Mansfield voters weigh broadening use for half-cent sales tax

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

In addition to a Mansfield ISD trustee and two City Council candidates, local voters will also consider a pair of bond propositions from the City of Mansfield.

Both propositions ask voters to consider widening the spectrum of uses for the half-cent sales tax collected by the Mansfield Economic Development Corp. Neither proposition would create any new taxes, explained MEDC director Jason Moore, just allow the MEDC to use the funds for a wider variety of projects.

Mansfield voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 1997. A half-cent also goes to the Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corp.

If approved, Proposition A would allow the MEDC to use the half-cent sales tax to attract professional and amateur sports and athletic facilities, tourism and entertainment facilities, convention facilities, public parks, and related stores, restaurants, parking and transportation facilities.

Currently, the half-cent sales tax can be used for manufacturing, industrial, research and development, warehouse, distribution and corporate headquarters.

Proposition B asks voters to approve using the half-cent sales tax for a multi-sport venue and related infrastructure, plus maintenance and operating costs.

Early voting will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24-28, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. April 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 30; and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 1-2 at the Mansfield Sub-Courthouse, 1100 E. Broad St., and Vernon Newsom Stadium, 3700 E. Broad St.

Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 6 at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts, 1110 W. Debbie Lane; J.L. Boren Elementary School, 1401 Country Club Drive; Mansfield Sub-Courthouse, 1100 E. Broad St.; and Vernon Newsom Stadium, 3700 E. Broad St.

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