Joliet Junior College officials are hoping the third time is the charm after the college’s trustees approved placing an $89 million bond referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot, the third time in seven years voters will be asked to approve either a bond issue or tax increase.

In 2002, voters defeated a request for Community College District 525 to issue $252 million in bonds for extensive improvements and an increase in the annual property tax rate, and in 2003 voters again rejected a request by the college to increase the tax rate for operations and maintenance.

If approved, the funds would go toward renovations as part of a master plan announced a few months ago.

The $89 million in bonds would be used for a variety of projects, including a new building for nursing/allied health programs, eight new science classrooms and labs, and an expansion of the Automotive Department on the main campus.

Bonds also would fund construction of a new Culinary Arts and Hospitality facility in the school’s downtown Joliet City Center Campus.

Earlier this year, trustees approved assessing a $9 per credit hour “capital assessment fee” over the next four years to help fund $220 million in planned improvements, although college officials say the fee could decrease significantly if voters approve the referendum in November.

The district estimates the capital assessment fee would generate $159 million over four years, if it is needed.

If voters approve the district’s request to issue $89 million in bonds, then the capital assessment fee will drop to $1, said Jeff Julian, spokesman for the school.

The district also plans to raise about $60 million through private donations and other funding options, said Jeff Julian, spokesman for the college.

“If the referendum were to pass, then the capital assessment fee would significantly decrease,” Julian said.

Private sector funding would pay for a 100,000-square-foot capacity facility to house a fitness center, competition-sized fields and gymnasiums, Julian said.

Trustees also approved a $3 per hour tuition hike at the May 6 board meeting.

“The overwhelming support of the board shows this is a master plan designed to put the needs of the students first,” said Gena Proulx, president of the college.

Joliet Junior College serves residents in several counties, including Will, DuPage, Kane and Grundy.