The Contra Costa Community College Governing Board discussed the use of bonds and parcel taxes to help fund the future construction of buildings with a few different parties on Wednesday, March 28 at the Martinez district office.

EMC Research, a research firm specializing in polling, focus groups and public opinion research, sent a representative to the board meeting to pitch their plan.

Alex Evans, principal of EMC Research, laid out the planned surveys that will be distributed to a number of locals. One thousand likely voters will receive a 15-minute split sample survey, some questions pertaining to bonds and others to parcel taxes. Evans explained that the bonds would be for capital only, covering construction costs for the buildings, whereas the parcel taxes can be used for any other expenses.

The surveys will be done from April 11 through April 19.

John Marquez, secretary of the governing board, said a poll about the proposed bonds and taxes would reveal which parts of Contra Costa County are ready to pay for certain plans.

The main reason for the meeting was to put plans into place to continue the renovation of older buildings and the construction of new buildings that will replace any older ones that are no longer adequate. Board member Robert Calone stated outright that making sure the future buildings are seismically safe should be a top priority.

The 2007 DVC Facilities Master Plan lists these actions among the project goals including the improvement of parking, developing innovative learning environments and improving disabled access on campus.

A 55 percent approval is necessary to pass the bonds and parcel taxes.

The survey results will be presented on April 27. If there is an overall positive reaction to supporting new bonds and parcel taxes, discussions will continue.