EPCC Board of Trustees
What does the Board of Trustees do?
The EPCC Board of Trustees is a nonpartisan, volunteer position that plays a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in El Paso. Trustees govern the El Paso Community College District, which includes five campuses across the county.They are responsible for setting the vision and goals for the college, approving the annual operating budget and tax rate, and overseeing the college president. With more than 25,000 students enrolled in Fall 2024 and a $166.5 million budget, trustees ensure that EPCC remains accountable to students, taxpayers, and the broader community.
Property Taxes
The El Paso Community College Board of Trustees does have a significant say in property taxes in El Paso. The board is responsible for setting the tax rate that funds the college's operations, and this rate directly impacts property taxes for residents within the college district.
Here's how it works:
Funding Source:
EPCC primarily relies on property tax revenue to fund its operations, alongside tuition and fees, and federal/state reimbursements.
Board's Role:
The Board of Trustees sets the tax rate, which determines how much property tax revenue the college will receive.
Tax Rate Impact:
This tax rate is then applied to property valuations within the college district, influencing the overall property tax bill for residents.
Examples:
For instance, the board may adopt a "no-new-revenue" tax rate, meaning the college would receive the same amount of property tax revenue from existing properties as the previous year, essentially preventing a tax increase, according to EPCC's website. Nevertheless, if property values increase so do the dollar amount of taxes even though the rate remains the same.
Voter Approval:
In some cases, the board may need to hold an election to seek voter approval for a tax rate if it exceeds the voter-approval rate, also stated on EPCC's website