Article 7.5Regional Occupational Center of Kern
Section § 16280
This law allows up to $6 million from bond funds to be used for building and equipping a new regional occupational center in Kern County. This funding comes from the State School Building Aid and Earthquake Reconstruction and Replacement Bond Law of 1974. The funds are available for four years, during which the Kern Regional Occupational Center must apply for them. Approved funds can be spent even after the four-year period, as long as they were allocated within it. Only certain sections of the education code apply to how this article is managed, unless the State Allocation Board decides otherwise based on the article's context.
Section § 16281
This law section explains that the Regional Occupational Center in Kern County, made up of three school districts, needs new school facilities for vocational training. These districts have already raised some funds through a special tax. Because construction costs are rising, the law aims to provide immediate funds for building, but requires these funds to be fully repaid with interest, ensuring taxpayers aren't burdened with long-term costs.
Section § 16282
This law states that any funds given to the Regional Occupational Center of Kern must be fully repaid to the state over 20 years, starting two years after they are received. Payments include interest, set by the State Allocation Board. Repayment comes from taxes collected by the school districts involved, and the County Auditor of Kern County transfers the payments to the State Treasury for the State School Building Aid Fund.
Section § 16283
This law section explains that if a certain tax revenue isn’t enough to pay back a loan that a regional occupational center wants over 20 years, the State Allocation Board will only approve the application if local voters are on board. Specifically, two-thirds of voters in a special election must agree that the governing board can take, spend, and repay the funds according to specific rules. This vote process should mirror how school bond issues are decided, with a clear yes/no question on the ballot about accepting a state loan for facilities.
Section § 16284
This law requires the Controller to figure out how much needs to be paid back annually, and this must be done by January 1st each fiscal year.