Bay Area Edition | September 2023

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Bay Area Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 SEPT. 27OCT. 30, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

CCISD proposes $302M bond

INSIDE

Facing aging infrastructure and campuses in need of upgrades, such as a new secured vestibule at Bay Elementary School, Clear Creek ISD ocials have proposed a $302 million bond to help cover its costs. The vestibule and hallway pictured face the front of the school and, if left unattended, can allow students to leave the school easier.

JAMES T. NORMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

Impacts: Great Wolf Lodge construction ongoing (Page 6)

Government: Concerns raised about community cats (Page 8)

Transportation: Road cameras set to catch criminals (Page 11)

Election: Seewho’s on the ballot for local elections (Page 14)

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What is CI Simple? • Our Design & Editorial leaders have planned a complete overhaul of our content, and we've named the transformation CI Simple. • Each page has been re-envisioned to ensure information is presented in a concise and easily digestible format. Why? • In an age of ever-shortening attention spans and new information accessible at the swipe of a thumb, CI Simple addresses the demands of modern readers. • There’s nothing quite like reading local news straight from your mailbox, and with this change we’re making every word and image count even more. Exciting changes • Revamped front covers with eye-catching imagery alongside a story that truly matters, plus new features like CI Foodie and CI Texas

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Joe Edwards Melissa Enaje Leah Foreman Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning James T. Norman Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Jatziri Garcia Chad Inmon Ellen Jackson Martha Risinger La’Toya Smith Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Papar Faircloth General Manager

Jake Magee Senior Editor

Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Kasey Salisbury Managing Editor Kelly Schafler Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

• More subheads (called Impactisms) and bullet points to easily consume news • Strategic use of design layouts, labels, colors and more to guide your experience

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Impacts

Now open

1 Summer Moon Coffee The shop opened up a new location, which is the eighth to open in the Houston area. The business offers the company’s signature Oak Roasted Coffee as well as Moon Milk. • Opened Aug. 5 • 1846 E. NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay • www.summermooncoffee.com 2 Donut Distillery The business, which pairs alcoholic beverages with doughnuts, opened its first Texas location in August. Based out of Nashville, the company started out as a food truck and now has four locations in three states. In addition to doughnuts and alcohol—which includes cocktails, wine, liquor and micro-shots—the business serves coffee, regular drinks and ice cream. • Opened Aug. 17 • 1507 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. A, Webster • www.donutdistillery.com 3 Renew Dental Implants Piyuse Das leads a restorative dentistry practice in Webster. Starting with a consultation, patients can customize their treatment with single, bridge or full-

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mouth dental implant surgery or implant-supported dentures. The benefits of these treatments are to help them eat the foods they want as well as improving their ability to live comfortably, socialize and feel confident. • Opened July 17 • 17330 Hwy. 3, Webster • www.renewdentalimplants.com

will not begin until an opening date is picked, but those with the company are still encouraging prospective employees to follow the company’s social media pages for hiring updates. • Opening in the fall

Relocations

8 Butler Longhorn Museum The museum, which celebrates Milby Butler’s effort to save the Texas longhorn from the verge of extinction and the history of Galveston County, plans to relocate from 563 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 155, Webster, to a new space. The museum was previously located in League City, and the new location will be at The Depot on

• 806 E. NASA Parkway, Webster • www.mcintyresusa.com/webster

6 Bay Colony Nail Spa The nail salon at Eastfield at Baybrook will be the third location from owner Cindy Tran, who owns nail salons in League City and Dickinson. Business is booming, she said, prompting her to open another location. The business provides manicures, pedicures, waxing and other services. • Opening November or early December 7 Great Wolf Lodge Officials with the company marked the completion of vertical construction of the waterpark and resort on Aug. 30. The 27-acre site will feature a 95,000-square- foot indoor water park, a 61,000-square-foot adventure park, 532 guest rooms and various restaurants. • Opening Nov. 15, 2024 • 1000 Great Wolf Way, Webster • www.greatwolf.com • 144 El Dorado Blvd., Webster • www.baycolonynailspa.com

Coming soon

Market in Galveston. • Relocating this fall • 3304 Market St., Galveston • www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com

