Bonds updating career education, increasing safety, security; repairing aging facilities.
Question: Shall College update vocational facilities; improve accessibility, safety, security; repair buildings; issue $136.445 million in bonds; citizen oversight, audits required?
If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
Summary: Mt. Hood Community College seeks approval for bonds in a maximum principal amount of $136.445 million to finance capital costs, including:
Expanding Career Education Facilities & Meeting Growing Demand
- Repurpose existing space to create Center for Health Professions training health care professionals such as nurses, surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, and mental health counselors.
- Renovate classroom technology to serve online and hybrid learning.
Improving Community Access
- Community pool improvements, including a retractable pool cover for year-round use, increasing opportunities for community use such as swim lessons and local events.
- Increased accessibility.
Securing Campus
- Enhancing safety with improved lockdown capabilities, fire, seismic retrofits.
Repairing Aging Facilities
- Updating aging systems in 1970’s era buildings, including roofs, siding, flooring, HVAC and electrical.
- Site improvements, demolition, furnishings, equipment, issuance costs.
- State expected to provide $8 million in matching funds.
Bonds may be issued in multiple series, maturing within 21 years from issuance. Levy rate estimated at $0.25 per $1,000 assessed value. Actual levy rates may differ due to changes in interest rates at issuance or assessed property value.
Explanatory Statement: Established in 1966, Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) serves 18,000 students across 3 campuses stretching from Government Camp to East Portland and everything in between—Sandy, Corbett, Gresham, Fairview, Wood Village and Troutdale.
HOW MHCC CURRENTLY SERVES OUR COMMUNITY:
Meeting Regional Needs
In the past five years, MHCC has trained nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals and provided 60,000+ student volunteer hours to local hospitals and clinics.
Contributions to Local Economy
MHCC alumni contribute over $350 million annually to the local economy in East Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.
Powering Our Workforce
MHCC is a provider of job training, supporting careers in healthcare, emergency response, education, skilled trades, small business, and more.
Financial Stewardship
As the only Oregon public college to receive the Government Financial Officers Association’s Triple Crown Award, which includes producing annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence transparency, MHCC is committed to responsible management of taxpayer dollars.
THE COLLEGE SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND FACILITIES
The MHCC Board of Education seeks voter approval of a $136.445 million general obligation bond to address critical capital needs, expand career training opportunities, and improve campus infrastructure.
STATE MATCHING FUNDS AVAILABLE
MHCC anticipates receiving at least $8 million in matching funds to offset costs from the State of Oregon. These funds are contingent upon the passage of this bond.
WHY IS THE COLLEGE PROPOSING THIS MEASURE?
MHCC has identified key priorities to improve educational facilities, expand career training, and enhance campus safety:
Expanding Career Education Facilities & Meeting Workforce Demand
- Repurposing existing spaces to create a Center for Health Professions, training healthcare professionals such as nurses, surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, and mental health counselors.
- Upgrading classroom technology to support online and hybrid learning.
Improving Community Access
- Renovating the community pool, including installing a retractable cover for year-round use, increasing opportunities for community events, swim lessons, and recreation.
- Improving campus accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Enhancing Campus Safety and Security
- Upgrading safety measures, including enhanced lockdown capabilities, fire safety systems, and seismic retrofits to protect students and staff.
Repairing and Upgrading Aging Facilities
- Addressing infrastructure needs in 1970s-era buildings, including repairs to roofs, siding, flooring, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical systems.
Additional capital costs covered by the bond include:
- Site improvements, demolition, furnishings, and equipment.
- Costs associated with bond issuance.
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT AND USE OF FUNDS
If the measure passes, the MHCC Board of Education will oversee the bond’s implementation to ensure all funds are used for voter-approved projects. An independent oversight committee will provide additional accountability and transparency.
BOND FUNDS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR VOTER-APPROVED PROJECTS
By law, bond funds can only be spent on capital improvements outlined in the measure. Funds cannot be used for faculty salaries or operational expenses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
- Bonds will be issued in one or more series and will mature within 21 years from issuance.
- Estimated levy rate: $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
- The actual tax rate may vary based on interest rates and assessed property values.
Submitted by:
Jennifer DeMent, Vice President, Finance and Administration
Mt. Hood Community College