BEXAR COUNTY, Texas \u2013 \u200bMost off-year elections are ho-hum affairs in Bexar County.<\/p>\n
There are the usual constitutional amendments following the legislative session that voters must weigh in on before they take effect, or the odd school bond or smaller municipality contest. In general, these elections don\u2019t have a large impact on the entire county.<\/p>\n
This November, it\u2019s a different story. <\/p>\n
On Nov. 4, Bexar County voters will determine whether the county can allocate funds to two venues: the Frost Bank Center and a proposed new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n
>> How to make sure you are registered to vote in the Nov. 4 election<\/a><\/p>\n County leaders are breaking the matter into two different questions on the ballot. Each proposition would raise an existing tax on hotels and rental cars, respectively, to generate funds.<\/p>\n \u200bYes, it\u2019s a tax. But Bexar County, Spurs brass and rodeo bosses are going to great pains to drive the message home to people living in the county: It\u2019s a tax on tourists, not locals.<\/p>\n Whether that message lands will be revealed on election day, Nov. 4. Early voting runs from Oct. 20-31.<\/p>\n See the full Bexar County sample ballot below:<\/p>\n What\u2019s the difference between Propositions A and B?<\/p>\n \u200bProposition A pertains to money for Frost Bank Center, where the Spurs currently play, for upgrades and improvements as the county looks to a future without the NBA five-time champions taking the court. The idea is that the San Antonio Stock Show would take over and hold year-round events.<\/p>\n >> Voters to decide on upgrades to county-owned Coliseum grounds on Nov. 4 ballot<\/a><\/p>\n According to the county, if voters approve, the tax could raise as much as $192 million. <\/p>\n \u200bProposition B is the one that could provide some funding for the downtown arena, provided voters give it the go-ahead. It wouldn\u2019t pay for the whole thing, but it\u2019s not an insignificant amount: around $310 million toward the arena\u2019s projected price tag of $1.3 billion.<\/p>\n >> Venue tax hike for new Spurs arena goes to Bexar County voters in November<\/a><\/p>\n \u200bThere are four ways this could play out: Both measures pass, both fail, Prop. A passes but Prop. B fails, and vice versa.<\/p>\n The next moves will be a reaction to the outcome on Nov. 4.<\/p>\n If voters approve, the tax could be used to raise about $192 million. The county already has an additional $48 million on hand from what the tax has already generated.<\/p>\n Also on the ballot: 17 statewide propositions, NEISD bonds<\/p>\n \u200bAlso on the ballot for all Texas voters are 17 constitutional amendments.<\/p>\n This is standard operating procedure following a legislative session.<\/p>\n The majority of passed bills can be put into law with a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott. But any changes to the constitution have to be approved by voters.<\/p>\n >> 17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here\u2019s what Texas voters need to know.<\/a><\/p>\n \u200bAlso, people in the North East Independent School District will be asked to approve school bonds<\/a> worth as much as $500 million.<\/p>\n The district is seeking funds for construction, enhancements, technology upgrades, and improvements to school and sports facilities.<\/p>\n \u200bConverse, Schertz and Windcrest voters make decisions on city council races.<\/p>\n Voters in other cities will weigh in on city charter amendments, and some school districts are seeking a bump on the Ad Valorem rate.\u200b<\/p>\n