State auditors say the Western Maricopa Education Center finished a recent year with roughly $142 million, yet limited payouts to satellite programs.
West-MEC specializes in career and technical education programs for more than 37,000 students entering fields such as health care, aviation and construction.
State auditors say some of the money held by West-MEC in July 2023 was restricted, but the general fund had about eight times more cash than necessary.
State auditors also say West-MEC should have paid out $10 million more in enrollment-based funding to satellite programs at high schools responsible for roughly 96% of enrollment.
West-MEC did not dispute the findings.
West-MEC has partner programs on several Maricopa County Community College District campuses.
EDITOR'S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.
