College district may ask for bond extension

Like many school districts in San Mateo County, the community college district is weighing its need for adequate revenue to support facility needs against adding another measure to what appears to be becoming a lengthy ballot. However, consultant Dr. Timothy McLarney said a lengthy ballot doesn’t tend to particularly sway voters to pick and choose which tax measures to support.

A polled group of 881 individuals showed significant favorability for a bond measure passing in either June or November. Even after hearing opposing arguments, approximately 64% of polled voters would probably or definitely vote in support of the measure. Bond measures need at least 55% approval to pass. 

Pursuing a November election would simply allow the district more time to communicate with its voters about the reality of the bond extension, McLarney said. 

“I like the idea we’ll have more time to get all our ducks in a row and get our message out,” board President Wayne Lee said. 

The measure is proposed as a bond extension, which would maintain the current rate structure property owners are already paying, rather than asking for an additional tax to consider. This discrepancy will likely improve the chances of the bond measure passing, McLarney said. 

Generating approximately $73 annually, the district would continue levying $18 per $100,000 of assessed property value, if the measure passes.  

The district has, as of late, made decisions regarding the short-, mid- and long-term strategies for financing the next generation of capital improvements. This included a $55 million bridge fund to pay urgent items and a long-term Capital improvement Project savings strategy. To finance capital improvement over the next 10 years, a bond measure will likely be the means. 

An amended facilities master plan identifies $850 million in capital improvement needs. 

To qualify for the November ballots, the Board of Trustees must make a final decision to move forward with a measure likely in July.