The 10-18-23 Edition of the Fort Bend Star by The Heights Leader, Fort Bend Star and The Greensheet

2023

READERS’ CHOICE

Taxpayers’ Coalition: Vote ‘No’ on Fort Bend County bond propositions- Page 9

281.690.4200 WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 18, 2023

Sienna's Gingerbread Market returns on Oct. 21

Sienna will hold its 18th Gingerbread Market on Saturday, Oct. 21 Submitted photo

Staff Reports Sienna, the Missouri City master-planned community, will hold its 18th Gingerbread Market featuring food, music and plenty of opportunities to shop, on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 60 artisans, crafters, small businesses and entrepreneurs will display their wares at the community’s Sawmill Lake Club, 10323 Mount Logan. “ This year’s market is shaping up to be the best one yet,” Shanelle Channell, special events coordinator at Sienna, said in a press release. “Many of our favorite vendors will be back, plus we’ve added a few new merchants to the lineup. As always, there will be live music, adult beverages and great food.” Admission to the market is at least one non-perishable donation for the Second Mile Mission Center. Tequila with Friends and Austin East Ciders will provide shoppers 21 and older with a complimentary beverage with the donation of a canned good. Yancey’s Food Kitchen and Rob’s Mini Donuts will be on hand serving up a full menu of brunch items. A two-piece jazz duo will provide holiday tunes. Some vendors such as Liz Silk Creations and Amy’s Crafts & Jewelry have been selling their creations at the market for more than 10 years. Nicole Calabrese, owner of Nik Calabrese’s Wrap Bracelets set up her first booth in 2015. “I love this market,” Calabrese said. “It was my very first market in 2015 and now, eight years later, I still look forward to this time of year! I love seeing repeat customers every year.” Additional returning vendors include Donna Williams, Tiffany’s Designer Nails, Brazos River Provisions Company, CT Designs, Tonya Duncan Ellis Books, It’s Simple Artisan Soaps, Veronica Allen, Koala’s Treehouse, Best Day Ever Ears Co. and 4 Paws Gourmet Dog Treats. Several businesses have signed on to sponsor the event, including Sienna, Hyundai Genesis of Southwest Houston, Tequila with Friends, Austin Eastciders, David Weekly Homes, Newmark Homes, J. Patrick Homes, Harvest Market and Sara B. Goldstein, DO. For more information about the Gingerbread Market and a full list of vendors visit, www.siennatx.com/ gingerbreadmarket.

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 48 • No. 55 • $1.00

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

UH at Sugar Land breaks ground on new academic building Staff Reports The University of Houston on October 5 celebrated the groundbreaking of a new $65 million academic building in ceremonies at the UH at Sugar Land instructional site. Before faculty, staff, students and community leaders, UH officials turned the dirt for what will become the Technology BuildingSugar Land Academic Building 2, according to a UH online story.

“We are grateful for the collaboration of supporters in the region and state whose investment in UH will result in a new generation of engineering and technology professionals,” said Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston. “The growth of our Technology Division and our Sugar Land instructional site supports our vision of building a top 50 public university that provides a top tier educational experience

and creates impactful research.” The three-floor, approximately 75,000 square foot building will be home for faculty, staff and students of the UH C ullen College of Engineering-Technology Division. In 2021, the Texas Legislature approved funds for a second academic building in Sugar Land. The allocation was

SEE ACADEMIC PAGE 2

The University of Houston recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the $65 million Technology Building-Sugar Land Academic Building 2. Rendering courtesy University of Houston

Area superintendents discuss ‘State of the Schools’ at chamber event

Jim Rice, left, moderates a panel discussion between Stafford MSD Superintendent Robert Bostic, Lamar CISD Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens, and Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Christie Whitbeck at an event on Oct. 11. Photo by Ken Fountain

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The heads of three Fort Bend County school districts participated in a wide-ranging discussion of issues facing the education world in the annual “State of the Programs” luncheon program hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce at Richmond’s Safari Texas Ranch last week. Jim Rice, chair of the chamber’s education division and moderator of the event, noted at the outset that there are many changes going on in the nation’s capital and in the Texas Legislature. “But our public schools have remained constant, because the kids are coming every day that school is in session. And our teachers are there. They’re there to stand and deliver and educate all the children that walk through the door of their classroom, and they’re doing a good

job of it.” Fort Bend Independent School District Superintendent Christie Whitbeck began by referencing the district’s proposed voterapproved tax election, or VATRE, which voters in the district will decide on Nov. 7. If approved, the election would add 4 cents per $100 to the ad valorum tax rate for maintenance and operations. It comes after an earlier VATRE was rejected by voters last November, but also after voters approved a $1.26 billion bond election, the largest in the district’s history, in May. Similarly, Stafford Municipal School District Superintendent Robert Bostic referenced that district’s VATRE election, which the district says is necessary after it has “increased operating costs due to inflation, recapture due to increased property value, and unexpected expenses as a result of COVID 19. It’s the first

