AMARILLO, TEXAS --  A public hearing was conducted Friday afternoon at Amarillo College regarding a possible tax increase.

 AC would use the increase of the tax rate to compensate for the cut in state funding given to the college. The Board of Regents at AC have suggested a one cent raise in the tax rate which would affect those who live in the district of the college. Amarillo College would like to give incoming students the same opportunities as years past.

“Right now the tax rate is 19 cents per 100 thousand dollar evaluation. If we raise the tax rate to approximately 20 cents per 100 thousand per evaluation then we're talking about a whole dollar per month or maybe 12 dollars a year.” Said AC communication coordinator Joe Wyatt.

In Texas, a public hearing is necessary when there has been a proposal to increase a tax rate. Though the turnout was low Friday afternoon, the community is encouraged to attend the 2^nd hearing on Monday at 12pm in the Palo Duro room at Amarillo College on Washington street.

“Everybody is welcome to come out,” Said Wyatt, “I think that they'll make time for as many citizens that show up to the next one.”

 If passed the rate change could bring in close to one million dollars for AC that would benefit the students.