The Jefferson College Board of Trustees approved a balanced budget that projects total unrestricted revenues and budgeted transfers of $43 million.
The 2027 fiscal year began July 1 and will run through June 30, 2027.
Board members voted unanimously on June 11 to approve the budget with member Susan Tuggle absent.
John Linhorst, vice president of finance and administration, said this is the second consecutive year the college will start the fiscal year with a balanced budget.
He noted the college’s budget was drafted with an understanding that the state of Missouri’s budget is not generating additional money for higher education for FY27.
“It was important that the institution take a close look at our expenses, knowing that where we have had some revenue growth in the last couple years, that is not going to happen as a function of the state of Missouri’s budget,” he said.
The 2026 budget ended with a deficit of $683,807 which was largely due to declining enrollment.
“Tuition revenue came in less than what we budgeted, and the resulting impact was the deficit,” Linhorst said.
But growth in the Jefferson College Area Technical School offset those declines in FY26; the school generated $1 million in revenue. The program is expected to generate about $1.16 million for FY27.
“While overall credit enrollment declined in FY 2026, the Area Technical School enrollments continue to grow,” he said. “This growth is expected to continue into FY 2027, with enrollment budgeted to increase by 1 percent in the coming year.”
The FY27 budget includes a tuition increase for the 2026-27 school year.
At the March 12 meeting, the board approved tuition increases of 2.7 percent for students in Tier 1, 5.5 percent for students in Tier 2 and 6.9 percent for students in Tier 3.
The budgeted tuition revenue is estimated at $14.7 million. Linhorst said this represents a 6.2 percent increase in tuition revenue when compared to FY26.
Also included in the FY27 budget is $1.5 million designated for salary increases and strategic workforce investment to give most Jefferson College employees at least a 5 percent raise. The board approved those increases May 14.
Employee benefits are budgeted to increase by $350,000 which represents a 5.5 percent increase. Operation expenses are expected to increase by $1.2 million, influenced by the costs of utilities, insurance, supplies and other items affected by inflation.
The FY27 budget includes $5.2 million planned in project funds which will pay for several projects around campus.
Linhorst said some of the planned projects are expected to be completed in August for the start of the academic year including Student Center upgrades like restroom renovations and improvements to the Viking Room.
Restroom renovations on both floors of the Arts and Sciences building will include adding ADA-compliant restrooms.
Master planning efforts will develop a long-range facility plan for Jefferson College athletics. This year, the college will work with Paragon Architects to speak with athletes, coaches, stakeholders and the Jefferson College Foundation to develop a facilities master plan for the future.