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Poll shows support for RCC bond The $40 million measure to expand the college could go to the voters this spring By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune A recent survey of Jackson County voters shows a majority would favor paying $40 million in property taxes for future growth at Rogue Community College. Conducted by the Public Affairs Counsel in Salem, the survey of 383 residents could give RCC's board of directors the ammunition needed to put the bond issue before voters as early as this spring. "I think we have a good opportunity in May with the gubernatorial and legislative (primary) elections because they will generate a lot of interest at the polls," said RCC President Rick Levine. Under a so-called "double majority" requirement, the bond must not only win the majority of votes cast, but at least 50 percent of the registered voters must show up at the polls. By shooting for the May election, the RCC bond wouldn't compete with the Medford School District's proposed $70 million bond. Faced with overcrowded conditions at some campuses, the Medford district plans to ask voters in November to pay for a skill center, middle school and upgrades to the two high schools. Levine agreed it would be better to put the two bond measures in different elections, saying, "In some ways, it separates the issues." The $11,689 survey, which the college hopes to pay off through grant money, asked voters if they would approve a bond that would raise property taxes by 25 cents for each $1,000 of assessed valuation, about $38 a year for a $150,000 house. "We posed a few different questions and with different amounts and with each one, we got a high approval rating," said Levine. The survey, which has a 5 percent margin of error, consisted of 61 questions. One question asked respondents if they would pay $25 a year for a $100,000 home, and 74 percent said yes. A slightly different question asked if a property tax rate increase of 25 cents on $1,000 would be acceptable, and 63 percent favored the idea. Also, 69 percent disagreed with the statement, "My taxes are too high. I can't afford another 25 cent increase per thousand on my property taxes. I'm voting no." The bond money would pay for $16 million worth of expansion and upgrades to the downtown campus and $24 million for the technical center. Only 27 percent of respondents favored a $100 million bond measure that would pay for one large campus in Jackson County in addition to the existing RCC campus in Grants Pass. Levine said rapid expansion since RCC opened its Jackson County campus five years ago is the driving reason behind the need to upgrade and expand facilities. RCC, which has nearly 5,000 full-time students annually, expects to have as many as 8,000 by 2011. With such a short time to explain the expansion plans to voters, RCC will conduct public forums in the next few months. Levine said money for a bond measure campaign will be raised through a committee and will not be taken out of the school's general fund. RCC is bracing for cuts of $1 million to $1.7 million next fiscal year because of an $830 million state shortfall. This could mean the campus might increase tuition and fees, but also make potential reductions in staff. If the bond passed and RCC owned its facilities, it could save $600,000 in annual lease payments for buildings in downtown Medford. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.