Flooding: Harris County’s Common Bond
In the last three years, residents all over Harris County have experienced catastrophic flooding. Who can forget the unrelenting rainfall from Hurricane Harvey when it made landfall on August 25, 2017? The recent July 4th flood was an alarming reminder that there’s still much more work to do to recover and prepare ourselves and our property for another flooding event.
To that end, on June 12, Harris County Commissioners Court approved to place a $2.5 billion bond issue on the August 25 special election ballot. That amount would trigger matching federal funds for some projects. “Proposition A” will ask voters to finance a 10 to 15 year program of flood mitigation projects that include drainage improvements, upgraded warning systems, infrastructure repairs, home buyouts, and construction of more detention basins.
Homeowners would likely see a gradual increase in property taxes over that time, averaging 1.4 percent. On average, Harris County property owners would see a property tax rate increase beginning in 2020 of $4.63 for a home valued at $166,000 after exemptions. A homeowner with an over-65 or disabled exemption and a home worth $200,000 or less would not pay any additional tax.
Early voting begins Wednesday, August 8, and continues through Tuesday, August 21. Election Day is Saturday, August 25, the one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. With Hurricane Season in full swing, now is the time to take action on this important matter.
The Houston Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors recommends to its members a vote FOR supporting the upcoming bond election which will help fund flood control projects.
For more information on the Harris County Flood Control District bond election, visit their website, www.hcfcd.org. To find your voting location for the August 25 bond election, visit the Harris County Clerk’s website: www.harrisvotes.com.
Midterm Elections on the Horizon
HAR’s Governmental Affairs Department will be hosting three Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar training sessions in conjunction with the Harris County Tax-Assessors Office. To register voters for elections, you must be deputized in the county where you plan to accept applications. These sessions last only one hour and take place at the HAR Central office in the Training Room. You must register online at www.hctax.net/Voter/Deputy.
Wednesday, August 8, 10am
Wednesday, August 15, 2pm
Thursday, September 6, 10am
Important Dates:
The last day to register to vote in the Tuesday, November 6, midterm elections is Tuesday, October 9.
Stay tuned for more election coverage as we approach the August 25 and November 6 elections!
