Voters favor ACC bonds, nix tax cap increase proposal

Austin Community College declared victory Nov. 4 for two bond proposals that combine for nearly $386 million in districtwide construction and facility improvements. Both Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 passed with 57 percent of the vote, according to ACC.

The college also acknowledged its effort to increase the district's maintenance and operations tax rate cap failed by 49 percent to 51 percent. This proposal would have raised the district's maintenance tax cap, which allows it to fund maintenance and operations of its 11 campuses, by 1 cent each year in 2016, 2018 and 2020.

The board previously stated that, if the tax cap increase were approved, tuition rates would remain stable for in-district students. Now, with the 3 cent tax cap increase denied by voters, the district will review how best to find additional revenue for maintenance and operations.

As the ACC board issues bonds for projects in the coming years, the interest and sinking portion of the tax rate, which funds debt repayment, could increase about 2 cents, according to district staff.

One ACC board race remains

Although Mark Williams successfully unseated Place 1 incumbent Tim Mahoney with 53.3 percent of the votes, candidates vying for board of trustee Place 2 will head to a runoff election Dec. 16.

Gigi Edwards Bryant received 31.09 percent of the vote, and Jade Chang Sheppard received 25.82 percent of the vote. They led a six-candidate field to fill the Place 2 seat. Voters will pick which candidate should replace outgoing trustee John-Michael Cortez. All seats are elected at-large.