Lampasas County Higher Education Center asks city for $10,000 to cover electrical trades lab shortfall

Derek Cardios (Representative, Lampasas County Higher Education Center) told the council the center expanded in 2024 to add a residential wiring (electrical trades) program but experienced an unexpected setback when a partner that was building the lab removed its workers and equipment. Cardios said the withdrawal delayed the program and produced unbudgeted costs that contributed to a $30,000 deficit from the prior fiscal year. "We are actively engaged in fundraising at this time," Cardios said, then asked the council to "respectfully request a contribution of $10,000 from the city of Lampasas." He said the center had requested the same amount from the county and expected that support to arrive later in the year. Cardios described the $10,000 request as intended for lab equipment and setup only, not for textbooks or salaries; he said the center had already received a $10,000 donation from Joe Abel and a donation of lumber from Tommy Fogel. Cardios said annual operating revenue for the nonprofit center typically ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 and that average yearly enrollment in workforce training programs is about 50 to 75 students (35 last year); the center runs multiple health and trades programs and aims to expand male enrollment through trades training. Council members asked follow-up questions about the terminated partnership, fundraising, enrollment and industry outreach; Cardios said local contractors had been engaged during program approval and that one instructor from the former partner had joined the center. No formal city appropriation or vote on the $10,000 request occurred at the July 28 workshop.