AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin voters will decide on more than $3.5 billion in bond projects this November, after Austin Community College trustees voted last week to put $770 million in bond projects before voters.
If approved by the college district's voters, the bond would focus on expanding ACC's workforce training programs in fields that are in high demand, including health care, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
One of the largest components of the bond proposal includes $200 million to construct an advanced manufacturing and skilled trades center in Del Valle, on 124 acres of land the district acquired from a previous bond package in 2014. Programs would include welding, automotive technology, and building construction technology, along with general education classrooms and student services.
The proposal also includes $100 million for a "significant" expansion of the Hays campus, $100 million for expanded facilities for advanced manufacturing training at the Highland campus, and $75 million for the Pinnacle campus in southwest Austin.
District officials say the bond won't result in an increase in the tax rate, with property values expected to continue to increase. According to ACC estimates, a taxpayer with a home worth $500,000 would pay up to $5 per year over the first five years, maxing out at $25/year for the remainder of the bond. Seniors (age 65+) and residents with disabilities would see no tax increase as a result of this bond program, according to an ACC release.
In addition to voters in the City of Austin, ACC's taxing district includes voters in Austin ISD, Elgin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Hays CISD, Manor ISD, Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD.
Early voting begins on Oct. 24, with Election Day set for Nov. 8.