Tuesday is not only election day, but it is the first day of a petition drive that could lead to a Brazos County vote whether to create a new community college taxing district.
A committee of the Research Valley Partnership (RVP) economic development agency says at the same time, talks continue with Blinn College to create workforce education programs in Brazos County.
The RVP’s Talent Pipeline Initiative Steering Committee will have volunteers at all 26 voting centers on election day.
The RVP has also set up a website, brazostalentinitiave.org, for those who want more information and/or to volunteer.
Click below for comments from a co-chairman of the RVP committee, Andrew Nelson, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver:
Blinn College issued a statement which in part says “Given Blinn’s demonstrated commitment to Brazos County, a new community college represents an unnecessary burden for local taxpayers and a step backward for local educational services.”
Bryan city councilman Mike Southerland, whose district includes Blinn’s 29th and Villa Maria campus, told WTAW News he is opposed to the creation of another community college. Southerland also wants the RVP committee to appear at a future council meeting.
Click below for comments from Mike Southerland, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver:
News release from the RVP Talent Pipeline Steering Committee 11/4/16:
Beginning Tuesday, Brazos Voters will be asked to sign a petition intended to help create a new community college district in Brazos County, as part of efforts by a steering committee established through the Research Valley Partnership.
If signed by the appropriate percentage of registered voters, the petition gives authority to the Brazos County Commissioners Court to call an election to create a new community college district in Brazos County.
This college district could allow for either a partnership with other technical workforce providers, creation of a new college, or a change in governance or control of existing Blinn College operations in Brazos County.
The Talent Pipeline Initiative Steering Committee, made up of Brazos County business and community leaders, filed a letter of intent October 19, 2016 with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) notifying the board of its intent to create the new district.
The necessary signatures must be presented at the THECB January 2017 meeting.
“We are committed to examining all possible options to fill the high-wage, high-skilled opportunity gap in our community,” said co-chairman of the Steering Committee Andrew Nelson.
“The circulation of this petition is one step in the process of Brazos County directing and developing the necessary community college and workforce programs that reside in Brazos County.
A new college district doesn’t necessarily mean a new college.” Committee Secretary Bobby Gutierrez added that the options are numerous, and the petition is a necessary one to ensure workforce training meets the community’s needs.
“We are not talking about creating a second community college,” said Gutierrez. “We’re talking about having the resources and structure in place to partner, acquire, attract or create the workforce and community college programs that meet Brazos County’s needs.”
The steering committee will have volunteers at all 26 voting sites in Brazos County on Election Day and will have a petition available to sign at the Partnership’s office.
Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions about the petition can be found on the Steering Committee’s website, www.BrazosTalentInitiative.org.
News release from the RVP Talent Pipeline Steering Committee 11/7/16:
The Steering Committee, comprised of business, community and educational leaders from across Brazos County, reinforces its position that it is committed to examining all possible options to fill the high-wage, high-skilled opportunity gap in our community.
A new district could allow for either a partnership with other technical workforce providers, creation of a new college, or a change in governance or control of existing Blinn College operations in Brazos County.
This effort is about the future of Brazos County and a matter for the citizens of Brazos County.
The Steering Committee believes voter’s voices should be heard in an effort to fill the opportunity gap. This initiative is necessary and critical in keeping and attracting employers in our region that are demanding high-wage and highly skilled employees.
It’s worth noting that the State of Texas requires the petition to read the maximum tax rate of $0.50 on $100.00 valuation of property.
If voters approve a tax rate or tax increase, the Steering Committee anticipates it being 1-2 cents per 100-dollar valuation, or $15 to $30 dollars a year on a $150,000 valued home.
Signing the petition only gives the Brazos County Commissioners Court the authority to call an election. No tax can be approved without a separate vote from the taxpayers.
Once again, this is a matter for the citizens of Brazos County and such an option would address self-governance and reinvestment of funds in Brazos County.
Statement from Blinn College:
Blinn College has provided exceptional service to Brazos County for 46 years and plans to build upon that success with its expansion to the RELLIS Campus and the continued development of new academic transfer and career training programs.
Blinn’s diverse, tax-free service to Brazos County includes academic transfer, dual credit, early college high school, and workforce and career training courses.
Given Blinn’s demonstrated commitment to Brazos County, a new community college represents an unnecessary burden for local taxpayers and a step backward for local educational services.