Update: Yavapai College Board approves tax hike
Yavapai Community College District Governing Board voted 3-2 on Tuesday, May 21, to raise the Yavapai community college tax rate 3.5%, with Board Chairwoman and District 2 Representative Deb McCasland, of Prescott; District 5 Representative Steve Bracety, of Prescott; and District 1 Ray Sigafoos, of Prescott, voting in favor. District 3 Representative Toby Payne, of Sedona, and District 4 Representative Chris Kuknyo, of Prescott, were opposed.
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold a tax increase discussion and budget hearing at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, in Prescott. It’s widely expected that the notoriously secretive Governing Board, which practically forbids its members from speaking with constituents, is openly dismissive and condescending to the public and hardly a “representative” public body, will issue a $16 million revenue bond, refinance of two existing revenue bonds and, as a final kicker, jack up your property taxes by 3.4%, which comes after a 5% tax hike last year.
Meeting Details:
Yavapai College District Governing Board Truth in Taxation Public Hearing
Prescott Campus, Community Room 19-147
1100 E. Sheldon Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 1 p.m. The meeting location will be open to the public at 12:45 p.m.
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/YavapaiCollege
Yavapai County’s junior college has spent $150 million in capital projects in Prescott while spending 1/10th of that in the Verde Valley, ignoring that our residents provide a full third of the college’s revenue. Now the college wants to build a health center in Prescott Valley for upwards of $20 million. While in-person enrollment has fallen, especially after programs went online in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the college wants to dump $11 million to buy a 42-acre ex-church camp south of Prescott, with 66 cabins and camp buildings for housing and programs.
The college wastes more of our money than any other local government to which we pay taxes. For instance, Yavapai College District 3 Representative Toby Payne — who represents Sedona, Clarkdale, Camp Verde, Jerome and parts of Cornville — wanted to know why the junior college was buying a third 3-D concrete printer for $600,000 of our tax money.
This was after not one, but two previous printers had failed, already costing half-a-million dollars of your property taxes.
Payne’s request for this public information about tax spending was reportedly flat-out denied by Yavapai College President Lisa Rhine.
Public tax dollar spending is, by law, a public record, available not just to taxpayers but to any member of the public who asks. Even more so, it’s absolutely the kind of information that should be produced immediately for one of the elected board members on the public body overseeing that government institution.
Payne’s request was forwarded to Deb McCasland, the Yavapai College board chairwoman and District 2 representative who nominally “represents” Camp Verde and the other parts of Cornville. But she’s a former Yavapai College staffer who apparently never really quit, happy to rubber-stamp the college’s spending whims for whatever dumb, Prescott-centered program college leadership wants.
To Payne, McCasland wrote, “Toby, WHY do you need this info? How will it help you, as a Board member, look to the future of Yavapai College? How does it help you make decisions that support education opportunities for our current and future students[?]. We do not assess the programs. We support Dr. Rhine’s strategic plan as she masterfully leads our college.”
No, McCasland, bootlicking college leaders is not the board’s mission.
Elected officials’ duty is to be accountable with our money. And it’s our money, you’re just borrowing it to benefit taxpayers.
McCasland ended her email to Payne by bashing the 65,000 residents of the Verde Valley, or one-third of the taxpayers who are forced — by state law — to support with our money a junior college that does not serve us, writing, “I do not support this request. I believe you are getting into operations and want to provide these stats for your handful of bean counters in the Verde Valley. DEB.”
McCasland appears to want to shut up your elected representative and hide the mismanagement and reckless spending of tax dollars on useless Prescott area projects that don’t add any benefit to Verde Valley students.
This board is stocked with shills and yes-men who plan to squeeze every dime out of the Verde Valley to build gilded temples in the Prescott area while cutting Verde Valley programs, hemorrhaging staff and short-changing our students — your children, grandchildren and soon-to-be high school graduates, who just want an inexpensive education in an America where a four-year degree from a university is increasingly out of financial reach.
A two-year junior college is supposed to be a stepping stone to a four-year institution for poorer students, or provide career skills with an associate’s degrees for young people and returning adult students.
It’s absurd that a young single mother in Cottonwood, or a recent high school graduate in Sedona, or a 36-year-old Cornville father who wants to improve his career options are forced to drive to Prescott five days a week to take junior college classes when there is supposed to be full, working state-of-the-art campus in Clarkdale and a satellite campus in West Sedona that could offer the same programs provided in Prescott or at some dilapidated, forever-under-renovation church camp in the middle of the Prescott woods with no WiFi.
