1038 / 50.2% Yes votes ...... 1029 / 49.7% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

The Sierra Joint Community College District has proposed to the voters that general obligation bonds of the community college district be issued in an amount up to $394 million and that ad valorem taxes be levied upon taxable property in the District to repay the bonds. The measure provides that proceeds from the sale of the bonds will generally be used to fix faulty sewer systems, leaky roofs and decaying walls; expand nursing, police and firefighting centers; add new classrooms; upgrade classroom wiring; upgrade technology; repair, acquire, construct and equip buildings, sites and classrooms; and expand various outreach/education centers throughout the District. The measure prohibits using any of the bond proceeds for faculty and administrator salaries and other District operating expenses.

If the measure is adopted, the Board of Trustees of the District will require that annual, independent financial and performance audits be conducted to verify that expenditures are proper and projects are being completed. In addition, a Citizens' Oversight Committee will be established within sixty days of the report of election results to the Board.

The Board of Trustees of the Sierra Joint Community College District has called the election for the purpose of submitting the measure to the voters within the District. If 55% of the voters of the District voting on the measure vote yes, the district may proceed to sell the bonds and levy the related taxes as estimated in the Tax Rate Statement. A no vote on this measure will disapprove the issuance of the bonds and the levy of the taxes for such bonded indebtedness.

Louis B. Green El Dorado County Counsel

Sierra College has not tried to pass a bond since 1957. The 43-year-old Rocklin campus needs serious repairs and upgrades:

• Decaying classroom walls and ceilings,
• Faulty sewer systems,
• Leaky pipes,
• Failing heating and ventilation,
• Outdated math and science labs,
• Wiring cannot accommodate computer technology.

In tough economic times, Sierra College is critically important to train and retrain local residents and expand their job skills. Nursing, firefighter, police, computer science and other job traing programs at every Sierra College campus need upgraded classrooms and labs to train residents for today's job market.

Too many students are turned away from job training programs and academic courses required for transfer programs. Sierra "Emeritus" classes serve local retirees, and enrollment is skyrocketing. College-wide enrollment has grown 48% since 1997, while classroom and lab space has increased by only 11%. Larger Sierra College campuses are needed in Roseville, Nevada County, Lincoln, Truckee and Rocklin for thousands of new studeents each year.

Measure E will support classrooms, labs and distance learning technology to accommodate future enrollment growth throughout the region.

Every dollar raised by Measure E will be used to improve Sierra College and cannot be taken by the state. No money can be spent on administrator salaries, and annual, independent financial audits will guarantee that funds are spent as promised.

Measure E will positively impact hundreds of local businesses and thousands of local jobs - and ensure Sierra College can continue to provide high-quality, affordable, local education.

Please join us in supporting Measure E for Sierra College.

s/ Audrey Keebler
Principal
Golden Sierra High School

s/ Charlie Paine
Supervisor, District IV
El Dorado County Board of Supervisors

s/ Karen Smith
Member, Republican Central Committee

s/ Bob Edwards
Retired Educator

s/ Rick Todd
Chief
Georgetown Fire District

(No arguments against Measure E were submitted)

1. The best estimate of the tax which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the first series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.01900 per $100 ($19.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2004-05.

2. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.01898 per $100 ($18.98 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2014-15.

3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.01900 per $100 ($19.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2004-05.

Based on these estimated tax rates, the average annual tax over the life of the bonds would be $18.99 for $100,000 of assessed valuation.

Voters should note that these estimated tax rates are based on the assessed value of taxable property in the District as shown on the official tax rolls of the respective counties comprising the District's territory, not on the property's market value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner's exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective tax rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone the payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated, due to variations from these estimates in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The estimates are based upon the District's projections and are not binding upon the District. The dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on the need for construction funds and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of each sale. Actual future assessed valuation will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the respective County Assessors in the annual assessment and the equalization process.

Dated: November 11, 2003

Dr. Kevin M. Ramirez Superintendent/President Sierra Joint Community College District

The following is the full proposition presented to the voters of the Sierra Joint Community College District.

Sierra College Job Training, Repair/Safety Measure: "To prepare students for jobs/ four-year colleges, improve safety, accommodate increasing enrollment at Sierra College campuses in Rocklin, Nevada County, Roseville, Lincoln, Truckee by:

• Fixing faulty sewer systems, leaky roofs, decaying walls;
• Expanding nursing/police/firefighting centers;
• Upgrading classroom wiring;
• Repairing, acquiring, constructing, equipping buildings, sites, classrooms;

Bonds - Yes Bonds + No

The Board of Trustees of the Sierra Joint Community College District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment growth, energy cost reduction and information and computer technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded, as outlined in the Sierra College Facilities Master Plan 2015, approved by the Board of Trustees on October 14, 2003, incorporated herein, and as shall be further amended from time to time. 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, as listed in the Facilities Master Plan 2015 which was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees. This input of faculty, community and business leaders concluded that if these needs were not addressed now, the problems would only get worse. In preparing the Facilities Master Plan 2015 the Board of Trustees made five important determinations:

