June 7, 2016 - Measure B

MARIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
BOND MEASURE B

MEASURE B: To update/maintain College of Marin campuses that prepare students for 4-year universities and careers, shall Marin Community College District modernize classrooms, science, computer/biotechnology labs; repair, modernize and provide job-training classrooms; ensure classrooms meet earthquake, fire and safety codes; provide access for disabled students; and repair, construct, acquire, and equip classrooms, labs, sites and facilities by issuing $265,000,000 in bonds, at legal rates, which cannot be taken by the State, with citizens’ oversight and all funds staying local?

BOND YES                  BOND NO

COUNTY COUNSEL’S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF BOND MEASURE B

MARIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOND MEASURE B: UPDATE AND MAINTAIN COLLEGE OF MARIN CAMPUSES, COLLEGE OF MARIN JOB TRAINING MODERNIZATION AND LAB AND CLASSROOM PRESERVATION, MODERNIZATION & SAFETY

If this Measure is approved by a fifty-five percent (55%) vote, pursuant to the Article XIIIA(1)(b)(3) of the California Constitution, the Marin Community College District will be authorized to incur bonded indebtedness of Two Hundred and Sixty Five Million Dollars ($265,000,000) with an interest rate not-to-exceed the limit set by law. The proceeds of the proposed bonds must be used for the purposes set forth in the measure and for no other purposes, and will be subject to citizen oversight and annual audits. This Measure was placed on the ballot at the request of the Marin Community College District.

s/JACK F. GOVI
Assistant County Counsel

TAX RATE STATEMENT FOR BOND MEASURE B

An election will be held in the Marin Community College District (the "District") on June 7, 2016 to authorize the sale of $265,000,000 in general obligation bonds. If such bonds are authorized and sold, principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only from the proceeds of tax levies made on the taxable property in the District. These estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from official sources and other demonstrable factors. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary depending on the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold at each sale, and actual increases in assessed valuations. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code.

1. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 $0.01850 per $100 ($18.50 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18.
2. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 $0.01850 per $100 ($18.50 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2025-26.
3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing this statement, is $0.01850 per $100 ($18.50 per $100,000) of assessed valuation, which is projected to be the same in every fiscal year the bonds remain outstanding.
4. The best estimate from official sources of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $420,000,000.

Based upon the forgoing and projections of the District’s assessed valuation, the timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the needs of the District and other factors. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the Marin County Assessor in the assessment and the equalization process.

Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the assessed value of taxable property in the District as shown on the County’s official tax rolls, not on the property’s market value. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property’s assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

s/DAVID WAIN COON, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President Marin Community College District

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF BOND MEASURE B

Vote YES on Measure B to protect quality higher education at College of Marin!

With one of the highest transfer rates to U.C. Berkeley in the state, College of Marin prepares students for four-year degrees and future careers. College of Marin keeps our local economy thriving by providing job training and skill enhancement for thousands of workers each year.

College of Marin needs Measure B for repairs and updates to classrooms, labs, and vocational training facilities to continue this success.

Measure B provides locally controlled funds – which can’t be taken by the state – to:

• Upgrade vocational classrooms and training centers for 21st-century jobs
• Repair classrooms, science labs and vocational education facilities
• Replace leaking roofs
• Upgrade classrooms and educational facilities to meet current earthquake, fire and safety codes
• Update campus facilities to provide safe access for students with disabilities
• Modernize classrooms for job training in technology, computers and engineering

College of Marin’s oldest building is over 80 years old and other academic buildings are over 45 years old. Twelve years ago local voters approved funding for the first phase of improvements to college facilities but many aging classrooms and labs still require repairs. Measure B was developed based on a thorough assessment of the most urgent improvements needed at College of Marin’s Kentfield and Indian Valley College campuses.

To provide the skilled workforce Marin County needs, Measure B provides facilities for training firefighters, paramedics and healthcare professionals and builds science labs to meet growing student demand for science classes. Measure B helps College of Marin provide job training for returning veterans to help them reenter the workforce.