Sandy Griffis, executive director of the Yavapai County Contractors Association County and a member of the Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission, recently penned a letter to Prescott area taxpayers urging them to tell the college board to reject the tax increase. Since then, I’ve received over 20 unsolicited emails from Prescott area taxpayers urging the board to refuse the tax hike.
Well, fellow “bean counters,” it’s time to respond. Tell the college board “no.”
Attend the meeting in person or virtually and sign up to speak. Or email the board members: steve.bracety@yc.edu, chris.kuknyo@yc.edu, deb.mccasland@yc.edu, toby.payne@yc.edu and ray.sigafoos@yc.edu and say “no.”
Christopher Fox Graham
Managing Editor
Emails in Opposition to Tax Increase
Subject: Proposed tax increase
Greetings,
I recently reviewed my property tax notices, finding that Yavapai College collects about 28% of my residence property taxes while my commercial office pays about 23% of its property taxes to Yavapai College. I have lived in Prescott for 27 years, so I estimate that I have paid Yavapai College about $25,000 in taxes for my residence and $55,000 for my office and vacant land—for a total of about $80,000.
Although I raised three children in Prescott, none of them attended Yavapai College. I have benefited by attending events at the beautiful Yavapai Performance Hall, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Pantalione era soccer games. It concerns me, however, that you intend to raise our property taxes once again—this time to pay for the Prescott Pines camp property. Taxation of a local community in order to fund a community college that educates its residents is a noble and acceptable cost that its citizens are willing to pay. I don’t agree, however, with being asked to fund the education of students who are not from our community and who will likely leave as soon as they complete their degree. If you are intending to provide housing for students, this means that they are not from our community. Can you explain to me why the residents of our town are being taxed in order to provide housing for non residents? Why are you using funds you receive from local taxation in order to pay for athletic scholarships of foreign students and out of state residents? The purpose of college is education, not funding athletic events. I understand that at larger universities athletic events bring in significant revenue, so athletic scholarships can be seen as an investment with an expected return, but that is simply not the case at Yavapai College.
The city council just announced their desire to place on the ballot an increase in TPT tax-to an amount that represents a nearly 50% transaction privilege tax increase on commercial property, and an 11.5% sales tax increase. Now is not the time to raise taxes in our town. I suggest that if you wish to purchase the Prescott Pines camp you either work with the funds you already have, look for private donors, or apply for a grant.
Sincerely,
Brian Schilperoort MD
Subject: No on Proposed Tax Increase
Dear YC Board Members,
I am in complete agreement with Sandy Griffis’ recent Talk of the Town Editorial in the Daily Courier.
With the tax increases the city of Prescott is considering/has implemented, there is just no justification for Prescott residents to have their property taxes increased for YC.
This absolutely should NOT be proposed without being put to a vote of the residents themselves. Please drop plans to increase this tax!
Best Regards,
David Reardon
Subject: Yavapai College tax increases
I want you to know that I am in favor of voting “No” on the proposed tax increase.
And I see that the meeting room for ‘us’ to attend to better understand why the college is requesting this increase holds only 20 chairs.
This gives me the feeling that you don’t really care what we might have to say or ask.
Sandra Kraemer
Subject: property taxes
I applaud Sandy Griffis’s courageous post in the Courier regarding the College’s bold attempt to once again increase property taxes. Since moving here 18 years ago I have always wondered how a JC college has the authority to support itself through property taxes. If you need more money for projects outside the normal needs of the school then increase the student fees not taxes. No public entity should have unfettered ability to do anything. And if you want to buy property to provide housing for students and faculty what business is that of the property owners?
Everett Sanborn
Subject: Stop the GREED
It makes me SICK that Yavapai College is asking …. yet again …. for another 5% tax levy. Didn’t we just do this last year? AND, the worst part is what this is for …. student housing??? Seriously, no one helped pay for my student housing. Where’s the accountability and transparency??? You need to do a better job of managing the money you get. Again … STOP THE GREED!!!
Sally & Ron Lunt
Subject: Tax increase
Dear Board Members, Please vote NO on this tax increase. The college cannot continue to pass these increases on to the property owners. Cutting the ADMINISTRATION and their salaries would be important to consider. There are ways to make cuts, avoiding tax increases. A NO Vote is imperative.