VATRE that the district has called. “Stafford is only sevenand-a-half square miles, but the size is not as important as the same message,” Bostic said. During this year’s regular session of the legislature, he said, “there was no money for public education, except for dollars that were added for safety.” “VATRE will help us keep money back in the district,” adding 12 cents to the tax rate. “That wouldn’t give us any great amenities, that would really kind of help keep us afloat.” A nd La ma r Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens discussed that district’s proposed $15 million bond election for capital improvements, which is targeted at making renovations and improvements to Guy K. Traylor Stadium. The stadium has foundational problems and

issues with its lighting and turf that make it unsafe, so much so that Nivens said he has had to close a section of the student section, which is supported by wooden beams. Sports programs are fundamental for creating a sense of community at schools, Nivens said. “We want students to be connected, to each other, to our school system, we want them to be connected to something that’s bigger than themselves,” he said. “Our job in the school system is to help people. Our job is to help our young people be better adults. When they leave us, they can be professional, they can be successful. And what can we do in the school system to make that happen?” he said. Rice noted that Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, with a projected population of one million in the next few years. “People are moving here because

we have a great quality of life, and we have great schools for their children to attend. That’s why they’re coming,” he said. Rice brought up the growing issue of bullying at schools, which now extends to the world of social media. Bostic said Stafford MSD has “technical tools” in place that helps the district identify social media bullying, which allows personnel to intercede ahead of time. “The other part is the preventative piece of this, which is equipping our counselors and social workers - which we don’t have enough of because we don’t have enough money to pay for those staff members - to actually go out and interact with kids,” he said. “It requires real people. You can’t use technology to solve bullying. You actually have to use people.”

SEE CHAMBER PAGE 2

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Houston Methodist Sugar Land to host flu shot toy drive on Oct. 21 Staff Reports On Saturday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m.-noon, Houston Methodist Sugar Land, in collaboration with the Exchange Cub of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land and Toys for Tots Fort Bend, will offer a free shot to those who bring a new, unwrapped toy during a toy drive to its Brazos Pavilion Conference Center, 16655 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the influenza

ACADEMIC FROM PAGE 1 part of a larger funding package for UH System facility construction and renovations. The new construction will allow the Technology Division to complete its transition to Sugar Land. “We are excited to usher in this next chapter of growth and impact for the University and for our Fort Bend County region,” said Jay Neal, associate vice president,

vaccine to people 18 and older who have no history of Guillain-Barré syndrome and who are not pregnant. High dose flu vaccines will not be provided during this event. Stuffed animals and clothing items will not be accepted. Registration is required. After completing registration, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your appointment time. Both registration and a scheduled appointment time are required prior to event. People will receive the flu shot in their upper arm and are asked to dress ap-

propriately. Participants are asked to wear face masks during their appointment. Participants must bring a driver’s license or other government-issued identification. Participants are asked to park in front of the Main Pavilion and enter through the Main Pavilion entrance doors. Follow directional signs once you enter.

academic affairs and chief operating officer for UH at Sugar Land. “The addition of this new building will allow us to accommodate all Technology Division classes and programs that have been transitioning from the main campus to Sugar Land for the last several months.” In 2022, a transition task force was seated to begin moving all programs and classes to the Sugar Land instructional site. By 2025 all programs from the Technology Division will be at UH at

Sugar Land. The new Technology Building will feature wet and dry labs; transitional and active learning classrooms; computer labs; student lounge areas; conference spaces; and student advising spaces. The new building will sit adjacent to the current Technology Building, which opened in 2019. The architect for the new Technology Building is SmithGroup. The builder is Vaughn Construction. The grand opening is planned for 2025.

Find more information and a link to register at https://join.houstonmethodist.org/w/event/6 4c431e773b817029389e 6bc?page_id=64 c431ef6 1f285081eecc9a5.

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CHAMBER FROM PAGE 1

Whitbeck said “I think it starts with a very clear message from the top.” She referenced the district’s recently adopted new Student Code of Conduct, which she said makes it clear that bullying is not tolerated. “You have to make it clear that there are strong consequences, and we will carry those out.” Whitbeck said parents need to be receptive to their children who might indicate that they are suffering from bullying. Nivens, standing up to make his point more strongly, said bullying at school is reflective of wider issues in the culture. “Our students are bullying each other because the adults bully each other. They see their parents doing it,” he said. Students see their parents yelling at school bus drivers for being late, or “cursing out the principal,” or spreading misinformation on social media. “Until we as a society say enough is enough from the adults, we can’t expect our kids to do it,” he said to the applause of the audience. Rice asked the superintendents how they are going about hiring new teachers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the “Great Resignation” that followed; that is, people leaving their jobs or even their professions. “I was that kid who really needed a teacher,” Nivens, an Oklahoma native, said. “I became a superintendent so I could micromanage who

gets in front of my kids.” The quality of the person who is a good teammate is more important than how well they may know the particular subject matter. “I have to make sure that this adult is taking care of my kids,” he said. Rice asked Bostic about the award-winning robotics program he instituted at Stafford shortly after he arrived a decade ago. “I have a passion for making sure that every child has the same opportunity to get the same education that I did,” Bostic said. “Part of my job is to level the playing field. I believe that every one of those kids deserves a chance to be successful.” Rice asked Whitbeck about her journey from being a teacher and a principal -- who opened three separate schools in her career -- to becoming a superintendent. “Teaching is the most important profession in the world, I think. Every career starts with good teachers that taught the children and the teenagers along the way, and then in higher ed,” she said. “I am still a teacher, but I just have a really big classroom,” she said, as she works to communicate within the district and with the public. “I think our moral imperative right now is we need to elevate this profession,” she said, so that new teachers feel as excited about their role as she did when she was teaching. She noted that teachers in Texas are leaving the profession faster than new ones are being certified. “If we don’t work collectively together, we will not

have the teachers we need,” Whitbeck said. Rice asked the superintendents how they felt the state STARR assessment exam does at measuring the academic progress of pupils. The STARR exam is the primary school accountability measure in Texas. “None of us shy away from accountability,” Nivens said. “My concern is that the STARR exam is ‘the way’ and it’s not ‘a way’,” noting that he himself was a “horrible test taker” when he was a student. “We can have other ways to make sure the students are mastering the content. Because at the end of the day, we just want to make sure that you know what you need to know so you can be successful in life,” he said. Whitbeck said that schools and school districts should be judged on how well they are providing a “balanced” education to students, such as the range of programs they offer and whether they are “creating good citizens.” “We just need to make sure that we’re balancing STARR with everything else that matters,” she said. Bostic expanded on Whitbeck’s comments. “We really do have to remember who we’re serving first. We’re serving children. They’re people, they’re not robots, they’re not test-takers, they’re human being,” he said. “And so, if we don’t lose sight of who they are, and what they are, then we won’t be defined by the things that are assessing them.”