Measure B ensures fiscal accountability:

• Every penny from Measure B benefits College of Marin – funds cannot be taken by the state
• By law, no money can be used for administration
• Measure B requires citizens’ oversight and annual audits so funds are spent properly

Help College of Marin continue to prepare students for four-year universities and future careers. Vote YES on B.

s/ELISABETH SENNETT
First Vice President,
League of Women Voters of Marin County

s/MARY JANE BURKE
Marin County Superintendent of Schools

s/DAMON CONNOLLY
Supervisor, County of Marin

s/KERRY MAZZONI
Former CA Secretary of Education

s/CYNTHIA MURRAY
CEO, North Bay Leadership Council

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF BOND MEASURE B

Measure B’s argument is a repeat of 2004: “The buildings are old and need repair, renovation and modernization”. Really? After 2004’s $250 million, their buildings are still run down firetraps, unsuitable for students and about to fall over?

Management—not money—is the problem. Why hasn’t Marin Community College District dedicated sufficient annual revenue maintaining and improving the existing facilities? Will this bonded loan from Wall Street be wasted on routine maintenance too?

Were 2004’s projects “shovel ready” or were prior bond funds wasted on “planning”? What projects are shovel-ready now? Is Marin Community College District just starting another costly planning boondoggle? What about the Fine Arts Building lawsuits? Any money coming back or will the attorneys get it all?

Some facilities may need renovation and repair. What are Marin Community College District’s priorities? Why no mention of the Olympic-sized pool at the Indian Valley campus? Why not provide a specific list guaranteeing—in order—the specific projects they will build with this loan? The promised citizens’ oversight committee can’t ensure accountability without specifics!

Worse, many bond funded contracts will be handed out without competitive bidding that fosters cost-reducing competition, allows all qualified bidders fair opportunity and protects against waste, fraud, favoritism and corruption. Google: Sweetwater School pay to play or Fresno Leaseback FBI Arax.

California Taxpayers Action Network is a statewide non-profit corporation of volunteers. Our mission is to promote sound fiscal practices and business methods by government entities for the benefit and protection of the public. Marin Community College District gets a D.

Vote NO on Measure B.

s/G. RICK MARSHALL
Chief Financial Officer, California Taxpayers Action Network

ARGUMENT AGAINST BOND MEASURE B

How many extra charges already on your property tax bill? Can you afford another? Marin Community College District 2004 bond won’t be paid off until 2034. Measure B borrows another $265 million costing you approximately $420 million over 30 years.

Renters, do you really think your landlord won’t raise your rent to cover these added costs? Google: California Policy Center: Voters Wary Borrowing Billions More for Educational Construction; Thanks a Billion Poway.

Improving Marin Community College District is important. But think with your head and wallet—not your heart. This is snake oil crafted by an unscrupulous alliance of Wall Street bond sellers, financial advisors, school and bond attorneys, architects, construction contractors and other “consultants” who will profit at your expense. Google: Orange County Register’s Bankers Push School Bonds C.A.S.H.

According to Marin Independent Journal, “Enrollment at College of Marin overall has declined since 2010, with 7,789 credit students in fall 2010 and 5,737 students in fall 2014.” With declining enrollment why spend $265 million more?

Look who’s financing the Yes campaign. There’s historical correlation between campaign contributors and who profits.  Google: Local School Bonds Big Donors Win Big Contracts. Reject “PAY TO PLAY”! Google: Southwestern College corruption.

Under Measure B, Marin Community College District can buy things—like iPads—that you’ll pay for longer than they last. You wouldn’t take a car loan lasting longer than the car? Why would you ever authorize MCCD to do so now at your expense? Google: School bond iPads.

The pie in the sky “Project List” says "projects will be completed as needed" meaning no guarantee any particular thing listed will be done. BAIT & SWITCH!

VOTE NO until Marin Community College District proposes a measure with a prioritized Project List; guaranteeing specific projects with realistic budgets for each. There can’t be real value or accountability without it. NO BLANK CHECKS! www.caltan.org

s/G. RICK MARSHALL
Chief Financial Officer, California Taxpayers Action Network

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST BOND MEASURE B

The lone opponent of Measure B lives in Southern California, hundreds of miles from Marin. He hasn’t visited College of Marin to understand our needs for preparing local students for four-year universities and today’s careers. Yet, he wants to tell Marin how to vote without knowing the facts.

If he did live in Marin, he would know that College of Marin students attend class in outdated facilities that are 45 to 80 years old. Calling this proposal “snake oil” and citing irrelevant articles from faraway communities ignores the urgent need to update classrooms and labs that support strong academics and job training.

If he lived here, he’d understand that College of Marin conducted an in-depth assessment of all campus facilities to identify the condition and work required to bring them up to current safety, environmental and educational standards. Mandatory independent oversight and annual audits ensure locally controlled funding from Measure B is used only for the most urgent improvements needed at College of Marin.

