Voters from Comfort Independent School District approved a bond debt package to build new school facilities and renovate sports facilities.
However, of the 6,576 registered voters in Comfort ISD, less than 10 percent turned out to vote.
The bond package appeared as two separate propositions on the May 2 ballot and together will cost taxpayers over $87 million with interest, as bonds must be repaid by local property taxpayers. That’s why Texas law requires each ballot proposition to state: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
The two propositions were:
Proposition A: $41,300,000 ($76,098,000 with interest) for the construction of a new career and technical education building, renovations to other campuses and sports fields, and retrofitting school buses. The proposition passed by a vote of 390-200.
Proposition B: $6,000,000 ($11,595,000 with interest) for the replacement of the district’s track, renovations to the concession area and restrooms, the replacement of the grass field with turf, and replacement lighting. The proposition passed by a vote of 360-225.
Posted documents reveal that the district had a little over $50 million in outstanding debt before the approval of the latest debt package, which will now put the district into nearly $137 million in debt.
The district estimates that the bond will increase property taxes for an average home in the district valued at $400,000 by almost $52 annually and also “presumes growth in taxable value” of 2 percent from 2026-2034.
According to financial records, the political action committee backing the bond is solely funded by Gallagher Construction Company at $6,450.
The company’s website highlights the services it offers to customers, which include project management, facility and site evaluation, and bond planning.
The Richardson-based company also highlighted its extensive project portfolio, which includes overseeing construction for several new schools, school additions and renovations, stadium construction, and athletic additions and renovations.
