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The upcoming amendment elections on Nov. 7 have several important elements that will affect Texans at the local level. The following is a guide for registered voters to develop an understanding of the proposed amendments in the election, as well as the polling areas available for voters in the county. For more information or to request a ballot by mail, call the Colorado County Election Administration Office at 979-732-6860 or email [email protected].
Amendment Election Items: County Proposition — The creation of Emergency Services District #1 for Volunteer Fire Departments in Columbus, Bernardo and Frelsburg. Levies a property tax at 10 cents for every $100 for equipment and training for firefighters.
Proposition 1 — The Right to Farm amendment protects the “right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture and wildlife management” for owned or leased personal property. The proposition does not prevent the state government from acquiring property for public use or from passing legislation regulating those industries.
Proposition 2 — A property tax exemption would authorize the local municipality to provide tax exemptions for property “used to operate a child-care facility.” Daycares, learning centers and youth clubs may qualify.
Proposition 3 — Prohibits a ‘wealth’ tax, meaning the state cannot impose a tax on wealth or net worth, “including a tax on the difference between assets and liabilities” for an individual or family unit.
Proposition 4 — One of the biggest proposed tax breaks for homeowners in history, would increase the Homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 in relief from school district taxes. Homeowners over 65 or disabled can get up to an extra $10,000 exemption.
Proposition 5 — Renames the National Research University Fund to the Texas University Fund and ensures that interest income, dividends and investment earnings in the state’s rainy-day funds would go to the university research fund.
Proposition 6 — Creates the Texas Water Fund to finance water projects in the state.
Proposition 7 — Creates the Texas energy fund to support the building, maintenance and upgrading of facilities that generate electricity.
Proposition 8 — Creates the Broadband Infrastructure fund to expand high-speed internet access and assist in financing broadband and connection projects.
Proposition 9 — Allows a cost-of-living adjustment to certain recipients of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Proposition 10 — Provides a tax exemption on medical equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products.
Proposition 11 — Allows conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds to fund parks and recreational facilities.
Proposition 12 — Abolishes the Galveston County Treasurer Office and allows the county to delegate treasurer duties to another county officer.
Proposition 13 — Increases the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges from 75 years old to 79 years old.
Proposition 14 — Creates the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund to use for the creation and improvement of state parks.
ELECTION LOCATIONS
Precinct 101/Columbus — Colorado County Services Facility (305 Radio Lane)
Precinct 102/Rock Island — Full Gospel Church, Fellowship Hall (2304 Cushen St.)
Precinct 103/Garwood — Nada Community Center, St. Mary’s (7825 Hwy 71)
Precinct 201/Weimar - Weimar City Hall (106 E. Main St.)
Precinct 202/Sheridan — Sheridan Community Center (5803 S. Logan Park Drive)
Precinct 302/Frelsburg — St. Peter and Paul Church Dining Hall (1031 Church Lane)
Precinct 303/Mentz — St. Roch’s Parish Hall (1600 Frelsburg Road)
Precinct 304/Bernardo — Bernardo Fire Station (2845 FM 949)
Precinct 305/Columbus — Agriculture Building (316 Spring St.)
Precinct 401/Altair — Robert R. Wells Airport (1084 CR 102)
Precinct 402/Eagle Lake — Eagle Lake Community Center (100 N. Walnut Ave.)
Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 23 and completes Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Colorado County Agriculture Building, Weimar City Hall and the Eagle Lake Community Center.