Fort Bend libraries offer demonstrations of online access to news outlets Staff Reports Fort Bend County Libraries offers online access to a variety of news outlets from around the world, making millions of full-text articles from newspapers, journals, magazines, newswires, transcripts, and blogs available free to library cardholders for research or daily use. With professional subscriptions to different digital services, Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) enables library cardholders to access online current and past editions of publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Houston Chronicle, and many more. FBCL’s NewspaperARCHIVE database specializes in small- to mid-sized newspapers and contains millions of newspaper pages from all over the world from as far back as the year 1607 to the present. FBCL’s NewsBank subscription includes access to two online databases – America’s News and Acceda Noticias (Access News) – which means library users can access articles from local, state, regional, and national news sources, as well as Spanish-language

T H E M O N T H LY

BUSINESS MAGAZINE Digital Version on Fortbendstar.com 713-371-3740 • AWILLIAMS@TXSTREETMEDIA .COM

news from the U.S. and abroad. FBCL’s Flipster service enables library cardholders to browse digital versions of the latest issues of popular magazines for adults, teens, and children, courtesy of the library. The collection includes more than 65 titles, such as Forbes, Essence, Car & Driver, Highlights, Zoobooks, and many more. Throughout the month of October, demonstrations of these news and magazine online resources are taking place at library locations around the county, but library users are welcome to inquire about the resources at any time. he remaining demonstrations will take place at the following locations: October 18, 2-3 p.m. – First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land). This demonstration will provide an overview of all online newspaper/magazine options. October 24, 2-3 p.m. – Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City). This demonstration will provide an overview of all online newspaper/magazine options. Registration is required.

October 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy). This demonstration will provide an overview of all online newspaper/magazine options. October 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond). This demonstration will provide an in-depth look at NewspaperARCHIVE, with special focus on its use for family-history research. Registration is required. The demonstrations are free and open to the public. To register for a class, visit Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call FBCL’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • PAGE 3

NOTICE OF ELECTION (AVISO DE ELECCIÓN) To the registered voters Fort Bend County, Texas: (A los votantes registrados del Condado de Fort Bend, Texas) An Election is Ordered to be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 for voting in the Fort Bend Independent School District “FOR” or “AGAINST” the following Proposition: (Se ordena una elección que será el martes, 7 de noviembre 2023 para votar en el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Fort Bend “A FAVOR” o “EN CONTRA” de la siguiente Proposición) “Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $0.9892 in Fort Bend Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 4.86 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $35.2 million.” (“Ratificar la tasa de impuestos ad valorem (valor proporcional) de $0.9892 en el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Fort Bend para el año en curso, la cual resultará en un aumento del 4.86 por ciento en los ingresos fiscales para el mantenimiento y las operaciones del distrito para el año en curso en comparación con el año anterior, lo que supone una suma adicional de $35.2 millones.”) Applications to vote by mail should be mailed to: (Las solicitudes para votar por correo deben enviarse a) Name of Early Voting Clerk: ............................................................... John Oldham, Fort Bend County Elections Administrator (Nombre del Secretario/a de la Votación Anticipada) Address: ............................................................................................... 301 Jackson St., Richmond, TX 77469 (Dirección) Telephone Number: ............................................................................. 281-341-8670 (Número de teléfono) Email Address: ..................................................................................... vote@fbctx.gov (Dirección de correo electrónico) Early Voting Clerk’s Website: ............................................................. fortbendvotes.org (Sitio web del Secretario/a de Votación Anticipada) Fort Bend ISD Website:....................................................................... fortbendisd.com/VATRE (Sitio web del distrito escolar) The last day to receive an application for a ballot by mail is at the close of business on Friday, October 27, 2023. (El último día para recibir una solicitud para su papeleta de voto por correo será al final de labores el viernes, 27 de octubre 2023) The deadline for receiving ballots by mail is Tuesday, November 7, 2023 no later than 7:00 p.m. (La fecha límite para recibir su papeleta de voto por correo será el martes, 7 de noviembre 2023 a las 7:00 p.m.) Early Voting by Personal Appearance will be conducted as follows: (La votación anticipada mediante comparecencia personal se llevará a cabo de la siguiente manera) Main Early Voting Site: (Sitio principal de votación anticipada) Rosenberg Annex Building 4520 Reading Rd. Rosenberg, TX 77471 Fort Bend ISD elections are conducted pursuant to a Joint Election Agreement with Fort Bend County, which selects the location of Early Voting and Election Day voting centers. (Las elecciones del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Fort Bend se llevan a cabo conforme con un Acuerdo de Elección Conjunta con el Condado de Fort Bend, que selecciona la ubicación de los centros de votación anticipada y del día de las elecciones.) Early Voting polling place locations and hours the polls will be open are included as Attachment A. (Las ubicaciones de los centros de votación anticipada y las horas en que estarán abiertos se incluyen en el Anexo A.) Election Day polling place locations are included as Attachment B and shall be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Las ubicaciones de los centros de votación el día de las elecciones se incluyen en el Anexo B y estarán abiertos de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m.) Issued this 10th day of October, 2023 (Emitido este día 10 de octubre 2023)

