Vote was 4-1 with only public opposition coming from four residents from the Verde Valley; Verde Valley Third District Representative joins West County in approving the measure
Hearing and vote to take place at the Community Room (19-147) on the Prescott Campus
A host of hearings have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 16 by the Yavapai Community College Governing Board relative to the 5% tax rate and other issues. The Governing Board will convene at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 1:00 P.M. on the Prescott Campus at the Community Room (19-147) to consider the tax rate increase and other matters. A business meeting will be held following the tax rate increase hearing.
Those who wish to be heard regarding the proposed 5% tax rate increase will be given a minute or two, possibly three minutes, to express their views at an Open Call.
A citizen wishing to address the Board is normally asked to complete a “Request to Speak” form, and give it to the Recording Secretary. The speaker should be prepared to limit his or her remarks to the designated time (as noted above, from one to three minutes although typically three minutes).
Under Arizona law, the public has a right to attend, listen, tape record, or videotape all of these meetings. The public may not disrupt, but may speak during the Call to the Public at the beginning of this meeting if the call is on the agenda. See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. No. I78-001.
Unfortunately, despite a County geographically larger than several states, the Community College does not live-stream its meetings so residents who are disabled, working or who live 50 to more than 100 miles away from the Prescott Campus may view what is happening in real time. Normally, a videotape of the meeting is posted about a week later.
The full agenda for the Tuesday afternoon session can be found on the Community College web site when it is posted.
College says it needs about $2.5 Million in new Primary County Property Taxes for it 2023-2024 budget and will not invade any of the millions in its cash reserves
The upcoming meeting of the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board on May 16 on the Prescott Campus is expected to result in the approval of a 5% county-wide tax rate increase. With a majority of the five-person Board living on the west side of the County, the decision seems all but certain.
A further indication of the likelihood of the tax rate being approved is the lack of any serious opposition coming from Board members in previous meetings where the increase was proposed by the administration. Based on this lack of serious opposition, it appears that the Board is in agreement with the need for a tax rate increase to support the College’s initiatives.
Moreover, sparse public attendance at past rate hearings suggest that the public may not be particularly interested in the matter, making it likely that only a handful of taxpayers will appear at the May 16 public tax hearing and voice opposition to the increase.
At prior meetings, the Community College justification for a tax rate increase has rested on arguments about inflation and the fact that it has not requested an increase in the past four years. The College argues that these justifications support its view that it is making a responsible decision to maintain its funding levels and continue providing quality education to its students.
In addition to the proposed tax rate increase, the Board will be tasked with approving over $18 million in new permanent construction, which is set to exclusively benefit the west side of the County. The largest allocation of funds, around $15.3 million, will be spent over a three-year period to renovate Building 19 on the Prescott Campus. Another portion of the funds, amounting to $3 million or more, will be allocated to build a small faculty village consisting of ten homes just outside Prescott Valley. These proposed projects represent a significant additional investment in the College’s infrastructure on the west side of Yavapai County.
The Administration has also indicated it is reluctant to invade millions of dollars it is holding in its reserve accounts as this may affect future capital construction plans.
Alert sent out by College late Friday afternoon, May 12 advising faculty to be aware of text scam aimed at them
Yavapai Community College faculty were alerted Friday afternoon, May 12 that they were being sent a texting scam. Faculty were advised not to open the scam message and if they did, to delete it from their computers.
The College did not explain in any detail the nature of the content of the texting scam sent to Faculty. It did say the scam message purported to be coming from the College leadership.
Project approved a year ago finally will start this summer; College is donating thousands of its library books and resources as it goes digital; will be called the “Center for Learning and Innovation”
Yavapai Community College is beginning another renovation of building “M” on the Verde Campus in Clarkdale. It was last renovated back in 2011-12. Once the newest renovation is completed, which is estimated to be in August 2024, it will be called the “Center for Learning and Innovation.”
The project was apparently approved by the District Governing Board a year ago at the May 2022 budget meeting at a cost of more than $3 million.
According to the May 10, 2023, press release from the College, once completed, the library will be called the “Center for Learning and Innovation.” The College says it will feature modern digital technology used at many higher education institutions across the country. The intent is to “enhance the student experience with more content at the tip of their fingers.” It will also feature modern learning areas, study rooms, student learning support services, and resource departments similar to the College’s Learning Center.
