PCC Measure 26-95: $375M (0.03%) Bond to Expand Facilities

PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE BONDS TO UPDATE, EXPAND LOCAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES MultCo Elections: SUMMARY: If approved, measure would provide funds for additional classrooms and modernizing equipment at all Portland Community College Campuses to expand and add programs, and accommodate more students. Increase access in Newberg, Sherwood. COST: $0.329 property tax per $1,000 assessed value over 21 years or less = 0.0329% Shall PCC expand, modernize, construct facilities for additional students, programs; upgrade technology; issue $375,000,000 in general obligation bonds; audit spending?
[X] Yes	"Yes": • WWeek • Portland Mercury • The Oregonian • The Skanner • Portland Tribune
[_] No	"No": • Jack Bogdanski

MY FIRST IMPRESSION: Leaning toward a yes vote, but $375M is a large amount and raises some questions:

• Why should local property taxpayers be responsible for expansion to Newberg and Sherwood? (Nevermind. Newberg and Sherwood have been in the PCC district since 1968.)
• Is the additional student capacity to accommodate local students or non-local students?
• Why is the college unable to fund its expansion plans -- especially if the college is accommodating relocating students?
• If there is a growing demand for its services, doesn't tuition cover some expansion costs or at least bond repayment?
• Wouldn't increasing the availability of online courses diminish the need to modernize and expand physical facilities?