Fort Bend County Early Voting Schedule

November 7, 2023 Constitutional Amendment and Special Election Calendario de votación anticipada del condado de Fort Bend 7 de noviembre de 2023 Emmienda constitucional y elección especial

Hours (Horas)

Early Voting Location

Monday-Friday October 23 – 27, 2023 (lunes-viernes) (23 – 27 de octubre, 2023)

Saturday October 28, 2023 (sábado) (28 de octubre, 2023)

Sunday October 29, 2023 (domingo) (29 de octubre, 2023)

Monday-Friday October 30 – November 3, 2023 (lunes- viernes) (30 de octubre – 3 de noviembre, 2023)

All Sites are

open

7:00 A.M.

12:00 noon

7:00 A.M.

7:00 P.M.

6:00 P.M.

7:00 P.M.

(Todos los sitios

estan abiertos

7:00 A.M.

12:00 media

7:00 A.M.

Para

7:00 P.M.)

6:00 P.M.)

7:00 P.M.)

All Sites are

open

7:00 A.M.

All Sites are

7:00 P.M.

CLOSED

(Todos los sitios estan

(Todos los sitios

abiertos

son cerrado)

7:00 A.M.

Para

7:00 P.M.)

Cinco Ranch Branch Library 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy Clayton Oaks Assisted Living Center 21175 Southwest Freeway, Richmond Commonwealth Clubhouse 4330 Knightsbridge Blvd, Sugar Land Four Corners Community Center 15700 Old Richmond Rd, Sugar Land Jacks Conference Center 3232 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land Jones Creek Ranch Park 7714 FM Rd 359, Richmond Jordan High School 27500 Fulshear Bend, Fulshear Kroger Riverstone 18861 University Blvd, Sugar Land Meadows Place City Hall 1 Troyan Dr, Meadows Place Missouri City Visitors Center 1522 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City Pinnacle Senior Center 5525 Hobby St, Houston Quail Valley Fund Office 3603 Glenn Lakes Ln, Missouri City Road and Bridge (Needville) 3743 School St, Needville Roberts Middle School 9230 Charger Way, Fulshear Rosenberg Annex Building (MAIN EARLY VOTING SITE) 4520 Reading Rd, Rosenberg Sienna Annex 5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City Tompkins High School 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd, Katy Beasley City Hall 319 S 3rd Street, Beasley Bowie Middle 700 Plantation Dr, Richmond Chasewood Clubhouse 7622 Chasewood Dr, Missouri City Fort Bend ISD Administration Bldg. 16431 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land George Memorial Library 1001 Golfview Dr, Richmond Hightower High School 3333 Hurricane Ln, Missouri City Lost Creek Conference Center 3703 Lost Creek Blvd, Sugar Land Reese Technical Center 12300 University Dr, Sugar Land Richmond Water Maintenance Facility 110 N 8th Street, Richmond

All Sites are open 7:00 A.M. To 7:00 P.M. (Todos los sitios estan abiertos 7:00 A.M. Para 7:00 P.M.)

Sugar Land Branch Library 550 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land

Approved By Commissioners Court

Revised 09/08/23

ATTACHMENT A ANEXO A CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Constitutional Amendment and Special Election November 7, 2023 Election Day Voting Centers COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE

Voting Location

Enmienda constitucional y Elección Especial noviembre 7, 2023 Centros de votación el día de las elecciones ADDRESS

CITY

ZIP

Beasley City Hall

CITY HALL BACK BOARDROOM

319 S. Third Street

BEASLEY, TX

77417

Bowie Middle School

Main Hallway by Gym

700 Plantation Dr

RICHMOND, TX

77406

Brazos Bend Baptist Church

Education Building

22311 FM 762 Rd

NEEDVILLE, TX

77461

Briarchase Missionary Bapt Ch.

Fellowship hall

16000 Blueridge Rd

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77489

Calvary Baptist Church

Fellowship Hall

4111 Airport Ave

ROSENBERG, TX

77471

Chasewood Clubhouse

Level 1 (Clubhouse Facility)

7622 Chasewood Dr

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77489

Cinco Ranch Branch Library

Meeting Room

2620 Commercial Center Blvd.

KATY, TX

77494

Cinco Ranch Church of Christ

Main Building Foyer

6655 S Mason Road

KATY, TX

77494

Clayton Oaks Assisted Living

Activity Room “Big”

21175 Southwest Freeway

RICHMOND, TX

77469

Clements High School

Auditorium Lobby

4200 Elkins Rd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Commonwealth Clubhouse

Clubhouse

4330 Knightsbridge Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Crockett Middle School

Girls Gym

19001 Beechnut St

RICHMOND, TX

77407

Eagle Heights Church

Foyer

16718 West Bellfort

RICHMOND, TX

77407

Elkins High School

Front lobby

7007 Knights Ct

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Fairgrounds Bldg D

Main Room

4310 Highway 36 S

ROSENBERG, TX

77471

Farmhouse at Harvest Green

Event Hall

3400 Harvest Corner Drive

RICHMOND, TX

77406

Firethorne Community Ass’n

Main Room

28800 S. Firethorne Rd

KATY, TX

77494

Fort Bend ISD Admin. Bldg.

