The San Jacinto College 2008 Bond Proposal
Dear Friend of San Jacinto College:
Voters within the San Jacinto College District will have the opportunity to vote on the issuance of $295,000,000 in general obligation bonds needed to construct hands-on instructional science, allied health, and other technical education facilities at each of our three campuses. These facilities will be used to prepare students to live and work in our community. Libraries and physical education facilities will be updated to enhance the student learning process as well as changes in the student support services area to create a single location for students to go to access services that support student learning. In addition, a Business Industry Training Center will be built to assist local industry with their training needs of currently employed workers.
In May, a general obligation bond election will be held in order for citizens to decide on paying for the proposed facilities and renovations of present facilities. Federal law requires that all public institutions selling bonds that obligate taxpayers must first seek approval of those taxpayers. This money can be used only for the construction of new facilities, and the renovation and upkeep of existing facilities. Bond funds cannot be used for normal operating expenses.
San Jacinto College opened its doors to the community over 46 years ago. While the buildings comprising the College have serviced the community well, some of them have out-lived their useful life. Through its partnerships with business and industry throughout the district, San Jacinto College provides up-to-date programs and facilities to ensure students are successful in meeting their goals to either transfer to a four-year institution, enter the local workforce, or upgrade skills in their current jobs to the level of proficiency required by the industries in which they work. The general obligation bonds will provide facilities for learning at all three San Jacinto College campuses in accordance with business and industry current standards.
The Impact to the taxpayer is outlined in this brochure in detail and the maximum increase in taxes for debt services is expected to be approximately 4.0 cents. This means residents owning a home with an appraised value of $100,000 will see their taxes increase approximately $3.16 monthly, or $38.00 a year. Residents with a $150,000 home will pay approximately $4.83 more per month or an approximately $58.00 annually. Most senior citizens of age 65 or older will see no increase in their taxes; however, those seniors over 65 with a house valued for taxes above $105,000 will see a nominal increase.
The itemized list of our proposed facilities and renovations, and the estimated impact of this bond package on you and me, the taxpayer is included in this document. If you have questions regarding the information provided please feel free to contact a campus president or me.
Sincerely,
Bill Lindemann
Chancellor