As election night approaches, several local races and ballot issues across the Greater Houston area are poised to shape our communities in a significant way. From funding for public safety, drainage and education to tax rate decisions, here’s a breakdown of some of the most important items that will impact voters.
Alvin ISD Proposition A
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Voters in Alvin Independent School District will cast their ballots to either approve or reject Proposition A. Residents will decide if the district will move forward with the $380 million bond that will go toward safety and security improvements. School safety has been at the heigh of discussion since the rise of school shootings. Concerns increased after online and social media posts suggesting Texas schools would become targets of violence. The threats impacted schools statewide, and several Houston area campuses deal with incidents that triggered lockdowns, panicked parents, and frightened students. “The argument that Alvin ISD is making here is that this is a win win. You get new schools and more secure schools and as a result of these new schools, you’re going to see greater growth in terms of homes within Alvin ISD, which in turn will increase the property tax base, which will mean that existing homeowners will pay lower tax rates in the future and lower taxes because of the greater number of residents,” said Rice University Political Science Professor, Mark Jones.
Spring ISD Proposition A
This proposition would increase the Spring ISD property tax rate by 13.52% over the current rate resulting in an additional $16.2 million. The proposed tax rate, if approved by voters, would provide crucial funding for teacher and staff salaries. “The positive is it would bolster Spring ISD and help it move in a more positive way into the future. The negative side is that there’s going to be a cost to that, and so the average homeowner is going to have to pay about $100 more per year in property taxes if it passes,” Jones said.
City of Sugar Land Propositions A through E
As voters head to the polls, residents in Sugar Land will have several important decisions to make. Five propositions on the ballot could shape the future of the city’s infrastructure, public services, and even how local government operates. “Sugar Land is a growing city with an aging infrastructure. And these propositions would allow it to bring its current infrastructure up to the standards that its residents really need,” Jones said. Proposition A focuses on public safety and includes spending money on building a new police headquarters and buying new SWAT vehicles. Proposition B seeks approval for upgrades to streets, sidewalks and trails. Proposition C proposes increased funding for drainage improvements. Propositions D and E address the need for upgrades to city buildings and a new, larger animal shelter. “If these all passed, we’re like the average homeowner. That’s about a $500,000 home in Sugar Land. We’re likely to see a $60 increase immediately, and that could go up to around 200 to $250 by the end of the decade,” Jones said.
