EA Photo: Eastern Arizona College is considering raising spending limits that are in place 44 years ago, a measure that would allow the college to tap existing funds and avoid the need for tax increases.
Chris McBride/EAC
THATCHER – The Graham County Community College District Board of Trustees is moving to ask voters to update spending limits established in 1980 that impact Eastern Arizona College’s ability to provide comprehensive educational services. The proposed revisions would double the decades-old base spending limit from about $4.5 million to $9 million, allowing Eastern Arizona College to tap into existing funds without raising taxes on residents.
In 1980, Arizona voters approved a constitutional amendment that established annual spending caps for community colleges and other government agencies. The measure was intended to ensure fiscal responsibility, but a changing educational environment and inflationary pressures have made it a significant challenge. Currently, the caps are calculated based on spending for the 1979-1980 school year.
“Given the additional programs and services that have been introduced since the original limitations were established, the proposed adjustments are essential to maintaining EAC's mission of providing an affordable and flexible education,” said Jeff Larson, chairman of the Graham County Community College District Board of Trustees. “This measure allows EAC to allocate existing funds without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.”
If voters approve the adjustments ahead of the 2024 general election in November, Eastern Arizona College will be able to maintain and expand its educational offerings, including affordable bachelor's degrees and programs to support high school students. Conversely, a failure to adjust its foundations would require immediate and significant cuts to its educational programs and services, jeopardizing the college's ability to attract the students and staff it needs to continue operating. In this scenario, EAC's campuses would likely close.
“The 1980 spending limit policy serves as a safeguard for government spending, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are well stewarded,” Larson said. “By facilitating voter decisions on financial restructuring, the policy is fulfilling its intended purpose. For Eastern Arizona College, this decision is critical. Failure to adjust the spending limits will require significant operational changes that jeopardize the future of our campus.”
For more information, www.eac.edu/expenditure-limitation.
About Eastern Arizona College:
Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed smart higher education destination, making students' dreams a reality since 1888. With a team of qualified and caring instructors, EAC is committed to preparing students for in-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
EAC offers more than 90 diverse degrees and certificates, as well as two bachelor's degrees, and is home to the state's best nursing school, a fine arts program with Arizona's only community college marching band, and an engineering program that prepares students for success at top companies and universities.
Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students grow and make connections that last a lifetime. At EAC, students can live on campus in residence halls, join over 30 clubs and organizations, take part in dynamic intramurals, and cheer on nationally ranked sports and esports teams.
A hallmark of EAC is its commitment to financial access, allowing most students to graduate with zero debt.
Choose EAC as your smart higher education destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.
