Constitutional Amendment and Joint Election early voting details
ELLIS COUNTY – The Constitutional Amendment and Joint Election is Nov. 7, and early voting begins next week.
Here’s what you need to know about the array of propositions and miscellaneous items on the ballot.
WHAT IS ON THE BALLOT
Emergency Services District No. 5
Proposition A
“Authorizing an increase in the maximum ad valorem tax rate that Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 5 may impose on property within the District to a rate not to exceed six cents ($0.06) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation.”
Fire Chief Tom Leverentz for ESD No. 5 explained why this item wason the ballot.
“The Emergency District #5 was formed on January 22, 1987 by a vote of the residents in the City of Ferris and the county.
“At that time 3-cents was approved to fund the ESD, and there has not been an increase since 1987.
“The ESD provides equipment and funding for emergency services in District 5.
“We are asking for this increase so that we can add emergency service personnel in order to better provide the city with this service.
“The money from this increase would mainly be used to pay salaries of firefighters and emergency personnel. We are asking for an additional 3-cents.”
Opponents pointout City of Ferris residents would see the tax increase, if approved, on their tax bill. Ferris has it’s own Fire Department and two ambulances, included with Ferris’s tax rate.
“The additional tax-burden would not benefit Ferris residents,” said one city official.
PROPOSITION 1
“The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.”
PROPOSITION 2
“The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.”
PROPOSITION 3
“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.”
PROPOSITION 4
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purpose; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”
PROPOSITION 5
“The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”
PROPOSITION 6
“The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”
PROPOSITION 7
“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.”
PROPOSITION 8
“The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.”
PROPOSITION 9
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”
PROPOSITION 10
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.”
PROPOSITION 11
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.”
PROPOSITION 12
“The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.”
PROPOSITION 13
“The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.
PROPOSITION 14
“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.”
Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 1 Proposition A
“The legal sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption only.”
City of Alma Proposition A
“The legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only.”
City of Bardwell Special Election To Fill A Vacancy
Mayor, Unexpired Term
Jodie Odlozi
City of Bardwell Member of Council, Two (2) Council Members to be elected, Unexpired Term
Shawna L. Drennan
Dionne Sauers
Dolores Luksa
Barbara A. Burton
Buena Vista-Bethel Special Utility District General Election
Member of the Board of Directors, One (1) Member to be elected
Eric Zarate
Manuel Alexander Whiteway
Vince Howell
Alan Cleaver