AB Tech urges county to preserve Article 46 funding as it outlines facility needs and master plan

AB Tech’s president presented the college’s operational needs, facilities master plan and a request that the county explore ways to preserve Article 46 funding beyond its scheduled sunset in 2027.

Dr. Gossett described program strengths and constraints, noting enrollment stabilizing but operating pressures remaining after storm impacts. He outlined a master plan that emphasizes repair and renovation, safer pedestrian flows across Victoria Road, a proposed campus promenade and new instructional space at the Woodfin campus — with preliminary planning-level estimates tied to a multi‑year capital outlook.

Dr. Gossett said Article 46 directs a portion of county sales tax to AB Tech (including $5 million annually for operations under the current structure) and that the article’s sunset would change how those receipts can be used. "If Article 46 then sunsets, the request for repair, renovation or construction has a completely different process with your county staff," he said, asking the commission to consider legislative outreach to extend or preserve the county’s voter‑approved funding mechanism. County staff said they will research legislative options and return with a recommendation.

Why it matters: Article 46 revenue has funded AB Tech capital projects and operations; a sunset or reauthorization decision will materially affect the college’s capital plan and the county’s budget choices.

Next steps: Staff and the college will coordinate to produce detailed options and a staff recommendation for the commission, including any legislative steps required to extend the Article 46 designation.