UPDATE: Montgomery County property owners will soon face higher tax bills as officials just announced a significant increase in the millage rate for the Montgomery County Community College. The millage rate is now set to rise from 0.39 mills to 0.49 mills, effective with the upcoming 2026 budget.
The county commissioners authorized a $632.7 million operating budget, which includes a roughly 4 percent tax increase and a $255.75 million capital fund. This change is part of a broader strategy to enhance funding for the community college, which has reported a notable enrollment uptick for the 2023-24 academic year.
According to Dean Dortone, Montgomery County’s Chief Operating Officer, the millage rate had remained unchanged since its establishment in 2017. The increase is expected to generate an additional $6.2 million in operating revenue, aiming to create a more equitable funding balance among local, state, and tuition sources. In the previous year, tuition and fees made up 56 percent of the college’s revenue, while state and local funding each accounted for around 24 percent.
Dortone expressed optimism that the county’s financial contribution would align with state funding levels in 2026. During a public hearing earlier this month, Victoria Bastecki-Perez, President of Montgomery County Community College, voiced appreciation for the support from county commissioners and emphasized the institution’s commitment to providing equal access to education.
“This increase would allow, and I would commit to you today that we would freeze tuition for three years to help keep student debt to a minimum,”
Bastecki-Perez stated, highlighting the college’s dedication to affordability for students.
With an enrollment of 15,702 students across various programs, Montgomery County Community College offers over 100 different programs. Students like Sloane Harker, a 24-year-old second-year student from Harleysville, underscored the college’s positive impact on their education and career readiness.
“It’s a place where we’re growing ourselves pre-graduation, and getting ourselves ready for the workforce,”
Harker remarked, illustrating the institution’s role in shaping future professionals. She also acknowledged the resources available for academic, financial, and wellness support at the college, further enhancing its value to the community.
The increase in the millage rate is a critical development for property owners and students alike, emphasizing the ongoing investment in education and community resources. As the budget proceedings unfold, residents are encouraged to stay informed about how these financial changes will influence their tax obligations and the broader educational landscape in Montgomery County.
Moving forward, stakeholders will be closely watching how the increased funding will impact tuition rates and the overall quality of education provided at Montgomery County Community College.