Measure C
FAQs

Shasta College looked at many factors in identifying which projects should be funded with Measure C dollars and solicited input from our students and the community.  Economic conditions, the job market, specific areas of need—such as more support for Veterans and the safety of our communities—were just some of the factors considered.  The top five priority projects include:Infrastructure replacement (HVAC, roofs, utilities) and ADA upgrades of 60-year old buildingsNew extension site in Corning focused on hands-on career trainingNew agriculture classroom building at the Shasta College Farm and outbuilding upgradesExpansion of simulation and specialized labs (Emergency Medical Services & Certified Nursing Assistant)Public safety training expansion to keep first responder training and continuing education local

Yes, the college currently has two measures outstanding.  In 2002, the voters approved Measure A, a $34 million bond that was used to build extension sites throughout our 10,000 square mile district such as the Health Sciences Building, the Tehama Campus and the Trinity Campus.  In 2016, the voters approved Measure H, a $139 million bond used to build a Veterans Support & Success Center, a Regional Public Safety Training Center for firefighter and emergency personnel training, job training buildings for technology careers and Advanced Manufacturing, and renovations of the Library and lecture classrooms building, and other projects.  The 2002 bond, Measure A, is expiring which provides an opportunity for the college to obtain necessary funds to continue crucial improvements without increasing property owner tax rates.

Measure C will NOT increase property owner tax rates.  Property owners in the Shasta College district will pay for Measure C by replacing the payments from the old 2002 Measure A bond that is set to expire with new payments for the 2026 Measure C bond.  So, by extending the term of the old bonds, the tax rate paid by taxpayers for Shasta College bonds will not increase.  The average cost will be $7.76 annually per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value of properties.  This is about $2.45 per month for the average house in the district.

Statewide school improvement bond funding will not be granted unless a school has matching funds for a project.  The current match required is 50% which translates to many millions of dollars to upgrade even one of the college’s 1967-era buildings.  The state funding selection process is competitive, meaning Shasta College projects are competing against other community college projects throughout the state.  Funding received for school operations is used for just that: teaching students, providing student support, and keeping the lights on.  The millions needed for a project match require separate funding with bonds being preferred over borrowing.  For example, a recent renovation of the 800 Building (lecture classrooms & computer labs) had a price tag of $10 million.  The state funded $5 million, and the college provided the remaining $5 million with Measure H bond funds.  This is an excellent way to fully renovate a building at a 50% discount for the college.

The college has made great strides in improving conditions at the main campus.  However, the majority of its 60-year old buildings are still largely untouched.  Simply replacing the original air conditioning system in these buildings costs upwards of $2.5 million.  Measure C will be focused on projects that not only provide needed upgrades to our main campus buildings, but will expand the college’s ability to improve public safety for our community; enhance hands-on career training through expansion of automotive/diesel and welding trades; provide outreach through a new extension site in Corning; and support local businesses by enhancing the training needed for jobs in our community.

While our project list has identified a need of $191 million, Measure C will provide $129 million.  We recognize that times are tough and we need to live within our means.  The college feels it is more important to not increase tax rates at this time but rather cut projects or find alternative funding for them.  With our 2016 Measure H bond, the District was able to source an additional $38 million to help pay for projects, representing a 27.3% return on local investment.  We will continue to pursue supplementary funding to support Measure C projects.

Passing the bond using a 55% approval threshold requires the college to appoint a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committeewhose task is to ensure the bond funds are being spent according to voter wishes. Annual performance and financial audits by an independent CPA firm are also required.  The committee also ensures no funds are spent on teacher or administrative salaries or benefits.The college’s financial stewardship of bond funds extends beyond what is legally mandated. Bond interest rates are closely monitored to determine if refinancing during the bond term is favorable. The college took advantage of several refinancing opportunities for the 2002 Bond Measure A, saving taxpayers over $4.25 million dollars in interest costs.

Because Shasta College is a public institution, we by law must follow the public bidding process which allows any bona fide construction company to submit a bid on an advertised job.  However, our past history shows that the vast majority of prior projects were completed by local construction companies.  Over the past three fiscal years, 89% of Shasta College's construction expenditures, or $46.2 million, has been spent locally.

The projects and improvements identified as needing Measure C funding will need to be postponed.  Shasta College will continue to maintain its facilities the best it can.  However, maintenance is not the same as replacement of critical infrastructure components.  Major repairs and replacement will need to be put on hold, with the outcome being a potentially greater cost for these items in the future.