Frisco, Prosper residents to vote May 3 on funding for proposed Center for the Arts

On Feb. 4, the Frisco City Council voted to place two measures determining funding for the proposed on the May 3 ballot.

Voters would determine whether funds (FEDC - Type A) could be used toward the center's development, classified as a (FCDC).

Sales tax supports both the FEDC and the FCDC. According to the city, property taxes will not be used to fund construction. Voters would also approve the project's debt cap of $160 million. The city said it planned to repay $75 million from FEDC funds and $45 million from FCDC funds. Officials said $40 million would be repaid through Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One, a development and reinvestment tool funded by commercial property taxes.

The facility would sit on six acres at U.S. Highway 380 and the Dallas North Tollway. Collaborating with Broadway Across America and Broadway Dallas, it would contain a 2,800-seat entertainment hall to present Broadway plays. The facility would also include a 300- to 400-seat community hall "to be used primarily by Prosper ISD while providing access to community organizations and events."

A separate partner would operate and maintain the facility, but that partner has not yet been determined. The center's development would partner with Prosper ISD, which would co-own the facility with the City of Frisco.

The project's estimated total cost is $300 to $340 million, and Prosper intends to contribute $100 million from the district's Performing Arts Center bond funds.

Theatre Projects, a city consultant for the project, estimates that $100 million to $111 million could be raised from fundraising, including donations and corporate sponsorships.

“If approved, the Frisco Center for the Arts will be a $300 to $340 million asset that will serve this community for 50 years or more,” said Mayor Jeff Cheney. “The cost to us, as taxpayers, is a maximum of $160 million that is funded primarily through sales tax efforts, largely generated by the visitors to our community. I can’t think of a better opportunity and gift to give future generations of the City of Frisco.”

More information on the proposed Center for the Arts can be found on the city's .

Election Day results

For all elections below, voters will be asked to choose either "For" or "Against."

Frisco Proposition A

The Frisco Economic Development Corporation is authorized to use proceeds of its sales and use tax, including all amounts previously authorized and collected, for projects related to the proposed center for the arts project, including but not limited to, land, buildings, equipment, facilities and improvements found by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors to be required or suitable for use for the proposed Center for the Arts Project in accordance with section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Frisco Proposition B

The issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $160,000,000 for a City-owned Center for the Arts Project, and levying taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.

Frisco Proposition C

Shall Section 3.02 (Limitations on Terms) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to state that no person shall serve as a Councilmember and Mayor (combined) for more than six consecutive elected terms rather than 18 consecutive years?

Frisco Proposition D

Shall Section 3.04 (Compensation) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to increase the amount of compensation for the Mayor and each Councilmember and to provide for annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)?

Frisco Proposition E

Shall Section 3.06 (Vacancies, Forfeiture and Filling of Vacancies) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to grant authority to the City Council to fill a vacated office on the City Council by appointment if the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacated office is 12 months or less, as permitted under Article XI, Section 11 of the Texas Constitution?

Frisco Proposition F

Shall Section 3.09 (Meetings of the City Council) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to grant authority for the City Council to hold only one regular monthly meeting in up to four months, rather than two months, out of the calendar year?

Frisco Proposition G

Shall Section 5.01 (City Elections) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to conform to state law the process for ordering a special election?

Frisco Proposition H

Shall Section 6.05 (Presentation of Petition to the City Council) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to clarify the scope of the City Secretary's review of petitions?

Frisco Proposition I

Shall Section 6.12 (General Power of Initiative and Referendum) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to remove from the scope of the powers of initiative and referendum ordinances or resolutions relating to the Comprehensive Plan, amendments of the Zoning Ordinance, use of the power of eminent domain or other ordinances or resolutions not subject to initiative or referendum as provided by state law, and reorganizing existing language relating thereto?

Frisco Proposition J

Shall Section 6.13 (Initiative) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to clarify the scope of the City Secretary's review of initiative petitions, clarify initiative petition requirements and remove the requirement for review by the City Attorney?

Frisco Proposition K

Shall Section 6.14 (Referendum) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to clarify the scope of the City Secretary's review of referendum petitions?

Frisco Proposition L

Shall Section 7.18 (Independent Audit) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to remove the requirement for publication of a summary of each independent audit in the City's official newspaper and instead require publication of the summary on the City website, or by such other means as may be allowed by state law?

Frisco Proposition M

Shall Section 14.08 (Conflict of Interest) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to clarify the standard for determining when a City officer or employee has a conflict of interest by referencing state law?

Frisco Proposition N

Shall Section 14.09 (No Officer to Accept Gifts, Etc.) of the Frisco Home Rule Charter be amended to conform to state law the prohibitions and requirements applicable to a City official's acceptance, agreement to accept or solicitation of gifts and other benefits and the disclosure thereof?