Challenges need for property tax rate increase; increased spending on wasteful projects; tuition increase and Board ignoring voters
Second District Yavapai Community College representative Deb McCasland listed her concerns with the actions of the Governing Board at the May meeting in the Verde Independent newspaper “My Turn” column May 15. Among the many concerns was the majority on the Board essentially snubbing the public who spoke, all of whom opposed the increase. She wrote that it was difficult for her to understand “how the other board members can disregard the numerous comments from concerned citizens.”
She also wrote of her concern that the tax rate was increased at a time when the College really didn’t need the funding. Among other reasons a tax increase was not needed is the fact the College just received over $4.4 million in the sale of property to the town of Prescott Valley.
McCasland lamented the huge decline in student enrollment and the use of primary property tax money to fund capital projects. She observed that in the next few months the 70,000 residents of the Verde Valley will have an opportunity to bring about change with the appointment of a new College president.
You may read her entire column in the Verde independent by clicking here.