The South Plains College Board of Regents held their monthly regular meeting last week with the group approving a proposed tax rate and budget.
SPC President Dr. Robin Satterwhite led the conversation through his Presidents Report beginning with an update on the budget. The most notable update from the previous year is a three percent raise which has been incorporated for staff which is equating to roughly $1 million and some change.
Other minor changes are expected to be made following the report from the president. While not an action item, Satterwhite explained that he wanted to walk the regents through what they can expect when the proposed budget is ready to be adopted following a public hearing scheduled for August 27 beginning at 8 a.m.
In step with the budget, the group was informed of the tax rate options provided to them. The no-new-revenue tax rate provided was $0.305494. The voter approval rate was $0.330730.
The current tax rate for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 is $0.304834 (per $100 of value). The recommended proposed tax rate introduced by Satterwhite for the upcoming fiscal year is $0.317027 which is a four percent increase from the current rate.
Added context was provided to the group regarding the impact of that four percent. The four percent would generate $477,397. The average homestead taxable value would increase by $11,464 as the current amount is $106,633 and would increase to $118,097. The tax on average homestead is currently $325.05 and would increase by $49.35 to $374.40.
Regent Richard Ellis moved forward with proposing $0.317027 as the tax rate and Regent Chris Edens seconding the motion. The action item was unanimously approved with those in attendance. Regent Ty Gregory was absent from the meeting.
While the rate is proposed that does not mean it has been officially adopted. As stated, on August 27, the regents similar to other taxing entities are required to set a public hearing date to offer the public the opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns before the taxing entity can officially adopt the proposed tax rate.
A quick construction update was provided with the women’s complex having it flooring replacement completed. Renovations for Frazier Hall have been ongoing as a complete overhaul of the dorm has been underway. Satterwhite shared his excitement as the newly installed windows compared to the old ones have created a drastic uplift for the dorm.
On the inside of the dorm, construction crews found that the plaster behind the hallway paneling is too far gone which will require replacement. Brick work was also required while installing new doors around the building as well. Both those expenses were not included in the original list, but extra funds were already set aside in the event ADA renovations became a requirement. With approval in writing stating the college did not need to make those changes in Frazier, those additional funds were able to cover the cost of those unexpected expenses.
One looming expense that has been discussed is replacing the closet doors within the rooms as they have been worn throughout time. Satterwhite explained that his goal is to complete the project renovations correctly the first time and not have to revisit the dorm for minor fixes later down the road.
An additional action item was the approval of a property insurance proposal submitted by Alliant. The expiring premium was listed at $972,600 with the renewal premium being roughly $1.16 million. The proposal was accepted with minimal discussion. The premium will also begin in September.
The future of the SPC Natatorium has been an ongoing discussion amongst the regents. A key piece of the discussion has revolved around the balance of funds set aside for capital improvements.
Last year, the college set up a capital improvements account and the current balance is $2.61 million. A transferring of funds to the capital improvements account is expected with an amount between $3 million to $4.5 million from this years budget into next year.
Satterwhite explained that the amount of funds transferred came from several different areas from budgeted savings or funds simply not used. Next year, the capital improvements budget is expected to contain $1.3 million after Frazier and the library roof replacement.
The total amount that is expected to be in the account for capital improvements ranges between $6.99 million and $8.49 million. This was broken down for the regents to address the final two action items of the report.
Satterwhite explained that BTR Architects estimated that the project would be around $5.4 million. Teinert Construction looked at the project next and projected $5.8 million with some flexibility in the price.
The next step in moving forward with the project is the architect and construction manager getting together and go through the entire project to scan every detail. After that, they will present the college with a guaranteed maximum price.
Satterwhite explained that the board and college is now on the path of spending real dollars in the range of several hundred thousand moving forward in fees to get to the next point in the process. He also added the last option to stop the remodel would be if the architect and construction manager came back with an price tag exceptionally higher than projected.
Aside from the contextual breakdown of Satterwhite, a period of silence was shared before Regent Joe Tubb shared his thoughts on the importance of the Natatorium and making the motion to move forward. The item to move forward with the remodel was approved unanimously.
Another capital improvement plan discussed was a SPC Track Renovation proposal. Projected to be last resurfaced in the 80s, the college recently looked at resurfacing the track yet again. After further examination and core samples, it was determined the track was too far gone and needed more care.
A scope of work was provided along with a base price of $860,132. The recommendation of incorporating colored exchange lanes was brought to the board as well. The overall price for the track being redone with red lanes, white stripes and the exchange lane areas being blue would be $892,132.
Satterwhite also added that Director of Athletics Roger Reding and Head Track Coach Eric Vance found the red lanes with blue exchange lanes to be their preference.
“We need a track that is safe,” said Satterwhite. “We also want it to match the quality of our athletes at South Plains College.”
The item was approved by the regents and the goal is to begin the track replacement soon to be completed by the spring.
To kick off the meeting, Vance and Assistant Coaches Jim Vanhootegem and Frank Barker were in attendance as they were commended for their success this past season. Satterwhite read a resolution commending the coaches and the 2023-2024 Texan and Lady Texan Indoor Track and Field Teams.
The accomplishments included: The South Plains College Texan Track and Field team won the 2024 NJCAA Division I Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship May 18 in Monroe, Louisiana; The Texans scored 106.5 team points with five individual national championships to win the outdoor team championship for the fourth consecutive season; The Lady Texans Track and Field Team scored 47.83 points to finish fifth nationally, Head Coach Erik Vance was named Men’s National Head Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association; The Texans and Lady Texans finished the outdoor season with 43 All-American performances; “The Texans, Lady Texans and Coaching Staff served as ambassadors for South Plains College, the South Plains Region and the State of Texas and demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season,” said Satterwhite.
An update was provided to the regents regarding the annual South Plains College Scholarship Scramble. The event was held at The Rawls Golf Course this year instead of the Lubbock Country Club due to rising costs. The event grossed $56,855 with $37,519.12 left in proceeds after expenses. This years proceeds are significantly higher compared to last years $18,609.30.