The College is donating its current stacks of books and resources located at the Verde Valley Campus Library. In its press release, it said that “as of today, approximately 50% of these physical resources have found a new home with faculty, employees, Yavapai Library Network (YLN), and community members. The College has reached out to other charity and public organizations as well for donations. The older material that is not taken will be recycled and the rest put in storage as renovation for the Center for Learning and Innovation begins. Any organization or individual interested in picking up resources may do so at: Yavapai College, Verde Valley Campus Library – Building M, 601 W. Black Hills Dr., Clarkdale, AZ 86324.”
You may read the complete press release from the Community College by clicking here.
Yavapai Community College has announced its summer hours. All locations will be closed on Fridays beginning May 12 and ending August 4. In addition, the locations will be closed May 29, June 19, and July 4. There will be no classes the week of July 4.
Yavapai Community College officially announces intent to seek primary property tax rate increase for all County residents
Yavapai Community College has notified taxpayers that it will seek approval from the five member Yavapai Community College District Governing Board to increase County residents primary property tax rate by 5% at the District’s May 16 meeting. The tax rate can be increased by a simple majority vote of the five member Yavapai Community College District Governing Board.
The following is the tax rate increase notice the College sent to local newspapers:
In compliance with section 15-1461.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, Yavapai Community College District is notifying its property taxpayers of Yavapai Community College District’s intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year’s level.
The Yavapai Community College District is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $2,553,300 or 5%.
All interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing on the tax increase that is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 16, at 1 p.m. at the Yavapai College Prescott Campus – Community Room 19-147, 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott.
As an example, the proposed tax increase will cause Yavapai Community College District’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to increase from $143.66 (total taxes that would be owed without the proposed tax increase) to $150.84 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase).
This proposed increase is exclusive of increased primary property taxes received from new construction.
The increase is also exclusive of any changes that may occur from property tax levies for voter approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
Information provided by Yavapai College. https://www.yc.edu/v6/district-governing-board/members.html (Link to Governing Board Members web page is https://www.yc.edu/v6/district-governing-board/members.html)
Joshua Partin at 15 receives Automotive Technician Certificate; Carolann Chamber at 84 awarded Associate in Arts Degree and Arizona General Certificate “A”
Yavapai Community College held its Spring commencement ceremonies for the Verde Valley area on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Its morning ceremony featured one its youngest, Joshua Partin, who at age 15 was awarded an Automotive Technician Certificate. Carolann Chambers was also featured. At age 84 she received her Associate in Arts Degree and Arizona General Certificate “A.”
Mr. Partin is from Paulden while Ms. Chambers is a resident of Cottonwood.
The College reported in a press release that nearly 100 Sedona Center/Verde Valley graduates either completed their degree or certificate in fall 2022 or are on track to complete those requirements in spring 2023 or summer 2023. During the Saturday morning commencement ceremony it also reported that thirty-six graduates are over the age of 55. Furthermore, it reported that it had 120 graduates this year in the entire District that are under the age of 18. It also commented at the commencement ceremony that it serves on average 265 veterans or veteran families a year.
In a press release issued May 2 the College reported that overall, 620 Yavapai Community College students are on track to complete 807 degrees and certificates this spring. Additionally, 448 students completed 544 degrees and certificates last fall. (To view press release click here.)
You may view a clip of the morning commencement ceremony where Yavapai Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine provides some of the above information by clicking here.
Classes begin June 6 and aim to make you a “better cook at home”
Yavapai Community College announced in a May 1, 2023, press release that it is launching the Sedona School of Culinary, which it says will host a menu of recreational cooking classes to make you a better cook at home! Each class offers a unique culinary learning experience from expert Chefs Carl Miller and Mark Reese
The classes begin June 6 and run for an estimated 2-3 hours. They will run in June and July. Registration is required.
The following is a portion of the press release from the Community College.
Each class offers a unique culinary learning experience from expert Chefs Carl Miller and Mark Reese. The classes will teach you to prepare and cook delicious meals, appetizers, and desserts perfect for lunch and dinner.
