Commission approves preparing 2026 budget to include $50,000 for Garden City Community College building trades program

The City Commission on May 6 approved directing staff to prepare the proposed 2026 budget to include a $50,000 funding commitment (the first of two $50,000 payments) to Garden City Community College (GCCC) for creation and expansion of a building trades program, subject to appropriation.

Representatives of Garden City Community College said the college seeks to expand its existing construction-trades certificate into a two-year certificate and degree and to enlarge shop space so the program can grow from about 20 students per year to about 60 students per year. The college reported it has raised approximately $1,400,000 of a $2,000,000 fundraising goal; Finney County has committed $200,000. GCCC said the requested city contribution would be structured as two $50,000 payments, one in 2026 and one in 2027, both subject to appropriation.

City staff presented the funding as aligned with the commission’s strategic goals related to workforce and housing development. Staff recommended including the $50,000 in the proposed 2026 budget and, if the commission approves the adopted budget later this year, the city would effect the payment in January 2026. Staff noted the college requested a letter of support as it pursues other funders and that inclusion in the proposed budget would strengthen the college’s fundraising packets.

Commissioners discussed the procedural nature of the vote — it authorizes preparing the budget to include the requested funding; final approval would occur during the formal 2026 budget adoption process. One commissioner described the arrangement as a “creative” way to phase funding through two budgets. The motion to prepare the proposed 2026 budget with the $50,000 commitment passed on a voice vote.