Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
Proposition 11 - Right to issue Bonds
A Blog about Parks and rec facilities
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically Parks and rec facilities as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of Parks and rec facilities
It adds El Paso County to the list of 11 others having the right to issue bonds.
Blog Summary
This only authorizes the right to issue the bonds, but the actual issuance must be approved by El Paso County voters to be issued.
Proposition 11 - Right to issue Bonds
Published: 2023-10-18
This amendment would authorize the conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities. These bonds would be supported by ad valorem taxes - property taxes.
Currently the following counties already have this authorization: Bexar County, Bastrop County, Waller County, Travis County, Williamson County, Harris County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County; as well as the Tarrant Regional Water District.
No bonds may be issued without such proposition being submitted to the qualified voters of the district.
While I am not in favor of going in debt, this won't actually authorize the issuance of bonds. This amendment merely permits the El Paso county conservation district to place bond matters on the ballot in the future. Those bonds would have to get passed by voters in El Paso county.
Technically this means only those residing in El Paso County will be affected by the potential for higher taxes. However, there is always the give and take of a district needing more funding than another for some reason or other. But then the Texas legislature could shift funds there regardless.
Since it would require further voter approval, and other districts are authorized to do this already (and have been for quite a few years), and it will directly affect the voters that are voting yes or no.... then I am leaning toward yes.
That being said, if we ditched property taxes in their entirety and set up an all sales tax system; things could be very different. Funding from the taxes would be divided between where the item is sold, where it is made, where it is warehoused perhaps, etc. Then the local voters could say yes, we want to issue bonds and increase our local tax amount to cover the bonds. Less moving parts and it makes things much more clear.
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