4 Dutch Bros Coffee Workers will begin construction on a new location for this coffee shop in January. The 950-square-foot drive- thru business will offer various coffee drinks, including cold brews and Americanos, along with other beverages such as teas, smoothies, milkshakes and lemonades. The business will also sell baked goods. • Opening June 2024 • Clear Lake Center’s northern corner, in front of Floor & Decor in Webster • www.dutchbros.com 5 McIntyre’s While still under construction, the restaurant is on its way to the Bay Area, company representative Michael Paolucci said in an email. The sports bar, which was expected to open up in 2022 or early 2023, will have an outdoor patio and will be dog friendly. The hiring process

In the news

9 Dave & Buster’s The restaurant and arcade opened following renovations Aug. 11. The new additions include interactive social bays, an immersive watch experience, a revamped menu and a beer wall with over 20 taps. This is the nation’s first Dave & Buster’s with this design. • 704 Baybrook Mall Drive, Friendswood • www.daveandbusters.com

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Government

BY RACHEL LELAND

Residents raise concerns about League City animal center’s cat program

Cat outcomes Here’s how cats were processed at League City Animal Care and Adoption Center in July.

Following criticism from citizens and volunteers, League City Animal Care and Adoption Center ocials paused the shelter’s trap, neuter and return program, also known as TNR, on Aug. 20 to assess how the shelter releases “community cats.” The big picture TNR traps, sterilizes, vaccinates for rabies and returns community cats near their original location, according to League City’s animal ordinances. “Community cat” is an umbrella term describing feral and friendly stray cats. Concerned residents voiced their concerns at City Council meetings that many of the cats being released as community cats should instead be put up for adoption. Monica Millican, the president of the nonprot League City Pets Alive, who began volunteering at the shelter in 2007, said volunteers were irritated by the fact the shelter was “nowhere near full,” yet friendly cats were still being released. To bring the community into the animal shelter’s decision-making processes, League City ocials cre- ated a webpage, www.leaguecitylistens.com/cats. Residents can participate in a survey about the community cats program, nd policy resources and ask questions about the program. “We love the feedback, and we love to be able to get more information on what the community really wants and what they see for it, and we’ll go from there,” Animal Services Manager Jasmine O’Keefe said.

Adopted 132 Fostered 42 Released through TNR 7 Euthanized 5 Returned to owner 1 Died 1

Total 188

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITY ANIMAL CARE AND ADOPTION CENTERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The conditions In early August, League City ocials hired American Pets Alive, the national arm of Austin Pets Alive, the no-kill shelter largely responsible for advocating for Austin to become a “no-kill” city, to conduct an independent third-party audit of the shelter’s TNR program. Mara Hartsell, the American Pets Alive shelter support adviser who is conducting the audit of the shelter’s TNR policies, estimated eight out of 10 cats the shelter takes in are processed through the adoption program. What else? While those who expressed concern about the shelter’s TNR program said they are happy that the program is paused, O’Keefe said she feels the

League City Animal Care and Adoption Center ocials have paused the trap, neuter and return program.

RACHEL LELANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

pause has placed stress on the shelter and made it more dicult for sta to take care of each individ- ual animal due to capacity issues. “One [issue] is the increase in medical, due to cost and time,” O’Keefe said. Since TNR has been paused and the shelter does not euthanize for space, to move nonadoptable cats out of the shelter, sta has been delivering cats to farms and oces to kill mice through its working cat program. What happens next? Hartsell said she expects to complete her audit before the end of the year.

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Education

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

Clear Creek ISD implements vaping discipline policy to comply with law

The approach

Leila Sarmecanic, Clear Creek ISD general counsel, said despite the bill’s wording, the district maintains power over many aspects of how it carries out discipline for vaping. Other state statutes allow the district to choose which punishments meet mandatory DAEP placement or discretionary placement. A litany of factors, such as previous oenses or intent, can allow for a range of penalties for students caught. This school year, CCISD will implement an escalating discipline policy and be working with the Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families to implement programs that focus on rehabilitation along with discipline.

which used to lead to expulsion. The new requirements are prompting some district ocials to either adjust their disciplinary policies or look for ways to cover the extra seats that could be needed in their respective programs. To keep up with the new requirements, Clear Creek ISD ocials are implementing a new policy that will escalate discipline with each oense.

A new state bill, House Bill 114, which went into eect Sept. 1, now requires school districts to place students caught with vape devices into an alternative education program. Some education ocials have said the bill emphasizes punishment rather than rehabilitation of students. While the bill steepens the penalty for getting caught with a device on campus, it also lowers the punishment for those caught with THC,

House Bill 114 mandates • Students caught with vape devices must be placed in their district’s disciplinary alternative education program, also known as a DAEP.

