League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Contra Costa County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Measure E Educational Facilities Bond Contra Costa Community College District Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required Pass: 82464 / 57.60% Yes votes ...... 60704 / 42.40% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure E

Arguments Against Measure E

Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College, Los Medanos College, and the San Ramon and Brentwood education centers are essential safety nets providing affordable education and job training to over 55,000 students locally + many of whom cannot afford four year colleges and universities. YES on E ensures OUR local students have the opportunity to continue their education and be ready to compete in today's competitive job market! Local community college students are the backbone of our Contra Costa County workforce. YES on E updates classrooms and labs to maintain high quality career training programs in fields including healthcare, sciences, technology, and public safety. YES on E improves our colleges, helping students prepare for 21st century jobs and careers or transfer to 4-year universities. YES on E updates facilities and classrooms for science, technology, and training programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and health administration. YES on E makes college buildings, classrooms, and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. YES on E updates and maintains technology for modern, hands-on career training. Too many core academic classes are currently conducted in overcrowded, deteriorating facilities. YES on E monies will be managed with the highest levels of accountability, consistent with practices that have saved local taxpayers $14.5 million recently. YES on E funds are legally required to be spent in Contra Costa County to improve our local community colleges. An Independent Oversight Committee and regular audits will ensure the monies are spent as promised, consistent with our College's prudent, fiscally responsible practices. YES on E is supported by a broad coalition of local employers, educators, students and community leaders. Please join us. For questions or to volunteer, please visit http://www.ContraCostaColleges2014.com Linda Best, Fmr CEO, East Bay Leadership Council (Retired) Jim Russey, Fmr Local Fire Captain (Retired) J. Dale Hudson, Former Chair, Contra Costa Community College District Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee Kitty Guptill, Healthcare Executive Cynthia Egan, 2013 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (San Ramon Valley USD) Rebuttal to Arguments For Until District construction contracts use COMPETITIVE BIDDING, taxpayers should REJECT NEW BONDS. Without competition, contractors have less incentive to deliver QUALITY WORK at a REASONABLE PRICE. Residents oppose this bond because: The tax rate statement MISLEADS VOTERS by understating the TRUE COST, which will likely exceed $1 BILLION. Every year the District LIVES BEYOND ITS MEANS, spending more than its income. This downhill trend continues because of GROWING SALARIES, PENSIONS AND HEALTH CARE COSTS. The District fails to care for its campuses by doing regular maintenance and upkeep. Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for ROUTINE MAINTENANCE using BORROWED MONEY with EXPENSIVE INTEREST COSTS. Many people CAN'T AFFORD to DOUBLE their community college TAX BILL. Vote NO to tell District officials you expect HONESTY about bond costs, GOOD STEWARDSHIP of finances and schools, and SOLID VALUE for your tax dollars. CONTRA COSTA TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION Alex Aliferis, Executive Director

