Early voting began on Monday the 19th and runs through October 30th with election day on Tuesday, November 2nd. The citizens of Joshua are considering three bond propositions to take care of some relatively large spending needs in the city. I have several supporting files available with more information below.
1. Voting times/locations, ballot language and explanation of each proposition.
2. Cofield drainage map
3. Mountain Valley drainage map
4. Joshua Meadows drainage map
5. Mountain Valley area street repair map
6. Plum Street area repair map
I encourage everyone to read the attached information so you'll be educated on the issues. The most asked question is "what will it do to my taxes?" Well, that's up to you and the rest of the voters. If just one of the three propositions passes it will not affect the city tax rate. If two or more of the propositions pass then you will see some sort of tax rate increase in order for the city to service the bond debt. If all three propositions pass the approximate property tax increase for a $150,000 home will be about $165 per year. For about $13 per month this would be a lot of improvement for the city, but that's for you to decide.
The fire station is something that will benefit everyone in the city. If it passes I will do my best to make sure we build it as economically as possible. Remember, just because you approve the issuance of the debt doesn't mean we have to spend it all. Washington doesn't understand that concept, but I do.
Street repairs are always a positive for an area. Main thoroughfare repairs obviously affect a greater population, but maintaining nice neighborhood streets help sustain positive property values and quality of life. It's easy to say "no" to something that doesn't affect you, but remember, your street will need it one day too.
The drainage issues are like the streets, if it's not in your neighborhood then you may not care, but we're all Joshuans so we need to evaluate things as a city. There's no doubt that the three areas in question have issues. To my knowledge there have not been any homes that have taken on water through all the majors storms of the past, but I'm sure it's annoying and probably even a bit scary for a few people so this is a tough one to decide. There are some members of the city council who feel very strongly about getting this done. So much so that they may push to do the work anyway even if the propositions fails. That would be accomplished through another funding source known as a "certificate of obligation" which doesn't require voter approval. Consider this issue carefully and stay engaged with your city council.
The two most important things in all this is to talk to your neighbors about the issues and then get out and vote.
As usual, feel free to contact me for more information or to discuss these or any other issues in the city.
A.J.
AJ@ajmathieu.com
817-426-1641
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