• If a DAEP is at capacity, vaping students can be placed in in-school suspension to make room for violent offenders but must be put back in if space opens up. • Districts maintain power over how long a DAEP term lasts as well as capacity and stafing.

CCISD’s escalating discipline policy

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINECOMMUNITY IMPACT

• For the irst offense , the student receives one day of out-of-school suspension and two days of in-school suspension. • For the second offense , the student receives one day of out- of-school suspension and four days of in-school suspension as well as a behavior contract that lays out the punishment for another offense. • For the third offense , the student receives out-of- school suspension and a DAEP placement.

What they're saying

“It seems like an overreach to make vaping a mandatory DAEP oense.

“I think we need to discourage kids from using these vape pens, period. These kids are old enough to understand the consequences.” STATE REP. ED THOMPSON, RPEARLAND

... But I think it gives us an opportunity to emphasize the seriousness of it.” LEILA SARMECANIC, CLEAR CREEK ISD GENERAL COUNSEL

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY JAKE MAGEE

League City police installing cameras along major roads to catch criminals

League City ocials want residents, especially drivers, to be aware of a new technology on city streets that will make it easier to catch and deter criminals. Several cameras from the company Flock Security, a private security camera company, have been installed across the city to read license plates, and they’re already helping police solve crimes, said Harold Lee, League City Police Department captain. Two-minute impact Beginning in December, League City police began installing Flock cameras along major roadways in the city. Ocials declined to say exactly where they were installed so as to not tip o criminals. The cameras are positioned to capture the license plates of vehicles driving away from them. Scanned license plates are kept on le for 30 days before automatically being deleted. Police can use the technology to see if a vehicle matching a desired license plate has passed any of the cameras in the past month, which helps police in their investigations, Lee said. In fact, police used this technology to arrest the suspect of a murder on the city’s west side, he said. “That was our rst big lead,” Lee said, adding how it was a major selling point to him that many other agencies in the Houston area use Flock cameras. In addition to solving crimes, the cameras may help police nd missing people, such as children and elders, and deter crime from occurring. If criminals know League City has Flock cameras, they may decide to take their criminal activity elsewhere, Lee said.

The breakdown As of Aug. 24, police had installed 26 cameras across League City. In total, 42 will be installed. Each camera costs $2,500 per year, Lee said, for a total annual cost of $105,000. This doesn’t include the homeowners associa- tions and private businesses working with police to get their own Flock cameras. The Mar Bella HOA has received four Flock cameras, and other HOAs and businesses will soon receive their own, Lee said. In their own words Lee compared the Flock camera technology to the breakthrough in using DNA evidence to solve crimes. “We’re going to be solving so many more cases now,” he said. “It’ll give us leads that we didn’t have before.” Also of note Lee said he understands some may be concerned this technology will be used to spy on residents. Lee assured the public that’s not the case. “I understand the reasoning behind it, but we’ve put in some safeguards to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he said. What’s next Police may one day get Flock technology in their dashboard cameras. In 2024, Axon, the company that provides League City police’s dashboard cameras, will merge technol- ogy with Flock. Lee said he hopes some of Flock’s license plate-reading technology will be available on police’s dashboard cameras.

Flock cameras will be used to scan license plates to help police investigate major crimes.

COURTESY CITY OF LEAGUE CITY

League City Flock cameras League City police will install 42 cameras citywide at a cost of $2,500 each per year.

26 installed as of Aug. 24

16 to be installed

Flock cameras

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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News

BY MELISSA ENAJE, RACHEL LELAND & JAMES T. NORMAN

Clear Creek ISD approves $381.5 million budget Clear Creek ISD’s board of trustees approved its budget for the ongoing school year at its Aug. 21 meeting and, pending voter approval in November, could see a balanced budget. The overview CCISD’s budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which began Sept. 1, anticipates $381.5 million in both rev- enue and expenses, about $16.1 million more than last year’s budget, according to district documents. Breaking even, however, will come only if the district can get an additional $17.4 million through a voter-approval tax rate election, also known as a VATRE, which will be on November’s ballot. By the numbers The breakdown of expenses for the district, according to district documents, is: • $337.72 million on payroll

