Cleburne Wire
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Proposition A: the $62.5 million public safety bond

On Nov. 3, Cleburne voters decide whether the city can borrow up to $62.5 million to build one facility for police, fire administration and municipal court. Here is what it pays for, what it costs you, and how to vote.

Bond amount
Up to $62.5 million
Estimated tax impact
$0.05317 per $100 of taxable value
On a $100,000 home
About $53 a year, or $4.43 a month
Election day
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Early voting
Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, any Johnson County site

Estimate your yearly cost

What it would build

One purpose-built public safety facility housing the Cleburne Police Department, Fire Administration and Municipal Court, with space for emergency operations, training and community use. The city lists the site as roughly 6 acres of city-owned land near North Nolan River Road and Airport Drive; the architect's July presentation described a main building of about 62,000 square feet plus a separate support building.

Why the city says it is needed

Cleburne has never had a building designed for public safety. The current police headquarters began as a municipal building in 1966-67, when the city had about 15,700 residents. Today it has nearly 39,000 residents and 56 sworn officers.

What it costs you

The city estimates the bonds would add $0.05317 per $100 of taxable value, about $53.17 a year for every $100,000 of taxable value. State law requires the ballot to say the proposition is a tax increase. The city notes the final amount depends on property values, exemptions, interest rates and when the bonds are sold.

How we got here

A volunteer resident study group met five times, toured facilities and recommended seeking up to $62.5 million. Council hired architects Hafer Welker in May, heard the study group's recommendation July 28, and voted Aug. 11 to put Proposition A on the November ballot. If it passes, design continues and construction is targeted for 2027.

Where we stand

Cleburne Wire does not take positions on ballot measures. This guide is facts from public records, updated as the city releases more.

Key dates

  1. Study group recommends up to $62.5M
  2. Council calls the Nov. 3 election
  3. Early voting begins
  4. Early voting ends
  5. Election day

Latest coverage

Sources

Last updated September 25, 2026. See something wrong? Tell us.

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