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As Texas voters took part in the November 2024 General Election, they faced a record number of bond propositions totaling billions of dollars, ranging from school improvements to infrastructure upgrades and community development projects. With the results now in, we attempted to compile how voters across the state responded, highlighting key approvals and rejections.
Disclaimer
Unfortunately, the Texas State Comptroller’s office has discontinued the publication of its Bond Election Roundup, making this a much larger project than initially expected. While we’ve done our best to include key information, some bond propositions may have been unintentionally omitted.
Additionally, several special purpose districts across the state have proposed bonds, which are too numerous to list here.
Houston Independent School District
Houston ISD’s $4.4 billion bond package was among the largest requests in the state, seeking taxpayer dollars for facility improvements. However, both propositions faced decisive rejection. The community’s resistance reflects increasing opposition to adding further debt to the district’s balance sheet. Voters saw through the sales pitch, recognizing that such large-scale bonds can create long-term financial burdens for taxpayers without guaranteeing measurable improvements in educational outcomes. The outcome is a strong signal that voters are skeptical of extravagant spending masked as “necessary” upgrades.
Proposition Details
Proposition A: $3.96 billion
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $8.4 billion
- New school buildings and the renovation and expansion of existing school buildings including safety and security infrastructure for such school buildings, and the purchase of necessary sites for school buildings
Proposition B: $440 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $529.4 million
- Technology equipment and systems
- Technology infrastructure
- Instruction technology
Election Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 186,220 (42.02%) | 256,904 (57.98%) | Failed |
| B | 183,366 (41.75%) | 255,817 (58.25%) | Failed |
Other Notable School District Bond Propositions
Round Rock ISD
In Round Rock ISD, voters passed three out of four propositions, yet still rejected Proposition D. While many supported the narrowly defined projects in A, B, and C, the failure of Proposition D suggests resistance to overreach. Voters showed a willingness to approve targeted, immediate needs but drew the line at funding larger, possibly unnecessary initiatives. The passage of these bonds will saddle the district with millions in new debt, highlighting how incremental borrowing, even if deemed “reasonable,” still contributes to a ballooning taxpayer burden.
Proposition Details
Proposition A: $798.3 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $1.3 billion
- Campus Repairs, Improvements, and Upgrades
Proposition B: $125.3 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $160.2 million
- Instruction Technology Upgrades
Proposition C: $8.6 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $13.7 million
- Fine Arts Programs Improvements and Upgrades
Proposition D: $65.9 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $104.6 million
- Existing athletic facility improvements and upgrades
- Construction of new standalone multipurpose athletic facility
Election Results
Williamson County Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 55,900 (61.34%) | 35,225 (38.66%) | Passed |
| B | 52,982 (58.57%) | 37,478 (41.43%) | Passed |
| C | 49,675 (54.99%) | 40,660 (45.01%) | Passed |
| D | 39,590 (43.74%) | 50,931 (56.26%) | Failed |
Source: Williamson County Elections Office
Travis County Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 13,489 (63.20%) | 7,855 (36.80%) | Passed |
| B | 12,556 (59.72%) | 8,468 (40.28%) | Passed |
| C | 11,656 (55.52%) | 9,337 (44.48%) | Passed |
| D | 8,323 (39.74%) | 12,622 (60.26%) | Failed |
Source: Williamson County Elections Office
Combined Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 69,389 (61.70%) | 43,080 (38.30%) | Passed |
| B | 65,538 (58.79%) | 45,946 (41.21%) | Passed |
| C | 61,331 (55.09%) | 49,997 (44.91%) | Passed |
| D | 43,913 (40.86%) | 63,553 (59.14%) | Failed |
Frisco ISD
Frisco ISD’s extensive bond proposals all failed, revealing a community unwilling to approve continuous rounds of debt. Propositions A, B, C, and D—all aimed at meeting the district’s expansion plans—were rejected in both Denton and Collin counties, signaling taxpayer frustration with being asked to foot the bill for constant growth. These outcomes reflect voter pushback against a strategy that leans on taxpayers to fund rapid district expansions. For residents, the message is clear: Frisco ISD needs to find alternative funding sources without placing the community under the strain of perpetual debt.
