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E-mail This StoryThe Rowlett City Council moved through a rather light agenda Tuesday at an off-site meeting.
The routine meeting was shifted to the Waterview Community Center to give council members along with the city’s staff an opportunity to mingle with residents during National Night Out activities.
While the council session focused on largely routine matters, the mayor split from the city council when it came to supporting Rockwall County’s $100 million road bond initiative that goes before voters next month.
According to the presentation, homeowners would face a tax increase of about 3 cents per $100 valuation. For example, a property owner whose home is valued at $190,000 would face a about a $4.75 per month tax hike.
However, the presentation argued that the rate could decrease as the county grows.
The bond election would provide funds to rebuild four major arteries throughout Rockwall County including about 12.5 miles of FM 740, 9.2 miles of S.H. 276, four miles of FM 549 and an 11.5-mile stretch of S.H. 66.
None of these roads runs through Rowlett, which is facing its own $100 million bond election next year.
The presentation argued that the S.H. 66 improvements would widen the two-lane highway to a six lane “divided urban facility to address congestion, safety and air quality issues.” The improvements would match already made to the bridge across Lake Ray Hubbard and through Rowlett, helping to reduce congestion on the west side of the lake. Improvements would stretch from the eastern side of Rockwall, through Fate almost to Royse City would
The presentation argued that its roads, built 50 years were never designed to carry thousands of cars and trucks every day. The roadbeds are steep from multiple resurfacing and lack shoulders.
The council voted in favor of a resolution supporting the bond initiative, while Mayor John Harper, who lives in Rockwall County, gave it the thumbs down.
Rowlett voters who live in Rockwall County will vote on the measure during the general election on Nov. 4. Early voting begins Oct. 20.
