It is really hard not to be overly optimistic these days here in Bowie County if you take a few minutes to really look around at the state of things in our communities. There are stories in this issue of all of the positive things going on, with grand opening celebrations for State Bank and Love’s, millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements happening in DeKalb, and a robust and thriving economy in New Boston and other cities around the county.
As I sit at my desk on this bright, sunny Sunday afternoon, there are so many things going on to give me pause and give me hope for the county I call home, even being a lit-bowiecountynow. tle under the weather and having to miss the DeKalb Chamber banquet that I was so looking forward to attending.
Speaking of, the DeKalb Chamber, along with the new volunteers of the DeKalb Oktoberfest Committee, have the positive vibes flowing in their town. On top of that, new homes are being built across the city, new businesses are coming in, and you can now get one heck of a mangonada in town. IYKNY In New Boston, there is also a wave of freshness rolling over the town as the Chamber of Commerce works hard to stimulate growth, and the SIDC and CDC are “plowing the ground” for new businesses, new tax revenues, and new jobs.
I say most all of that to say this.
In the western end of Bowie County now there are two different bond elections coming up for a vote in early May. New Boston ISD and Maud ISD are both on the ballot asking their voters to approve bonds for much needed upgrades on their campuses. Both of them have the best interests of their students in mind, and the interests of future students. Current facilities at both districts are outdated and in some instances unsafe. In both cases, it is obvious that school officials have gone to great lengths to study and seek out what they need most, and are asking for the money to make those improvements.
In Maud, the bonds may cause a slight increase in taxes, but the district points out that the total tax rates for Maud ISD have gone down over the last 20 years. In fact, if the bond passes, the tax rate would still be lower than it was in 2005. All the while, students and staff in the district would be able to enjoy a new cafetorium, new band hall, and increased safety and parking.
In New Boston, the bond election would bring much needed improvements including drainage repairs, a new CTE Building, classroom upgrades, and the demolition of the current field house and concession stand at Lion Stadium. The district will then use fund balance monies to build a new fieldhouse and concession stand and restrooms. Those monies are not part of the bond election.
Now here is the most important thing to note in New Boston. Passage of the bond election WILL NOT raise taxes. School district officials have emphatically promised that if and when the bond passes, the list of projects will utilize only the amount approved in the election. They will only issue the amount of bonds that they can WITHOUT RAISING THE TAX RATE.
I don’t know about you, but I applaud these school officials who are working toward a brighter future for our kids, and I applaud all of those above who are working every day toward a brighter future for Bowie County.
You know what would be great? To see people jumping in to help see those brighter days come, instead of complaining about how it is getting done.
