The Brownwood Pride PAC held its second informational meeting regarding the BISD improvements bond, on the May 6 ballot, Wednesday evening at the Adams Street Community Center. A presentation on improvements, upgrades and the tax rate was given by Brownwood Pride PAC Chairman Matt Noe, and the floor was later opened to those in attendance to ask questions.

Among the highlights, a question regarding what security improvements would be made was asked by an attendee.

Noe stated among the upgrades would be replacing all existing cameras and adding new ones where needed; keyless badge entry, and remedying easy-to-access entrances that weren’t as secure as they needed to be; and fencing at elementary campuses.

PAC member Steven McCrane added that not all the security upgrades had been finalized as the technological advances may change by the time the improvements are made.

BISD Board of Trustees President Michael Cloy was also in attendance and stated the school district has been randomly audited without notification three times this year by former superintendents and passed the safety test on each occasion – but the quest to further solidify every campus is always ongoing.

Regarding the tax rate, it was noted the average home in Brownwood is valued at $140,000 and the tax rate increase would be $8.71 per month over a 20-year period to begin once the construction process begins.

The issue of potential property tax relief was brought up by Noe and McCrane, which they stated could result in the tax rate dropping and lowed the $8.71 per month projection. Cloy also mentioned the tax rate could be refinanced in the future, which occurred for the tax rate on the 2005 bond, which will be paid off in seven years.

It was also noted the 2005 bond will expire after 25 years with a tax rate of approximately $17 per month, while the new bond is five years shorter at half the price – and it was reiterated in seven years the tax rate will decrease by the aforementioned $17 average when the 2005 bond is paid off.

Among the athletic improvements, at Gordon Wood Stadium the current home press box would be demolished and a new prefabricated two-story press box would be installed. Noe stated according to the ADA requirements, a press box over 500 square feet must include an elevator.

Also, with the addition of 1,000 seats on the home side, coupled with ADA required upgrades, the capacity of the restrooms must be increased by either expansion or demolition and reconstruction. In doing so, the current concession stands would be removed and likely rebuilt at the south end of the stadium, which would also aid band parents in seeing their kids perform.

Regarding athletic improvements at the high school, along with the indoor practice facility to be used by all extracurriculars, a new field house would be constructed between the school and football/track practice field that would contain either the boys or girls locker room, a trainer’s room, offices for coaches, equipment storage and laundry expansion.

A question was asked about constructing a parking lot for the high school baseball and softball softball fields with the entrance on Magnolia Avenue – which is not included in the bond. Cloy stated the hope is for the school district to eventually pay for that addition itself in the future.

More information on the bond can be found in the photos below and at BrownwoodISDBond.com.

To watch the one-hour meeting in full, visit https://fb.watch/k0hk9Ef8lP/.

Early voting takes place Monday, April 24 through Tuesday, May 2 at the Brown County Elections Office. The general election is Saturday, May 6.