College asks voters for $190 million bond measure Nov. 7
Cynthia Parkhill–Clear Lake Observer-American
SOUTH LAKE COUNTY — Voters in Konocti and Middletown school districts are being asked to consider approving $190 million in bonds through Yuba Community College District”s Measure J.
Yuba is pursuing a facilities bond for the first time in its 80-year history. Its trustees voted unanimously on June 14 to approve a resolution placing a $190 million bond on the November ballot.
Yuba district boundaries include the school districts of Konocti and Middletown.
The bond election is being called under the auspices of Proposition 39, which was approved by California voters in 2000. It permits a bond to pass with a 55-percent majority instead of two-thirds but imposes conditions of accountability and oversight.
A citizens” oversight committee will be established to monitor expenses in the event that the bond passes. Proposition 39 bonds also stipulate that no funds may be used for teacher, staff or administrator salaries.
Yuba proposes to issue $190 million in bonds, which would be used for various projects that are specified in the text of Measure J. Some of the projects outlined for Yuba”s Clear Lake Campus include upgrading technology, expanding classroom and facility capacity, constructing permanent classrooms, library, bookstore and student center building; and repairing, upgrading, equipping and/or replacing obsolete classrooms and utilities.
District taxpayers can expect to pay 1.6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for Fiscal Year 2007-08, according to the tax rate statement that accompanies the text and analysis of Yuba”s Measure J.
Dr. Mark Cooper, who sits as area board member for the Lake County Office of Education, has filed the local ballot argument in favor of Measure J. He notes that most of the buildings on the Clear Lake Campus were built in the 1970s and are severely outdated and in dire need of repair.
“For over 30 years, Yuba College ? Clear Lake Campus has provided vocational job training, academic preparation for four-year universities, and instruction to Child Development, Culinary Arts, Business and Emergency Services professionals who serve Lake County. It is vital to the economic well-being and safety of our community that we offer these educational opportunities close to home. We must also provide students access to modern teaching facilities, materials and learning environments needed to achieve long-term success.”
No argument has been submitted in opposition to Measure J.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
