The special election measure narrowly passed, 3-2, with council members Jim Engel, Ann Martin and Brian Taylor supporting the election. Council members Chris Drew and Adam Schiestel were opposed. The election is May 4.
Prior to a public improvement district election being called, council approved a resolution for the implementation of a public improvement district, with the measure passing 3-2 and with the same people voting for and against mentioned above. The district would be known as Furst Ranch Public Improvement District No. 1. The town's charter requires certain steps for a public improvement district to be created, including an election.
If approved, the public improvement district would be designed according to council wishes and discretion, council learned.
The background
Flower Mound Ranch land owner and master developer Jack Furst appeared at the Feb. 5 meeting to discuss the district. In October, he requested the town of Flower Mound’s consideration of a public improvement district for the Flower Mound Ranch development in accordance with the town's charter for requesting this district, according to a council agenda memo.
Flower Mound Ranch was previously known as Furst Ranch and is a planned, mixed-use development that will have single-family homes, apartments and commercial operations. A public improvement district enables an entity, such as a city or town, to levy a special tax assessment against properties within the district to pay for improvements to the properties in that district, according to town officials.
The details
Council held a hearing for the public improvement district, and a few people spoke, including Furst, who said his company will coordinate an "active outreach and educational efforts to win the vote." He said town staff will answer technical questions but won't advocate for or oppose the public improvement district as a public infrastructure financing tool.
"We would love to have your support to go to the voters, so that we can make Furst Ranch the best it can—well-amenitized for everybody in the town to enjoy," he said.
Among the few people who spoke in the hearing, Lori Walker, president for the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, told council the chamber supports the project.