Lobby

16431 Lexington Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Foster High School

Front of Auditorium

4400 FM Rd 723

RICHMOND, TX

77406

Four Corners Community Center

“Sprint Room”

15700 Old Richmond Road

SUGAR LAND, TX

77498

Gallery Furniture

Atrium

7227 W Grand Parkway S

RICHMOND, TX

77407

Garcia Middle School

Gym Area Hallway

18550 Old Richmond Rd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

George Bush High School

Gym Foyer

6707 FM 1464 RD

RICHMOND, TX

77407

George Memorial Library

Large Meeting Room, 1st Floor

1001 Golfview Dr

RICHMOND, TX

77469

Great Oaks Baptist Church

Parish Hall

7101 FM 2759 Rd

RICHMOND, TX

77469

Hightower High School

Front Lobby

3333 Hurricane Ln

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Hunters Glen Elementary School

Gym

695 Independence Blvd

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Imperial Park Recreation Center

Meeting Room

234 Matlage Way

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

Jacks Conference Center

Main Room

3232 Austin Pkwy

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Jones Creek Ranch Park

Main Room

7714 FM 359 Rd

RICHMOND, TX

77406

Jordan High School

Gym Lobby

27500 Fulshear Bend Dr

FULSHEAR, TX

77441

Joy Lutheran Church

Parish Hall

717 FM 359 Rd

RICHMOND, TX

77406

Kempner High School

Side hallway thru student park

14777 Voss Rd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77498

Kendleton Church of God

ED Building

619 FM 2919 Rd

KENDLETON, TX

77417

Kroger Riverstone

Community Room

18861 University Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Lake Olympia Club House

Ballroom

180 Island Blvd

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Lantern Lane Elementary School

cafeteria

3323 Mission Valley Dr

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Lexington Creek Elementary School

Gymnasium

2335 Dulles Ave

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Lindsey Elementary

Library

2431 Joan Collier Trace

KATY, TX

77494

Living Word Lutheran Church

Life Center - Courtyard Side

3700 South Mason Road

KATY, TX

77450

Lost Creek Conference Center

Main Room

3703 Lost Creek Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

M.R. Massey Admin. Bldg.

Event Space

1570 W. Sycamore Rd

FRESNO, TX

77545

Maryam Islamic Center

Multi-purpose Area/Room

504 Sartartia Rd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Meadows Place City Hall

Council Chambers

1 Troyan Dr

MEADOWS PLACE, TX

77477

Merrell Center

Meeting Rooms

6301 S Stadium Ln

KATY, TX

77494

Mission Bend Library

Meeting Room

8421 Addicks Clodine Rd

HOUSTON, TX

77083

Missouri City Baptist Church

Multipurpose Building

16816 Quail Park Dr

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77489

Missouri City Visitors Center

Main Room

1522 Texas Parkway

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77489

Museum of Natural Science

Snack Bar

13016 University Blvd.

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Mustang Community Center

Classroom

4521 FM 521 Rd

FRESNO, TX

77545

Orchard City Hall

Room # 7

9714 Kibler

ORCHARD, TX

77464

Our Lady of Guadalupe Fam Life C

Family Life Center

1600 Ave D

ROSENBERG, TX

77471

Pecan Grove MUD Admin Bldg

Main Conference Room

751 Pitts Road

RICHMOND, TX

77406

Pinnacle Senior Center

Multi-purpose Room

5525 Hobby St

HOUSTON, TX

77053

Quail Valley Elementary School

Main Room

3500 Quail Village Dr

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Constitutional Amendment and Special Election November 7, 2023 Election Day Voting Centers

Enmienda constitucional y Elección Especial noviembre 7, 2023 Centros de votación el día de las elecciones

COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE

Voting Location

ADDRESS

CITY

ZIP

Quail Valley Fund Office

Board Room

3603 Glenn Lakes Ln

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Randle High School

Front of Auditorium

7600 Koeblen Road

RICHMOND, TX

77469

Reese Tech Ctr

B116 - Physical Therapy Room

12300 University Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Richmond Water Mnt. Facility

1st room to the right

110 N 8th St

RICHMOND, TX

77469

Ridge Point High School

Gym Foyer

500 Waters Lake Blvd.

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Ridgegate Community Ass’n

Main Room

5855 West Ridgecreek Dr

HOUSTON, TX

77489

Ridgemont Early Childhood Ctr

Extended Day Room

5353 Ridgecreek Circle

HOUSTON, TX

77053

River Park Recreation Ctr.

Rec Center

5875 Summit Crk Drive

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Road and Bridge (Needville)

Meeting Room

3743 School St

NEEDVILLE, TX

77461

Roberts Middle School

9th Grade Annex - Gym

9230 Charger Way

FULSHEAR, TX

77441

Rosenberg Annex Building

varies

4520 Reading Rd

ROSENBERG, TX

77471

Rosenberg City Hall

City Hall Council Chamber

2110 Fourth Street

ROSENBERG, TX

77471

Sartartia Middle School

Front Area

8125 Homeward Way

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Seven Lakes High School

PAC Lobby or Gym Lobby

9251 S Fry Rd

KATY, TX

77494

Sienna Annex

Community Room

5855 Sienna Springs Way

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77459

Simonton City Hall

Meeting Room

35011 FM 1093

SIMONTON, TX

77476

Stafford City Hall

Large Conference Room

2610 S Main St

STAFFORD, TX

77477

Sugar Creek Country Club

Ballroom

420 Sugar Creek Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

Sugar Lakes Clubhouse

Clubhouse

930 Sugar Lakes Dr

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

Sugar Land Branch Library

Meeting Room

550 Eldridge Rd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

Sugar Land Church of God

Fellowship Hall

1715 Eldridge Rd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77478

Sugar Land City Hall

Lobby

2700 Town Center Blvd N

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

Thompsons City Hall

Community Center

520 Thompson Oil Field Road

THOMPSONS, TX

77481

Tompkins High School

PAC Lobby or Gym Lobby

4400 Falcon Landing Blvd

KATY, TX

77494

Townewest Towne Hall

Main Room

10322 Old Towne Ln

SUGAR LAND, TX

77498

University Branch Library

Meeting Room 1

14010 University Blvd

SUGAR LAND, TX

77479

All Polling Places open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Todos los lugares de votación abren de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m Revised 09/08/23