Council lowers tax rate, passes budget League City residents will pay a lower tax rate than last year, a trend the city has kept over the past nine consecutive years. In a nutshell On Sept. 12, League City City Council voted to approve the budget for fiscal year 2023-24 with a property tax rate of $0.395 per valuation. The tax rate is lower than the no-new-revenue rate of $0.396783 and lower than the FY 2022-23 tax rate of $0.415526. The approved budget funds: • Additional city staff and vehicles • New and replacement equipment for public safety and public works • The reinvestment program, which includes $750,000 to fund sidewalk repairs, according to a city news release

Harris County officials adopt $2.7B budget Harris County will be operating fiscal year 2023-24 on a $2.7 billion budget, a $500 million increase from last year’s budget of $2.2 billion, after commissioners unanimously approved the amount on Sept. 19. The budget, according to agenda documents, will strategically invest countywide in: • Employee retention, with cost-of-living adjust- ments for civilian employees • Public health and safety • Additional district criminal courts • Expanding the county’s public defender’s office • Infrastructure • Flood resiliency Quote of note Commissioners pointed out the united efforts to reach this year’s budget compared to last year, which resulted in two Republican commissioners,

Texas Supreme Court denies county request to run election Senate Bill 1750, a contested election bill affecting Harris County, went into effect Sept. 1 after the Texas Supreme Court issued a decision Aug. 22 denying Harris County’s emergency motion to block the bill before the Nov. 7 election. Election responsibilities will no longer be under the discretion of the Harris County elections administrator because SB 1750 eliminates the elections administrator’s office, turning oversight to the county tax assessor-collector and county clerk’s office. Going forward The Supreme Court set a date for the oral argument on the state’s appeal for Nov. 28.

Revenue breakdown The bulk of Clear Creek ISD’s revenue comes from local sources, but this year its state sources are expected to nearly double.

Building a budget Harris County commissioners passed the $2.7 billion budget on Sept. 19, a $500 million increase from last year.

$2.4B

General fund

Federal

Other

Local

State

Harris County Flood Control District Harris County Toll Road Authority

$128M

FY 2023-24

FY 2022-23

$398M

$888M

Harris Health System

Local: $215.87M State: $155.68M Federal: 9.22M Other: $0.73M

Local: $252.38M State: $88.75M Federal: 13.63M Other: $11.97M

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

including Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, sitting out of the tax rate votes. “How the budget process was done at this table was a stark difference to how it was done last year. May this be an example of how we do this in the future,” Ramsey said. Going forward Oct. 1 is when the adopted budget will go into effect, lasting until Sept. 30, 2024.

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• $17.91 million on contracted services • $13.23 million on supplies and materials • $11.92 million on other operating costs • $715,000 for debt service

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Election

BY JAKE MAGEE

Voter Guide

2023

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

*INCUMBENT

David C. Lowy Julian “Bemer” Martinez Chanel Mbala Kathy Lee Tatum Roy Vasquez John Whitmire Robin Williams (write-in candidate) District E Martina Lemond Dixon Fred Flickinger At-Large Position 1

James Joseph Ericka McCrutcheon Richard Nguyen At-Large Position 4 John Branch Jr. Roy Morales Andrew “Drew” Patterson Letitia Plummer* At-Large Position 5 Sallie Alcorn*

Dates to know

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Where to vote

J. Brad Batteau Rigo Hernandez Voters will be able to cast ballots in favor of or opposed to two charter amendments to allow: • Members of the Houston City Council to place items on the weekly agenda • Houston officials to negotiate with the Houston- Galveston Area Council for better representation Harris Health System Voters will be able to cast ballots in favor of or opposed to a $2.5 billion bond to improve health facilities. Clear Creek ISD Voters will be able to cast ballots in favor of or opposed to a $302 million bond for various facility upgrades. Voters will be able to cast ballots in favor of or opposed to a voter-approval tax rate election. If approved, the property tax rate would be $0.9746 per $100 valuation; if rejected, the tax rate would be $0.9446, and CCISD would face a multimillion-dollar shortfall. There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more at www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Kendall Baker Eriq C. Glenn Melanie Miles Julian Ramirez Conchita Reyes Leah Wolfthal

Harris and Galveston county residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com or www.galvestonvotes.org for polling locations.

