Some wondered whether the fact he is running for Yavapai County Supervisor may have influenced his vote but his stance is consistent with opposition to last year’s 5 percent Community College property tax rate increase that was approved by a majority of the Board
Chris Kuknyo
If there’s one definite “no” vote on a tax rate increase for Yavapai Community College, it’s District Four representative Chris Kuknyo. He voted “no” in a 4-1 decision last year when the property tax rate increased by five percent. This year, he again voted “no” in opposition to a 3.4% property tax rate increase. The rate increase was approved 3-2 by the Governing Board.
For some observers, Mr. Kuknyo’s position was somewhat puzzling. For example, he strongly supported the College’s purchase of the 42-acre church camp located near his district. The College used $5 million of taxpayer dollars it had in reserve to purchase the property, plus an additional $6 million of new taxpayer funds in the 2024-2025 budget to renovate and equip the facility. In addition to this project, Mr. Kuknyo supported the construction of the $20 to $40 million health science facility in his district, with the only caveat being that a third-floor convention center should not be included (which it appears it is not). Moreover, as you will see from his speech prior to casting his “no” vote at the Truth in Taxation hearing, he lauded the work of President Rhine and various programs offered by the College.
His extremely brief statement, after four minutes or more of praising the College, came quickly at the end of his speech when he said, “I do think we could maybe make do where we’re at, and that’s why I’m voting no on the tax rate increase.” He never provided an analysis to support this conclusion.
Some observers, puzzled by his speech, attributed his “no” vote to the upcoming election for District Four County Supervisor. Mr. Kuknyo is among the Republican candidates vying for that position. Other observers noted that this vote is consistent with his “no” vote cast last year when he opposed increasing the Community College property tax rate by five percent.
It is also noteworthy that he voted “no” on the College budget for 2024-2025.
You may view and hear all of Mr. Kuknyo’s speech made just prior to casting a “no” vote on the property tax rate increase by clicking on the video below.