Measure H
Voters of the School Facilities Improvement District Number 1 (Tahoe-Truckee Campus Area) of the Sierra Joint Community College District authorized the issuance of $35,000,000 in bonds at the November 2, 2004 General Election with a 68.8% affirmative vote. The bond funds are to be used ‘to prepare Tahoe-Truckee area students for jobs/four-year colleges, provide for lifelong learning, and accommodate increasing enrollment by acquiring, constructing, equipping, repairing buildings, sites, classrooms, labs, libraries to complete a permanent campus.’ The District sold the first issue, Series A bonds for a total of $20,000,000 on April 21, 2005, with an interest rate of 4.83%. One additional series is expected to be issued in 2006.
The Board of Trustees evaluated the District’s urgent and critical facility needs in the Tahoe-Truckee area, including safety issues, enrollment growth and computer technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded in the Tahoe-Truckee area, as outlined in the Sierra College Facilities Master Plan 2015, approved by the Board of Trustees on October 14, 2003. In developing the scope of projects the faculty, staff and students have prioritized the key health and safety needs so the most critical needs are addressed. The Board conducted independent facilities evaluations and received public input and review in developing the scope of college facility projects to be funded.
The Projects to be financed by the Improvement District are a community college campus for general education which may include up to eighteen “smart” classrooms and laboratories for instruction in a broad range of liberal and fine arts, sciences, business and vocational disciplines. The campus will include library, administrative, student service, faculty offices, student commons, physical education, maintenance, and bookstore facilities. Exterior development will include parking areas, landscaping and hiking trails, and open space responsive to community conservation goals. The Projects may include land and equipment acquisition, and joint-use facilities developed in collaboration with community partners. The Projects also include Internet and cable technology upgrades to support enhanced distance learning programs, improved telecommunication systems, and to replace outdated computer equipment.
Listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, construction management, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District’s receipt of State bond funds and the final costs of each project. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District’s control. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed.