also reduced.
Yet, the Victoria College Board of Trustees sees nothing wrong with increasing taxes, part of which will pay for raises. What's wrong with this picture? It seems the Board is out of touch with the community.
In addition to raises, VC employees will receive ONE WEEK of time off at Thanksgving, TWO-THREE WEEKS of time off at Christmas, and ONE WEEK at Spring Break. This is IN ADDITION to their regular vacation times, MLK Day, Memorial Day, etc. All total, VC employees receive about 7-8 weeks of paid time off each year. How many companies and other governmental entities get that? Yet, the Board still gives them a raise.
This was an opportunity for the VC Board to step up, take stock of the situation, and realize that this is NOT the time for increasing salaries, particularly if taxpayers are funding them.
The Commissioners Court realized this...why didn't the VC Board of Trustees?
August 13, 2009 at 7:55 a.m.I agree with mytwocents. EVERYONE is having a hard time! They should have to learn to budget just like everyone else.
August 13, 2009 at 7:28 a.m.I wonder how much the President and other officers of the college make a year including benefits? Oh, I almost forgot, it is contractual and rarely disclosed to the public.
August 13, 2009 at 1:10 a.m.Republicans talk about having a welfare mind set, but yet they feel that huge schools filled with professors should cost nothing. If we want to open businesses and have highly educated applicants with skills and smarts to make those businesses profits then cut your Corporate Lone Star card mind set and pay your share.
August 12, 2009 at 10:23 p.m.More taxes? Why not! Gotta love em.
August 12, 2009 at 10:14 p.m.Yes, please give salary increase, who cares if people in Victoria are losing their jobs, who cares if the small business have to pay more because of last months pay increase with the new hike of min/wage, who cares!!!
August 12, 2009 at 10:12 p.m.