> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What is Measure Y? How the $898 million college bond would affect taxpayers - URL: https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/what-is-measure-y-how-the-898-million-college-bond-would-affect-taxpayers/ - Published: 2026-10-27T18:42:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-27T18:42:00.000Z - Description: The Nov. 3 ballot measure would authorize $898 million in bonds for community college repairs and upgrades. Here's what voters should know about the proposed projects and property tax costs. - Author: CFR News Desk - Tags: Election 2026, San Bernardino ### Measure Y: At a glance - **What it is:** A proposed $898 million bond measure to fund repairs, upgrades and construction projects at Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College and other San Bernardino Community College District facilities. - **What it would fund:** Repairs and upgrades to aging college facilities, campus health and safety improvements, modernized classrooms and laboratories, and expanded career and workforce training facilities. Funds could not be used for faculty or administrator salaries or routine operating expenses. - **Cost to taxpayers:** An estimated $25 annually for every $100,000 of assessed property value, generating approximately $56 million per year to repay the bonds. - **Oversight required:** An independent citizens oversight committee would review spending. - **Votes needed to pass:** 55% of voters. --- ### What is Measure Y? Measure Y is a proposed $898 million general obligation bond placed on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot by the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees. The district operates Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa and San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, serving students from Redlands, Yucaipa, San Bernardino and surrounding communities. A general obligation bond allows a public agency to borrow money for major capital projects, such as building construction, repairs and equipment. The bonds are repaid over time, with interest, through property taxes. ### What would Measure Y pay for? According to the district, Measure Y funding could be used for: - **Career and workforce training:** Modernizing classrooms, laboratories and equipment used to train nurses, firefighters, emergency responders, teachers and skilled tradespeople. - **Campus repairs:** Repairing deteriorating gas lines and other aging infrastructure. - **Health and safety improvements:** Removing asbestos and mold and providing safe drinking water. - **Classroom and laboratory upgrades:** Renovating and equipping facilities to support modern instruction and hands-on training. - **Facility construction and improvements:** Acquiring, constructing and repairing college buildings, sites and equipment. Bond proceeds could not be used for faculty or administrator salaries or routine operating expenses. ### How much would Measure Y cost taxpayers? If approved, Measure Y would impose a property tax estimated at **$25 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property value** while the bonds remain outstanding. The tax is based on a property's assessed value, not its current market value. In California, assessed values are generally tied to the property's purchase price, with annual increases limited under Proposition 13 unless ownership changes or new construction triggers reassessment. The $898 million figure represents the amount the district would be authorized to borrow, not the total amount taxpayers would ultimately repay. Including interest, the total repayment cost could reach approximately $1.9 billion over the life of the bonds. The district estimates the tax would generate approximately $56 million annually to repay the bonds. ### What would a yes or no vote mean? **A YES vote** would authorize the San Bernardino Community College District to issue up to $898 million in bonds for college facility improvements, with repayment funded through property taxes. **A NO vote** would reject the proposed bond authorization and associated property tax. The district would need to rely on existing funds or seek other financing for the proposed improvements. The measure requires approval from at least 55% of voters to pass. ### Arguments for Measure Y Supporters argue that Measure Y would address aging college facilities while expanding affordable education and career training opportunities for local students. In the official ballot argument, supporters emphasize the need to modernize classrooms, laboratories and equipment used to train nurses, firefighters, teachers and skilled tradespeople. They also point to deteriorating campus infrastructure, including outdated electrical and gas lines, asbestos, mold and aging water systems. Supporters say upgrading these facilities would improve campus safety and help students prepare for high-demand jobs without traveling outside the region for training. ### What are the concerns about Measure Y? No official argument against Measure Y was submitted for inclusion in the San Bernardino County voter information guide. A central consideration for voters is the cost of taking on $898 million in additional debt, which would be repaid through property taxes over several decades. Another consideration is how the district would prioritize projects across its campuses and training facilities. While bond proceeds would be restricted to authorized improvements, not every proposed project is guaranteed to be completed. ### What oversight would be required? Measure Y includes accountability requirements for how bond proceeds are spent. If approved: - An independent citizens oversight committee would review spending. - Annual independent financial and performance audits would be required. - Bond spending would be publicly disclosed. - Funds would have to be spent on authorized projects within the community college district. ### Nov. 3 Election Measure Y will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot for voters living within the San Bernardino Community College District boundaries. **Learn more:** The district has published information about Measure Y, including the proposed projects, official ballot documents and tax estimates, at [sbccd.edu/MeasureY](https://sbccd.edu/MeasureY?ref=communityforwardredlands.com).