Two elections set for May

Coryell County residents have two options to vote this month – in the constitutional amendment election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today (Saturday, May 7) and in the Democratic and Republican Party runoff elections on Tuesday, May 24.

On the constitutional amendment election ballot are two propositions related to property taxes and exemptions. Proposition 1 authorizes "the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the homestead."

Homeowners age 65 and older or who are disabled can qualify for having property taxes capped or frozen. In 2019, when legislation was passed to offset rising property values with lower school district taxes for all homeowners, this did not take into consideration elderly and disabled homeowners who already had their taxes frozen. Under Proposition 1, the elderly and disabled could qualify for additional property tax reductions in 2023. The change would not eliminate the tax cap.

Proposition 2 would increase "the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000. According to the Texas Tribune, the measure could save the average homeowner about $175 on their annual property tax bill."

Under these measures, the state would reimburse school districts for any loss property tax revenue.

Proposition 1 would cost the state an estimated $744 million in tax revenue from 2024-2026, while Proposition 2 would cost the state about $1.6 billion from 2023-2026.

State lawmakers have a plan to tap into $4.4 billion in surplus funds to pay for those costs, according to the Texas Tribune, "but plans to cover future funding were unclear."

Those voting in today's election can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Coryell County Gatesville Annex, 801 E. Leon St. (across from the post office); Evant City Hall, 598 E. Highway 84; the Oglesby Community Center, 118 Main St.; or the Copperas Cove Civic Center, 1206 W. Avenue B.

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The runoff election will feature one local race, for Precinct 4 county commissioner. On the Republican ballot, incumbent Ray Ashby Jr. faces challenger Keith Taylor.

There are also some statewide races on the Republican and Democratic ballots. A list of statewide races can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website.

Early voting for the May 24 election will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16-20 at the Coryell County Gatesville Annex, 801 E. Leon St. or at 508 B in the Cove Terrace Shopping Center in Copperas Cove.

Voting on May 24 will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

* Coryell County Gatesville Annex, 801 E. Leon St.

* Turnersville Community Center, 8115 FM 182 in Gatesville

* Evant City Hall, 598 E. Highway 84

* Copperas Cove Vote Center, 508 B Cove Terrace in Copperas Cove

* Holy Family Catholic Church, 1001 Georgetown Road in Copperas Cove.