Sacramento-area community colleges will get facility upgrades if voters approve Measure E

Sacramento-area community colleges might have upgraded facilities and labs in the coming years. That’s if Measure E, a general obligation bond, is passed in the March 3 election.

Measure E would allow $650 million of locally controlled funds to repair and upgrade classrooms and labs throughout all four Los Rios Community College District campuses. Passing the measure will not increase property taxes, only extend them.

A supermajority of 55 percent of voters is required for the bond measure to pass.

The Los Rios district serves more than 75,000 students each year across five counties at Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, Cosumnes River College and American River College. The district area includes roughly 510,000 households, and about 355,000 are homeowner households.

About one third of the district’s facilities are at least 40 years old, according to Los Rios Chancellor Brian King. Officials hope to replace some of the district’s oldest buildings, including Sacramento City College’s Rodda Hall.

Some facilities were upgraded with a $475 million bond approved by voters in 2008. That bond allowed for renovations and new buildings that replaced portables at Folsom Lake College, and new centers in Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova.

But college district officials say the money from that bond has been spent or already designated to fund projects.

“We have done a great job spending the taxpayers’ dollars wisely, we have had clean audits and we have a bond oversight committee comprised of citizens across the region, and they have confirmed that money is being spent as promised,” King said.

Los Rios Associate Vice Chancellor Gabe Ross said providing resources to students and working with 21st century technology will provide rich career paths and prepare students to meet employer needs.

“More students started higher education at our community colleges than all other schools in the region combined,” King said. “We know that our students need that first-class, high-quality experience to start their college career.”

The Sacramento Taxpayers Association did not submit an argument opposing Measure E, but noted there could already be more financial support for schools if voters approve Proposition 13 on the statewide March ballot. Prop. 13 would authorize $15 billion in bonds statewide for school and college facilities, including $2 billion for community colleges.

“Taxes that pay school bonds are only paid for by property owners, but voted for by the general public, and that’s not clearly disclosed on the March ballot,” said Sacramento Taxpayers Association Interim President Debra Desrosiers.