Sample ballot

At-Large Position 2 Danielle Keys Bess Marina Angelica Coryat Willie Davis Nick Hellyar Obioha “Obes” Nwabara Holly Flynn Vilaseca At-Large Position 3 Bernard “Bernardo” Amadi Richard Cantu Twila Carter Donnell Cooper Casey Curry Ethan Michelle Ganz

Houston City Council Mayor Gaylon S. Caldwell Jack Christie Robert Gallegos Annie “Mama” Garcia Gilbert Garcia

M. “Griff” Griffin Naoufal Houjami B. Ivy Sheila Jackson Lee

Lee Kaplan M. J. Khan

SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY JAKE MAGEE

Houston City Council, District E

What is the most important issue facing District E, and how would you address it? Crime is rising at an alarming rate throughout Houston. An increased police presence is critical in addressing this issue. I am proud to be endorsed by the Houston Police Officers’ Union, as these brave and dedicated officers are the reason Houstonians can live, work and enjoy their lives securely.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

The residents of District E deserve a representative that will work towards meaningful solutions to their everyday problems, not start ideological fights. Through my work on both the Humble ISD school board and the Texas [Commission] on Law Enforcement, I have cultivated the skills to serve all of District E.

Martina Lemond Dixon Occupation: CEO of small company Relevant experience: Humble ISD school board trustee, immediate past president; commissioner of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement www.voteformartina.com Fred Flickinger Occupation: Flickinger Machine owner Relevant experience : 35+ years business expertise, operations management, leadership; business development and innovation www.flickingerforhouston.com

Public safety is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our community are built. Hiring additional police officers and firefighters, implementing more community policing programs, increasing police presence, additional funding for forensic processing, and ensuring first responders have the resources to do their jobs are of the utmost priority.

District E needs someone who will voice concerns, interact, listen and work to effect change on the issues that matter most. My extensive business expertise sets me apart and provides me with a different perspective when making key decisions to improve the lives of the people in the district.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Election

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Voters to decide on hospital bond

A closer look

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. In Houston, 1 in 4 people are without health insurance. Harris County’s population also continues to grow, making the county’s health system insucient in meeting current needs and future demands, HHS ocials said. Both hospitals are operating at over 90%-100% daily occupancy. Research by public health experts has found that low-income families face consequences when they are unable to access health care, including: • Uninsured patients coming in for late-stage diseases, including cancer

Hospital; expand the capacity of Ben Taub Hospital; and create new community clinics in precincts 2, 3 and 4. Harris Health President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said the hospitals have failing infrastructure and the county population is rapidly growing. The system is mandated by law to provide health care services to the uninsured and underinsured populations, but also serves the entire county.

In November, Harris County voters will have to decide whether to fund a $2.5 billion expansion of the Harris Health System over the next 10 years in a move that could increase health care access for more than 1 million uninsured residents. If approved, the improvements are projected to cost the owner of a $300,000 property $6 more per month in taxes. The bond funding would allow the system to replace and renovate Lyndon B. Johnson

Precincts selected for new clinics if bond passes

Harris Health overview Current countywide Harris Health health care operations include: Two full-service hospitals

Precinct 2

Precinct 3

• Higher mortality rates • Poor diabetes control • Avoidable hospitalization

Precinct 4

Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital 215 acute-care beds Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital 402 acute-care beds

When it comes to need, the county’s poverty rate is higher than the national average at 16.4% for all age groups, compared to 12.8% nation- wide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

99 TOLL

3 same-day clinics Dental center Mobile health units

17 community health centers 8 homeless shelter clinics 4 multispecialty clinics

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Percent uninsured 21.8%

610

GALVESTON BAY

In one year, HHS serves: 854,313 clinic visits 147,496

193,727 telehealth clinic visits

18%

emergency room visits

8.8%

288

Harris County

Texas National

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they're saying

What's next

Estimated facility construction timeline per project

Porsa emphasized at an Aug. 18 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting that, if the bond gets approved, each project has various phases that are expected to be carried out over several years. Planning for the LBJ hospital replacement dates back several years with the understanding that it would be inevitable, even without a bond, Porsa said. Construction at the new LBJ Hospital will break ground in April or May of 2024.

Construction for LBJ Hospital campus

“We need this urgently. The facilities are inadequate, whether we’re talking about bed numbers, operating rooms, recovery space, Level I trauma capacity. We’re behind. This bond election is an investment in the future for Harris County and the city of Houston.”

2024-2035

Renovations for Ben Taub Hospital campus

2024-2030

Construction for new clinics and health centers

2025-2033

PAUL KLOTMAN, PRESIDENT OF BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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CCISD proposes $302M bond From the cover

The overview

Bond breakdown Clear Creek ISD’s $302 million bond targets what district officials classify as “priority one” repairs, which are mostly made up of maintenance; infrastructure; and building improvements, such as flooring and lighting. Proposition A is for a voter-approval tax rate election to make up a multimillion-dollar shortfall.

