Cedar Hill’s Community Election
Cedar Hill’s Community Election will take place November 2017. Moreover, residents will have the opportunity to consider two programs:
- The issuance of $45 million in general obligation bonds to finance infrastructure, parks, and recreation, and library improvements. A five to seven-year process without tax increases.
- The continuation of the one-eighth of one percent sales tax. This will be to fund the Cedar Hill Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD).
Bond Program
Presently, Cedar Hill’s community has grown substantially since the last city bond referendum in 2003. Responses from various citizen input surveys and master plans indicate that Cedar Hill residents desire expanded facilities. For example, the library. As well as improvements to the only public pool in the city. Including more accessible parks and trails. Not to exclude infrastructure improvements to keep the sidewalks, streets, and drainage efficient and safe for the growing population.
Based On Past Feedback
In January 2017, City Council appointed residents to a “Citizen Bond Review Committee”. The Committee’s charge was to review and evaluate current and future community needs. In addition, to recommending projects for City Council consideration and inclusion in a potential November 2017 bond election. The City Council reviewed the Committee’s recommendations and financial implications and approved an ordinance. Calling an election on November 7, 2017, to ask Cedar Hill voters to consider the following propositions:
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First Proposition: Street & Drainage Improvements ($10 million)
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Second Proposition: Library Facility ($20 million)
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Third Proposition: Parks & Recreation Facilities ($15 million)
Crime Control & Prevention District
In November 2017, voters will also be asked to continue the “Cedar Hill Crime Control and Prevention District” (CCPD). Back in 2012, voters approved a ballot that allowed the city to designate a portion of sales tax revenue. This was to fund community safety and crime prevention initiatives. The initial five-year term of the CCPD expires in November 2017. Consideration of extending the CCPD for an additional 15 years will be on the ballot. Since 2012, the overall crime index rate has decreased by 10 percent.
Financial Impact
Expenditures authorized in the bond election is funded by General Obligation Bonds, which are repaid by property taxes. It is anticipated that this program would not require an increase in the property tax rate. This is based on the retirement of existing debt and anticipated increases in taxable property value over the next five to seven years. The city’s previous bond program approved in 2003, was also completed without an increase in the property tax rate. These projections are based on current financial conditions, trends, and forecasts and may change based on actual future market and economic conditions.
Cedar Hill Crime Control and Prevention District
The Cedar Hill Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) designates a portion of sales tax revenue to fund community and crime prevention initiatives.This proposition does not propose an additional tax. One-eighth of one percent of existing sales tax revenue is designated to fund the CCPD. Funding the community and crime prevention initiatives through the CCPD rather than through the city’s property tax revenues saves citizens an estimated three cents on the property tax rate. Or $48 per year based on the average home value in Cedar Hill.
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