By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – The Commerce School Board has approved a $14 million bond election in May, hoping voters will replace A.C. Williams Elementary School. In a special budget study session last night, the CISD Board approved the consideration by a 5-0 vote.
With new public school financing in Texas, many districts are considering bond elections at this time. The board listened to input from financial consultants on whether the district could afford to pay for the bond issue, with or without possibly increased state funding. Jim Brooks of Southwest Securities in Dallas has helped the district with past bond issues.
BROOKS:
Architect Kevin Smith of Claycomb and Associates was hired to do a feasibility study a few years ago to remodeling or replacing A.C. Williams. Smith said the current building does not meet state requirements and remodeling would be nearly as expensive. He said now was a great time for a bond issue.
SMITH:
A big tax cut or a small tax cut, property taxes would be reduced with or without the bond election, according to the consultants. Board member Russell Armstrong said care needed to be taken when telling the story, however.
ARMSTRONG
A political action committee will also be formed to advocate the passing of the issue of the May 12th ballot.