Voters in Harris County will have a chance to weigh in this November on a proposal that calls for repurposing the Astrodome. The Commissioners Court voted unanimously Aug. 13 to place the item—which will require a future tax increase—on the ballot for public approval.

If approved, the measure would allow the county to issue up to $217 million in property bonds to finance the redesign and redevelopment of the Astrodome. The exact tax increase amount necessary to pay off the bonds has not been determined, but it could be about half a cent.

The county's budget office recommended the future tax increase after studying the existing debt. Since 2000, Harris County has installed a large amount of infrastructure because of population growth. Those infrastructure additions brought the county's debt to about $2.5 billion, but they did not require a tax increase, county budget officer Bill Jackson said. Additionally, the county lowered the tax rate by a penny during that time period.

For property owners who qualify for a homestead exemption—including Tomball residents—the tax increase for a $200,000 home would be about $8 annually if the measure is approved, Jackson said. The increase would most likely take affect in 2015.

In June, the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation unveiled the proposal for the Astrodome, dubbed the New Dome Experience. The plan calls for redeveloping the nearly 50-year-old facility and turning it into a space for community and sporting events, festivals and conferences. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo could also use the facility to move some of its outdoor activities inside.

"The Astrodome has special significance to many members of our community, whether you were born here and raised here, or whether you came as a visitor and inherited a love for the building and city," said Willie Loston, executive director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation. "There is a great interest in this building."

If voters approve the ballot measure, the repurposing will take about 30 months to complete, which would be in time for Houston to host the 2017 Super Bowl at Reliant Park.

"For all those who care about the future of the Dome one way or the other, go forth," County Judge Ed Emmett said. "It's important for people pro and con to start looking into the details and talking about it as an issue. It will be a fascinating process to watch."

A second item on the county's bond election includes a joint processing center between the city of Houston and Harris County to alleviate overcrowding in the county jail system. The measure would not require a tax increase, and the new facility would be located at the corner of San Jacinto and Baker streets.

"This public safety project will avoid current costly duplications of city and county operations," Sheriff Adrian Garcia said. "It will help us book inmates into jail faster and make the release of those who are legally allowed to be released more efficient, saving taxpayers' money."

Early voting will last from Oct. 21–Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 5.