The Santa Rosa Junior College Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to place a record $830 million bond measure on the November ballot, aiming to fund critical infrastructure upgrades and expand student programs at the 108-year-old institution. District officials say the bond is essential to meet regional workforce demands and boost full-time enrollment, while also addressing a $1.75 billion maintenance backlog that includes roof repairs, utility improvements, and seismic safety upgrades.
Proceeds from the bond, plus interest, would be repaid through property taxes within the district, which covers Sonoma County and parts of Marin and Mendocino counties. However, district leaders emphasize that taxpayers will not see their rates increase.
The proposed bond structure would combine the existing and new tax rates into a single, capped rate, maintaining the current average tax of $30 per $100,000 in assessed property value.
Trustees Michael Valdovinos and André Bailey were absent during the vote. The board directed administrators to submit the proposal to the voter registrar of each county, setting the stage for a robust monthslong campaign to build voter support.
District voters last approved a bond in 2014, but as that funding is exhausted, the college continues to face pressing infrastructure needs.
Available state funding for capital projects has been significantly reduced in recent years. District leaders warned that without a new funding source, the district would be forced to divert operating funds to cover maintenance costs at a time when the college is already looking to tighten spending.
Board of Trustees President Ezrah Chaaban emphasized the critical nature of the bond, stating that without it, the district would have to divert general fund dollars to maintenance and capital needs, which would significantly impact employees and students.
During their discussion, trustees acknowledged that voters may be hesitant to support such a large bond amid economic pressures, but they were encouraged by the community's longstanding support for the college. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected.