Baytown voters will decide on nearly $152 million in improvements to the city’s roads, parks, drainage systems, and facilities in the upcoming November 4 election.
Six Propositions on the Ballot
Earlier this month, the Baytown City Council voted 4-to-3 to place six propositions on the ballot. Mayor Charles Johnson and Council members Laura Alvarado, Sarah Graham, and Jacob Powell supported the decision, while Council members Ken Griffith, James Franco, and Mike Lester opposed it.
“I’m not going to judge anyone for how they cast their vote,” Mayor Johnson stated. “After the vote is cast and the majority has spoken, it’s our responsibility to make sure it’s carried out.”
No Tax Rate Increase Expected, but Potential Impact on Bills
Jason Calder, Baytown’s communications manager, assured that the city’s tax rate will not increase if the propositions are approved. However, he acknowledged that individual tax bills might fluctuate based on updated property values or other taxing entities’ rates.
A tax rate impact calculator on the city’s website suggests that approval of the bond propositions could result in a tax rate increase of no more than 5 cents, spread over the next five to seven years.
Controversy Over Priorities
A bond committee selected the list of projects, but some citizens and council members raised concerns over whether the focus was on “wants” versus “needs.” Council member Ken Griffith, who opposed the propositions, emphasized the importance of prioritizing roads over other projects.
“What needs to get done right now is our streets,” Griffith said, mentioning areas like Garfield and Lakewood where constituents have complained about deteriorating road conditions.
Support for Parks and Community Facilities
Despite the disagreements, supporters of the propositions, like Councilwoman Laura Alvarado, pointed to the long-term benefits for Baytown’s parks and facilities. “It’s an investment not just for the now, but for the future of our parks department,” she said, referring to the Wetlands Center and other recreational facilities.
Breakdown of the Bond Propositions
Proposition A: $69,865,000 for improvements to major thoroughfares, including sidewalks, streetlighting, traffic signals, and drainage systems.
Proposition B: $30,450,000 for neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and related improvements.
Proposition C: $14,030,000 for drainage system improvements.
Proposition D: $4,250,000 for improvements to city fire stations, including Fire Station No. 4.
Proposition E: $13,000,000 for the Wetlands Center Education Facility and Arboretum Gardens.
Proposition F: $19,760,000 for parks and recreational facilities, including Wayne Gray Sports Complex and Unidad Park.
The upcoming vote will allow Baytown residents to have a direct say in the future of their city’s infrastructure and community spaces. The debate over priorities and the potential tax impact will shape the decision as voters head to the polls this November.
