This has Unlimited Access. Please support our commitment to public service journalism. Subscribe now.
Texas County voters face two significant ballot measures today that could affect the county’s road funding and property taxes.
Polls are open until 7 p.m. A light turnout is predicted.
The first proposal, known as the Road and Bridge Question, would replace an expiring countywide half-percent capital improvements sales tax with a similar half-percent tax on retail sales, including utilities. The revenue would be dedicated to maintaining and improving the county’s transportation infrastructure.
The current tax, approved by voters in 2005, helped finance construction of the Texas County Justice Center and is set to expire in March 2026. County officials estimate the renewed tax could generate about $1 million annually.
“In large part, these funds will be distributed to needs and priorities as determined by the townships,” said Presiding Commissioner Scott Long. “A smaller portion will be used to leverage matching grant funds to increase the effectiveness of tax dollars.”
Ballot language states that renewing the tax would provide a stable source of funding for township road, bridge and culvert repairs. Texas County has 17 townships.
The second measure, the Homestead Tax Relief Question, would freeze property tax increases on a homeowner’s primary residence, effectively capping tax liability at the level established when the homeowner first qualifies for the credit.
The proposal stems from Senate Bill 3, signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe in June, which allows counties to place the question before voters. Texas County is among the first in the state to do so.
“Citizens should be able to have a say in how their tax dollars are spent,” said state Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, a supporter of the legislation. “That includes how much they are paying in taxes.”
State Rep. Bennie Cook, R-Houston, also supports the measure, calling it “another step toward giving homeowners relief from property taxes.”
However, local school districts that depend on property taxes for operating revenue caution that freezing assessments could have long-term consequences.
“Because local property taxes are a major source of school funding, limiting future tax growth could reduce the district’s ability to maintain programs, staffing and facilities over time,” said Justin Copley, superintendent of Houston Schools.
Copley said the Houston R-1 School District remains neutral on the issue but encourages voters to weigh both the immediate benefits and the potential long-term impact on schools.
Supporters of the law note that it applies only to primary residences without improvements. Vacation homes, new construction and homes that are sold would still be subject to reassessment and potential increases.
In late September, six school districts, two individual taxpayers and a fire protection district filed a lawsuit challenging the legislation, arguing that it creates unequal tax treatment and other constitutional concerns.