Revised bill aims to allow Del-Tech to issue bonds for capital projects

DELAWARE – Public outcry is sending lawmakers back to the drawing board on a piece of legislation that would have increased Delaware’s property taxes so that Delaware Technical Community College could get the funds they so desperately need for infrastructure improvements.

“It has to happen sooner than later. I mean we’re approaching over $100 million in deferred maintenance not just at this campus statewide at all four campus locations. How do you catch up from that?,” explains Bobbi Barends, Vice Pres. and Campus Director at Del-Tech.

Del-Tech campuses across the state are struggling with leaky roofs, aging HVAC systems and deteriorating sidewalks. It’s an issue that’s made its way to lawmakers at Legislative Hall to find a solution.

Sen. Ernie Lopez says, “The institution needs to be able to have dollars available to address their infrastructure problem.”

Since the first attempt at a bill to help was met with more concerns than support from taxpayers, lawmakers rolled out a new version this week.

“I think we’re all pretty pleased to see a new iteration of the Del-Tech bill. The property tax that was attached to the previous bill was a concern,” adds Sen. Lopez.

The newly proposed bill doesn’t involve increasing taxes instead it would allow Del-Tech to sell bonds to get the capital they need for important projects.

“Being able to bond the money just like the University of Delaware does and Delaware State does it’s going to be able to help them address those long term fiscal plan infrastructure issues.”

Which essentially is all Del-Tech wants to be able to do.

“We just want to be able to plan so we can continue to provide excellent service to our community and really graduate exceptional students that meet the workforce need,” adds Barends.

Now Sen. Lopez tells us this isn’t a partisan issue that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are all on board to find the best way for Del-Tech to get the funds they need.