SEDONA CAMPUS DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEETING GIVES RESIDENTS FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS POSSIBLE 4% (CUMULATIVE) TAX RATE INCREASE BEING SUGGESTED FOR 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

Yavapai Community College considering this tax rate increase, which follows on the heels of last year’s 5% tax rate increase

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting will be held at the Sedona Campus on Tuesday, March 19. The session will commence promptly at 1:00 p.m. Residents are invited to voice their concerns or opinions to the District Governing Board during the call to the public, typically held at the outset of the meeting.

This meeting presents an important chance for community members to weigh in on the proposed 4% cumulative tax rate increase for next year’s budget. Your input matters, and this forum offers a platform for your voice to be heard.

Please note that in order to accommodate all speakers, the Board typically limits public comments during the open call to three minutes per person.

Categories : Taxes

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD TO HOLD A “STUDY SESSION” AND BUSINESS MEETING AT THE SEDONA CAMPUS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:00 p.m. There is normally an  open call to the public at this meeting. The possibility exists that the meeting will be live streamed for County residents to view; check agenda when posted and the College’s YouTube site on Tuesday

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold what is described as a “Study Session” and then a “Business Meeting” at the Sedona Campus on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:00 p.m.

Under Arizona law, a citizen 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.

You may access the agenda for this meeting at the District Governing  Board’s website when it is eventually posted. (It is normally sent to the Governing Board by Friday prior to a meeting but is usually withheld from public posting on the Governing Board’s website until the day before the meeting.)

There is a possibility that the meeting will be live streamed.  Check the agenda when it is posted.

IF YOU ARE OPPOSED TO INCREASING YOUR PROPERTY TAX, THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EXPRESS YOU VIEW TO THE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD AT THE CALL TO THE PUBLIC.

The agenda must be posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Categories : Meeting Notice

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HACU) NAMES YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE AS AN EMERGING HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, March 9th, 2024

To reach official Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation, College must read full time equivalent student population of 25%.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has named Yavapai Community College as an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. The College has repeatedly indicated a desire to become an official Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), which is designated by the U.S. Department of Education. However, to be designed as such, it must reach a full-time equivalent Hispanic student population of 25%.

Over the last several years, the College has increased its efforts to  serve the Hispanic communities in Yavapai County. The efforts include increased outreach and participation in community events, increasing academic and personal support services, career coaching, developing more access to resources, and creating a better sense of belonging through activities for first-generation college students, among others.

Being named an emerging HSI is important.  It affords the College with opportunities to further its efforts by providing the college with additional Hispanic student leadership programs, webinars and learning opportunities, conferences, and other benefits and resources.

Once full HSI status is achieved, Yavapai College will join 572 other HSIs throughout the United States and will become eligible for federal funding opportunities.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE SAYS EMERGING CAPITAL ISSUES REQUIRE CUMULATIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE INCREASE OF 4%, EXTENSION OF EXISTING REVENUE BONDS, AND ISSUANCE OF AN ADDITIONAL $14 MILLION REVENUE BOND

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, March 9th, 2024

Money will mostly go toward west side housing projects, increased planned maintenance expenses, and improved electronic infrastructure

During the February 20 meeting of the District Governing Board, Clint Ewell, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services at Yavapai Community College, presented several recommendations for generating additional revenue necessary for the upcoming 2024-2025 budget cycle.

Dr. Ewell outlined the following requisites to fulfill the projected budgetary needs:

  1. A 4% cumulative increase in the County’s primary property tax rate.

  2. Procuring an estimated $14 million by issuing revenue bonds.

  3. Extending the outstanding payments on existing revenue bonds for a number of years.

Furthermore, Dr. Ewell explained that funding all current projects on the College’s drawing boards  would require a 13% increase in the primary property tax rate. He considered this impractical given the current tax climate.

It’s important to note that the District Governing Board holds the authority to issue revenue bonds and adjust the county’s primary property tax rate, requiring only a majority vote among the five-member Board. Notably, county voters do not possess a direct mechanism to vote on or veto such adjustments.

The final bond and tax rate figures will be presented and voted on by the District Governing Board in May 2024.

Dr. Ewell’s explanation to the Board regarding these recommendations can be accessed via the provided link by clicking here.