Thank you,
Mary Anne Williams
Prescott property owner
Subject: Yavapai College Tax Levy Questions
Yavapai College Tax Levy
Can some explain?
- Last year Yavapai College raised the tax levy by 5%. Spent monies on the purchase of Prescott Pines Camp to support student and teacher housing, retreats, and salary increases. Why is college now a year later proposing an additional increase of 3.4% in property taxes?
- Why is Enrollment is decreasing over time? (35% in 10 years) https://www.yc.edu/v6/institutional-research/dashboards/enrollment-trend.html Also is 2024 enrollment now only 6009 down from college website of 8193 in 2021? https://www.communitycollegereview.com/yavapai-college-profile How justify tax levy?
- Why monies when 40% of classes are online?
- Are only Prescott Residents taxed when reportedly only 29% of students are Prescott residents? Prescott Valley 23%, Cottonwood 10%, Chino Valley 8%, etc.
- Why isn’t the college keeping statistics current? 2021? where are 2022 and 2023? Student demographics 2019?
Thanks
Jim Hines
Subject: YC Proposed Tax Increase
Dear YC District Board Members:
As a widow who is retired and on a fixed income, I strongly oppose this tax increase. More tax increases from YC without taxpayers voting on these proposals is just plain wrong!
I strongly urge you to vote “NO”!
Cynthia H. Williams
Prescott
Subject: Please vote NO
For the proposed increase in property tax related to Yavapai College.
Sandi Lowery
Subject: Proposed Property Tax Hike
Good morning Yavapai College Governing Board,
I am glad Sandy Griffis brought up the proposed tax hike. I have been upset about this for a while. As a graduate of YC, and also having worked there for 7.5 years, I feel I have a general understanding of how the current ELT (Executive Leadership Team) works. I started at YC when Dr. Penny Wills was President. I stayed on for a handful of years after the transition to the new ELT. There was a ton of turnover due to the toxic atmosphere the ELT produced. The reading room in the library was taken away without any knowledge of the librarians and students who worked there. The construction crew just showed up one day, ready to remodel. Now the library has been hijacked to become a pet project. Students were surveyed as to what they wanted in their college library, and those results were shown to Rodney. He stated, “the students don’t know what they want.” Once again, an ELT pet project goes forward without any regard to what the students want. Since the library is part of the Yavapai Library network, it’s open to the public. Now the public has lost one of their community libraries. The library just gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars of materials. What a waste!
The college likes to give their employees “raises” which is basically 3.5% here and there. But with the high turnover, employees are taking on more and more responsibilities and absorbing other jobs. No compensation is given to make up for the extra workload.
During covid, most classes were moved to an online platform, and most stayed that way. What’s with all of the building and remodeling when there are barely students on campus anymore? Adjunct faculty are hired across the nation and teach online. They aren’t moving here.
This tax is a slap in the face, especially when a tax was passed only last fall. Please do the right thing, instead of letting the ELT run roughshod over the community, just like they do their own employees.
Sincerely,
Courtney Comstock
Subject: Concern over proposed property tax increase
I am concerned to hear about the proposed property tax increase to benefit Yavapai College.
With the rising costs of housing, insurance, food, and the planned sales tax increases to benefit our public safety needs, I feel this proposal is very poorly timed.
I am strongly opposed to a property tax increase to benefit Yavapai College.
Thank you.
Dorothy Sanderson
Prescott, AZ
Subject: No new taxes for 2024
As a Board Member, please vote NO to any additional property taxes for 2024.
We agreed with last year’s 5% increase so you could purchase Prescott Pines Camp for additional affordable housing for students and teachers; along with increased salaries.
It appears you are trying to “sell” this additional 5% increase as the same thing as last year. With last year’s property increase, you were able to purchase Prescott Pines Camp.
We vote NO for more property taxes for 2024.
With Yavapai College, being a public entity, we really don’t understand how you can even request money from the tax payers.
We hope you and the rest of the Board Members vote NO to this proposal.
Ron and Jerri Rook
Prescott, AZ
Subject: Purchases/taxation
Yavapai College has no business entering into property management and maintenance or purchasing 500,000 to 300,000 dollar signs. No on Friendly Pines and further 5% taxation.
Joyce Bunch
Subject: Tax increase.
