Election 2017: School and city bond packages, constitutional amendments

Propostion A: Is a $64.2 million bond program that would pay for a new 900-student middle school to alleviates space limitations and allows for future growth while allowing for a new sixth-eighth grade student configuration. It would allow the district to re-purpose Mcanally Intermediate into an elementary school.

Proposition B: Is an $.8.7 million bond program that would fund increased learning spaces for the agricultural and career/technical programs, including additional barn space and barn renovations. This proposal includes funding for future land purchases to meet building needs.

Bedford voters will decide whether to spend $70 million on a bond package to improve the Boys Ranch Park. The bond package, called Phase Next would pay for a new multi-generation center focusing on senior citizens, family activities and events. Other improvements call for a new aquatics center and new athletic fields.

Four people are vying for three spots: David Hafer, Dennis G. Lindgron, Rick Whitehurst, Dave Clark.

Voters will decide on a $524.7 million bond program to build a fourth high school, purchase land for future schools and pay for a new natatorium in partnership with the YMCA. That district projects an estimated increase of 3,300 students in the next five years. The proposed bond includes funding to pay for land for future schools.

Euless voters will decide whether liquor stores should be allowed in the city. Currently, Euless allows beer and wine to be sold for off-premise consumption but not hard liquor.

There are two propositions going before voters in Fort Worth schools.

Proposition A: Is a tax ratification election that has been described as a “penny swap.”

The ratification would let the school district restructure its tax rate and move 2 cents from one tax pool to another — it’s called a tax swap — which district officials say will generate more than $23 million annually, including a boost in state funding.

Proposition B: Is a $750 million bond proposal that will pay for a new elementary school to ease overcrowding at Tanglewood Elementary, land purchases for future schools, renovations at 14 high schools and the relocation of three specialty campuses.

Grapevine voters will decide on three bond propositions.

Proposition A: $3.9 million bond calls for the expansion of the Grapevine Animal Shelter and Adoption Center which is 25 years old and lacks adequate outdoor areas. The shelter also is below national safety standards.

Proposition B: Would fund the relocation and reconstruction of fire stations 2 and 3 for $16 million. The fire stations currently lack adequate living quarters and restrooms for men and women. The stations are over 35 years old and don’t have adequate space for trucks.

Proposition C: Would pay for renovations and improvements to the golf course clubhouse and concourse for $4.8 million.

Haltom City is holding a special election for council Place 3. The candidates are Linda Thompson and Trenton Tidwell.

The city will hold a special election to reallocate the sales tax.

In Richland Hills, voters will decide whether to increase salaries of police officers and firefighters to the average amounts paid in surrounding cities including Hurst, Haltom City, North Richland Hills and Fort Worth.

Voters will also choose a new council member to serve out the remaining term in Place 4.

Lisa Lachance-Skier, Roland Goveas and Javier Alvarez are running.

Voters will choose the mayor and a council member in Place 5.

Mayor, Ronald A White (i), Jerry Burns

City Council Place 5 Dusty Pulliam, Greg Geesa

Here’s a look at the constitutional amendments on the Nov. 7 ballot:

Proposition 1: Partially disabled veterans, or their spouses, could get a partial homestead exemption for homes donated to them if they pay some amount for the home.

Proposition 2: Home equity rules would change and restrictions on borrowing against it would ease. Some protections would also go away.

Proposition 3: Gubernatorial appointees would face new term limits. Appointees now serve after their term expires until the governor names a new appointee. This measure sets deadlines, saying appointees can only serve until the last day of the regular session of the Legislature that begins after their term ends.

Proposition 4: Would require courts to let the state attorney general know when there is a constitutional challenge to a state statute or law.

Proposition 5: This expands the definition of a “professional sports team” to such organizations as the PGA and Texas Motor Speedway to allow them to hold 50-50 charitable raffles.

Proposition 6: Surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty would receive property tax exemptions.

Proposition 7: Would let banks and credit unions hold promotions such as raffles to encourage customers to save their money.

Staff writer Elizabeth Campbell contributed to this report.

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Election 2017: School and city bond packages, constitutional amendments."