Proposition Details
Proposition A: A VATRE
(Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election)
- Tax increase to cover debt payments
Proposition B: $986 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $1.9 billion
- Repair and improvement to 20 existing campuses
- Constructing a new middle school
- Upgrading equipment for schools
- Purchasing new school buses, work trucks, a fueling station and truck wash
- Upgrading safety and security at various campuses
Proposition C: $88.2 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $170.8 million
- Technology upgrades
Proposition D: $11.2 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $21.7 million
- Construction of new tennis center
Election Results
Denton County Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 16,332 (41.39%) | 23,128 (58.61%) | Failed |
| B | 19,083 (47.53%) | 21,065 (52.47%) | Failed |
| C | 17,108 (42.84%) | 22,822 (57.16%) | Failed |
| D | 10,459 (26.23%) | 29,416 (73.77%) | Failed |
Source: Denton County Elections Office
Collin County Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 30,285 (43.05%) | 40,058 (56.95%) | Failed |
| B | 34,028 (48.13%) | 36,673 (51.87%) | Failed |
| C | 30,242 (43.05%) | 40,013 (56.95%) | Failed |
| D | 19,137 (27.29%) | 50,991 (72.71%) | Failed |
Source: Collin County Elections Office
Combined Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 46,617 (42.46%) | 63,186 (57.54%) | Failed |
| B | 53,111 (47.91%) | 57,738 (52.09%) | Failed |
| C | 47,350 (42.97%) | 62,835 (57.03%) | Failed |
| D | 29,596 (26.90%) | 80,407 (73.10%) | Failed |
Rockwall ISD
Rockwall ISD also saw each of its bond proposals defeated. This total rejection underscores the reality that residents are weary of districts constantly seeking to fund projects via borrowing. Taxpayers seem unconvinced that these upgrades warrant the heavy cost they would bear. Rockwall voters sent a message that districts should find more sustainable, less burdensome funding methods rather than continuing to add to local debt and interest obligations.
Proposition Information
Proposition A: A VATRE
(Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election)
- Tax increase to increase teacher and staff compensation as well as hire additional teachers
Proposition B: $787.1 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $1.4 billion
- Construction of two new elementary schools
- Repair and improvement of two high schools, as well as a middle school, and expansion of spaces at the College and Career Academy for culinary arts, cosmetology, Marine Corps JROTC, and construction of a new Agricultural Sciences Center.
Proposition C: $18.7 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $20.1 million
- Instruction Technology
Proposition D: $42.9 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $78.4 million
- Expansion & renovation of existing stadium
Election Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 21,973 (45.39%) | 26,441 (54.61%) | Failed |
| B | 21,116 (43.70%) | 27,208 (56.30%) | Failed |
| C | 21,579 (44.68%) | 26,719 (55.32%) | Failed |
| D | 18,590 (38.53%) | 29,657 (61.47%) | Failed |
Source: Rockwall County Elections Office
Top City Bond Proposals
City of El Paso
In El Paso, voters did pass Proposition A, endorsing a measure thatsought to revoke its authority to issue bonds already approved by El Paso voters in a 2012 election amounting to $128 million for a Multipurpose Performing Arts and Entertainment Facility.
Election Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 97,463 (55.54%) | 78,032 (44.46%) | Passed |
City of Lubbock
Lubbock voters approved Proposition A, signaling a choice to accept new debt in hopes of improved public services. Yet, this decision means taxpayers will face increased obligations for years. Voters may support some projects in principle, but accepting debt as the default financing strategy places a long-term burden on the local economy, limiting resources for other needs.
The City of Lubbock proposed $103.4 million in bonds to improve existing city streets. The estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized would amount to $165 million. The City of Lubbock already has an estimated $362.1 million combined debt obligation.
Election Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 48,891 (53.07%) | 43,243 (46.93%) | Passed |
City of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi saw all four of its propositions pass by wide margins. While the city may now pursue various improvements, residents must now shoulder the associated costs. Approving every proposal leaves the city deeply dependent on bonds, a pattern that could become unsustainable. This full-scale endorsement of debt will only increase the tax burden on residents who will ultimately bear these costs.