If he lived in Marin, he would know that College of Marin is a vital part of our community that keeps our local economy thriving by providing job training and skill enhancement for thousands of workers and veterans each year.

If he were from Marin, he’d respect our tradition of supporting quality higher education.

Marin’s most respected leaders and organizations recommend a Yes vote on B to ensure our classrooms, science labs and educational facilities can prepare our students for transfer to four-year colleges and to compete for 21st-century jobs.

Vote Yes on B. B4COM.org

s/STEPHANIE O'BRIEN
President, College of Marin Board of Trustees

s/PATTY GARBARINO
Businesswoman/Trustee, County Board of Education

s/CECILIA ZAMORA
Executive Director, Latino Council

s/ROSS MILLERICK
Former Chair, COM Citizens Oversight Committee

s/ERIC SITZENSTATTER
President of ESCOM

FULL TEXT OF BOND MEASURE B

MARIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOND MEASURE ELECTION JUNE 7, 2016

“To update/maintain College of Marin campuses that prepare students for 4-year universities and careers, shall   Marin Community College District modernize classrooms, science, computer and biotechnology labs; repair, modernize  and provide job-training classrooms; ensure classrooms meet earthquake, fire and safety codes; provide access for disabled students; and repair, construct, acquire, and equip classrooms, labs, sites and facilities by issuing $265,000,000 in bonds, at legal rates, which cannot be taken by the State, with citizens’ oversight and all funds staying local?”

Bonds – Yes               Bonds – No

PROJECTS

The Board of Trustees of the Marin Community College District, to be responsive to the needs of its community, evaluated College of Marin’s urgent and critical facility needs, and its capacity to provide students, active military and Veterans with support facilities, an affordable education and prepare them for success in college and careers. 21st Century job training, earthquake and fire safety issues, enrollment, class size and class offerings, and information and computer technology infrastructure were each considered, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. In developing the scope of projects, the faculty, staff, students and community have prioritized local job training, particularly in firefighting, paramedic/911 emergency medical and other healthcare training, as well as facilities available to support an affordable education, so that the most critical needs that will make the College of Marin an effective place for learning, would be ad­dressed. Based on Board, faculty, student and community input, it was concluded that if these facility needs were not addressed now, the College of Marin would be unable to remain competitive in preparing students for jobs in high demand industries and university transfer. The Board concluded that the longer they waited to repair and upgrade College of Marin, the more expensive it would be. In approving the Projects, the Board of Trustees determines that College of Marin MUST:

1. Provide classrooms to train firefighters, paramedics and other health care professionals; and
2. Provide a high quality education that prepares students to four year colleges, like U.C. Berkeley; and
3. Provide campus facilities that provide job training for returning veterans; and
4. ENSURE THAT EVERY PENNY FROM THIS MEASURE BENEFITS COLLEGE OF MARIN CAMPUSES, AND THAT NO FUNDS CAN BE TAKEN BY THE STATE; AND
5. ENSURE THAT NO MONEY FROM THIS MEASURE BE USED FOR ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES OR ADMINISTRATION.

The following types of projects are authorized to be undertaken at College of Marin: 

LOCAL FUNDS FOR JOB TRAINING AND TRANSFER:

Academic Facility and Technology Upgrade Projects
To Help Students, Transfer to Four-Year
Universities or be Trained For 21st Century Jobs

Goals and Purposes: Ensuring students and veterans are either prepared for transfer to University of California or State college systems or trained for in-demand, good paying jobs are major objectives of College of Marin.

College of Marin has served Marin County residents for over five generations providing essential job training and workforce preparation in firefighting, nursing, paramedic/911 emergency medical and other healthcare professional training. Funding needed repairs and upgrades to support vital educational programs will ensure College of Marin continues to keep our local economy thriving by providing job retraining and skill enhancement for thousands of workers each year.

Thus the District requires FUNDS that ARE LOCALLY CONTROLLED to improve academic facilities which will allow them to continue providing access to affordable, high quality education to local students and veterans, including:

• Modernize classrooms for job training in technology, computers, engineering, firefighting, paramedical and other healthcare professions.
• Repair and upgrade vocational classrooms and training centers for 21st Century jobs.
• Repair and maintain classrooms, science classrooms and labs and vocational education facilities.
• Provide adequate classrooms and labs for career training and transfer to universities.
• Upgrade computer labs and classroom instructional technology.
• Update classrooms and educational facilities to meet current earthquake, fire and safety codes.
• Update campus facilities to provide access for students with disabilities.
• Increase energy efficiency by replacing aging heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems with energy-efficient models and install energy saving dual pane windows to reduce operating expenses.
• Upgrade and replace existing information technology infrastructure and network systems to improve efficiency and increase capacity.
• Upgrade and build academic buildings to expand classrooms for job training and career technical education.
• Replace deteriorating portable classrooms with permanent classrooms.

