College board OKs budget of nearly $62 million

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors approved an annual budget of nearly $62 million at a regular meeting Wednesday in North Platte.

The Board gave the green light to publish the proposed budget for the upcoming year, which anticipates total expenditures of $61,984,583.

The budget will be presented for public hearing on Sept. 25, 2024, featuring a capital fund property tax levy of two cents.

The board also approved July bills totaling $2,865,005.56.

Other notable approvals included the renewal of subscriptions for ExLibris software and Transact software, and a Memorandum of Understanding between Mid-Plains Community College and the North Platte Community College Foundation.

The Board also approved a purchase of building materials from Mead Lumber for the 2024 Project House, amounting to $78,656.52.

During the open forum, student trustees from both McCook and North Platte provided updates on campus activities. Kendree Kern represented the McCook campus, while Jaelyn Dicke shared news from North Platte.

The Board also introduced new faculty members, including Dr. Melissa Pilakowski as an English instructor and Patricia Paxton and Bobbi Gustason as new nursing instructors. Additionally, Josiah Wriedt expressed gratitude to the Board for the opportunities provided to him during his time at MPCC.

The Board accepted the resignation of Mirna Cabrera, a music instructor at McCook Community College, effective July 2.

Later, the Board entered a closed session at 7:24 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. After reconvening in open session at 7:50 p.m., the Board adjourned without taking further action.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2024, in North Platte.