Categories : Budget, Taxes

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS COTTONWOOD STUDENT APARTMENT EXPERIMENT APPEARS AT AN END – NO STUDENTS APPLIED

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, March 9th, 2024

Verde Valley Campus trailer park appears to have rented from five to seven pads of the 10 that are available

Yavapai Community College’s Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Clint Ewell, addressed the District Governing Board during its February 20 meeting regarding its arrangement with the Fein Group to lease apartments in Cottonwood for students. These apartments were situated in a newly developed complex located approximately a mile from the Verde Valley Campus. Dr. Ewell disclosed that despite the College’s efforts, there was a lack of student interest as no students had chosen to rent any of the apartments. The project appears to have ended.

(You may hear Dr. Ewell’s statement to the Governing Board on this issue by clicking here.)

It is noteworthy that the Community College offered no financial incentive to students as it announced the apartment rental program. Students paid the same market rate as any other apartment renters.

The Community College administration, again according to Dr. Ewell’s address to the District Governing Board February 20, seemed satisfied with trailer park project located on the Verde Valley campus.  The Community College has been able to rent from five to seven trailer pads at the 10-space desert trailer park located on the Verde Campus. Some of the four trailers it parked there on the pads have also been rented for the first time.   (You may hear Dr. Ewell’s statement to the Governing Board by clicking here.)

Categories : Housing

LEARNING WHERE YOUR TAX MONEY GOES: HOW THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OBTAINS BONDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

Revenue bonds versus General Obligation bonds

Yavapai Community College employs two primary methods to secure additional funding for major capital projects.

The first method involves the issuance of General Obligation (GO) bonds, a traditional avenue that necessitates a county-wide campaign to explain the necessity for such funds to Yavapai County voters. This approach mandates a transparent explanation of why substantial investments are directed toward certain areas within the County, potentially at the expense of others.

Approval or rejection of the GO bond request occurs through a county-wide election. While this route offers the potential of providing substantial funds for a variety of capital projects, there’s always the risk of taxpayers withholding approval.

The last time the Community College sought a GO bond was in 1999.  That was for $69.5 million.   The pros and cons of expending that much money for a bond to support capital construction and renovation was discussed and eventually approved in a County-wide election. 

The 1999 bond contained provisions for capital projects at the Sedona Center and the Verde Valley Campus, while a majority of the bond issue went to the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain.  It is noteworthy that this bond was fully paid off by taxpayers via a secondary property tax in 2022.

The second method, known as the “revenue bond” approach, allows the College to avoid much public discourse, if any, when targeting revenue bonds for specific renovation or construction projects. This process requires only three votes from the District Governing Board for approval, sidestepping the need for public explanation and validation. While advantageous for the College’s executives due to its ease of implementation, this method is subject to oversight solely by the District Governing Board, with minimal public awareness or input.

A revenue bond issue needs only three votes of the five member District Governing Board. Practically, because most of the major projects needed for capital funding support are on the west side of the County, the three member-majority representing the  west side of the county have little difficulty in approving a revenue bond issue.   

Difference in payment:  Revenue bonds, unlike GO bonds, are repaid from sources such as tuition, fees, rentals, and other charges, rather than directly from taxpayer funds. GO bonds are paid through a secondary property tax.

However, the repayment method associated with Revenue bonds indirectly impacts County taxpayers. It occurs because of the potential revenue reallocation of sources of revenue within the College’s budget. This shift may necessitate compensatory measures, such as increasing the county-wide tax rate, subject to approval by the District Governing Board major of three, without formal public recourse.

Currently, the Community College is considering issuing a $14 million revenue bond to finance anticipated 2024-2025 capital expenditures. It is also considering extending the payoff period of existing revenue bonds. The decision to extend the payoff period would prolong the financial obligation, but give the Community College additional cash. 

It is noteworthy that the current revenue bonds were anticipated to be paid off within the next four years.

It is also noteworthy that there’s a proposal to raise the property tax rate incrementally by a cumulative total of 4%, signaling potential future implications for County taxpayers.

