November election includes multi-million-dollar public safety, homelessness propositions for Dallas voters

Dallas voters are heading into a consequential midterm election, and beyond the congressional and state races on the line, residents are being asked to decide the fate of two local propositions centered around public safety and homelessness.

Police and public safety facilities

City of Dallas voters will decide on a $443 million bond intended for public safety facilities. If approved, the estimated repayment for the bond is about $629 million.

The projects for the bond include:

• $150 million for the construction of a multiplex to house the Dallas Police Department Property Room, Crime Scene and the Evidentiary Vehicle Storage Facility
• $149 million for the construction of the Public Safety Training Complex at the Dallas Executive Airport
• $82 million for the construction of the Law Enforcement Training Center at UNT Dallas
• $40 million to relocate the Emergency Operation Center and 911 Facility from City Hall
• $22 million for a replacement building for Fire Station #4 at Akard Street and Canton Street

Dallas City Council approved the election proposition in August in a 11-4 vote. Councilmembers Adam Bazaldua, Paula Blackmon, Cara Mendelsohn and Paul Ridley opposed the measure.

Relocating emergency and 911 services away from City Hall is a concern to some city council members as the future of the building remains uncertain. Mendelsohn suggested separating some of the projects into individual propositions, but the amendment failed.

Watch the August City of Dallas meeting here.

Homelessness relief programs

Dallas County voters will decide on a tax increase to fund homelessness reduction programs. If approved, the county tax would be $0.248650 per $100 valuation. Last year, the tax rate was $0.215500 per $100 valuation.

The tax bill on a $350,000 home would increase by about $64. The tax would raise about $100 million to resolve encampments, increase access to mental health treatment and support programs that provide stable housing and self-sufficiency through Housing Forward.

The County Commissioners Court approved the election proposition in August in a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Elba Garcia and John Wiley Price opposed the measure. Garcia said she opposed an additional financial burden to residents as the cost of living rises.

A campaign to subsidize childcare for low- and moderate-income families failed to get on the ballot.

Watch the August Dallas County meeting here.

Voter registration ends Oct. 5, and early voting begins on Oct. 19. Check your voter registration here.