County assessor Judd Simons estimate consistent with others made since 2014; Operational costs for Verde Campus and Sedona Center about $7.5 million; that means an estimated $7 million of East-County taxes annually remain on west side of County
The property taxes being paid by east Yavapai County residents far outpace the return of that revenue by the College to the east County for post-secondary education. On March 7, 2018 County Assessor Judd W. Simons provided a “rough estimate” of property taxes being paid by east County residents at the request of realtor Rob Witt. Mr. Simmons estimate in writing was put at $14,570,400.
Mr. Simmons estimate is fairly consistent with other estimates received from the County in 2014 and 2015. In those years, the estimate was about $12.5 million.
East County residents have argued for years that their taxes are paying for programs, building and projects on the west side of the County that they do not have reasonable access to and do not benefit from. Despite their pleas and documented evidence, little has been done to reduce the inequity between the east and west sides of Yavapai County when it comes to College development.