Pulaski Technical College trustees decided last week to delay indefinitely an election to set up a taxing district for the school.
The district, which is the largest two-year community college district in the state without local tax support, had earlier this year planned a July property tax election but then postponed the election call several times.
Trustee Ronald Dedman outlined to trustees a public relations effort that will stress the benefits provided by the Little Rock school before seeking creation of the taxing district.
A vote is possible in 2013, Dedman said, but no specific dates were provided.
The two-year school is expected to seek a property tax rate of 1 to 3 mills to support up to $65 million of bonds for capital projects. The tax would also provide $11.5 million a year for operations.
Many of the 12,000 students enrolled in the technical community college live in adjacent Saline County, but the taxing authority would be limited to properties in Pulaski County.
Pulaski Technical College’s debt is rated AA-plus by Standard & Poor’s.
The district issued $69.5 million of student tuition and fee revenue bonds in 2011.
Sixteen community colleges in Arkansas are supported through either a sales tax of up to 0.375% or a property tax levy of up to 4 mills.
Seven college districts in Arkansas, including Pulaski Tech, lack a local tax. They are funded through state appropriations, which have been declining, and student tuition and fees.
Pulaski County voters rejected a 0.125% sales tax for the college in 2002.
