SEDALIA—The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Board of Trustees on Dec. 20 approved a resolution and ballot language for a general obligation bond. The election will be April 4, 2017.
The college will be seeking voter approval for a $28 million general obligation bond that would provide a new technical education facility, new and enhanced programs to accommodate workforce demand and existing building renovations. If the bond is approved, it is estimated the debt service levy of the college, which is currently $0, would increase about 25 cents per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property. Cost for an average household would be about $48 per year. The tax for this bond issue will sunset after 20 years.
Plan highlights include:
- A new technical education facility, which will house current programs and potential new programs in diesel technology, agriculture mechanics and HVAC/ advanced environmental systems
- Expanded space for the State Fair Career and Technology Center, which provides technical training programs for students from 10 area school districts
- Additional space in the new facility that will allow for customized training for the college’s noncredit continuing education and workforce development programs
After several months of research with students, employees and the community about the future needs of the college, a campus master plan was developed in 2015. A new technical education facility was identified as the plan’s top priority. A random dial telephone survey also was conducted with residents in the college’s taxing district. The telephone survey gathered opinions about the college, tested four proposed projects and assessed the level of support for a potential tax increase to fund plans being considered. Phone survey results indicated that a technical education facility was the top priority and that respondents were likely to support a ballot initiative.
“SFCC creates value in many ways,” said Dr. Joanna Anderson, SFCC president. “Our bond plan will provide more career opportunities for our students and a more highly skilled workforce for our businesses and industries, which creates jobs and attracts new residents to the region.”
The Building Strong Futures information campaign will kick off in mid-January to provide voters with additional information and to answer questions. To schedule a presentation for your community, organization or civic club, please call (660) 596-7250.
