ELECTION 2017: Dallas-area voters to decide Nov. 7 on transportation questions

October 18, 2017

Keith Goble

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Voters in the Dallas area will decide next month on multiple questions to benefit transportation work.

The ballot in Dallas will include a question about increasing the city’s debt by $534 million to fund infrastructure projects, primarily road projects.

Approval of Proposition A would authorize city officials to tap general obligation bonds to pay for work on thoroughfares, freeways, intersections, bridges and streets. Specifically, the ballot question covers “planning, designing, construction, reconstruction, improving, extending, reconfiguring and expanding streets.”

Also included are video roadside cameras and other traffic and signal controls, such as synchronizing signals and installing traffic lights at more than 60 locations.

The bonds are touted to fund more than 1,000 street and transportation projects. The estimated repayment, including interest, is set at $725 million.

Dallas city officials say the debt on the public improvement bonds can be repaid within 20 years without a property tax increase.

Critics say the projects identified should instead be funded as maintenance via the general fund.

The question is part of a 10-proposition, $1.05 billion bond package.

Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 23, for the Nov. 7 referendum.

In nearby Cedar Hill, voters will cast ballots on issuing $10 million in general obligation bonds for infrastructure improvements.

Proposition A in the city located southwest of Dallas would finance large capital improvements that serve a public purpose, including streets.

Improvements cover repair and improvement of roadways throughout the city, traffic signal upgrades, street lighting installation, and intersection improvements. Work along the Highway 67 corridor also is highlighted.

Funding for projects would be allocated upon voter approval. Financing for the work would be repaid through a portion of property tax revenues.

City officials say the work would be completed without an increase in property tax rate.

Voters in the neighboring city of Midlothian have a similar question on the ballot.

Proposition B would issue $22 million in bonds to get street and road improvements done. Specifically, borrowing would be used for “constructing, improving, upgrading and reconstructing streets and roads, including related bridges and intersections … traffic safety and operational improvements and signalization and signage, the acquisition of any necessary right-of-way, and other related costs for such projects.”