Montgomery County officials have approved an increase in the millage rate for the Montgomery County Community College, impacting property owners across the region. On December 4, 2023, county commissioners raised the millage rate from 0.39 mills to 0.49 mills as part of the budget proceedings for 2026, which also includes a $632.7 million operating budget and a $255.75 million capital fund. This decision translates to an approximate 4 percent tax increase for residents.
The millage rate, established in 2017, had remained unchanged for several years. According to Dean Dortone, Montgomery County’s Chief Operating Officer, this adjustment is expected to generate an additional $6.2 million in operating revenue. The funds will assist in creating a more equitable balance in the community college’s revenue sources, which include local taxes, state funding, and tuition fees. In the current fiscal year, tuition and fees accounted for 56 percent of the college’s revenue, with state and local funds contributing approximately 24 percent each.
Dortone expressed optimism that the county’s contribution will align with state funding levels in 2026, following this increase in the millage rate. The decision aims to enhance the financial sustainability of the community college, allowing it to better serve students and the community.
During the public hearing, Victoria Bastecki-Perez, President of Montgomery County Community College, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the college and the county commissioners. She stated, “We continue to enhance our mission to ensure every county resident who dares to dream in higher education has equal access and equal opportunity for all.” Bastecki-Perez also highlighted that tuition rates had been frozen from 2017 to 2022. She assured attendees that the new funding would enable the college to freeze tuition for the next three years, aiming to minimize student debt.
As of 2024, the college reported an enrollment of 15,702 students across various programs, including associate degrees, certificates, dual enrollment, and non-degree options. The college boasts over 100 different programs, catering to a diverse student body.
Student testimonials reflect the positive impact of Montgomery County Community College on individual lives. Sloane Harker, a 24-year-old second-year student from Harleysville, spoke about the supportive environment at the college. “It’s not a place where you’re going to go, sit through a lecture, do some homework, go home, and that’s it,” Harker noted. “This is a place where we’re growing ourselves pre-graduation and getting ourselves ready for the workforce.”
Harker also praised the resources available to students in academic, financial, and wellness sectors. “I think Montgomery County Community College is a great asset to this county and this community,” she said, emphasizing the college’s commitment to professionalism and student success.
The increase in the millage rate reflects a strategic move to bolster funding for Montgomery County Community College, ensuring its continued ability to provide quality education and support to its students. The county’s investment in education aims to foster opportunities and enhance the overall well-being of the local community.