As a senior resident of Yavapai County, I am opposed to the proposed real estate tax increase.
Robert Sorenson
Subject: Proposed Tax Increased
Dear YC District Board Members,
I read with outrage about the proposed tax increase by YC from property owners. As a retired resident of this city, how am I to afford continued increased property taxes? Last year you imposed 5%, this year you are proposing 3.4%; what will it be next year? 7%? 8%? 10%? This area is becoming more and more like California all of the time! And, the council wants to raise the sales tax .95% as I’m sure you are aware. More taxes on top of out-of-control inflation.
While I think it’s honorable that you want to provide affordable housing to students and faculty and give faculty raises, why don’t you raise the tuition at the college so the people who actually use the college pay for their expenses? That’s what I did when I went to college. I paid tuition, room and board which paid the college’s expenses to provide those services to me. Why burden retired residents? This has got to stop now.
Thank you for your attention and consideration to this issue.
Sincerely,
Paul Scrivens (The Ranch at Prescott)
Subject: YC tax increase
Please vote NO on the proposed tax increase for Yavapai College. I have read some background info on it, and do not feel it is warranted at this time.
Virginia Beidelman
Subject: Fwd: Request: Vote “NO” on proposed tax increase
As a retired Yavapai College instructor, I urge you to vote “NO” on the property tax increase of 3.4%.
Since YC raised the property tax just last year, I am having difficulty paying the current rate! As a contributor to myriad students who attend YC, I feel strongly that purchasing the Prescott Pines Camp is a “luxury” instead of a requirement for the college. And last year’s property tax increase was ostensibly for instructor salaries – again, fiscal responsibility needs to reign.
Although many residents of Yavapai County are wealthy, I am not. I have been in education for more than 50 years and never acquired a “deep pocket” retirement amount. Living through multiple layoffs and having to start over again at a different district or university, my reserves are meager.
Please do not agree to this egregious property tax increase for the second year in a row; our citizens deserve your “NO” vote.
Sincerely,
Julia L. Watson, M.A., .M.C.
Subject: Tax increase
Please refrain from raising our taxes. As low income retired teachers, we have been blindsided with large tax insurance and utilities increases that we already cannot afford. It is imperative that you seriously consider your county’s demographic of retired homeowners.
Thank you, Doug Stevenson
Subject: Proposed Property Tax Increase
To: All Yavapai College Board Members
I wish to express my opinion on the proposed property tax increase for Yavapai County residents. This increase is unwarranted and very much out of step in this inflationary economy. Many people in the community you represent are struggling with unprecedented inflation and are having trouble meeting their obligations.
If Yavapai College is having problems with overspending which would seem to be the case since you are requesting a 3.4 % increase this year after receiving a 5.0% increase last year, then I would recommend that you reduce your expenses as many of the community have found it necessary to do. It seems the college has adopted a view that Yavapai County is a never ending source for money for anything and everything the college wants. If you wish to retain the reputation as an asset to the community of Prescott, AZ, then I implore you to be a good citizen and stop expecting large increases to your coffers by overtaxing the communities that support you.
Additionally, I would like to point out that Yavapai College is in the business of education, not housing.
Regards,
Sally Russell
Prescott Valley
Subject: NO to proposed tax increase
No Prescott Pines Camps
Linda Thomas
Prescott AZ
Subject: NO ON YAVAPAI COLLEGE TAX INCREASE
This increase is a financial burden on taxpayers: Many homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources.
This tax is a pocketbook issue for hundreds of our residents in Yavapai County. If anything, given rising housing costs, surging inflation and recessionary fears, this proposed tax does not help build a partnership with Yavapai College.
Ann Friday
Prescott
Subject: Another tax increase -NO
WHY?:
No on the 3.4% primary property tax increase.
#1 for trying to fool the public stating an increase on a $100K home when the current median price of a home in the area is $545K.
#2 for trying to get a second year increase to include salaries AND the purchase of Prescott Pines Camp that will cost $$$ in years to come for maintenance.
BUDGET WITHIN CURRENT FUNDING LIKE OTHERS ON A FIXED INCOME THAT DIDN’T INCREASE 8.4% OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.
Thank you to Sandy Griffis for being transparent.
Subject: Proposed tax increase
I will not be supporting a tax increase for Yavapai College and I would like to explain why.