Clear Creek ISD officials in November are asking voters to add millions to the district’s revenue. The largest portion of that comes from a proposed $302 million bond, which has drawn both worry and support from the public. A majority of the bond is focused on improving technology and district infrastructure, as well as increasing campus security, said Paul Miller, assistant superintendent of support services. Upgrades to the district’s facilities typically carry CCISD a few years into the future, Miller said. That means many upgrades are needed now since the last bond was passed in 2017. If passed, the new bond should carry CCISD out to 2028. “[The bond in 2017] was only really taking care of infrastructure through 2020,” Miller said. “So we’re already well behind schedule on some of those critical infrastructure items.” After months of discussion and public feedback, CCISD’s board of trustees Aug. 21 unanimously approved adding the bond to the Nov. 7 ballot, split into two propositions. Originally, trustees looked at a $614 million bond. About half of that total package is up for a vote in November, with the rest being put off until a possible 2024 or 2025 election.

Proposition B: $265M

$130.31 million School infrastructure

$55.44 million Priority repairs and replacements

$302M bond

$30.88 million Life safety and security

$24.09 million Cocurricular and extracurricular

Of the district’s 45 schools, 40 are set to receive upgrades from the bond.

$19.78 million Technology infrastructure

$4.5 million Project management and bond costs

$37 million Instructional technology Proposition C: $37M 7

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

The backstory

Putman said she still believes some of the spending is unnecessary, such as a new access road for $2.9 million, which is billed as a safety measure. “I am absolutely happier with the $302 million bond versus the $614 million,” she said. “But some of the spending is still suspect.”

The committee began gathering in April, meeting weekly in May and once in July, according to the district’s website. However, some on the committee, such as resident Alison Putman, were not supportive of a $614 million bond. Even with the reduced bond,

The original $614 million recommendation came out of a Facility Advisory Committee, which consisted of 80 community members tasked with figuring out the key capital projects needed within the district.

r e

6640 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100 League City, TX 77573 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

What they’re saying

Looking ahead

The election is Nov. 7, and voters will see two separate measures for CCISD’s bond and one for the VATRE: • Proposition A: $17.4 million as part of a voter-approval tax rate election • Proposition B: $265 million for student safety, school infrastructure and priority repairs • Proposition C: $37 million for technology Voters will have the option to deny or approve all propositions, according to district documents. CCISD officials carried out a campaign in July and August to see the level of support the district might have if a bond were presented. Part of this included a phone survey, which saw higher support for the bond if voters were given context about why the bond was needed. The survey included 400 likely voters and context to allow for an “informed” decision. While support declined as the bond amount rose, a majority of those surveyed still supported each option.

“I am absolutely happy the message got through to the board that the folks in the community are concerned about overextending and that they heard us and put forth a more modest bond.” ALISON PUTMAN, FACILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

“As long as we want to maintain these buildings, we have to provide the funding to do that. … The board is looking at what

we absolutely, absolutely have to have in November.” PAUL MILLER, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SUPPORT SERVICES

The cost

For taxpayers, the bond won’t result in any change to 2023 tax bills but could affect 2024, CCISD Chief Communications Officer Elaina Polsen said. The district has two tax rates. One is tied to its debt, which totals about $1 billion, called the inter- est and sinking tax rate. That rate is expected to stay at $0.27 per $100 valuation of a home if the bond is approved, Polsen said.

However, if the bond fails, the board could keep the rate the same in 2024 and pay off remaining debt, or lower the rate, which could lower tax bills, Polsen said. Meanwhile, trustees also approved calling a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, in November, which would go to everyday operations.

Surveying bond options

Total cost to taxpayers

CCISD VATRE and bond options Bond approved VATRE rejected Bond rejected VATRE approved

Average 2023 tax bil

2024 tax rate for debt

$248M

$350M

$570M

would remain at $0.27 per $100 valuation of a home

$302M

$2,510

64% In favor

61% In favor

53% In favor

$17.4M

$2,590

could change, pending board action

would remain at $0.27 per $100 valuation of a home

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: RESULTS HAVE 4.9% MARGIN OF ERROR

Both approved

$319.4M

$2,590

Both rejected

$2,510

could change, pending board action

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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