$70m to be raised for new Harris County Family Law Center

Harris County Commissioners seek voter approval for bonds

Harris County Commissioners Court places $880 million bond package on November 2007 ballot - Bond issues would not require property tax increase, according to press release.

August 21, 2007 - Harris County Commissioners Court agreed unanimously today to seek voter approval in November for a series of bond issues to improve county transportation, parks, infrastructure and Port of Houston facilities. Court members approved placing six bond proposals worth $880 million on the November 6, 2007, ballot. The bond issues would help pay for more parks, road construction, port expansion and other projects designed to expand the county's economy and enhance its livability and environment without spurring a tax increase.

"Voters right now are in no mood for a tax increase, and I have to agree with them on that," County Judge Ed Emmett said. "County policy has been, and continues to be, to maintain the current property tax rate." Commissioners Court voted 5-0 to place the following bond proposals on the November ballot:

Roads: $190 million
Parks: 95 million
Adult Detention: 195 million
Forensic Center: 80 million
Family Law Center: 70 million
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County Total: $630 million
Port of Houston: 250 million
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Total Election: $880 million

"The court's unanimous approval of these six propositions shows the importance that we all place on their passage," said Emmett. "The bond issues will allow Harris County to address growing traffic congestion, provide for more green space to assist with flood control and make needed improvements for our jails and courts."

Source: Press release - Joe Stinebaker, Communications Director

Harris County Commissioners Court proposes to issue bonds for new projects, including a new home for its system of specialized family district courts. Press release (pasted below) provides additional details:

COMMISSIONERS COURT TO CONSIDERSEEKING APPROVAL FOR $880 MILLION IN BONDS

Bond Proposal Would Include $250 Million For Port Harris County Commissioners Court will consider calling a county bond election for $880 million in roads, parks, facilities and port improvements when it meets Tuesday.

County Judge Ed Emmett said that, if passed, the bond proposals would not trigger a property tax increase and would appear as three propositions on the Nov. 6, 2007, ballot.

Although court members may still alter the final amounts, Emmett said the court is considering the following bond amounts: Roads $190 million, Parks 95 million, Adult Detention 195 million, Forensic Center 80 million, Family Law Center 70 million, -------------County Total $630 million, Port of Houston 250 million -------------Total Election $880 million

Because Harris County's economy is continuing its vigorous growth, Emmett said, county officials are confident these projects can be accomplished without increasing property tax rates."One of the prime reasons Harris County's economy continues to grow so strongly is because residents here realize the importance of investing in our economy," Emmett said. "We need to keep up with our transportation and economic needs if we want to continue enjoying the benefits of a strong economy."

Harris County Commissioners Court will consider the bond proposals when it meets at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Commissioners Court meetings are open to the public and are held in the Commissioners Courtroom on the ninth floor of the County Administration Building at 1001

Preston in downtown Houston. http://www.judgeemmett.org/pr.asp