AUSTIN, Texas — The start of the new school year for Austin Community College will be met with pay raises for its employees.
The ACC Board of Trustees approved a $467 million budget for fiscal year 2022-23 during its Aug. 1 meeting.
For some employees, the vote to approve the raises came as a relief.
“It has been to the point where I’ve had to make hard choices, going to the store and passing up chicken, beef and even eggs,” Anthony Mignini, an employee at ACC, said.
Mignini spoke at the Aug. 1 board meeting to support the board approving its compensation package.
“Getting everyone up to the level of having a dignified existence, where you don’t have to worry about food or shelter, is pretty important and something I think that every employer should do,” he said.
The raises for all ACC employees is the largest compensation package approved in the college’s history at approximately $20.8 million.
According to the college it’s double the compensation approved than in the fiscal year 2022 budget.
The package includes a minimum wage increase from $15.60 an hour to $20 an hour.
According to the college’s compensation structure, those making under $50,000 a year may expect a 10% increase.
Those who are making $50,000 to $99,999 per year can expect a 5-10% increase. Individuals making $100,000 to $199,999 plus a year a 5% increase. Any individuals making $200,000 plus a year a 3.7% to 4.4% with a cap at $10,000.
The college is also providing a one time additional payment to full-time, adjunct faculty and hourly employees to help provide immediate financial support.
Part-time staff will receive a pro-rated one time payment.
ACC gave this statement:
“On behalf of the ACC Board of Trustees, I want to recognize the faculty, staff and administration for their work on the 2023 budget,” said Dr. Nan McRaven, chair of the ACC board. “We listened to employees, students, and the community to understand the challenges, needs and opportunities for our students and the ACC family. As a board, we have a fiscal and social responsibility to ensure employees feel valued and appreciated and our students and community feel confident that we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely. The Board of Trustees voted the biggest compensation package in the history of the college and at the same time authorized funding for new and innovative programs to meet the workforce needs of Central Texas.”
The approved budget will also fund the Rio Grande Campus main building and Highland Campus, new child care facilities and a new chiller plan at ACC Highland Campus.
The new budget cycle is expected to begin on Sept. 1.