Last March, an extremist religious group disrupted a peaceful women’s march in Prescott. It was headed by Dale Partridge, of King’s Way Bible Church which meets at Yavapai College. I was stunned to learn that a taxpayer supported institution would host any type of religious group, especially an extremist one.
Dale Partridge’s view of woman is even far right of conservative and is closer to that of the Taliban’s. No taxpayer funded institution should rent space to ANY religious or political organization. I’m appalled that my tax dollars are used to house a congregation that has such a low opinion of women. Yavapai College should empower women. And even though YC may not endorse Partridge and his extremist views, by giving him space, you are complicit.
And don’t even get me started on his views on creationism. No college should give space to an organization that would like to drag us back to the dark ages.
I will vehemently oppose any tax increase and will encourage others to oppose it too, unless you change your policy on renting space to any type of religious or political organization.
Sincerely,
Donna Waldorf
Subject: 3.5% tax increase
Good morning,
I do NOT support a 3.5% tax increase for the use of Yavapai College expansion. I do not support any increase to the college system after the last increase.
Patti Hartman
Sedona, AZ
Subject: Notice of Tax Increase
Dear YC District Board Members,
I am writing to ask that you vote NO on the proposed tax increase of 3.4% . We are all at our limit these days with inflation and lower or fixed incomes. I feel this is an unreasonable request at this time. Especially since we just had an increase of 5% last year! What was that 5% used for? They are once again requesting money for teacher raises! That was the intention of the previous tax increase!
Please vote NO on this tax increase.
Sincerely,
Pamela Barth
Cottonwood
Subject: Property tax increase
I am opposed to the proposed tax increase. I have read enough in the local papers to convince me that you are financially irresponsible, and you have shown no justification for another tax increase. Each day I hope for representatives who understand that money doesn’t grow on trees!
Jerry Joels
Cornville
Subject: purchases/taxation
Yavapai College has no business entering into property management and maintenance, or housing. This is a community college and most students are local or are intended to be from the community. The cost of a 500,000 dollar sign and one for 300,000 dollars in Chino is out landish. The citizens of Prescott deserve better than another 5% tax increase…year after year??
Joyce Bunch
Subject: 3.5% tax hike
Good morning,
I am in extreme opposition of the proposed 3.5% tax increase.
Maria Sandoval
Subject: TAX INCREASES
Please vote NO on tax increases. We already do not have afforded housing and those of us that are not from California cannot afford them. Vote NO on these ridiculous increases.
Thank you,
Teri Grunewald
Prescott
Subject: YC taxes
Yavapai College has always been a point of pride in this area, but there has been a change in direction in recent years that is troubling. Like so much that dominates local issues, growth and change seems to be very prominent in the thinking of the current YC administration. While some of the changes are certainly positive, the tax dollars now being required are absurd in the face of inflation. We need a community college, not another university. The whole Prescott Pines Camp purchase is a ridiculous example of poor planning and should be reversed if not too late. I commend Sandy Griffis for her wakeup call and recognizing a burden on all taxpayers, not just our high number of retired residents. Thank you for your time and we hope the current request for a tax increase will be voted down.
Wayne Russell
Subject: NO !
NO to the proposed Yavapai College tax increase ! !
Prescott Resident
Ken Aasved
Subject: Quit spending No tax increase
Marc Fornara
Subject: YC tax increase will hurt Prescott
Dear YC board members. I am alarmed at the regularity that the college raises taxes on us. I love the college and have donated during COVID to support the Ollie program. I am concerned that this tax increase which taxpayers don’t get to vote on will kill the tax increase likely being proposed for the City of Prescott for fire and police likely to be on the November ballot. These increases surpass current inflation and their regularity has to change. I think increase should also align with student growth. I don’t believe the growth has justified the increased. I hope you will support more accountability here.
Thank you.
Ellie Laumark
Subject: Tax Increase
Greetings;
I am a resident of Prescott and I would like to urge you: Vote NO TAX INCREASE!
We are still absorbing last year’s increase. Many of us feel that this increase is not good use of our hard earned funds.
Sincerely,
Joyce McTier
Subject: Yavapai College
No to increase
Debbie Fisher
Subject: Opposition to Tax Increase
I oppose this increase to my taxes. And this is also that I am participant to the Ollie [Osher Lifelong Learning Program aka OLLI] program which I enjoy. No more increased taxes!!!!!
