Updated 1:15 p.m. Nov. 8
Most Fort Bend County voters supported the county's proposal to take on $865.6 million in road and park projects, unofficial election results show.
County Judge KP George told Community Impact the proposal, which was the largest in the county's history, is needed to plan for the area's growth.
"We are an exponentially growing county," he said. "People come here and call [it] home because we provide good mobility, park and recreation, library system, [emergency medical services] and law enforcement. ... We wanted to continue so that we could sustain our growth."
Roughly 34% of the 2023 mobility bond—or $245.1 million—is earmarked to support existing projects, according to county documents. This will go toward constructing existing projects, while the larger portion of the bond will be allocated to design, right-of-way acquisition and utilities for new projects, George said.
"I understand these propositions are sometimes confusing. That's why we did at least a dozen, if it is not more, information sessions throughout the county," he said. "We wanted to inform them what we're doing, why we're doing, and last night shows people overwhelming approved our mobility bond, definitely. So people see the need of improved mobility in Fort Bend County."
Prior to this election, voters approved several other county bonds funding various projects:
- A $218.6 million mobility bond in November 2017
- An $83 million flood bond in November 2019
- A $38.4 million parks bond in November 2020
- A $218.2 million mobility bond in November 2020
Additionally, new homes being built in the county allows for the county's property tax revenue to grow without increasing the tax rate, he said.
"We wanted to make sure that growth is not going to be slowing down, or at least we are going to do everything possible [to make] sure we are going to continue to grow," he said.
All results are unofficial until canvassed.
Updated 7:20 a.m. Nov. 8
With all Fort Bend County voting centers reporting, voters approved the county's two bond propositions funding roads and parks projects.
Unofficial final election numbers show:
- 64.37%, or 52,220 voters, favored Proposition A and 35.63%, or 28,900 voters, opposed it.
- 51.57%, or 41,318 voters, favored Proposition B and 48.43%, or 38,797 voters, opposed it.
All votes are unofficial until canvassed.
Updated 11:30 p.m. Nov. 7
Fort Bend County's unofficial voting results continue to show support for the county's two bond propositions.
As of press time, election numbers show:
- 64.52%, or 44,486 voters, favor Proposition A and 35.48%, or 24,466 voters, opposed it.
- 51.64%, or 35,154 voters, favor Proposition B and 48.36%, or 32,924 voters, opposed it.
Original story posted 7:57 p.m. Nov. 7
Early voting results show most Fort Bend County voters are in support of the county’s two bond propositions totaling $865.6 million.
What you need to know
Fort Bend County officials proposed two bond referendums for the Nov. 7 election. If approved, county documents show the propositions would fund the following items:
- Proposition A ($712.6 million): construction, maintenance and operation of county roads
- Proposition B ($153 million): improvements, renovations, land acquisition, and building construction for park and recreational purposes
The details
Polls closed at 7 p.m. in Fort Bend County, and early voting numbers from the county show:
- 64.76%, or 29,501 voters, favor Proposition A.
- 52.04%, or 23,424 voters, favor Proposition B.
The background
This is the largest bond package the county has proposed, with the last $218.5 million mobility bond being approved by voters in November 2017. However, roughly 34% of the current mobility bond—or $245.1 million—is earmarked to support existing projects from county bonds, according to county documents.
What happens next?
Follow along with the election results at communityimpact.com/voter-guide. All votes are unofficial until canvassed.