Voters in nine counties will be asked in November to renew an existing general obligation bond levy that will help Iowa Central Community College provide expanded training for careers as diverse as dental hygiene and welding.

Approval of the proposal would also enable the college to build a new Center for Ag Science where topics like agribusiness and precision agriculture would be taught.

“We are incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at Iowa Central to train tomorrow’s workforce,” said college President Dr. Jesse Ulrich. “This bond renewal is a critical investment in the future of our students and our community. By expanding our workforce training programs and enhancing our facilities, we’re ensuring that Iowa Central remains a pillar of economic development and opportunity for our region.”

He said the renewal would not increase the tax property owners pay to the college.

The borrowing authority the college seeks to renew was approved by the voters of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster and Wright counties in February 2018.

That vote enabled the college to borrow $25.5 million to help complete a wide range of campus improvement projects.

The proposed bond is a renewal of an existing levy that supports educational infrastructure, according to Ulrich. He said if passed, the GO bond will provide critical funding for a series of improvements that will enhance workforce training programs and help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled professionals in various fields.

Key components of the proposal include:

∫ Health care workforce development: The proposed bond will help fund expanded workforce training for students pursuing careers in health care, including dental hygiene and nursing, meeting the rising demand for healthcare professionals in the region.

∫ Expanded Workforce Training: The bond will fund enhanced training programs in critical trade fields, including HVAC, plumbing, and welding, addressing the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the local economy.

∫ New Center for Ag-Science: The proposed bond will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Center for Ag-Science, dedicated to training students in agribusiness, agriculture science, animal science, precision agriculture, and veterinary science. This center will be a crucial step in maintaining the region’s strong agricultural industry and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

∫ Building Repairs & Maintenance: The bond will support critical building repairs and upgrades, ensuring that older facilities are well-maintained and reducing ongoing maintenance costs, ultimately saving taxpayers money in the long run.

∫ Continued High School Career Training: More than 2,000 local high school students will benefit from expanded career and job training programs, preparing them for success in both higher education and the workforce.

Currently, more than 6,000 students are enrolled at Iowa Central Community College, with the institution providing education and career preparation to individuals of all ages. Iowa Central is one of the region’s largest employers, supporting approximately 1,200 employees and playing a vital role in the regional economy.

Iowa Central will be hosting several community meetings in the coming weeks to provide more information about the GO bond and answer any questions from the public. More information will become available at www.IowaCentral.edu/bond.