Isothermal Community College Asks Over $8.7M for Budget

Rutherford County commissioners on Monday reviewed a proposed 2026-27 budget from Isothermal Community College that seeks a $465,500 increase from its current budget, driven largely by the opening of a major health sciences facility and broader operating cost pressures. Their total ask is over $8.7M from funding sources, ultimately from taxpayers.

The request represents a 14.39% increase over the current budget. College officials said more than half of the increase is linked to the new Dr. Bobby F. England Health & Sciences Center, a 53,000-square-foot expansion designed to double capacity in nursing and allied health programs.

Officials said the facility is central to meeting regional workforce demand in health care and strengthening the local talent pipeline.

“This is about connecting students to high-demand, good-paying jobs,” college leadership said during the presentation.

Beyond the expansion, the college pointed to rising personnel costs, including a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for county-supported staff, increased payroll taxes tied to FICA and Medicare, and retirement contribution rates holding at 24.67% pending state action.

The proposal also includes a roughly 4% salary increase for college president Margaret Annunziata, citing years without cost-of-living adjustments and alignment with past compensation levels.

Operating expenses are also climbing. Telephone costs are projected to rise more than 30% due to a new student texting system aimed at improving retention and communication. Utilities are also expected to increase, while water costs are projected to remain flat.

Facility needs remain significant. A state assessment identified about $49 million in deferred maintenance, including aging buildings from the late 1960s that lack modern fire safety systems. The budget includes an additional $57,000 for priority repairs.

Security and insurance costs are also increasing, including an updated contract with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office for campus resource officers and higher cyber insurance premiums.

Enrollment is up about 5%, with stable full-time numbers. Officials credited growth to expanded accelerated programs that allow faster credential completion.

Workforce training continues to anchor the college’s strategy, with expanded short-term certifications in skilled trades and a new truck driver training program that college officials said can lead to wages exceeding $60,000 within weeks of completion.

Commissioners did not vote on the request at the meeting, which will be considered during upcoming county budget deliberations.