SUMMARY: Yavapai Community College’s methods for raising money for major capital projects:

  1. General Obligation (GO) Bonds:
    • The traditional approach involves issuing GO bonds.
    • However, there are specific requirements for doing so along with practical considerations:
    • A county-wide campaign of sorts is necessary to explain the need for funds to voters across Yavapai County.
    • Community College executives must justify why funds are allocated heavily to one part of the county, potentially affecting another part.
    • Voters then approve or reject the bond request in a county-wide election.
    • The last GO bond sought by the Community College was in 1999, totaling $69.5 million.
    • Despite risks, it was eventually approved in a county-wide election.
    • Notably, the 1999 bond funded capital projects at the Sedona Center and the Verde Valley Campus, with a majority going to the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain. Taxpayers fully paid off this bond via a secondary property tax in 2022.
  2. Revenue Bonds:
    • The “revenue bond” approach allows pinpointing specific renovation or construction needs.
    • Approval requires only three votes from the District Governing Board.
    • Unlike GO bonds, there’s no need to explain to the public or hold a public vote.
    • This process  currently appears favored by Yavapai Community College executives for obtaining capital dollars.
    • The only check on revenue bond issuance is the five-member District Governing Board because it requires only three members to approve the issuance.
    • The only check on increasing the tax rate to make up for money now going to pay off the revenue bonds from non-tax sources is the District Governing Board.  It takes only a majority to approve a tax rate hike.
Categories : Taxes

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE SEEKING GOVERNING BOARD APPROVAL IN MAY OF 4% PROPERTY TAX INCREASE, ISSUANCE OF A $14 MILLION REVENUE BOND, AND EXTENSION ON PAYMENT OF EXISTING REVENUE BONDS TO MEET CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DEMANDS

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, February 29th, 2024

College says it needs the new influx of cash for 2024-2025 Capital Improvement budget

Dr. Clint Ewell, Vice President of Finance at Yavapai Community College, presented the cash flow requirements for the upcoming academic year during the February 2024 meeting of the District Governing Board. He explained the financial needs of the Community College, detailing the amount of additional funding required and the intended allocation within the 2024-2025 budget.

To fulfill what it anticipates as its financial obligations, the Governing Board is being asked to consider approving a 4% increase in the County property tax rate, building upon last year’s 4% increase, and extending the deadline for final payments on existing revenue bonds. Furthermore, the issuance of a new $14 million revenue bond is deemed necessary. Dr. Ewell utilized the following slide to articulate the Community College’s fiscal position on this issue.

Dr. Ewell disclosed that due to the College’s inability to secure grant funding for 90% of the highly anticipated Health Science Center on the Prescott Valley Campus, he proposed a revised timeline for the project, postponing it from August 2024 to 2027. Under this new timeline, he specified that 50% of the funding would be sourced from the College’s own reserves, a significant increase from the original 10%, while the remaining 50% would be sought from grants and donations.

Additionally, Dr. Ewell recommended expediting the expansion of housing to align with the Campus Master Plan’s recommended capacity. However, as the College has unexpectedly removed the  Campus Master Plan from its website, the exact financial implications of this recommendation remain unclear.

You may hear and view Dr. Ewell’s presentation to the Board regarding the College’s recommendations for the budget to the Governing Board BY CLICKING HERE. The video clip discusses the need for a 4% (TOTAL) property tax increase to support operations and proposes adjustments to the capital cash flow plan to account for a reduced grant and donation target, an extended timeline for the Campus Master Plan, and the issuance of an additional revenue bond.
Categories : Budget

EDUCATING ARIZONA’S WORKFORCE: GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN PHOENIX LAUNCHES EV PROGRAM TO MEET GROWING DEMAND FOR TECHNICIANS: IS YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DRAGGING ITS FEET IN THIS AREA?

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

Yavapai Community College says it is following advice from unnamed secret advisory committee in not seriously exploring starting EV program; cost, need for expensive equipment, and proprietary rules are also claimed as barriers

Yavapai Community College has invested over half a million dollars, possibly more, in developing a curriculum for a highly speculative 3D home concrete printing project, purportedly to position itself at the forefront of this innovation. However, on the flip side, the institution appears to have long resisted initiating training programs for electric vehicle (EV) technicians, EV charging installers, and EV charging maintenance technicians, especially on the east side of Mingus. This reluctance is reportedly driven by an unnamed secret west side Career and Technical Education Committee advising Dean John Morgan against this initiative. Dean Morgan also says cost,  a need for specialized equipment and proprietary rules prevent the College from moving forward.

