Governing board reviews probable drop in state funding
Joesph Starkloff
On March 23, the Maricopa Community College governing board reviewed possible cuts in funding in the near and distant future. Patricia Hill, director of state and local government relations for Maricopa, stated that if proposition 100, a 1 percent tax hike, does not pass then state appropriations to the community colleges would drop by approximately $13 million in the 2011 fiscal year.
Debra Thompson, the vice chancellor of business services, discussed the possible reduction in state funding with the board as well.
“If the voters decided not to increase the state sales tax we’ll see a reduction of 10 percent right off the bat, and then beyond that time, anytime the state revenues falter were likely to see additional cuts,” Thompson said.
She also notified the board of further cuts in funding if First Things First, a program designed to help young children, is maintained.
“If voters decide to continue using the tobacco tax to support First Things First then the state budget is left with a $450 million dollar hole that they’re going to have to try and balance . we’re likely to see a significant reduction,” Thompson said.
She stated that due to no longer being protected by the federal stimulus in 2012, funding for the community colleges would continue to decline.
“In terms of where do we go for 2012 . we’re going to look at more state aid reductions no matter what happens,” Thompson said.
The board also agreed to proposed fee changes that were introduced during the Feb. 23 meeting by a vote of 3-1.
Board member Debra Pearson voted no on the fees because of what she described as a lack of communication to the students about them.
Spencer Morgan, MCC student government president, originally opposed the fee changes during the Feb. 23 meeting, but supported the board’s March 23 vote.
“We felt like that the fees were appropriate after they had a discussion, and we were able to understand what they were for,” Morgan said.
Morgan’s major objection with the fee changes was the lack of communication with students about them before they were presented to the governing board.
“We want to have that discussion (about the fees) before it goes to the governing board so that we don’t look at . the agenda and go ‘hey – what’s going on,'” Morgan said.
Tuition was kept at $71 per credit once again by a board unanimous vote.
“I think this is a really exciting moment . the second year in a row without a tuition increase,” board president Randolph Lumm said.
