The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting on Monday, May 5. Highlights included an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget, an update on Theory of Change, and the approval of a series of contracts.
Below are highlights from the meeting.
Basic Needs Theory of Change Committee Recommendations
During the work session before the regular meeting, Cara Crowley and Dr. Amber Sarker provided an update from the Basic Needs Theory of Change committee, highlighting recommendations and the planned implementation timeline. Proposed opportunities include minor cosmetic renovations at the Round Rock campus, new staffing positions to support the Round Rock C.A.R.E. Network and Student Needs Assessment, and additional purchasing support for food pantry needs.
FY26 Budget Update
Trustees received an update on the FY26 budget process. The College anticipates the new budget to be $568 million, up just under $21 million from the previous year. It considers a projected 5% growth in enrollment and the need to increase full-time faculty accordingly. Additional impacts include increased retirement contributions, more first-day e-books, and funds to support expanded offerings in Lockhart. The board will discuss employee compensation and the proposed tax rate at the June and July meetings. The new budget is effective beginning September 1, 2025.
Negotiations Approved for Contracts
The Board approved allowing college leadership to negotiate several new contracts. First, an amendment for software and software as a service (SaaS) solutions. It would add TeamDynamix to improve ACC’s IT helpdesk system. The system will provide a centralized system for students, faculty, and staff to request IT support, track issues, and receive help more efficiently.
Secondly, Trustees approved an agreement with the Caldwell County Appraisal District (CCAD) to handle property tax assessment and collection for ACC in the newly added area of Lockhart ISD. Lockhart ISD voters approved joining ACC’s taxing district in November 2024.
The Board approved the administration to negotiate and increase the existing contract with ACSS of Texas for maintaining stormwater retention ponds across ACC’s campuses. These ponds help manage rainwater runoff and prevent flooding. As the College addresses the backlog of needed maintenance work, the original contracts to repair the bonds exceeded the threshold of requiring board approval.
Finally, the Board approved the administration to negotiate a new contract for district-wide financial advisor services to ensure responsible borrowing and sound long-term planning. Hilltop Securities Inc. will help ACC manage its financial planning related to bonds and debt. This includes advising on the College’s debt structure, tax capacity, and overall financial health, and providing expert opinions when bonds are issued or restructured.
A full recording of the board meeting is available at austincc.edu/board.