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Mt. Hood Community College asks Fairview for endorsement of bond to update aged facilities
Summary
Representatives from Mt. Hood Community College presented a bond proposal to the Fairview City Council, saying the measure would modernize classrooms, expand career and technical programs and improve campus safety for an estimated cost to the average homeowner of about $5 a month.
Representatives of Mount Hood Community College asked Fairview officials on Feb. 5 to endorse a proposed bond to modernize campus facilities and expand career and technical education.
Diane Keel, chair of the Mount Hood Community College Board of Education, said the district has not relied on bond funding for 50 years and now needs upgrades as enrollment grows and buildings age. "This bond would allow us to upgrade and modernize classrooms and facilities, ensuring students have access to modern learning environments," Keel said, adding the bond "is estimated to cost 25¢ per $1,000 of assessed value or about $5 a month for the average homeowner."
College staff described workforce and enrollment benefits they expect from the investment. The presenters provided program examples: last year the college graduated 236 health‑care workers (including 66 nurses), 27 cybersecurity specialists, 18 automotive technicians and 47 child‑care workers. Staff also said alumni working in the region contribute more than $350 million annually to the local economy.
Councilors asked whether the measure would fund new construction or renovations; presenters said the plan mainly repurposes and modernizes existing space, including a proposed integrated health hub for clinical training. College representatives said the bond includes fiscal oversight measures and that projects would create local construction jobs.
Council members in the meeting expressed support and asked the college to emphasize in outreach that the district has not previously requested bond funding since the campus was built. The council did not take a formal endorsement vote during the session; college staff asked for the council's public support and to encourage residents to vote.