Proposition Information
Proposition A: $89.5 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $145.6 million
- Repair and improvement to existing streets
- Construction of new drainage improvements
- Construction of a new parking lot under an existing bridge
- Connection of missing portions of pedestrian-safe pathways
Proposition B: $37.65 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $61.2 million
- Construction of a new Gold Center Clubhouse
- Upgrades to Aquatic Center
- Expansion of existing park to include one baseball and softball field as well as a parking lot
- Construction of a helicopter pad at an existing park and upgrades to various parks and amenities
- Additional funding for baseball complex renovations from previous bond election
Proposition C: $45 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $73.2 million
- Construction of new police substations
- Design of a new fire station and another police substation
- Construction of new fire stations as well as demolition of existing fire stations
Proposition D: $2.85 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $4.6 million
- Design and construction of building improvements to various cultural facilities
- Design for a new library and senior and community center complex
Election Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 67,230 (68.12%) | 31,469 (31.88%) | Passed |
| B | 60,921 (61.96%) | 37,405 (38.04%) | Passed |
| C | 72,914 (74.22%) | 25,330 (25.78%) | Passed |
| D | 58,141 (60.08%) | 38,638 (39.92%) | Passed |
Top County Bond Proposal
El Paso County
El Paso County presented a variety of bond propositions, and while some passed, two failed, showing mixed support from the community. Propositions A, B, and E, which were approved, will now impose significant financial demands on taxpayers. The narrow defeats of Propositions C and D indicate a willingness among voters to reject certain initiatives, suggesting taxpayer resistance to being overwhelmed by debt. These mixed results show that while some may support targeted projects, there remains a crucial limit to how much debt voters are willing to absorb.
Proposition Information
Proposition A: $95.6 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $175.8 million
- Various County park improvements, expansions, and upgrades
Proposition B: $26.7 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $49.1 million
- Construction of a new medical examiner’s office
Proposition C: $63.2 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $116.4 million
- Construction of a new community services annex
- Expansion of an existing courthouse annex to include a commercial kitchen
- Construction of a new building to house various county officers
Proposition D: $105 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $193.9 million
- Improvements to the existing County Coliseum
Proposition E: $32.7 million
- Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the debt obligations to be authorized: $60.1 million
- Construction of a new animal shelter
Election Results
| Proposition | Votes For | Votes Against | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 122,639 (56.30%) | 95,197 (43.70%) | Passed |
| B | 111,261 (50.73%) | 108,050 (49.27%) | Passed |
| C | 93,247 (42.32%) | 127,107 (57.68%) | Failed |
| D | 111,054 (49.84%) | 111,766 (50.16%) | Failed |
| E | 142,873 (63.69%) | 81,439 (36.31%) | Passed |
Bonds Equal Debt, Debt Equals Less Prosperity
As with any major financial decision, there is debate surrounding the merits of these bond proposals. Supporters argue that these investments are necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly growing state and that they will improve the quality of life for all Texans. They point out that bond measures are a way for communities to make long-term investments in critical infrastructure without having to raise taxes immediately.
Opponents, however, caution that bond measures represent borrowing that taxpayers will eventually have to repay, often with interest. They argue that local governments should prioritize spending within existing budgets and that relying too heavily on bonds can lead to financial instability in the future. Some critics also express concern that bond-funded projects can lead to higher property taxes as local governments look for ways to pay off the debt.
Notably, of the three major political parties in Texas, two of them explicitly address the idea of bonds and bond elections.
The 2024 Republican Party of Texas Platform includes the following plank related to bonded debt:
218. Bonds Create Bondage: State and local bond election ballots shall be required to include the ammount of debt currently outstanding, current debt service payments, current cper capita debt obligations, the amount of new debt being proposed, estimated debt service for the new debt, and estimate per capita birden being proposed. The bond issue must obtain a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of at least 20% of registered voters in the voting jurisdiction. No public funds are to be spent influencing a bond election. We oppose bundling of items on bond election ballots and “rolling polling” for bond and tax rate increase elections. Any bond election, at any level of government in Texas, must state on the ballot, “This is a tax increase,” in bold print.
The 2024 Libertarian Party of Texas Platform included the following relating to bonds:
II.1.e Government Debt: LPTexas supports a moratorium on bond issuance, Certificates of Obligation, and all other forms of government borrowing. Additionally, government-owned assets should be liquidated for the repayment of outstanding debt.
Conclusion
As Texas communities reflect on the results of these bond propositions, it’s clear that voters are growing more wary of the financial chains created by excessive borrowing. While some projects received narrow approval, the widespread rejection of many significant proposals shows that taxpayers are increasingly questioning the necessity and value of shouldering billions in debt. Bonds, which tie future generations to long-term financial commitments, are too often promoted as quick fixes but come with hidden costs. Texas voters sent a clear message in this election: the trend of passing debt onto taxpayers cannot continue unchecked. Going forward, local governments and school districts should pursue fiscal responsibility and seek more sustainable alternatives that don’t equate public improvements with perpetual debt bondage for residents.
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