Vote of Confidence Means Additional Workforce Support from CCC

Coconino County voters have approved an increase in funding for Coconino Community College. That means new and expanded offerings focusing on career and technical training to help Coconino County’s workforce will become a reality over the next several years.

On Friday, May 27, during a special session, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors certified the election results for CCC’s request to increase the primary property tax levy to support the college.

“On behalf of Coconino Community College, I would like to thank the voters and the many community members who worked hard to help the ballot initiative be successful,” said CCC President Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D. “Because of them, we can continue our good work moving into a bright future serving students throughout Coconino County.”

CCC staff and faculty have already begun plans to grow existing programs and start new programs that county business leaders and residents have deemed important. New programs requested by the communities CCC serves, which require additional faculty, staff, facilities, equipment and resources, will be developed and rolled out.

“It is the board’s job to ensure fiscal responsibility and further your community college’s mission of accessible and affordable educational programs and workforce training,” said Nat White, Ph.D., chair of the CCC District Governing Board. “We thank you for your confidence in helping Coconino Community College move to the next level in serving the citizens of Coconino County.”

The election saw 20,947 ballots cast, which was about 23% of the registered voters in Coconino County. Of the ballots cast, the vast majority were submitted by mail. About 64% voted in favor of the tax reset for the college.

“Yes, we will still have the lowest tax rate of all community colleges in Arizona,” said Smith. “And, yes, we will still continue to be good stewards of public funds. However, this additional funding will make a big difference and provide much needed fiscal stability as we move into the future.”

 The approved funding is intended for, but not limited to, the following programs:

•  Initiate new career, technical education and training programs that prepare Coconino County residents for jobs in Coconino County.
• Develop new programs to support veterans’ training for civilian jobs.
• Develop new programs to train and re-train Coconino County workers, in collaboration with Coconino County employers and expand current job training programs.

Continue and expand career and technical education programs established with one-time funding:

• Automotive Technology
• CDL (Truck Driving)
• Early Childhood Education Certificate (Preschool Teachers)
• Assisted Living Caregiver Certificate
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate
• Amazon Web Services Certificate
• Cyber Security Associate of Applied Science
• Increased Number of Students in Nursing Program
• Marine Maintenance Technician
• Welding Certification
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)

Expand career and technical training degree and certificate programs:

• Additional Healthcare Programs
• Ultrasound/Sonography Technician
• Surgical Technician
• Respiratory Therapist
• Anesthesia Technician
• Electric Car and Charging Station Technician
• Manufacturing Technology
• Police Academy
• Paramedic
• Expand the scholarship program
• Enhance educational services throughout Coconino County, including communities such as Page, Tuba City and Williams.

According to the legislation that allowed CCC to move forward with the tax-reset election, championed by former State Sen. Sylvia Allen, CCC will receive one-third of the additional amount approved the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The second year, CCC will receive two-thirds the amount approved, and in the third year, the college will permanently receive the entire approved amount, which will be approximately $6 million. Taxpayers in Coconino County will also experience the same phased tax schedule, one-third the amount the first year, two-thirds the amount the second year and the total amount the third year and beyond. FBN

By Larry Hendricks, FBN

For more information about Coconino Community College, visit www.coconino.edu.