If Round Rock voters decide next year whether to allow the bulk of their city to be annexed into the Austin Community College taxing district, new campus construction near the site of the Round Rock Higher Education Center is expected to be a high priority. Although residents will see higher taxes if the annexation is approved, voters should be aware of the benefits ACC can bring to their community.
Although Austin is a hub city with core institutions, Round Rock is experiencing rapid growth in part due to the low land costs. Factors in play include the movement of business to Round Rock and the nursing shortage in area hospitals and clinics. At stake are the potential doubling of ACC's nursing program necessitated by this shortage and the steady flow of graduates Round Rock needs to attract new business.
The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area is the result of an interdependent relationship. Without cooperation each will suffer. Many Round Rock students are paying significantly more for their tuition, along with travel costs. Congestion is bad enough - how many thousands more will be commuting in a few years?
Voters should keep this in mind and say yes to ACC.
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