Learn more: sedonaschoolofculinary.com
Each guest can anticipate working with other attendees and the chef during the preparation process to learn some of the cuisine’s backgrounds and culinary techniques that the world’s highest-trained chefs use. And, of course, you get to enjoy your finished meal!
“As we know, food brings people together, from the cooking to the communal dining to the social interaction,” said Chef Carl Miller, Director of Culinary Arts at Yavapai College.
Examples of classes include Farm to Fork, Artisan Pizza and Wine, Middle Eastern, New England, Pasta & Sauce, Mediterranean, Artisan Bread Making, Pretzels and Beer Cheese, Gluten Free Baking, Occasional Cakes, and more.
Classes start on June 6 and are scheduled through July at the Yavapai College Sedona Center at 4215 Arts Village Drive, Sedona, Arizona 86336.
Classes range from 2-3 hours, and registration is required.
For more information on the Sedona School of Culinary and to register for classes, visit sedonaschoolofculinary.com
To read the full Community College press release, click here.
Sedona Performing Arts Center will hold event for Sedona Center/Verde Campus degree recipients at 9:00 a.m. and certificate recipients at noon. Live streaming of the ceremonies will be available at yc.edu.
Yavapai Community College will hold two student recognition ceremonies on May 6, with the degree recipients event scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and certificate recipients event scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
Nearly 100 graduates who either completed their degree or certificate in fall 2022 or who are on track to complete in spring 2023 or summer 2023 are expected to attend.
Overall, 620 YC students are on track to complete 807 degrees and certificates this spring. Additionally, 448 students completed 544 degrees and certificates last fall.
Mr. Ekklesia Breed, R.N., Verde Valley Medical Center ICU, 2022-23 Yavapai College Alumnus of the Year, will address the graduates and guests as the keynote speaker for the 9:00 a.m. ceremony.
Mrs. Amanda Vivanco, B.S.N., Director of Nursing, Haven Health Sedona, 2022-23 Yavapai College Alumna of the Year, will address the graduates and guests as the keynote speaker for the 12:00 p.m. ceremony.
Other speakers include Ms. Tina Luffman, Yavapai College English Professor, and graduating student Ms. Cheyene Gabbard.
Students and parents are encouraged to use the hashtag #YCGradJoy on social media to share their photos and celebrate with the college.
Live streaming of the ceremonies will be available at www.yc.edu.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
9:00 a.m. Ceremony
Mr. Ekklesia Breed, R.N. Ekklesia had a strong aspiration to work in healthcare for many years, and he longed to be an innovator in this field. After exploring various avenues, he discovered his true calling. Yavapai College provided him with the opportunity to pursue his goals and become a leader in healthcare. Thanks to the College’s support, he is now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Ekklesia is grateful for the chance to pursue his passion and to lead others in providing high-quality care.
12:00 p.m. Ceremony
Mrs. Amanda Vivanco, B.S.N. Amanda began her journey as an LPN eight years ago and quickly realized that caring for others was her true calling. Becoming a registered nurse was no easy feat. Five years ago, she stumbled upon Yavapai College and decided to uproot her entire life to attend. Looking back, it was one of the best choices she’s made. Yavapai College played a significant role in helping her achieve her goals. Thanks to the College’s support, Amanda now has the opportunity to serve her community and pursue her passion for nursing alongside her husband. They both feel grateful for the chance to work together doing what they love in a place they call home.
FACULTY SPEAKER
Ms. Tina Luffman, English department faculty, first began teaching at Yavapai College in June of 2002. She has also taught Student Success Skills, Reading, and Writing courses; she previously has worked as the Learning Center Coordinator and as a part-time academic advisor and instructor for the Adult Basic Education program. Tina has lived in the Verde Valley area since 1982. She received her bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. Her husband Mark has taught CNT and CSA classes at Yavapai College for over 30 years, and all four of her children have taken classes here, worked on campus, or both.
STUDENT SPEAKER
Ms. Cheyene Gabbard is graduating with the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. She is a first-generation college student and a military veteran. Cheyene’s future plans include earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and to become a Nurse Practitioner. Cheyene intends to make a positive impact on the healthcare system.
Source: Yavapai Community College Press release of May 2, 2023 (Link)