ATTACHMENT B ANEXO B

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • PAGE 5

EDITORIAL

Let’s talk about speaking lection of classic photos lying on his bed depicting some of the more notable songwriters from days gone by. When I inquired why he’d ripped these pages out of my Rolling Stone magazine, he said, “I don’t know.” I was puzzled. I considered this answer inadequate. I persisted. “Dude. What do you mean you don’t know? It’s not like I’m asking you which of the world’s many religions is, in fact, the one true faith.” He cast his eyes reminding me clearly how much of a dad I was being. Finally, he said, “I guess I’ve just heard you mention these musicians and I’ve heard their names a lot.” Then he said, “I only have enough room on the wall for one more. Do you think I should hang Bowie or Bob Dylan.” I’ll let that one pass. Fast forward seven years. I sent my kid a text that included a single word which had somehow seeped into that atmospherically hazy, vacuous orb he calls a brain. He still recalls that word. It

By Mark Garay MARKGARAY426@GMAIL.COM

So I turned myself to face me / But I’ve never caught a glimpse / Of how the others must see the faker / I’m much too fast to take that test ~ David Bowie, “Changes”

ome people call Bowie a genius. And while this particular tune for me is dreadfully commercialized, there’s juicy nuance and ample room for interpretation.

When my boy was 16, I was surprised to see a col-

was “bogantoss”, which refers to flat or bad waves. I grew up on the West Coast. Our surfer culture had created words out of nowhere that somehow we all agreed were legitimate conversational currency. We had a whole host of slang terms to describe everything from surfboard shapes to swimsuits to water conditions. It only occurred to me when I moved out of state that surfer talk is basically Arabic to any American east of Fresno. People in the Pacific Northwest thought I was nuts too. Yeah right. They didn’t even say soda. They said “pop”. It became apparent that basic words and phrasing, like dialects, are unique to region and culture. My surf words meant nothing where there were no beaches. I didn’t know. I was young, naive and woefully dumb. According to the website Shorelight.com, pop and youth culture, and especially social media increasingly drive this factory of new

words and phrases. One need look no farther than Snoop Dog’s influence on our spoken word to understand how arbitrary and random creating language is. Dictionary. com defines the noun “slang” as “very informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language…” Okay. I just call it jive. Either way, it occurred to me that slang is worthy of a deeper examination, since Texans in Fort Bend County may have different flavors of communication than those in Fredricksburg. And because my son didn’t know bogantoss. Slang, as it turns out, is interesting. It is influenced considerably by immigration patterns and historical events. Ethnic and social majority cultures appropriate things like slang from minority cultures. And it can be as unique as it is undeterminable. Slang is kind

of an everyman response to what’s going on. In the 1950s, atomic science lent itself to the phrase “going nuclear” to describe a temper tantrum. Remember how all the post office shootings in the 80s led to “going postal”? “Far out” was birthed from the 60s space race. It should be no surprise either that regional slangism is similarly dedicated to cultural and political moods. In New Orleans “Mom’n’em” means “Mom and them”. “Yinz” means “everyone” in Pittsburgh. In Northern California, you’ll hear “hella”, which translates to roughly, “a lot of ”. Wisconsin uses “whoopensocker”, meaning “outstanding” (I can’t imagine German didn’t influence that one). And if you ever watched an episode of “The Sopranos, you know that “gabagool” is New Jersey slang for pork cold cuts. Generation Z calls you “sleeping on” if you’re missing out on something good. “Yeet” is a positive generic

exclamation. And the Fonz might surrender to the current word for “cool”, which is “slay”. Texas has a litany of slang that to us isn’t really slang. I’ve seen reactions to Texans who refer to boiled as “bald”. “all git out” to express amazement. And, of course, the one Fort Bend has adopted, “fixin”. No explanation required. Slang helps identify us as part of a unique subset. It is a common language to people with similar experiences. And slang can instantly transform a formal conversation to a more conversational form. In some cases, it is used to directly challenge the status quo. And in my opinion, it’s “freaking” hilarious. Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta hop my ride, land the crib, and find a fasina snow bunny. Later. Garay, a retired television news professional and longtime Fort Bend County resident, can be reached at MarkGaray426@gmail.com

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Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY

METHODIST CHURCH

EPISCOPAL

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602

A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Rd. -Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

Introduce Your Congregation to the Community with a listing in our Worship Directory

Call Anqunette for more information

713.371.3740

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 Stephen Higley, Preacher Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordcoc.com

