For the Second Year in a Row the Budget Does Not Include a Property Tax Levy Increase 

Prescott, Arizona — The Yavapai College District Governing Board voted at its May 26, 2026 meeting to approve the budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. For the second consecutive year, the budget does not include a property tax levy increase. The budget, totaling more than $114 million, is 4.8 percent lower than the current fiscal year budget and maintains essential services for students and the community.

“Yavapai College continues to be a premier community college in Arizona empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals,” said Lisa Rhine, Ph.D., President of Yavapai College. “The budget approved today represents more than six months of evaluation and planning by our exceptional team to ensure we developed a fiscally responsible budget that aligns with our values and strategic goals while continuing to move the College forward in a positive direction. I thank the District Governing Board for approving the budget.”

Yavapai College operates on a rolling three-year strategic plan that is updated annually to ensure College leadership, faculty, and staff work together to achieve the five institutional goals that guide the College’s planning, budgeting, and assessment efforts. The five goals are:

• Belonging: Students and employees feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
• Adult Learners: Accessible classes and support services for working adults.
• Living Wage Jobs: Programs aligned with employment, workforce, and regional economic needs.
• Flexible Delivery: Classes and services delivered in flexible and innovative ways.
• Foundational Capacity: Long-term institutional sustainability and operational strength.

The Yavapai College District Governing Board voted unanimously to approve the budget. The Board’s role is to serve as a link between taxpayers and management by directing and regulating the organization on behalf of the community.

“Yavapai College is critical to the success of Yavapai County because our graduates work in dozens of industries our community relies upon,” said Steve Bracety, Chairperson of the District Governing Board. “I want to thank the Board for approving the budget and the College leadership team for developing a strong budget for the upcoming fiscal year.”

Yavapai College also released two reports on Tuesday, May 19, highlighting several successful initiatives from the 2025–26 academic year that earned national recognition and improved the College’s overall performance for the community and the students it serves. The reports can be viewed online at yc.edu/YearInReview

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.