Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Higher Property Values are not helping CCC
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. The Coconino County Assessor’s Office has announced that net assessed values for Coconino Community College have increased by 11 percent from last year; however, this means a lower property tax rate from which Coconino Community College can collect and $50,000 less for fiscal year 2007-‘08 than college officials had projected.
College officials explain that the amount CCC can levy from property taxes is capped at 2 percent higher than the year before. When assessed valuation goes up, the new tax rate must go down so that the total does not exceed two percent more than the college levied from the previous year.
“With an 11 percent increase in property values, our new tax rate will actually be less than what it was last year,” said Vice President for Business and Administrative Services Jami Van Ess. “Where that really impacts the college is with new construction because the new, lower tax rate is then applied. In a growing state like Arizona, ultimately this means we are working with a lower tax rate and fewer dollars spread out to serve more people as our enrollment continues to grow. This semester it increased by 3.6 percent.”
Van Ess says the new tax rate is more than 5 percent lower than it was during the 2006-‘07 fiscal year. “It’s a complicated formula. Logic would tell us that when property taxes increase, organizations that are funded with tax dollars would receive a similar percentage increase, but that is not the case and it is a challenge that we will be struggling with.”
The college asked voters in November to approve a $16 million budget override to keep up with the demands on a growing community college, update and enhance technology, improve classrooms and provide training for higher-paying jobs. The override failed with some 42 percent of the votes in favor and 58 percent against.
April 16, 2007
Pepsi and CCC are Quenching your thirst for Education Look for Displays during Community College Week
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Flagstaff and Coconino Community College are Quenching your thirst for education! Pepsi displays will be going up in grocery stores in Flagstaff, Williams and Page this week in celebration of Community College Week. The local bottling distributor will be offering a FREE tuition waiver for next fall as the grand prize in a drawing, worth nearly $800. Participants may enter the drawing at the grocery store displays. They must be 18 to enter.
“As the school year draws to a close, we want to highlight CCC’s 15th Anniversary celebration and support the college in a very visible way for its efforts in training for tomorrow’s jobs and strengthening today’s communities,” said Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Flagstaff President Patrick Nackard. “CCC has had a powerful impact on the county’s workforce and certainly has made a big difference in many lives. We hope this display serves as a reminder to register for summer and fall classes and that the tuition waiver will help give a deserving student a little extra boost.”
Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Flagstaff also will be unveiling a special northern Arizona commemorative product at the end of the month to mark the college’s 15 years. “Pepsi has been an incredibly supportive partner in the promotion of higher education in Coconino County,” said CCC Marketing and Public Relations Director Bonnie Stevens. “This Pepsi surprise that will be unveiled at the end of April will make a lot of folks smile and come with a valuable coupon to help learners of all ages and interests reach their summertime educational goals!”
The commemorative product is expected to be unveiled at the college’s largest annual fundraising event, Palette to Palate, 5 – 8 p.m., Friday, April 27 on the Lone Tree Campus in Flagstaff. Palette to Palate is an evening of art and artistic culinary creations with live and silent auctions for original student and regional artists’ work. Tickets are $25, $15 for students, and may be purchased at the Lone Tree and Fourth Street campuses.
For more information, log on to www.coconino.edu or call the CCC Marketing and Public Relations Office at 928-226-4335.
April 16, 2007
World Dance Extravaganza to Rock Coconino High
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – If representatives to the United Nations could dance, it might look like the World Dance Extravaganza that’s coming to Coconino High School at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 21.
Coconino Community College dance students will be showcasing what they’ve learned in this second annual dance concert. And what they’ve leaned—Flamenco, hula, Turkish-Egyptian and African live music and dance—“will really rock the place,” says CCC dance company director Flower Darby.
The World Dance Extravaganza is expected to be a high-energy crowd pleaser for all ages. “It will be an eye-opening experience for people to see these beautiful and colorful costumes and learn about different cultures and traditions.”
Tickets to the World Dance Extravaganza are $5 and may be purchased at the door.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
CCC Considers Three Candidates for President
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Coconino Community College plans to invite three candidates to Flagstaff to interview for the school’s top position. At yesterday’s District Governing Board meeting in Page, a search committee recommended that the board consider Linda Simmons of Avon, Ohio, Robert Musgrove of Pine City, Minn., and Leah Bornstein of Silverthorne, Colo. for the position of CCC president.
President Thomas Jordan announced his retirement plans in December. His last day is scheduled for Thursday, May 31.
In addition, the board approved a 5.2 percent salary increase for employees hired before Jan. 1, 2007 and a 3.2 percent salary increase and 2 percent step increase for qualifying faculty members.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m.