• Repair, Upgrade, and/or Replace Obsolete Classrooms, Science and Computer Labs, Instructional Facilities, Sites and Utilities: Repair, upgrade and/or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer, drainage, electrical systems, wiring, unsanitary and run down bathrooms, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, dorms, telecommunication systems, security systems, fields and grounds, science laboratories, lecture halls, outdoor learning centers, and other instructional facilities, wire classrooms for computers and technology, increase safety, increase energy efficiency, reduce fire hazards, reduce operating costs so more classes and job training can be offered, improve academic instruction, and meet legal requirements for disabled access.
• Improve Emergency Access and Evacuation Routes: To improve student safety, redesign campus road network to eliminate dangerous intersections and unsafe conditions, reduce gridlock, improve pedestrian safety and increase access for emergency vehicles, construct pedestrian bridges over Rocklin Road and Sierra College Boulevard, add parking to accommodate increasing student population.
• Expand Classroom and Facility Capacity: Increase classroom capacity for academic classes and job training, including nursing, emergency medical, math, science labs, child development, physical and health education facilities, fine arts classes and labs, relocate maintenance yard/buildings to free up needed classroom space.
• Upgrade, Repair, Equip, Construct and/or Expand Student Services Building: Upgrade, repair, equip, and construct and/or expand student services buildings to include academic advisement centers, study areas, lecture/meeting/seminar rooms, computer hook-up and study areas, and other student support.
• Refinance Existing Lease Obligations related to Classrooms, Facilities, Laboratories and Equipment: This refinancing will lower interest rates will save district expenses and increase funds available for instruction.
• Repair, Replace and Upgrade Electrical and Mechanical Systems to Reduce Energy Consumption and Utility Bills.
• Build a Campus Police and Security Center.
• Build a Fire Station and Training Center.
• Safety Improvements: Upgrade existing fire alarms, sprinklers, smoke detectors, intercoms and fire doors; install security systems, exterior lighting, emergency lighting, door locks and fences.
• Technology Upgrades: Upgrade Internet and cable technology; improve distance learning; upgrade telecommunication systems; campus-wide technology upgrades, computers; replace outdated equipment; create "smart classrooms" which can broadcast classes over the Internet.

• Repair, Upgrade, Expand Classrooms, Science and Computer Labs, Instructional Facilities: Upgrade and increase classroom capacity for math, english, science, computer study, public safety, fine and performing arts, physical and health education.
• Technology Upgrades: Expand computer technology and telecommunications systems, reconfigure, upgrade and increase size of computer labs.
• Expand Firefighting and Police Training Grounds to Improve Fire/Life Safety Training.
• Site, Accessibility: Upgrade physical plant and maintenance yard to support growing campus; improve pedestrian access routes.
• Repair, Renovate, Equip and/or Expand Student Services Building: Expand and upgrade student services center to include academic advisement center, study areas, counseling rooms, job and college transfer counseling, computer hook-ups and other student support.

• Provide Sierra College Facilities Throughout Mid-Placer Area: Provide classrooms and improved distance learning opportunities for outreach college level and vocational study classes in the Auburn/Colfax area, Foresthill, the Truckee/Tahoe area and other outlying areas within the District.

• Provide a Permanent Sierra College Facility in Truckee: Acquire land, construct classrooms, labs, library and student service facilities, including job training and college transfer counseling.

• Establish Permanent Sierra College Facilities in Lincoln to Accommodate Rapid Growth and Enrollment: Develop site and construct classrooms, labs, library, fine and performing arts, physical education and student service facilities suitable for a comprehensive campus. Included would be a child development center, special classrooms and outdoor labs for students interested in agriculture and veterinary studies, an environmental science learning center and a public library. Many of the centers and the library will be built as joint projects with other public agencies.

• Establish Permanent Sierra College Facilities in Roseville to Accommodate Rapid Growth and Enrollment and To Support Nursing And Fire Safety Programs: Provide permanent facilities in Roseville, including the acquisition of a site(s), the construction of facilities or the acquisition of facilities for classrooms, labs, library, student services and parking (to get cars off neighborhood streets).

The bond program is designed to provide facilities which will serve current and expected enrollment. In the event of an unexpected slowdown in development or enrollment of students at Sierra College, or its several outreach centers, certain of the projects described above will be delayed or may not be completed. In such case, bond money will be spent on only the most essential of the projects listed above. The District will work with the Citizens' Oversight Committee on prioritizing those projects in the event factors beyond the District's control require that projects be reconsidered.

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS. BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED. THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATION OF A BONA FIDE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. NO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.

NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THIS PROPOSITION SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF COLLEGE FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF COLLEGE FACILITIES, AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE, INCLUDING TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES. BY LAW, ALL FUNDS CAN ONLY BE SPENT ON REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.