According to a press release from Maricopa Gateway Community College, a report from the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy highlights Arizona’s emergence as a dominant force in EV and battery manufacturing, ranking seventh in the U.S. for the number of registered electric vehicles. Notable industry players such as Tesla, Lucid Motors, Nikola, Li-Cycle, and ElectraMeccanica have collectively invested over $58 billion in private funds since 2021, cementing the state’s position as a key player in the EV and battery sectors for years to come.

To hear Dean Morgan’s statement regarding an EV program made to the District Governing Board on February 20, 2024, CLICK HERE. The video discusses the challenges of maintaining and training technicians for electronic vehicles due to the proprietary rules of car manufacturers, with a $300,000 cost for a single class and the need for specialized tools and equipment. 

To hear a similar statement made to the District Governing Board about an EV program by Dean Morgan on November 15, 2022, please CLICK HERE.  

PRESS RELEASE FROM GATEWAY COLLEGE:

By GateWay Community College

Jan 17, 2024

In a transformative moment for Phoenix, GateWay Community College (GWCC) is poised to lead the charge into the future with its revolutionary Electric Vehicle (EV) program. In collaboration with Legacy EV, a market leader in aftermarket EV applications, the program positions GateWay as a leader in EV education. Legacy EV’s expertise in electric vehicle technology and commitment to fostering innovation makes them an ideal collaborator for this groundbreaking venture.

“I am proud of GateWay and Legacy EV’s commitment to innovation through the Electric Vehicle program. Together, we are educating students and developing the talent that will drive the electric automobile revolution,” said Amy Diaz, Ed.D., president, GateWay Community College.

Arizona’s EV dominance

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy, Arizona has emerged as a dominant force in EV and battery manufacturing, ranking seventh in the U.S. for number of registered electric vehicles. Significant players like Tesla, Lucid Motors, Nikola, Li-Cycle and ElectraMeccanica have invested over $58 billion in private funds since 2021, solidifying the state’s status as a top player in the EV and battery industries for years to come.

Economic impact and employment opportunities

GateWay’s EV program is a forward-thinking effort crucial to meeting the rising demand for skilled EV technicians. As part of Arizona’s dynamic EV manufacturing ecosystem, the program aligns seamlessly with Phoenix’s commitment to transportation electrification and a sustainable future. Karen Apple, electric vehicles program manager with the city of Phoenix, emphasizes the significance of qualified EV technicians in achieving Phoenix’s EV goals.

“The city of Phoenix is excited about GateWay’s program and partnership with Legacy EV. Qualified EV technicians are needed to support the city’s goal of having 280,000 EVs on the roads of Phoenix by 2030,” said Apple.

Nurturing skilled professionals

GWCC and Legacy EV are at the forefront of cultivating a new generation of skilled professionals prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the EV industry. The transformative EV program empowers individuals to navigate EV systems intricately, from diagnostics to repairs, ensuring preparedness for the evolving automotive landscape.

Catalyst for change and economic growth

The economic impact of GateWay’s Electric Vehicle program aligns with the surging growth in the EV market. The program catalyzes change, symbolizing GWCC’s dedication to sustainability and offering opportunities for those aspiring to be at the forefront of the EV revolution.

“Over three years ago, we saw the growing demand for properly trained EV technicians was not being met,” said Mavrick Knoles, president and co-founder of Legacy EV. “The realization that the automotive repair market was not preparing for the EV transition led us to pioneer one of the nation’s first education programs for the next generation of auto technicians. We assembled a team of some of Arizona’s top educators who understand the importance of quality content that gives students the skills necessary to succeed in the changing auto industry. Within just a few short years, our training program has been implemented across the country, as well as Canada. Based in Tempe, Arizona, it was clear that leveraging our education program with GateWay Community College was a perfect partnership to make the Phoenix area a national hub for EV workforce development.”

Anticipated program launch: Late 2024/early 2025

As Phoenix advances its plans for transportation electrification, GateWay’s Electric Vehicle program stands as an exemplar, illustrating how education can shape a sustainable and prosperous future. The collaboration with Legacy EV underscores a commitment to excellence, ensuring that GateWay’s graduates become pioneers in the swiftly evolving landscape of EV technology. Eager anticipation surrounds the unfolding program for its positive impact on the community and the broader EV industry within the economic region.

For further information on GateWay Community College’s Electric Vehicle program launch, expected between late 2024 and early 2025, please visit gatewaycc.edu.

