PG residents head to polls to vote on $19.9 million bond

Voters in Pleasant Grove Independent School District head to the polls today to consider a $19.9 million bond for a new elementary school, increased security and technology upgrades.

The proposed rate of $1.455 per $100 property valuation would increase the district’s interest and sinking rate by 1.5 cents; the maintenance and operations tax rate would remain at $1.09. The current total rate is $1.44.

If it passes, the increase would cost about $15 annually for a home valued at $100,000.

The bond includes $250,000 for increased security, $1.2 million for technology upgrades and $18,519,862 for the elementary school. If the bond passes, the current elementary building would be converted into a career and technology building for the high school students.

The increased security plan includes a total of 220 high definition cameras and 59 badge readers, along with controlled door access. All the equipment would be connected by WiFi and supported by technology upgrades.

This is the third time the district has gone for a bond to build a new elementary, with the 2014 and 2015 elections failing in part due to property the district owned near Bringle Lake. The 16.9 acre tract has been sold back to Aven Williamson for $1.2

million.

Maud and New Boston ISDs are also holding school board elections today.

Voters in Maud Independent School District will consider Johnny Nichols and David (Gap) Gipson for Position 6 and Boyd W. Sartin and Brent Caudle for Position 7.

New Boston voters will consider incumbents Jerry Lynn Davis, Jr. and Rob Carr. The lone challenger for the two seats is Eddie Williams.

Voting will be held today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.