SOUR LAKE, Texas — Voters in the Hardin-Jefferson Independent School District have approved two bonds totaling $25 million to help fund nearly $70 million in improvements in the district.
12News is calling the race for passage of both bonds.
Proposition A passed with 68% of the vote, or 5,704 to 2,647 according to complete but unofficial election returns.
Proposition B passed with 64% of the vote, or 5,816 to 3,335 according to complete unofficial election returns.
The district plans to use the bond funds along with $37.7 million in FEMA funding to pay the bulk of planned improvements in the district totaling $69 million.
The district will also take advantage of $4 million in grants, $1.49 million insurance claims along with $800,000 left over from a 2016 bond to fund the projects.
The funds coming from FEMA funding are for previously damaged buildings.
Here’s a detailed look at the project costs…
- Henderson Middle School – $45,118,423
- Field house, concessions and restrooms - $7,755,767
- Improvements to Hawk Stadium – $2,796,768
- Tennis Courts - $576,600
- Auditorium – $6,188,768
- Misc. Demolition – $231,822
- Contingency - $6,331,852
- TOTAL -- $69 million
Hardin-Jefferson ISD proposition A: $21.25 Million for construction, acquisition, renovation and equipping of school buildings.
Hardin-Jefferson ISD proposition B: $3.75 Million for the construction, acquisition and equipment of the Hardin-Jefferson High School stadium, including, but not limited to, stadium restrooms, concession stands, track, playing field surface and lighting.
Aside from the $21.25 and $3.75 million in bond funds being sought here’s the other $44 million in funding sources for the project according to the district…
- FEMA funding - $37,707,594
- Insurance claims - $1,492,406
- Leftover funds from 2016 bond - $800,000
- Other grants - $4,000,000
The cost to taxpayers, based on $100,000 in property value, would be $5.08 per month or $60.94 yearly according to the Hardin-Jefferson district.
Homeowners over 65, who have a homestead exemption, would not be affected by the property tax increase.