Scripture of the week

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” - MATTHEW 21:22

aCrOss

1. Mythological bird 4. Norwegian sea inlets 10. Military mailbox 11. Curved span 12. One hundred grams 14. Chest muscle (slang) 15. Old Portuguese pennies 16. Remove connection 18. Gas storage container 19. Conakry is the capital 20. Erstwhile 24. W. Australian capital 26. Dr. Laura’s initials 27. Death notice 28. Irtysh River city 30. So. Am. country 31. Last in an large series 34. Term for alternative musical passage 36. 12 37. A nestling hawk or falcon 39. Vice president 40. Detailed criteria for

a piece of work 41. Six 42. Gossipy 46. Relating to the body 48. Incendiary liquid used in firebombs 51. Plunder 52. Niger capital 53. Game of chukkas 54. Genus Hedera 55. Government prosecutor 56. Plural of genus 58. Born of 59. Livebearers tropical fishes 60. Doctor of Education

dOwn

1. Plundering 2. Can-_____, kitchen tool 3. Crested Australian parrot 4. 4th tone of scale 5. Author of “The Rings” 6. Mains 7. Major European river 8. PC publishing 9. 40th state

12. A tight embrace 13. Large African antelope 17. Impertinence 21. Wild Eurasian mountain goat 22. City in Malaysia 23. Small ornamental bag 25. Nelson’s ship 29. Point midway between S and SE 31. “Untouchables” Elliot 32. Misprint 33. Heme 35. Italian mountain range 38. Surgical knife 41. Purple 43. Forfeited 44. Fixed a female cat 45. An edible tuberous root 47. Formerly included in genus Cedrela 49. Headed up 50. Soft shelled clam genus 56. Country doctor 57. Equally

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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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Lynn Ashby Columnist

By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET

OST OAK SOMEWHERE – I am looking for a restaurant named Alexander’s which was formerly an Italian eatery called the Italian Eatery and before that Chicos’s Tex-Mex, Bob Rob BBQ and Fat Dung Sushi Bar & Arc Welding Spa. There must be a major industry in the Houston area renaming and redecorating restaurants. This one’s address is given as Uptown Park Boulevard which seems to be off Uptown Circle just down from Uptown Downtown. I drive up to a valet parker sandwiching an RV between two SUVs the size of school busses. Above the sound of scrapes and chrome splin-

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What’s in a name? ters, I ask him, “Where is Alexander’s?” He smiles. “Alexander no work here no more.” I drive on. I spot another valet parker. Same question. “Go down to Uptown Plaza and turn on to Uptown Street.”

Have you had this problem? Is there a city limit on street names because we keep using same ones over and over again? Just south of Uptown, but not downtown, is Post Oak Park. You can drive down Post Oak Boulevard to Post Oak Drive, turn onto Post Oak Street or maybe it’s Post Oak Lane. I read about a new restaurant, Olaf’s Norwegian Fish Co. (formerly Igloo Muckluck’s Frozen Alaskan Tundra Café, formerly Matilda’s Australian Kangaroo Steak House which used to be a vacant lot that changed its name three times) on Post Oak Oaks. I have no idea where that is. The Post Oak area is the size of Rhode Island and every street has the same first name followed by Street, Lane, Detour or Dead End. Thus we have an even dozen versions of Post Oak. Briar is among the worst. Whoever developed the Briar Briar neighborhood had a limited vocabulary. Ever wanted to visit a friend in

Briar Park? Which Briar? Drop breadcrumbs on your way in or you’ll never find your way out. We have 56 streets with Briar in the name. Developers building houses in west Houston thought it would be upscale to name their streets after those in River Oaks. So we have Del Monte and Chevy Chase and such streets west of Loop 610 which are miles from those River Oaks streets laid out by the Hogg brothers in the 1920s. Driving west on Westheimer (is there an Eastheimer?) you come to an intersection where Voss is to your right but Hillcroft is to your left. Same street. This brings up the question: can residents in Fort Bend County drive northeast on the Southwest Freeway? Only if it handles two-way traffic. If you wander around downtown looking at street names, it’s like ticking off a Who’s Who and What of Texas history. Congress Avenue? Because the Republic of Texas Congress met there. Our capitol building was where the Rice Lofts now live. San Jacinto, Fannin, Crawford (there are several candidates, but we’ll choose William Carrol Crawford, the last surviving signer

of the Texas Declaration of Independence). I don’t know who Main was but he has a street named to honor him. Then we have Lamar, Rusk, Wharton, (Deaf pronounced Deef) Smith, McKinney, Milam, Travis, but who was Prairie? Still, our founders did a good job in naming streets appropriate to our story. But some historical names are no longer politically correct. Nathan Bedford Forrest was a Confederate general. The street named after him is no longer acceptable. It was renamed, I think to Benedict Arnold Avenue. But what Japanese developer thought up Bataan Drive? One of our most historic roads is San Felipe which ran along the south side of Buffalo Bayou. It was, obviously, the road to Stephen F. Austin’s colony, San Felipe de Austin, near today’s Sealy. You can pronounce the road San Full-LEAPee or San Ful-LEAP (no ee), either is correct, but never San FILL-uh-pee, Pilgrim. Old Spanish Trail was once called just Spanish Trail. No, wise guy, Buffalo Speedway was not where early Houstonian raced buffalo, but there was a speedway nearby. Westheimer is also

