Cleburne families are being asked to approve Proposition A on the November ballot, a measure that would raise the city’s property‑tax rate by roughly 9.2% to fund a new public‑safety complex. The bond would allow up to $62.5 million in general‑obligation financing for a building that will house police, fire administration and the municipal court.
Financial details of the proposal
The bond estimate breaks down as follows: $53.6 million for construction, $3.9 million for moving and equipment, $2 million for professional services, and $3 million for allowances and contingency. The city calculates the tax impact at $0.05317 per $100 of taxable value. For a typical $400,000 homestead, that translates to an additional $213 per year on top of the existing city bill of about $2,324, which is based on the $0.581 rate adopted in September.
How the project was funded before voters could weigh in
In 2025, Cleburne issued $15.5 million in certificates of obligation—debt that does not require a voter election unless a petition forces one. About $5.4 million of that amount was spent on architectural and design work for the proposed facility before any public vote. The city has already selected an architect and released renderings of the building.
Pro‑bond advocacy group emerges
A newly formed specific‑purpose committee called “Citizens for Improved Safety” is actively campaigning for the bond. The group, less than a month old, runs ads under the “Safer Cleburne / Yes on Prop A” banner. Its donors have not yet been disclosed, and the required 30‑day financial report was due on October 5, giving families limited visibility into who is financing the push.
Two members of the city’s nine‑member Public Safety Facility Study Group—Jeremy Longoria and Michael Hammond—helped create the committee. Both also hold leadership positions on the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce board (Longoria as 2026 Chairman, Hammond as Vice‑Chairman/Chairman‑Elect). Their involvement ties the advocacy effort closely to local business leadership.
Mayor’s perspective and election timing
Mayor Derek Weathers warned that if the bond fails, the city would have to use existing buildings and could face a construction delay of up to seven years. He noted that a failed election cannot be placed on the ballot again for five years under a new state law, though the five‑year “cool‑down” provision has not been codified. The mayor also indicated that the city could still order another election, but a three‑year restriction on issuing certificates of obligation for the same purpose would apply.
Questions raised by taxpayers
Critics argue that the city could have funded the new facility through the regular budget by cutting waste or reallocating existing resources, rather than borrowing against taxpayers’ homes, land and businesses. They point out that the police station is aging and the city has grown, but contend that the design and advertising costs were incurred without voter input.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, an independent nonprofit focused on pro‑taxpayer reforms, highlighted the broader pattern of municipalities using pop‑up committees to push bond measures after spending design fees. The organization urges families to scrutinize whether additional taxes are truly necessary and whether local government is deserving of more funding.
What voters need to know
Proposition A will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Voters should consider the total cost of the bond, the projected tax increase, and the fact that design expenses have already been paid from city funds. The decision will determine whether Cleburne moves forward with a new public‑safety facility funded by a higher property tax rate.
Original reporting: Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — read the source article.
