Along with Jacksonville, Whitehouse and Troup, Bullard voters filed applications for the sale of alcohol.

Because the city of Bullard is in two counties, petition applications must by filed with Bullard City Secretary Doris Crockett.

Petitions may be for one of two measures, including a petition for the sale of mixed beverages at a restaurant by food and beverages certificate holders only; second, a petition for the legal sale of beer and wine for offpremise consumption only.

Crockett said the petition application was filed Jan. 28 by Billy Horton of Hard Count in Austin. He represents a group called Citizens for the Future of Bullard. According to Horton, his company provides consultation and assists with the filing process. His company has provided assistance in more than 85 elections in Texas.

Horton said the petition he filed for was the second measure, or for the legal sale of beer and wine for offpremise consumption only.

“We’ve had great response on the signature gathering,” Horton said. “I think the prospect is good for a successful effort.”

Additionally, Horton said that while he understands the negative aspects some have regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, the economic impact sales have on a community, such as the potential increase of jobs, business and growth also should be considered by cities considering future prospects.

Petition applications require 166 signatures from registered voters who live in the city limits, according to Crockett.

The Bullard City Council must call for a special election regarding the sale of alcohol. The deadline to present the measure for a special election for the May election is March 8, and the city council does not meet until Tuesday, March 9, or one day past the deadline. Therefore, if the proper number of appropriate and legal signatures on a petition are obtained, the measure could be presented for the November election.