JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Oregon (July 16, 2024) – The Rogue Community College (RCC) Board of Education voted today to put a $60.3 million bond measure on the ballot in Jackson and Josephine counties this November. The bond aims to fund various projects across RCC campuses in both counties, enhancing resources and programs to better serve the community.
The proposed bond measure will support the expansion and improvement of manufacturing, welding and nursing programs; introduce an automotive program at the Table Rock Campus in White City; and bring EMT and diesel technology programs to the Redwood Campus in Grants Pass. Additionally, funds will be allocated to improve the Student Success Center and classrooms at Medford’s Riverside Campus and enhance safety, accessibility and infrastructure lifespan at all campuses.
To pass, the bond measure requires a 50 percent plus-one majority from the combined district spanning both counties.
The new bond would replace a 2005 RCC bond in Jackson County, resulting in no property tax rate increase for property owners in that county. In Josephine County, where a 2016 RCC bond is in place until 2036, the new bond would result in an estimated $36 annual tax increase for a property valued at $400,000.
RCC President Randy Weber emphasized the community’s need for the college to serve as a workforce provider. “The programs targeted for this bond initiative are experiencing significant growth and community demand,” Weber said. “This bond addresses challenges posed by the pandemic and supports programs achieving record enrollment.”
Incoming RCC Board of Education Chair Gary Plano expressed optimism about the bond’s potential impact. “This bond measure is crucial for advancing our educational facilities and programs, ensuring that RCC can continue to meet the evolving needs of our students and the workforce in our community,” Plano said.
In addition to the $60.3 million from the bond, RCC will receive $15 million in matching funds from the state, provided the bond is approved by voters. The anticipated total investment of $87.5 million includes $5 million from state and federal grants and $5.7 million from reinvestment reserves. Project allocations include $33.6 million for Redwood Campus, $41.9 million for Table Rock Campus and $10.2 million for Riverside Campus.