By Gabriel Elmosleh
News Editor

College president Tim Cook and other college officials are expecting the $120 million bond measure to pass.

This newfound optimism comes after new election results show that bond measure 3-613, which was previously failing on election night, now has more than a 1,000-vote lead.

In an email sent out on Nov 12 by vice president Jeff Shaffer to staff, “This moment is more than a financial milestone; it is a testament to the trust and support our community places in us.”

When results were first released last week, the bond measure was failing by over 400 votes. As votes continued to be counted, the yes vote started to rise.

“I wish it hadn’t been that close, but, I think that’s just the way things are right now,” said college president Tim Cook on Wednesday. “Everything seems to be pretty tight. So I’m thrilled, all we needed was one over and we got a 1,000 over. So that means we get to do some really great work for our students for the next, you know, decade or beyond. So that’s pretty exciting right now.”

The bond measure would pay for a new Natural Resource Center of Excellence, update athletic fields and complete the Douglas Loop walking trail.

The money would also pay to modernize learning spaces, increase STEM opportunities by building a new space simulations center, and add security cameras to the campuses. The bond measure will also remodel the Clairmont hall building and make space for an Oregon State University Extension center.

The 2024 bond measure replaces an expiring 2014 tax, which means that the current tax rate for Clackamas County voters will remain the same.

Election results won’t be officially certified by Clackamas County until Dec. 2.