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Mixed feelings over junior college bond

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  • Brandon Leonard •
  • Originally published April 22, 2009 at 5:36 p.m., updated April 22, 2009 at 11:36 p.m.

  • WHARTON COUNTY EARLY VOTING

    Early voting times and locations for Wharton County residents

    Boling and Wharton school district residents: Wharton Civic Center, 1924 N. Fulton St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27 to May 1, and from 7 ...

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    • WHARTON COUNTY EARLY VOTING

    Early voting times and locations for Wharton County residents

    Boling and Wharton school district residents: Wharton Civic Center, 1924 N. Fulton St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27 to May 1, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 4 and 5.

    East Bernard school district residents: East Bernard Library, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27 to May 1, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 4 and 5

    El Campo and Louise school district residents: El Campo EMS building, Hillje entrance, 220 N. Merchant St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27 to May 1, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 4 and 5.

WHARTON - The $18 million bond for Wharton County Junior College could generate an estimated $25.2 million in local revenue if approved by voters May 9, according to a news release by the college.

But some residents and community leaders are split over the bond.

At least five organizations have endorsed the bond because of its potential benefits to the local economy, according to the release.

A short-term benefit would be the construction projects funded by the bond. The construction would take about three years and support an estimated 194 jobs, according to the release, which cites a study by the county's economic development department and the Lower County River Authority Community.

In addition, the college must solicit bids for the projects, which would include local businesses.

"Whenever possible, the college always wants to hire local companies so the revenues generated by the work benefit our community," said Betty McCrohan, college president.

The bond revenue would be used to expand and renovate the Johnson Health Occupation Center and construct new residence halls, according to the release.

Long-term benefits to the community would be more revenue for local retailers because of the increase in students and faculty who frequent the shops and a larger trained workforce, according to the release.

County Judge John Murrile said he has heard mixed feelings from community members about the bond.

Some want it to pass because they see the school's improvement as the community succeeding. But others - some impassioned by last week's tea parties - are refusing to support anything increasing their taxes, the judge said.

The estimated cost of the bond to a homeowner with a home value of $97,487 is $48 per year, according to the release.

Debra Medina, Republican chair of Wharton County, acknowledged the contribution of the junior college in educating Texans but said the timing of the bond request could be an issue for voters.

"Voters must weigh the needs of the college against their own in the face of this very serious economic crisis," Medina said. "Studying the issue and casting an informed vote, then working together as a community will provide the best outcomes for Wharton and surrounding counties, for our citizens and our communities."


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