Dallas voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize up to $443 million in general obligation bonds for five public safety facility projects under Proposition A, the only city bond measure on the ballot.
The Dallas Morning News reportedThe Dallas Morning News reported the package would fund completion of a Law Enforcement Training Center at the University of North Texas at Dallas, a separate Public Safety Training Complex near Dallas Executive Airport, a consolidated police property room and crime lab, replacement of downtown Fire Station No. 4, and relocation of 911 dispatch and emergency operations from Dallas City Hall. Early voting begins today and runs through Oct. 30.
City documents break down the costs as $82 million to finish the academy already under construction at UNT Dallas, $149 million for the training complex that would include firearms, driving and tactical facilities, $150 million for evidence storage and a crime lab, $40 million to move emergency operations and 911, and $22 million for the fire station replacement. The city previously received $50 million for the academy from the 2024 bond program.
Repaying the bonds is estimated to cost more than $629 million over as many as 20 years. Officials have said they do not expect the property tax rate to increase as a result. The City Council approved placing the measure on the ballot in August after scaling back a larger staff proposal that had included pension obligation bonds.
Supporters, including city management, argue the projects address aging and inadequate facilities that hinder police, fire and emergency operations and would improve training and evidence handling. Critics, including some council members such as Cara Mendelsohn, contend the package bundles too much debt and that relocating 911 from City Hall represents a step toward abandoning the I.M. Pei-designed building at 1500 Marilla St.
The measure comes two years after voters approved a $1.25 billion bond package. Voters can review sample ballots and find polling locations through the Dallas County Elections Department or the city’s bond information site.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