Chick Taubman
Prescott
Subject: Proposed tax increased
The Governing Board of Yavapai College:
This email is to request that you vote “NO” on the Yavapai College proposed property tax increase for its purchase of the Prescott Pines Camp. The tax increased is too burdensome on the county residents particularly with the egregious inflation rate we are all enduring.
It appears the college has been less than forthright with the community with its plans for property especially to the extents to offering student housing for a private college and the federal VA staff.
You as the Governing Board need to address this issue immediately and fully disclose to the community exactly what the intentions of the college are in seeking the purchase of this property.
Very truly yours,
Mary Carlton
Prescott
Subject: Please No MORE Taxes
Once it starts? It never ends. Example? Calif.
No more taxes.
Please
John & Roxann Koutzoukis
Subject: NO ON PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
As a registered voter in the city of Camp Verde I vote no on any type of property TAX INCREASE. ESPECIALLY AS IT IS NOT JUSTIFIED.
BRIAN COLEY
Subject: YC acquisition of Prescott Pines Camp
You don’t often get email from msellegood@me.com. Learn why this is important
I understand that the Yavapai College (YC) Board is contemplating yet another property tax increase presumably to fund the acquisition of the Prescott Pines camp for use as student and faculty housing. As a taxpayer and supporter of YC, I am opposed to this, particularly at this time of increase inflation and the consequent reduction in purchasing power.
A large percentage of our community is on a fixed income, myself included, inflation, the cost of housing, the increased property tax burden due in part to increased property values have all combined to erode our buying power. This proposed property tax increase will further aggravate the problem.
I understand that housing here in Yavapai County is expensive and the dearth of affordable housing availability does impact YC’s ability to attract and retain both faculty and students but shifting the burden onto the Yavapai County property taxpayer is not a reasonable solution. YC currently enjoys wide community support although a comparatively small percentage of property taxpayers actually use YC, a tax increase will jeopardize this broad support.
If, indeed, acquisition of this Prescott Pines property is deemed absolutely essential to the future of YC, I suggest that you consider an alternative method of funding this purchase, a public-private partnership might be an alternative.
In any case, I urge you to simply deny another tax increase
Michael S. Ellegood
Subject: [No subject]
No property tax increase for Yavapai Community College. They just got a 5 percent increase in 2024.
Therese Hussar
Subject: proposed tax increase
YC District Board Members,
Say no to the increased tax increase. This tax is a financial burden on me and my husband. We are retired and on a limited income.
Please reconsider.
Danny and Janet Manchester
Subject: [No subject]
This isn’t the time to be thinking about raising property taxes for a camp for YC employees when the city is considering an increase in sales taxes. The city needs police and fire stations but a camp? Really? I hope you postpone this and contemplate it down the road.
Sincerely,
Judy Van Bourgondien
Subject: Tax
We respectfully ask that you vote no on the tax increase. We are retired couple living on a fixed income yet scramble to find the funds to live in today’s economics. We simply cannot afford any tax increases. We thought last year‘s increase was way too much and now you expect us to pay more? How can you possibly think we can survive? Please vote NO!! You seem to think that because we live on the wrong side of the mountain you can put your hands in our pockets whenever you feel like it. Please stop! It’s time to stop asking everyone in the county to support what Prescott wants. Every time we turn around, we’re hearing about something you are doing. That is not benefiting very many students. This needs to change. As far as purchasing property for students, let them pay for it. It is not our responsibility. we are paying for every school district around and enough is enough. Thank you.
Roger & Nancy Stoddard
Subject: tax
PLEASE, NO MORE TAXES!
Dale Pickering
Subject: Yavapai County College 5% Tax Increase
I am [o]pposed to to proposed 5% property tax increase that will be going before the Yavapai County District Board for approval. We own a home at 211 Sheffield Dr. in Prescott. We are part time residents and spend less than 3 months in Prescott each year. With the rise in inflation our monthly expenses have almost doubled. However as retirees on a pension, our income has remained the same. Although we support education, this proposed increase for a land grab, will not directly impact education. It will place a major financial burden on the backs of property owners in Yavapai County.
Please vote NO on this proposal.
Sincerely,
Marcia Florian
Subject: Yavapai College tax increase
This is not the time for tax increases. Do not vote for the Yavapai College tax increase.
Pat Price
Subject: No new or additional taxes, please
Hello,
I see a proposed property tax increase in part for use at YC to include increasing teacher pay.
