For 52 years, A-B Tech has provided education, training and re-training to residents of Buncombe County [”School or Scandal? ” Oct. 19 Xpress]. We've done it honestly and accountably, because you deserve nothing less. We're seeking the quarter-cent sales-and-use tax for renovating and expanding A-B Tech's educational facilities for one reason: to prepare our county's people and employers for the jobs of the future.
As Nov. 8 approaches, I assure you the county resolution totally dedicates the quarter-cent to A-B Tech. State law does not allow ballot language to include our name. By resolution Orange and Durham counties are doing the same. It is disheartening to see people spreading misinformation about the referendum. It's one thing to disagree about a vote. It's another to say things that aren't true.
Leaders and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Children First and our bipartisan co-chairs, Sherriff Van Duncan and former Asheville Mayor Lou Bissette, have endorsed the A-B Tech referendum. If you know the facts, you'll share their confidence the funds are dedicated and will be legally obligated to improve A-B Tech as an economic engine. It's for facilities improvements, period. I encourage you to vote for the quarter-cent for A-B Tech.
— Hank Dunn
President, A-B Tech
Asheville
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'Tis the season for snow jobs.
Buncombe County Board of Commissioner's resolutions on future expenditures are non-binding.
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By timothypeck
11/02/2011
AB Tech just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. This is the first time I know of that the college has put itself in such a contentious position with much of the community it serves.
I know AB Tech has facilities needs, but, not to the tune of $130 million. Let me put it in perspective. If the college uses $10 million to address deferred maintenance on current facilities; then, that leaves $120 million for new buildings. Now, at an estimated construction cost of $240 per square foot, they will be able to build another 500,000 square feet of new buildings. The entire Victoria Road Campus is about 600,000 square feet. So this sales tax increase generates enough money to almost double the size of the main campus! Keep in mind that it is the county’s responsibility to pay for the operation and upkeep of A-B Tech’s facilities. If the county can’t pay for this now without this new tax; then, what source of revenue will they use to pay for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the new buildings to be built with this tax money?
Before A-B Tech can begin construction on a new building, they will have to specify to the State Board what it will cost to operate the building throughout its life cycle, and the county will have to commit in writing to provide this operational funding. So, will the college soon have to come back to the county for an increase in funding over and above the money being raised by this tax? I think it is only fair to make it clear to the community how this $130 million, and all that goes with it, will affect the county’s budget priorities in the future. As a citizen, I am concerned that this sales tax generates excess money for A-B Tech while there are other unmet needs in our community. And, because it overfunds A-B Tech construction, it will result either in less funding for competing priorities in our community or more tax increases that have not yet been disclosed.
Framed in the right way, I support providing funds to A-B Tech to meet their realistic space needs. But, I have to call it as I see it. This sales tax increase comes at a bad economic time and targets more money to A-B Tech than the college really needs. In this economy people are struggling just to make ends meet, and in my opinion, it is divisive to play on their emotional support of A-B Tech in order to push through a funding overreach like this. I don't think this sales tax increase is in the best interests of the community as a whole. In better economic times, with clearer explanation of the facilities needs of A-B Tech and the economic impact on the county, then I think more of the community could support it.
By Richard Mauney
11/05/2011