Bonds are an expensive form of debt. As with a home mortgage, bonds are repaid with interest, over time. Since 2002, District voters have approved bonds totaling $406.5 million that will cost taxpayers OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS. Now the District is asking for $450 million in NEW DEBT that will cost taxpayers ANOTHER BILLION DOLLARS. This bond is TOO BIG and TOO EXPENSIVE, especially given today's taxpayer burdens. Residents OPPOSE this bond because: Many people are unemployed, underemployed, or financially stretched and CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY MORE. As compensation for District employees has grown, resources for care of buildings and grounds have become scarce. BORROWING MONEY to repair neglected buildings is FINANCIALLY IRRESPONSIBLE. Numerous government agencies are asking for new taxes and bond debt because RISING PENSION COSTS CROWD OUT OTHER SPENDING. Residents are being nickel-and-dimed to death. District construction policies reduce competition. WITHOUT WIDE COMPETITION, work is done by the "FAVORED FEW" at HIGHER COST. The District SAYS it wants a community partnership, but REFUSES to make changes or RESPOND to public concerns. We believe that success comes when we work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Residents expect and deserve to get the best value for every tax dollar. Vote NO on Measure E! Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Alex Aliferis, Executive Director Rebuttal to Arguments Against YOUR taxpayer dollars have been spent responsibly, improving classrooms and funding critical upgrades at Contra Costa Community Colleges. YES on E is a fiscally responsible plan supported by Community Leaders, Educators, Independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Representatives and Major Employers because it is vital to our area's economy. FACT: Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College, Los Medanos College, San Ramon Campus, and Brentwood Center provide essential education and job training + keeping our economy moving forward and local workforce strong. FACT: 55,000 local students rely on Contra Costa Community Colleges each year for affordable education and job training. YES on E improves academic facilities to help students prepare for 21st century careers and transfer to 4-year universities, and updates classrooms/labs to support job training in important fields including healthcare, sciences, technology, and public safety. FACT: YES on E continues to invest in our local community colleges and will do so consistent with practices that recently saved local taxpayers $14.5 million through a bond refunding. FACT: By law, no funds can go toward administrator salaries or pensions! Every dime of YES on E is required to be spent in Contra Costa County to improve facilities at Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College, Los Medanos College, San Ramon Campus, and Brentwood Center. FACT: YES on E is fiscally accountable and includes Independent Citizens' Oversight, independent annual audits, and a public expenditure plan to ensure funds are spent as promised. Join a broad coalition of community leaders in Voting YES on E for affordable education and job training. J. Dale Hudson, Fmr. Chair, Contra Costa Community College District Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee Sandy Johnson-Shaw, Mt. Diablo Unified School District Teacher/DVC Hall of Famer Sandra Castillo, Registered Nurse/Brentwood Resident McKinley Williams, Retired President, Contra Costa Community College/Longtime West County Resident Matthew Rinn, Business owner/Former Chair, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

Tax Rate Statement from The Chancellor of the District

An election will be held in the Contra Costa Community College District (the "District") on June 3, 2014, to authorize the sale of up to $450,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance community college facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to sell the bonds in series over time. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California. 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 1.3 tenths cents per $100 ($13.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2014. 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 1.3 tenths cents per $100 ($13.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2020. 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 1.3 tenths cents per $100 ($13.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2020. Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property 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. The foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only. 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 dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on need for construction funds and other factors, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% vote. 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 County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process. Dated: February 26, 2014. Helen Benjamin, Chancellor, Contra Costa Community College District