The Maricopa County Community College District includes 10 individually-accredited colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving approximately 140,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs.

 

 

Categories : Career and Technical Education

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE HIGH SCHOOL CTED TO BUILD NEW CULINARY TRAINING FACILITY ON CHINO VALLEY CAMPUS; CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATED AT AROUND $1.5 MILLION WITH EACH PARTNER TO PAY HALF

By R. Oliphant
Monday, February 26th, 2024

MICTED and Community College have worked together on numerous cooperative programs as Career and Technical Education opportunities are enhanced on west side of Mingus

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board was informed during its February 20 meeting that the College, in collaboration with the Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District, is planning to establish a culinary training facility at the College’s Chino Valley Center. This initiative stems from the success of the training program already in place at Prescott High School under the auspices of the Mountain Institute.

The proposed facility, estimated to cost approximately $1.5 million, will be jointly financed, with each partner contributing $750,000 towards construction. Pending approval by the District Governing Board at its upcoming May meeting, construction is expected to proceed forthwith.

The Mountain Institute CTED program, conducted in partnership with Yavapai Community College at Prescott High School, is described as a comprehensive “Culinary Arts Program” aimed at equipping students with fundamental skills in culinary arts. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics including culinary concepts, terminology, kitchen safety, sanitation, equipment usage, basic nutrition guidelines, as well as both standard and metric measurements. Additionally, the program encompasses food costing, theoretical foundations, and practical experience in culinary production. Emphasizing fundamental cooking techniques and preparation methods, the courses cover a diverse range of culinary creations such as hot foods, breakfast entrées, salads, sandwiches, breads, cakes, and pastries.

The program is tailored to prepare individuals for various culinary professions including Chef, Food Service Manager, Private Cook, Short Order Cook, Restaurant Cook, and Baker. Upon completion, students earn four high school credits and 16 Yavapai Community College credits.

You may view the short announcement made about the partnership at the February 20 Board meeting below. The video discusses an opportunity provided by the Mountain Institute to share the cost of building a new classroom and teaching kitchen at the Chino Center, benefiting both Yavapai’s culinary program and increasing enrollments, making it a cost-effective solution compared to renovating an existing space.

 

Categories : Culinary Arts

ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION ON ESTIMATED THIRTY-NINE MILLION DOLLAR HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER COMES TO SCREECHING HALT; PROJECT UNEXPECTEDLY MOVED TO 2027

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, February 24th, 2024

Two-thirds of funding sources have backed away from project; State budgetary problems receive most of blame; College to complete design stage with hope it will assist in raising future funding for the project

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board approved the concept of a Health Sciences Center at  its November 2022 meeting. The facility would be constructed at the Community College’s Prescott Valley campus. Following the November meeting,  over the next few months the College began to  unveil its plans for the  Center. Eventually, it announced that construction on the facility would begin in August 2024. Apparently, that will not happen. It appears that about two-thirds of expected funding for the project has disappeared.

Timeline now has to be changed:

According to the presentation made by Community College Vice President Clint Ewell at the February 20, 2024 Community College District Board meeting, construction plans must be placed on hold as expected state and federal funding did not materialize. Absent quickly finding new funding sources, the start time for constructing the project will be delayed until at least  2027. 

It is noteworthy that at various times since the Center was approved in concept,  the College made somewhat vague public suggestions that it would obtain financial assistance from the state and federal governments to construct the Center.  At the Tuesday, February 20, 2024  District Governing Board meeting, Vice President of Community Relations & Student Development Rodney Jenkins appeared to lay most of the blame for the construction setback on the state of Arizona’s budgetary shortfall.  He said that while the Community College had support for the project from local legislators, the current state of Arizona’s budget caused the Governor to claw back funding for projects like the Health Science Center.

Mr. Jenkins seemed to dangle a remote possibility that the state might yet come to the rescue of the project, although prospects appeared dim. 

Absent a major change in obtaining funds for the project, it appears that the project will be delayed to 2027 when the District Governing Board approves the final budget for 2024-25 at its May meeting.  But stayed tuned.  Things seem to change overnight at the Community College.

It is noteworthy to recall that back in 2010-11 the Community College was working on a tentative plan with Northern Arizona University that appears to mirror the current Health Science Center project.  That effort eventually collapsed because of lack of funding. 

 

 

Categories : Health Science Building
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