Proposed $61 million Certificates of Obligation for justice center and expo arena
Summary
The county is borrowing through Certificates of Obligation Series 2026 to build the judicial center. A citizen protest petition fell short of the required 1,295 signatures, clearing the way for the sale at a 4.407% rate. Commissioner Corn voted no.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 11, 2026.
Impact analysis
The bond sale funds the judicial center; the winning rate came in slightly above budget, costing about $19,000 more per year than planned.
Residents gain a new judicial center, and taxpayers benefit from a competitive 4.407% rate secured with twelve bids.
Petition organizers and taxpayers concerned about the debt saw their protest fall short and the tax levy move forward.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-08-11
The county is borrowing through Certificates of Obligation Series 2026 to build the judicial center. A citizen protest petition fell short of the required 1,295 signatures, clearing the way for the sale at a 4.407% rate. Commissioner Corn voted no.
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-07-28
A new judicial center is being planned, and the Fentress study says the county needs four courtrooms and may need more judge time within six years. The 87-year-old courthouse has serious fire egress and security problems, including inmates and the public sharing restrooms and one exit on the third floor.
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-07-27
The county has lost long-running events to venues with covered arenas, costing rental revenue and local business activity. The arena was pulled from the financing package and will go to voters as a November bond election.
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-07-21
The county is planning a 3,000-seat covered equestrian arena as phase one of Expo expansion. Projections say it could bring $5.96 million a year in economic activity, $620,000 in annual tax revenue, and about 30 jobs — and free up Barn 3 to double cattle show capacity. No vote yet; more info promised next week.
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-07-06
The county is considering borrowing up to $61 million without a public vote to build a new justice center and a covered arena at the fairgrounds. The tax impact is estimated at under $83 a year for a $350,000 home, but a citizen petition could force a bond election — and a failed election would lock the county out of financing these projects for three years.
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-06-09
The 87-year-old courthouse can't safely separate inmates, the public, and staff — inmates share stairways with jurors and there's only one fire exit in an overcrowded courtroom. PlanNorth recommends a new ~70,000 sq ft Judicial Center connected to the jail by a secure corridor, with three courtrooms and room to expand for decades.
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