The Western Community College Area Board of Governors finalized the budget for the 2025-2026 year at the September Board meeting.
The budget shows a one percent increase from the previous year but because of the new funding process through the Nebraska Legislature, called the Community College Future Fund, the property tax collection for the WNCC service area will decrease by approximately 76 percent.
The college’s operating budget is $65.3 million with the property tax asking for $3.38 million.
The total assessed value of property in the service area increased by 7.9 percent from last year. The previous tax rate which would levy the same amount of property taxes as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of property would equal nine cents per $100 of assessed value.
The new tax levy is reduced to 2.112 cents per $100 of valuations, a reduction of 7.7993 cents.
WNCC would also like to remind residents that the state of Nebraska also provides refundable credits for community college property taxes paid under LB 243. Tax payers are required to file for the credit, as it is not front loaded like other credits. Residents are encouraged to consult their tax professionals regarding the property tax credit.