Voters anxious over May college bond

TYLER – Ahead of the upcoming election, East Texans in Tyler Junior College’s appraisal district are voicing their concerns over a possible rise in property taxes stemming from the college’s $167.3 million bond. The proposed $167.3 million seeks to upgrade three existing facilities — workforce and academic building, student success center and student safety and the IT center — but the number is a major concern for many East Texans.

TJC said that for the average homeowner, the cost breaks down to about $84 a year on a $252,000 home, which is less than a streaming subscription, but it’s still an increase not everyone is sold on. State Republican Executive Committeewoman Christin Bentley argues that for many families, this isn’t just spare change; it adds up.

“I am opposed to raising property taxes at this time and you would have to have a very good reason and a very good plan,” Bentley said. “A hundred dollars a year in additional tax burden for families is a lot when they’re already struggling to make the bills.”

TJC, however, is still asking for the support of taxpayers in funding the proposed construction projects needed for the aging college’s facilities. “We do not take lightly to go to taxpayers for support,” TJC Vice President of Operations Kim Lessner said.

“Just like anything else, if you go to buy a $250,000 house, if you have cash, you’ll pay $250,000; if you’re going on a mortgage on that obviously that $250,000 house you will pay more for that.”

TJC said they don’t plan to take the full 30 years, but for some residents, that promise doesn’t ease concerns. “I think that they need to go back to the drawing board,” Bentley said.

TJC argues this is bigger than campus buildings — they call it an investment not just in students but in the local economy. “For every dollar a taxpayer pays in, there’s more than 2 dollars of a return,” Lessner said.

For many, the decision now comes down to either investing in the future or protecting their wallet today.

Early voting for the bond begins on April 20 and ends on April 28, with the election day being May 2. Anyone with questions may visit the bond website for more information at the TJC website.