Chemeketa Community College pitches fall bond to Monmouth council, says rate will not increase

Chemeketa Community College representatives outlined to the Monmouth City Council on Aug. 20 what a replacement bond on the November ballot would fund and why the college says it needs local backing. Dr. Jessica Howard said the measure is designed to replace a levy that is expiring and would “keep the rate the same,” at 27¢ per $1,000 of assessed value, while addressing building and program needs across the college’s 2,600-square-mile service district.

Howard said Chemeketa serves about 18,000 students annually and described career and technical education and a 100% nursing licensure pass rate at the college. “Chemeketa’s mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities,” she said, noting the college’s role as the state’s largest Hispanic-serving institution.

The presentation listed capital priorities that would be funded if voters approve the measure: a new trade center and expanded paramedic training capacity, upgraded teaching and learning spaces including ADA improvements, safety and security upgrades (parking, HVAC, elevators, cameras), a science lab at the Woodburn Center to address access to sophomore lab courses, and supportive services for students.

Howard told councilors the replacement levy would not raise the rate but would generate more revenue because of higher assessed property values since the last bond. She also said the college had secured an $8 million state bond that requires a local 1-to-1 match: “We’ve already secured an $8,000,000 bond from the state that we did not have to ask any of our residents to pay for. We just need a 1 to 1 match in order to utilize it.”

Councilors asked about enrollment trends and contingency planning. Howard said statewide and national enrollment fell during the COVID-19 period but that Chemeketa has been recovering, reporting roughly 3% growth year over year in recent terms. Board member Jackie Franke, introduced as a Chemeketa board member, said some maintenance and ADA upgrades are mandatory and that if the levy failed the college would have to cut programs and risk losing the state match.

The council did not take a vote on the measure; staff and trustees said they would continue outreach and return with further information as needed. Next procedural steps will occur through the college’s bond campaign and the county election process.