Editorials

Tyler and Smith County voters face two serious decisions in November. Our citizens will be asked to vote on two bond issues; one for the Smith County jail project and another for Phase II of the Tyler Independent School District master facilities plan, initiated in 2004.

This is the first time in recent memory two bond issues of such scope have been on the same ballot. Therefore, we are taking this unusual step of bringing our opinion to the front page.

The good news is that while these proposals require increased taxes, these taxes have a limited life that is timed to the payout of the bonds.

The jail bond would add 2.375 cents to the county's current tax rate of 28.8940 cents per $100 in property valuation. That's an increase of about 8.2 percent.

The average home in Smith County is valued at $131,899. The tax bill for such a home would increase by $31.33 per year, from $381.11 to $412.44.

If the school bond issue is approved, TISD taxpayers would see an increase in the tax rate of about 16.447 cents, which would impact taxes in the 2009-10 fiscal year. An owner of a home valued at $135,000 would see an annual increase in taxes of about $197.36.

That tax rate increase would dip by 11 cents in a five-year period because of expected increases in property values and because of debt retiring from the 2004 bonds.

The school district has demonstrated sound financial practices and accountability for many years. The county has, more recently, shown its willingness to adopt best practices.

And with increasing involvement by the state and federal governments, facilities remain one of the last issues under local control.

Smith County has expended much time and resources wrangling over jail plans. Twice proposals have been placed before the voters only to see them overwhelmingly defeated.

The voters' message has been consistent - we want what is needed and necessary - and no more.

And Smith County commissioners have responded. Following the defeat of the last bond election, County Judge Joel Baker asked state Sen. Kevin Eltife to mediate meetings between leaders of the "vote no" group and the "vote yes" group, the sheriff's department, and the jail architects.

In those meetings, the sides hashed out their differences and hammered out a no-frills plan.

And so the county returns to voters with a cost-effective solution to a long-known problem. The $59.6 million price tag is less than half what was requested in 2007, yet results in more county jail beds because existing structures won't be scrapped.

While there are still lingering debates about whether to add courtrooms or more jail beds, it seems clear this election is just about the jail and the money we are currently spending in other counties to house our prisoners elsewhere.

The jail is a necessary component of our public facilities and we must address this successfully as a community.

In 2004 our community overwhelmingly passed a bond issue to begin Phase 1 of the Tyler Independent School District master facilities plan.

Schools built in Phase 1 added significantly to neighborhoods, businesses and the community as a whole.

As TISD brings Phase 2 to the voters, it is critical our community demonstrate a continued commitment to this excellence. To hesitate now could be devastating.

We need to expand our vision about education. By affirming the commitment of TISD officials to pursue a plan benefiting the entire community, we demonstrate we are a community of builders and not simply consumers.

Members of the community must clearly communicate their expectations on excellence in education and facilities because elected leaders and paid staff will come and go.

TISD's Phase 2 proposal for $124.9 million includes the replacement of six campuses. The average age of these facilities is 49 years old. More than 60 portables at these campuses will be removed if Phase 2 succeeds.

Phase 2 is a continuation of the master plan set forth in 2004 and the work completed in Phase 1. Phase 1, a $96 million bond program, included construction of six replacement schools and one new campus.

The Tyler Independent School District has been recognized for years for its excellent accounting procedures. This is a point which should be recognized as voters hold the district to account.

And voters should note that Phase 1 schools were constructed on time and under budget. Those schools have seen improvements in Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) scores. Community leaders and principals of these schools also noted increased pride among students, staff and in the neighborhoods.

The Commissioners Court has recently demonstrated its desire to make judicious financial decisions and listen to the voters. Ignoring such progress could discourage officials from making concessions in the future or going to the voters at all.

It is important to recognize that facility improvements are the responsibility of the entire community, not just our Commissioners Court, school board or parents of children in public school.

The administration of our long-term jail needs will impact the quality of life for all Smith County residents.

During the 2004 TISD bond issue, Sen. Eltife said "The children of this community belong to all of us."

These children represent the future workers and helpers of our hometown. Let's give them a reason after college to return to Tyler and invest their hearts and time for their children ... our grandchildren.

When government reaches out to those it serves in the way these entities have, the voters must meet them and complete the handshake or lose hope completely in the partnership of community.

We encourage Tyler and Smith County to vote "for" on both bond initiatives.

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