Full Text of Measure E

BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Contra Costa Community College District (the "District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $450,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List below, and in order to qualify to receive State matching grant funds, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below. To provide safe, modern facilities and equipment needed for career and technology education classes so students within the District are prepared for college and good paying jobs in fields like science, technology, and skilled trades, funds from the sale of general obligation bonds issued by the District would be used to finance the design, construction, acquisition, improvement, installation, restoration, rehabilitation, modernization and improvement of school sites, school facilities and support facilities of the District and to provide facilities improvements, upgrades, and related facilities and facilities costs as further described below. ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the District's voters and taxpayers may be assured that their money will be spent wisely to address specific facilities needs of the District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A, Section 1(b)(3) of the State Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Education Code Sections 15264 and following). Evaluation of Needs. The Governing Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated the facilities needs of the District, and the priority of addressing each of these needs. In the course of its evaluation, the Governing Board took safety, class size reduction and information technology needs into consideration while developing the Bond Project List. Limitation on Use of Bond Proceeds. The State of California does not have the legal authority to take locally approved school district bond funds for any State purposes. The Constitution allows proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition to be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities listed in this proposition, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff only when performing work on or necessary and incidental to the bond projects. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Governing Board shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are spent only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date on which the Governing Board enters the election results on its minutes. Annual Performance Audits. The Governing Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Governing Board shall take actions necessary pursuant to Government Code Section 53410 and following to establish an account in which proceeds of the sale of bonds will be deposited. As long as any proceeds of the bonds remain unexpended, the Chancellor or the Executive Vice Chancellor, Administrative Services of the District (or such other employee as may perform substantially similar duties) shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than January 31 of each year, commencing January 31, 2015, stating (1) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period as such officer shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board. FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS Specific Purposes. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, and shall constitute the specific purposes of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purposes, pursuant to Government Code Section 53410. Joint Use. The District may enter into agreements with the County of Contra Costa or other public agencies or nonprofit organizations for joint use of school facilities financed with the proceeds of the bonds in accordance with Education Code Section 17077.42 (or any successor provision). The District may seek State grant funds for eligible joint-use projects as permitted by law, and this proposition hereby specifies and acknowledges that bond funds will or may be used to fund all or a portion of the local share for any eligible joint-use projects identified in the Bond Project List or as otherwise permitted by California State regulations, as the Governing Board shall determine. Rate of Interest. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate per annum not exceeding the statutory maximum, payable at the time or times permitted by law. Term of Bonds. The number of years the whole or any part of the bonds are to run shall not exceed the legal limit, though this shall not preclude bonds from being sold which mature prior to the legal limit. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List below describes the specific projects the Contra Costa Community College District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed projects will be completed as needed at a particular District site according to District Governing Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. Certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Until all project costs and funding sources are known, the Governing Board cannot determine the amount of bond proceeds available to be spent on each project, nor guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Completion of some projects may be subject to further government approvals by State officials and boards, to local environmental review, and to input from the public. For these reasons, inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed. The Bond Project List contains more projects than the District currently estimates the Bonds can fund to provide flexibility should additional efficiencies be realized or should Board priorities change. The Governing Board may make changes to the Bond Project List in the future consistent with the projects specified in the proposition. Bond Projects ALL COLLEGES AND DISTRICT SITES ADA Barrier Removal and Path of Travel Projects, including, but not limited to: o Make District classrooms, buildings and facilities accessible to those with disabilities and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Infrastructure and Site Improvements, including, but not limited to: o Replace and upgrade aging electric, sewer, water and gas lines; o Add solar power, conservation and sustainable energy systems where appropriate; o Seismic repairs/improvements; o Demolish old buildings and structures that no longer support educational goals; o Repair, expand, or modernize roads, grounds, and parking lots, including acquiring real property for such purposes. Building System Projects, including, but not limited to: o Repair or replace mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, repair or replace roofs, building enclosures, and repair, replace or upgrade building system equipment; o Upgrade and improve the communications, network and wireless infrastructure, upgrade or replace computer systems and computers; o Upgrade security and access control systems. CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE (San Pablo) Construct a new science and allied health center, or modernize current spaces housing the science and allied health educational programs. Modernize or construct a campus operations building. Modernize the gym annex, gymnasium, locker rooms and other physical education facilities . DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE (Pleasant Hill) Modernize the engineering technology building. Construct a new science and learning center complex. Modernize or construct a new art building. Modernize the physical education complex. LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE (Pittsburg) Modernize the college complex building. Construct a new student activities building. Modernize the physical education, gym, and aquatics facilities. REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL CENTERS Construct new Brentwood Center. Expand the San Ramon Center, including, but not limited to: expanded parking; expanded space for library services; and improvements to classrooms and labs for transfer and career technical programs. DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDINGS Seismic safety upgrades. Modernize or construct a public safety station at Contra Costa College. Modernize or construct a public safety station at Los Medanos College. INCIDENTAL WORK AUTHORIZED AT ALL SITES (at which Renovation, Major Repairs and/or New Construction to be Completed) Each project listed above includes allocable costs such as election and bond issuance costs, architectural, engineering, inspection and similar planning costs, construction management (whether by the District or a third-party), annual financial and performance audits, a contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs and other costs necessary or incidental to the completion of the listed projects and otherwise permitted by law, including, but not limited to: Remove hazardous materials, e.g., asbestos, lead, etc., where necessary; Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (e.g., plumbing or gas line breaks, dry-rot, seismic, structural, etc.); Other improvements required to comply with building codes; Furnishing and equipping + of newly constructed classrooms and facilities + replace worn/broken/out of date furniture and equipment; Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease, lease-lease-back, or lease-purchase arrangements, or execute purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities; Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for modernization, if the Governing Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses; Rental or construction of temporary classrooms (including modular classrooms) as needed to house students displaced during construction; Necessary site preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of modular 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. The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of this ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.