Austin Community College Sets Tax Rate

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Community College District officials adopted its property tax rate for fiscal year fiscal year 2019-20 on Monday.

The agreed-upon tax rate is $0.1049 (10.49 cents. This is slightly lower than the proposed rate of $.1050 (10.50 cents) which was presented at public hearings held on September 9 and 12, ACC officials noted.

“ACC remains committed to serving all of our community’s needs and is grateful for their ongoing support,” says Gigi Edwards Bryant, ACC board chair. “Affordability is a large and growing concern. I’m pleased that we were able to approve a lower rate than what was proposed. Every saving we can provide makes a difference.”

The adopted tax rate is among the lowest of community colleges statewide. It includes $0.09 for maintenance and operation costs and $0.0149 for debt service. Based on the adopted rate, the amount of taxes imposed on the average home will be $373.38.

Exemptions

To offset the impact of increased property appraisals, trustees approved a standard $5,000 exemption for all homeowners in the district. An additional $160,000 homestead exemption also remains available for seniors and homeowners with disabilities.

“The college strives to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars,” Neil Vickers, ACC executive vice president of finance and administration said in a prepared statement. “Tax dollars make up 60 percent of the college’s operating budget.”

Annual Budget

About 60 percent of ACC’s $406 million budget comes from property tax revenue. The college benefits from a large tax base that includes portions of six counties. The region’s increasing property values and new growth allow the college to balance reductions in state support, which has dropped from approximately 40 percent to 16 percent of ACC’s annual budget in recent years.

Tuition and fees make up approximately 19 percent of the total budget. The board previously voted to maintain in-district tuition rates for the sixth consecutive year and lower tuition and fees for out-of-district students who are seeking online or distance education options. At $67 per credit, ACC tuition is the most affordable among area colleges and universities.

About ACC

Austin Community College is a nationally recognized two-year college serving Central Texas. ACC is focused on student success and providing affordable, flexible pathways to help students reach their education goals, learn new job skills, or advance their career. The college currently enrolls more than 70,000 students annually.