The publicly elected, five-member Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board on May 21 voted to raise property taxes within the limit permitted in the state constitution and statute.
This increase in primary property taxes will result in $128.96 taxes on a $100,000 home, as compared to $126.43 per year if the district did not maximize its levy, a difference of $2.53. The 2-percent increase goes into effect beginning July 1 and is expected to produce an estimated $8,095,039 in revenues.
Approximately 60 percent of the district’s operational budget is generated by property taxes. District officials say the additional revenues are needed to support a projected student enrollment of more than 260,000 at the Maricopa Community Colleges, skill centers and multiple satellite locations countywide. Priority needs include additional faculty, student support, faculty and staff compensation, operating support for new buildings and inflationary adjustments.
District officials anticipate spending a portion of the additional proceeds on initiatives designed to help students stay in college and be more successful.
The Maricopa Community Colleges are the state’s single largest provider of higher education and job training. They also are the largest transfer partner with Arizona State University.