I worked at a community college and in government for a combined 23 years, including creating rate models and budgets.
It seems to me that government and government -adjacent institutions such as community college have completely lost touch with economic and cultural reality.
Teachers are unionized or have collective bargaining agreements which already give them decent COLAs (unlike my paltry social security increase that leaves me worse off), excellent benefits, and job security to such a degree that incompetence is tolerated.
As we have seen in recent protests, institutions of higher learning are hot beds of [M]arxist indoctrination.
I cringe at the YC reader board whenever I drive by. The liberal themes and colors are out of touch with the local community.
We are hurting financially, and we don’t want to pay more tax for your fanciful notions.
Our founding fathers fine Ted a revolution over a minor tax on tea, and look how brazen ‘institutions’ have now become in robbing citizens (even to spend large amounts on non-citizens).
Read the room.
No.
Lisa Huntley
Subject: NO to 5% proposed tax increase by Yavapai College
Dear YC District Board Members,
I read with outrage about the proposed tax increase by YC for property owners. As a retired resident of this city, how am I am to afford continued increased property taxes? Last year you imposed 3.6%, this year you are proposing 5%; what will it be next year? 7%? 8%? 10%? This area is becoming more and more like California all of the time! And, the council wants to raise the sales tax .95% as I’m sure you are aware. More taxes on top of out-of-control inflation.
While I think it’s honorable that you want to provide affordable housing to students and faculty and give faculty raises, why don’t you raise the tuition at the college so the people who actually use the college pay for their expenses? That’s what I did when I went to college. I paid tuition, room and board which paid the college’s expenses to provide those services to me. Why burden retired citizens? This has got to stop now.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this issue.
Sincerely,
Connie Martin
Subject: VOTE NO ON PROPOSED NEW TAX INCREASE
Sigurd Hommeland
Subject: If you vote for another tax increase you can kiss bu[my] nest[next] vote for you goodbt[goodbye]
Larry Cabral
Subject: Vote NO today on YC raising taxes
Dear YC College District Governing –
My name is Marianne Compton. I am urging a NO vote from each one of you today on the increase of property taxes.
I am a registered voter of Yavapai County. My vote helps to get YOU all elected/or not to the Yavapai College District Governing Board.
As stated on the very first page of YC website, it mentions the Board and how YOU are accountable to the taxpayers of Yavapai County. We ELECT you. The Board works for US, the taxpayers. And on the second page it even says how You work for US. Do you really? We will see.
I DID support the property tax increase last year for 5% that was voted for by the Board.. It was presented that YC had not received an increase for quite some time.
It seemed like the prudent thing for the Board to do.
I am OPPOSED to the Board voting for today’s primary property tax increase of 3.4%. You do not need to purchase the Prescott Pines Camp for housing student/teachers or events. The College needs to work/spend within it’s means – just like all of us taxpayers! And good luck finding a home that is worth only $100,000.
In this time of high inflation, most of us retirees here in Prescott are on fixed incomes and working families are struggling! This would be a very irresponsible move/vote.
I am unable to attend the meeting today, but will find out how each one of you voted, and will remember your vote the next time you come up for re-election for YC Governing Board.
I urge a NO vote from each of you today.
Respectfully submitted,
Marianne Compton
Subject: Tax Change
Three voters here, strongly OPPOSE the property tax increase.
We are disappointed by your lack of sensitivity to community members’ struggles with major real-world COLA issues; making tough choices between food, medicine and housing, plus the high probability of a severe recession further underscoring our opposition.
Those more fortunate will no longer consider supporting the school’s events or any donations if this poorly timed increase is effected.
MR Hay- Prescott
Email in Support of Tax Increase
Subject: Support from Henry Ebarb
Hello Board –
I know you are getting a lot of nasty emails – let me be clear, as a long standing community member of Prescott (and a voice for my much larger family here in Prescott) – I am 100% in support of the moves Yavapai College is making to better support their students, the education being provided, and the goal of helping with our dire housing situation. The community members at large that are ranting about the taxes are the ones that live comfortably and have zero concern for their own housing needs and really demonstrate a cold hearted attitude to the youth and educators in our community.
Whatever you all may need, I am happy to wear a target on this one.
A proud alumni of Yavapai College.
Best,
Henry Ebarb II
CEO & Founder
Eightfold Technology
