Registered voters in the city of Houston will be able to vote yes or no on bond propositions A, B, C, D and E in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
"I urge everyone who did not vote early to participate in this crucial election. The outcome will set the city’s financial course for years to come," Mayor Sylvester Turner said.
For city voters who live in Harris County, please go to harrisvotes.com or call 713-755-6965 for information on voting locations, hours and sample ballots. Information is available in multiple languages. City voters in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties should check with county officials there for more information.
Passage of any or all of the propositions won’t trigger any tax increases.
Proposition A relates to a law the State Legislature recently passed to address the City’s unfunded pension liabilities. Under the new legislation, the City will reduce the future retirement benefits it offers to city employees, shrinking the City’s pension liability by almost $3 billion dollars. Additionally, the City must make payments to the pension systems that had been deferred in the past. Proposition A would allow the City to issue bonds to make these payments.
Proposition B, the Public Safety Improvement Bond, would provide about $159 million for improvements at neighborhood police stations and fire stations citywide, including replacement of aged first responders' vehicles.
Proposition C, the Parks Improvement Bond, would provide $104 million for improvements at parks citywide. These include pavilion replacements, swimming pool upgrades, ball field lighting upgrades, and replacement of aging playground equipment.
Proposition D, the Public Facilities Improvement Bond, would provide $109 million for renovations to health facilities, sanitation/recycling and essential improvements at city facilities.
Proposition E, the Library Bond, would provide $123 million in funds for library improvements. These include replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing neighborhood libraries.
Unlike during the early voting period, on Election Day who live in the city must vote at the poling station assigned to their voting precinct.