At the TCC District Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, we had a very productive workshop and unanimous vote of approval on the College’s 2016-17 operating budget.

I am very pleased to share that all eligible full-time TCC employees will receive a 2 percent increase in base salary starting in October. Our trustees agree with the administration’s recognition that you all deserve this pay increase for the quality work you do.

In addition to the pay increase, the College is contributing even more to employee benefits in the coming year. Health insurance premiums continue to rise, and TCC is absorbing an additional estimated $600,000 in health insurance costs for the year.

The 2016-17 budget also preserves a sufficient fund balance, designates a source for classroom and campus technology, and funds a multi-year commitment to classroom renovations. It includes appropriations for all TCC satellite locations in Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties. This plan establishes operating budgets for each so that we can provide more opportunities for our students and our communities.

All of this comes without an increase in the financial pressure on students. For the sixth consecutive year, the College has approved a budget that does not raise tuition. TCC has the fourth-lowest per-credit hour tuition in the Florida College System while still providing one of the best quality educations in the state thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff’s tireless efforts.

I thank each of you for your hard work and commitment to student success.

Jim