Columbia Gorge Community College asks District 21 for bond endorsement, says measure will not raise current tax rates

Columbia Gorge Community College officials presented an overview of the college’s programs and a bond proposal to the North Wasco County School District 21 board on Sept. 26, asking the board to endorse the measure and assist with community outreach.

CGCC’s presenter said the bond would replace retiring debt and would not change tax rates relative to current levels, while enabling an $18 million investment that includes a planned $5,500,000 state match. The college described priorities as campus safety and accessibility upgrades, deferred maintenance including HVAC replacement, and investments in workforce programs such as a nursing simulation lab, agricultural technology and mental health/substance-abuse counseling training.

Nate Stice, a volunteer on the college bond committee and vice chair of CGCC’s board, urged the school board to publicly endorse the bond and help mobilize support. He described the college as a regional asset: the presentation cited a study attributing about 645 local jobs and roughly $45 million in regional income to the college’s activities.

CGCC also highlighted dual-enrollment and dual-credit partnerships meant to expand pathways for local high school students to earn college credit. The presenter said enrollment is 9% higher than last year and that dual-credit growth was stronger in neighboring Hood River County than in parts of the college’s Wasco County service area.

Board members asked clarifying questions about geographic voting boundaries and whether the bond required approval by particular sub-areas; presenters said approval is determined by a majority of voters across the full college district (which the presenters described as including most of Wasco and Hood River counties but not Cascade Locks). Several board members expressed personal support and interest in a formal board endorsement depending on board process.

The college left the board with specific requests: consider a formal endorsement, provide letters of support and assist in outreach and messaging. The board did not take a formal vote on endorsement during the meeting; presenters said the Hood River County School District has endorsed the measure.