Proposition ECC
ECC is asking voters to approve a levy transfer on the April 2 ballot.
Resulting in a ZERO INCREASE in ECC’s property tax levy.
- Increase operating levy by 9.9 cents to a total of 44.72 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
- Decrease current debt service levy by 9.9 cents to 0 cents.
Why is the College asking for the debt service levy to be transferred to the operating levy?
The debt service was approved by voters in 2006 and the funds were used to construct the Health Science Building. The debt will be paid off in February 2026 and there are no current plans to construct new buildings on the Union campus.
What do I currently pay for ECC’s debt service levy?
$18.81 per year for a $100,000 home value.
What do I pay for the entire ECC levy at 44.72 cents?
$84.96 per year for a $100,000 home value.
Will my taxes increase?
No. The proposition is expected to result in a ZERO INCREASE in ECC’s property tax levy.
The levy transfer is expected to raise $2.2 million annually for:
- Enhance safety and security measures on the Union Campus.
- Necessary repairs to modernize aging buildings estimated at $5 million, which include:
- Replacement of older HVAC units.
- Repair campus parking lots and roads.
- Renovation of current campus spaces for the Early College Academy, STEM/Engineering lab and a Veterans Lounge.
- Renovation of Respiratory Therapy Lab.
- Rising health care, insurance and salary costs.
- Maintain affordable tuition and fees.
What is needed to approve the tax levy transfer?
Will the in-district operating levy be used to construct the new Rolla facility?
No. The College currently has $13 million in state dollars and $3 million in federal dollars for the building project. Additional state, federal and grant dollars will be used to construct the facility. It is expected to be completed in January 2027.
Who is eligible to vote in the April 2 ballot?
Citizens who reside in one of the following school districts:
K–12 Districts
- Crawford County R-1 (Bourbon)
- New Haven
- St. Clair R-13
- Sullivan C-2
- Union R-11
- Washington
K–8 Districts
- Franklin County R-2
- Lonedell R-14
- Spring Bluff R-15
- Strain-Japan R-16
This taxing district includes most of Franklin County and portions of Crawford, Gasconade, St. Charles, Warren, and Washington Counties.
Official Ballot Language
Shall the Board of Trustees of The Junior College District of East Central Missouri (aka East Central College) be authorized to increase the operating property tax levy ceiling to $0.4472 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation, the increase of $0.0990 from the current operating property tax levy of $0.3482 is to be offset by an expected $0.0990 decrease in the debt service property tax levy, for the purpose of funding operations, facility maintenance, staffing, capital improvements, and safety/security measures within the College District.
Approval of this question is expected to result in zero increase of the College District’s current total property tax levy, which is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.4472 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.
We want to talk to you!
If you know of a community group or organization interested in having a College employee present “Proposition ECC” information to its members, contact ECC president Dr. Jon Bauer.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Jon Bauer – jon.bauer@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6501
Proposition ECC on ECC Insiders
Dr. Jon Bauer, president of East Central College, joins Leigh and Joel to discuss "Proposition ECC" on the ECC Insiders podcast.
Dr. Bauer details how the debt service levy transfer to the operating levy will positively impact the ECC Union campus by modernizing the campus buildings and enhancing safety and security measures.
Public Forums
East Central College is organizing a series of public forums to offer residents the opportunity to stay informed and ask questions about Proposition ECC. These forums will delve into the details of the tax levy transfer and its benefits for both the community and the College.
The plan includes six in-person public forums in communities within the ECC Taxing District. Additionally, there will be a Facebook Live forum on April 1 from 6–7 p.m. on the ECC Facebook page, featuring ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
The forums are scheduled at the following locations:
- New Haven Library — Monday, March 25, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
- St. Clair Regional Library — Monday, March 25, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Meeting Room B)
- ECC Union Campus — Tuesday, March 26; 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Conference Room B)
- Bourbon Community Center — Wednesday, March 27, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
- Washington Public Library — Wednesday, March 27, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
- Sullivan Regional Library — Thursday, March 28; 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Supporters
Eric Eoloff
Mercy Hospital Washington, President
Now more than ever, Mercy depends on well-educated graduates from East Central College for essential health care workers.
Students graduating from the college’s programs in nursing, surgical technology, radiologic technology, medical lab technology and more are vital to our ability to serve our patients.
