Inflation, last year’s increase, living on fixed income, and the camp purchase is a luxury are a few of the reasons given for opposing the increase
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board is receiving significant opposition from Yavapai County residents regarding the proposed 3.4% tax rate increase. The Board will vote on the proposed tax rate increase during its public tax hearing on Tuesday, May 21, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rock House on the Prescott Campus. Here are a few samples from the many emails being sent to the Board of what opponents of the tax increase are saying:
“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. . . . How can you possibly think we can survive?”
“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.”
“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.”
“This tax is a financial burden on me and my husband. We are retired and on a limited income.”
“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.”
“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.”
“The college cannot continue to pass these increases on to the property owners. Cutting the ADMINISTRATION and their salaries would be important to consider.”
“I feel strongly that purchasing the Prescott Pines Camp is a “luxury” instead of a requirement for the college.”
So far, the Blog has found only one vocal supporter of the proposed tax rate increase. That person wrote, in part that: “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.”