LOCAL FUNDS FOR BASIC REPAIRS:

Projects Needed To Meet Current Safety
Building Codes And Demand for Classes

Goal and Purpose: Since the oldest college buildings are more than 45-years old, upgrades are needed to meet current building codes for earthquake, fire and safety dangers. With upgraded facilities and science labs, College of Marin can meet the growing student demand for these types of job training and transfer classes:

• Repair or replace leaking roofs.
• Renovate, repair or replace outdated laboratories, classrooms, training centers and support facilities.
• Replace deteriorating portable classrooms with up-to-date permanent classrooms.
• Update classrooms and educational facilities to meet current earthquake, fire and safety codes.
• Update campus facilities to provide access for disabled students.
• Increase energy efficiency by replacing aging heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems with energy-efficient models and install energy-saving dual pane windows to reduce operating expenses.

* * *

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

This bond measure has strict accountability requirements including:

1. All money will benefit College of Marin campuses and CANNOT BE TAKEN BY THE STATE.
2. NO MONEY can be used for ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES or administration
3. Require CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT and yearly reports to the community to keep the College accountable for how the funds are spent.
4. 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 school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher, faculty and college administrator salaries, pensions and other operating expenses.
5. 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.

* * *

The listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning   costs, program/project management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency. In addition to the listed projects stated above, authorized projects also   include the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility studies, assessment reviews, facility master plan preparation and updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring), design and construction documentation, and temporary housing of dislocated college activities caused by construction projects. In addition to the projects listed above, repair, renovation and construction projects may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; replace aging electrical and plumbing systems; repair and replacement of heating and ventilation systems; acquire vehicles; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies, including photovoltaic/solar installations; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, wall doors and drinking fountains; removal of outdated buildings and construction of new classrooms and support buildings; installation of  wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; replace mechanical units on both campuses; upgrade  facilities to meet current earthquake safety standards; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; upgrading, resurfacing, replacing or relocating of hard courts, fields, turf and irrigation systems; install artificial turf on ball fields; upgrade classrooms; build or upgrade facilities for math, physical sciences, fine arts, theatre arts, and agriculture; construct or expand a simulation lab for allied health programs; improve campus signage; upgrade, resurfacing and reconditioning existing parking lots; construct a parking garage; renovate or construct a facility for multi-purpose/lecture/ meeting space for district and community use; repair and update science labs at the Bolinas Marine Laboratory; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace water and sewer lines and other plumbing systems; construct, upgrade, acquire or expand foreign language, humanities buildings, fine arts and performing arts facilities, physical education/aquatic facilities, locker rooms, administrative offices, public safety office, maintenance building, student service/campus center and instructional buildings, trades and technology building, library, athletic fields, student services building, and field turf; acquire transitional portable buildings; improve water conservation and energy efficiency; replace elevators; replace outdated security systems; replace existing window systems with energy-efficient systems to reduce costs; improve insulation, weatherproofing and roofs to reduce costs; improve access for the disabled; install and repair fire safety equipment, including alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and fire safety doors; replace broken concrete walks, deteriorated asphalt; replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and   clocks; demolition of unsafe facilities; install new security systems, such as security (surveillance) cameras, outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks; replace sewer lines and improve drainage systems to prevent flooding; upgrade roadway and pedestrian paths for improved safety and access for emergency vehicles, site parking, utilities and grounds. The project list also includes the refinancing of outstanding lease obligations. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, the funding of LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, information systems, printers, digital white boards, upgrade voice-over-IP, communication systems, audio/visual and telecommunications systems, call manager and network security/firewall, Internet connectivity, wireless systems, technology infrastructure, and other miscellaneous IT and instructional equipment.

The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District’s receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project. In the absence of State matching funds, which the District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District’s share of the costs of the projects, the District will not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. Some projects may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies. 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 and construction documents are finalized, construction bids are received, construction contracts are awarded and projects are completed. Based on the final costs of each project, certain of the projects described above may be delayed or may not be completed. Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to bond projects. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein. The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited and comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code §53410.