Mercy enjoys our longstanding partnership with ECC. It allows more health care services to be delivered locally here in greater Franklin County and neighboring counties.
We are eager to hire ECC graduates because they come to us well-prepared and, quite often, already experienced in our clinical settings.
Judge Joe Purschke
Associate Circuit Judge, 20th Judicial Circuit
Class of 1995
I certainly did not know it at the time, but choosing ECC was one of the best decisions of my life. ECC fully prepared me for continuing my education through law school.
Whether a student has a clearly defined educational path or is pursuing a general education to find their interests, ECC is a solid and economical choice.
Trenton Garvey
Chef, The Blue Duck
“Hell’s Kitchen” with Gordon Ramsay Winner
ECC Class of 2016
Season 20 winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” with Gordon Ramsay
Being in the Culinary Arts School at East Central College helped me pave a strong foundation, provided me with the essential know-how, and gave me the confidence I needed to perform at the next level.
ECC was exactly what I needed when I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Even though I didn’t know much about culinary arts initially, I was certain that I wanted to learn and explore this incredible industry.
Karen Butterfield
President, KE Butterfield
Class of 2008
I always tell people that East Central College was one of my best investments, but now, it’s generational. As an alum and now the parent of a college student, I’m proud that my son attends East Central College, where he receives quality education from top-notch instructors. Not only has the college provided value in its courses and experiences, but the financial and affordability aspects cannot be understated. By the time my son finishes earning his undergraduate degree, we will have saved no less than $70,000 simply by attending ECC before a four-year institution. The college is an asset to this entire region, and we’re proud to be Falcons.
Dr. Kendra Fennessey
Union R-XI Schools Assistant Superintendent
Class of 2004
East Central College is a tremendous resource within our local community. I have fond memories of starting my collegiate journey there and have continued to be blessed by the connections with staff that still exist today, as we now partner to serve our community together in our various roles. East Central College deeply values community from its core as an organization and it shows!
Scott Breckenkamp
Regional President at First State Community Bank
Class of 1989
I’m not sure I would be where I am today without East Central College. My family didn’t have a lot of money growing up and not many on either of my parent’s extended family went to college. So, it was on me to pay my own way. Without ECC I don’t think I could have afforded a college education and without that I would never have been introduced to finance and banking. While I cannot say if my path in life would have been better or worse, I am confident it would have been different. ECC provides so many in our community an opportunity at a quality, yet affordable, education. This is an opportunity many young people, and those already in the workforce who want to go back to pursue a new path, take advantage of and change their life.
John Griesheimer
Former State Senator & Representative
Former Franklin County Presiding Commissioner
Class of 1973
My family — Rita and three kids — are all products of East Central College. I don’t know where Franklin County would be if we did not have ECC here. So many families have relied on this educational opportunity. ECC is an absolute asset to Franklin County and its citizens. The impact reaches far and wide; so many families, including ours, have relied on the invaluable educational opportunities provided by ECC.
Tiffanie Alfermann, RN
Nurse Manager, Med-Surg and CCU
Class of 2008 and Class of 2017
East Central College has played a pivotal role in my career for the last several years. I enrolled in ECC’s nursing program in the Fall of 2015 as a returning learner with two small children at home. While in the nursing program, I felt very well supported by the dedicated faculty and staff at the college. I felt as though they always had my best interest at heart and inspired me to reach my full potential. The program’s emphasis on practical skills and clinical exposure prepared me for the challenges of real-world nursing. Currently, I work as a nurse manager and have the privilege of working with ECC students who come to my facility for clinicals. These students show dedication and compassion to their patients, professionalism in all their work, and exhibit strong clinical skills. Having one of the best nursing programs in the state available to the people in our community is such a huge asset. I know that without this college in our community, I would not have been able to return to school and be where I am today.
Endorsements
Washington 353 Redevelopment Corporation
Washington 353 Redevelopment Corporation backs ECC tax levy | Local News | emissourian.com
Union Development Corporation
Union Development Corp. supports East Central levy vote | Local News | emissourian.com
Downtown Washington, Inc. Board of Directors
Washington Jaycees
Union Lions Club
Washington Optimist Club
Union R-XI School Board
Washington Civic Industrial Corp.
Washington School Board