Odessa College Wants Bond

Education is something the Permian Basin values.
 
And Odessa College is hoping to create a better environment for teachers and students.

Tomorrow voters will have the chance to decide on whether or not OC should receive a 68 and a half million dollar bond to do just that.

From a new fire training center to a new cafeteria, is there anything this bond won't cover?

Odessa College has big plans and needs the communities help.

And thats why this Tuesday is crucial for the colleges future.

It might look like a patch of grass.

But three years from now its going to be home to the new student life center at Odessa College.

"We had a study that we have been doing over the past two years and we think we have came up with a really good plan, that will take OC through the next twenty years," said Courtney Wardlaw who is the Executive Director at Odessa College.

That plan costs $68.5 million dollars.

But OC feels taxpayers will be happy with the end result.

"Will have five new building and renovate almost every other building on campus," said Wardlaw.

But why tax the community?

"Odessa College cannot build buildings and infrastructure with state funds. That's why were allowed to tax the community. We have a lot of  career and technincal education programs that universities don't have and can't offer," said Wardlaw.

And as enrollment continues to grow, space is limited. One of the add-on's would get rid of portbable classrooms that have popped up around campus and create new classrooms with high tech facilities.

"The interests are so late and the construction rates are so low that we can do more with the communities money than ever before," said Wardlaw.

The money will renovate a fifty year old cafetria that needs work. And also a new fire center which would give students hands on experience they need to succeed.

And nows the time.

"Well we just can't wait any longer. We have had no bond on the ballot for 35 years, Odessa College has been great stewards of the communities money," said Wardlaw.

And it looks like the community is on their side.

"We have had great support, there has been no organized opposition to the bond. Students have been so excited called in to say they are thrilled about the possibility," said Wardlaw.

Taxpayers are going to have to dish out about $3.00 a month or $36.00 a year.

OC feels this is minor and is well worth the sacrifice.

Friends of Odessa College have been out on the streets urging people to go vote.

They are confident that the bond will be approved.