Board hears FY25 financial report and says revenue growth may avoid fee hike; testing capacity expands

Finance staff presented the board’s FY25 annual financial report and an FY26 year‑to‑date revenue update at the Dec. 3 meeting. Licensing and examination revenues for the opening quarter were reported up roughly 5% compared with the same period last year, and staff said that continued growth could avoid a fee increase for licensees.

Dan (finance) reviewed the basic financial statements and noted the agency submitted required reports on time. He also briefed the board on a routine state auditor kickoff for an internal audit of agency processes. The chair praised staff work on revenue growth and said increased capacity for exams and faster turnaround have contributed to higher revenue and improved service.

Separately, staff outlined testing expansions: Waco is running frequent practical exams, Austin’s new testing center is opening for scheduled exams in January, and Harlingen remains planned as a future practical center. Staff discussed the potential costs and benefits of a mobile testing unit but noted fuel, insurance and staffing make it expensive; they recommended focusing on fixed center capacity first.

To reduce practical‑exam preparation time and recurring costs, the agency has begun producing practical exam fittings in‑house with a 3D printer. Staff said early purchases and material costs indicate potential cost savings over third‑party‑purchased fittings while speeding set‑up for multiple practical test runs.

The board accepted the FY25 report and asked staff to continue monitoring revenue trends, testing capacity and audit follow‑up items.