Governors approve $51.6 million budget

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — With no one speaking in favor or against the proposal, the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors approved a $51.6 million 2023-24 budget Wednesday.

The budget uses of property taxes to fund the 2023-24 budget in the amount of $17,405,380 in property taxes, and increases the base limitation by 1%, carrying forward to 2024-25 the unused budget authority of $4,738,980.67 from 2023-24 and preceding fiscal years.

The official Board meeting began at 6:41 p.m. with Board Chair Ben Lashley taking roll call. Among those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members Jo Etta Brown, Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Ted Klug Jr., Ernie Mehl, and Kim Korgan. Several members were absent and excused, including Cynthia Duncan, Kent Miller, Tyler Pribbeno, and Tricia Schaffer. NPCC student trustee Reece Halley and MCC student trustee Graci Nelson were also in attendance.

During the open forum session:

• NPCC student trustee Reece Halley and MCC student trustee Graci Nelson were introduced to the Board.

• First-year building construction instructor Ash Thompson was introduced to the Board.

• The Mid-Plains Community College nursing faculty was recognized for significant achievements, including a 100 percent pass rate on NCLEX-RN exams for Associate Degree Nursing students and a 100 percent pass rate on NCLEX-PN exams for the 2023 class of MPCC Licensed Practical Nursing students.

• Board member Ernie Mehl discussed an upcoming meeting of the Nebraska Community College Association in Grand Island.

Consent Items:

The Board approved several consent items in a single motion:

• Minutes from the August 16 Board work session and regular meeting.

• The preliminary financial report for August.

• The Mid-Plains Faculty Association negotiating team.

Actions Required by Law:

The Board took several actions as required by law:

• Approved bills for August in the amount of $2,295,113.93.

• Approved a five-year contract extension with Transact at specified rates.

Additionally, the Board approved the second and final reading of amended policies in sections 1000, 2000, and 3000 and the first reading of amended policies in sections 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000.

Reports:

Various reports were presented, including a recap of the 2022-23 Annual Report and cabinet reports from MPCC President Ryan Purdy and other key administrators.

Closed Session:

The Board entered into a closed session at 7:48 p.m. to discuss negotiations. No action was taken, and the Board reconvened in open session at 8:00 p.m.

Adjournment:

With no further business to address, the Board moved to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 in McCook, followed by the NCCA Annual Meeting in North Platte on Nov. 5-6.