Citizens should vote for the half-cent tax
EDITOR@BULLARD NEWS.COM

We see the signs in Tyler every time we reach the city limits, "This project paid for in CASH with funds provided by the half-cent sales tax."

They are so plentiful around the city, many of us don't even register them anymore, but there's a really good reason we should: We paid for a lot of it.

The half-cent sales tax isn't a burden of that city's residents, it's paid through an additional cent on any taxable goods and services purchased in a city whose voters approved the measure.

That means that in part, we are funding every community around us in the area of economic development while residents of other cities don't reciprocate: Tyler, Jacksonville, Whitehouse, Troup, Palestine, Kilgore, Longview, Lindale - everywhere, it seems - but Bullard.

With the residential growth Bullard is experiencing, we are also seeing the obvious businesses that come with that growth - from a new, large Brookshires to myriad restaurants, specialty shops and service businesses.

And when someone driving from say Jacksonville to Tyler stops to purchase, eat or patronize our stores, we should take advantage of it by allowing them to help fund our economic growth.

Bullard council has a measure on the ballot asking residents to vote in a 4b halfcent sales tax increase designated for economic development, and voters must support it.

Not only will it begin to put us on a competitive playing field with other cities, it gives us a tool to fund projects that would normally cause the city to incur debt to get accomplished.

If approved, the city would establish a governing board - appointed by city council - to oversee the funds and prioritize projects.

The biggest on the list would most likely be infrastructure.

As the city stretches its resources and building continues to spike, updated and new infrastructure could mean the difference between life and death in a city our size. If we can't allow future annexation, what will keep businesses in Bullard?

Developers who want city services are in line, waiting to be annexed into the city, but infrastructure limitations cause the council to be wary of too much voluntary annexation when there's already a strain on current residents. They are already paying for the effects of annexation done in previous years that was dicey to say the least.

That's where an EDC steps in, paying for infrastructure - in cash. But it's not limited to the projects we can't see.

The state comptroller's office - which oversees the collection and distribution of sales tax - allows for a lot of latitude in the use of the money - especially if it's designated 4B instead of the more industrial 4A tax.

The 4B allows funding for quality of life improvements, including public safety facilities, recycling centers, funding for streets and roads, drainage and related improvements, demolition of condemned structures, and funding for parks and green spaces.

Tyler boasts about $10 million in half-cent tax revenue - allowing the city to pay for capital projects like Faulkner Park, the new airport terminal and street improvements. And we've helped pay for it.

Isn't it time we allowed those who visit our city to return the favor? When you vote on Nov. 7, vote yes for the half-cent sales tax.