Why is Measure I
necessary?
The Visalia Campus has been serving students and the community for over 80
years. Today, many classrooms and
facilities are outdated and in need of major renovation and repairs.
In addition, training facilities, labs, and equipment need to be brought
up to 21st century standards so students have the skills needed to be
competitive in today’s workforce.
The Visalia Campus was built and has been maintained
entirely with state funding. However, the
state can no longer afford to fund 100% of our campus’ construction, maintenance
and expansion needs.
COS is required to provide a local match to access
the $48 million the state is able to provide.
The state matching funds will be lost to another
community college district if we are not able to provide our share.
What will Measure I
cost property owners?
The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $8.42
per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year; the average homeowner is estimated
to pay $1.17 per month.
(Do not confuse assessed valuation with market
value.
Assessed valuation is the value placed on property by the
County and is almost always lower than market values).
Check
your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.
How can I be sure that Measure I
funds will be spent on improving the facilities at the Visalia Campus?
As required by law, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent on the projects stated on the bond project list. The committee’s meeting and proceedings will be open to the public. Also by law, there must be annual reviews and audits and no bond money can be used for faculty or administrative salaries.
What happens if Measure
I does not pass?
The major upgrades and improvements necessary at the Visalia Campus will continue to exist and will only cost more in the future. In addition, parking will continue to be a problem and students in some programs will not be able to receive training on current equipment and computer technology. COS will research alternate funding sources including grant opportunities and repair buildings with the most critical need. COS may have to borrow money other sources to secure the local match for essential improvements.
Given the economy, why
put Measure I on the ballot now?
The need for local funding has existed for several years. Measure I was approved by the elected members of the Board of Directors because of the relatively small cost to the average household, and the gain of $48 million in state funds. If we continue to postpone providing our local match we lose the state funds and the cost to improve our college facilities will continue to increase.