State Highway 1093. It is the only road I can find which was donated to the city. M.L. Westheimer was an early entrepreneur who built a five-mile shell road from his home and businesses west of the city into the town, then gave the road to Houston in1894. On Christmas Eve of 1837 word arrived in Houston that the Mexican Army was returning. As Houston was the capital, we had embassies here. The U.S. ambassador, a Mr. Labranche who lived in “a good cabin,” offered “protection of the flag if necessary” to his Texas friends. The Mexican Army never arrived, but this story may explain how LaBranch Street got its name although with a different spelling. This brings us to Louis F. Aulbach and Linda C. Gorski, who have written extensively about Houston’s history. (Stealing from one source is called plagiarism, stealing from many is called research. This article has been thoroughly researched.) They report that the original name of Shepherd Drive was Shepherd’s Dam Road, after the dam at that location. As for Allen Parkway, it sounds like a Monopoly

property, but Aulbach and Gorski say Allen Parkway was originally named Buffalo and the village of Frost Town was populated almost entirely by Germans. Hedwig Village is an example. It was originally part of the John D. Taylor and Isaac Bunker (Bunker Hill?) property. The community was later settled largely by Germans, and was named for nearby Hedwig Road, built on land donated by Hedwig Jankowski Schroeder, who migrated from Germany. Incidentally, the Astrodome is officially named the Harris County Domed Stadium. Now it’s called “an eyesore.” Houston was not originally named Hugh’s Town even though Howard Hughes owned most of it. Sugar Land is pretty obvious – there was a lot of sugar there, with factories and sugar people and such. But the musical group which calls itself Sugarland makes it one word. When forming the band the gang interviewed a gal who said she was from Sugar Land, Texas. They loved it. Ah, here’s Alexander’s. It’s now called Post Oak Briar. Ashby is named at ashby2@comcast.net

George Memorial Library George Memorial Library to offer 'Genealogy Lockto host program on When it Renaissance art on Oct. 21 in" on Oct. 20 comes to local advertising Staff Reports

This fall, Fort Bend County Libraries is presenting an educational series focusing on “Art & Architecture”. The next program in the series, “Art & Architecture: Renaissance,” will take place on Saturday, October 21, from 2-4 p.m., in Room 2A of George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond. In this segment in the series, architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will discuss Renaissance art, from the Early Renaissance period’s rebirth of classicism in 1400 to the High Renaissance period of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael (1490s to 1527). Attendees will learn how Florence, Italy, became the “Cradle of Renaissance Art” and how the Medici family of merchants and bankers influenced the

period by becoming patrons of Florentine art. Akhtar will also discuss the art of Masaccio, Donatello, and Brunelleschi.

Architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will lead a program on Renaissance art at George Memorial Library on Oct. 21. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries

Akhtar is an assistant professor of architecture at Prairie View A&M University. She received her

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Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and taught art and architecture history for 20 years. She has practiced as an architect in the United States, England, Scotland, Jordan, and Pakistan. She is the author of “Of Colour and Form” and numerous articles on art and architecture. The monthly series will continue in December with a program on Baroque architecture at the Sugar Land Branch Library and with a program on Gothic cathedrals at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), or call George Memorial Library (281342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

LOOKING FOR LOCAL EVENTS?

Staff Reports In recognition of FamilyHistory Month in October, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy & Local History Department at George Memorial Library will join the Genealogy Network of Texas in a state-wide, collaborative “Genealogy Lock-In” for family-history buffs on Friday, October 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond. A series of teleconferences with topics of interest to family-history researchers will be live-streamed throughout the day. Participants may attend to view all the sessions, or they may choose to view individual sessions. The schedule is as follows: • 10:30-11:30 a.m. – “Linking the Generations with Court & Land Records,” presented by “The Legal Genealogist” Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL. Learn how to use court and land records to confirm links between generations. This presentation is sponsored by the Texas Research Ramblers Genealogical Society. • 11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m. – “Tame the Chaos Tiger: Organize Your Records & Research,” presented by

Susan Ball, President of the Texas State Genealogical Society. Learn about tools that are helpful for organizing one’s genealogical research and get tips on formulating a research plan. • 1:05-2:05 p.m. – “Uncover Your Family’s Story Using the Periodical Source Index (PERSI),” presented by Elizabeth Hodges, senior librarian in the Genealogy Center at the Allen County (IN) Public Library. Produced by the staff of The Genealogy Center and recently made free to the public, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is the premier subject index for genealogy and local-history periodicals. Learn tips and tricks for making the most efficient use of this family-history research tool. • 2:20-3:20 p.m. – “Placing Your DNA Matches on Your Tree,” presented by Ryan Russell, genetic genealogist with Open Door Genetics. Learn strategies for identifying your DNA matches and determining your common ancestors. Gain a better understanding of your DNA matches and how they can lead to new discoveries. • 3:35-4:35 p.m. – “Checking on Czech Immigrants to the Unit-

ed States,” presented by Heather Mecham, research specialist for FamilySearch. Identifying the town name of an immigrant ancestor is key to discovering Czech roots. Many U.S. records can reveal an immigrant’s place of origin. This class highlights U.S. record types that are key to Czech research. Learn about FamilySearch resources such as Czechia Guided Research, which can help locate the correct Czech Archive once a town name is known. Lunch is not included, but those attending the workshop are welcome to bring a lunch with them. Co-sponsored by the Central Texas Genealogical Society, the Texas State Genealogical Society, and the Genealogy Network of Texas, the workshop is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department at 281-341-2608.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com NOTICE OF ELECTION TO THE RESIDENT, QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE STAFFORD MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a bond election will be held in such DISTRICT, on November 7, 2023, in accordance with the following order: ORDER CALLING VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE ELECTION WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Stafford Municipal School District (the “District”) has adopted the District’s tax rate for the current year (the “Adopted Tax Rate”); and WHEREAS, Section 26.08(a), Texas Tax Code provides that if the Adopted Tax Rate exceeds the District’s voter-approval tax rate (as described in Section 26.08(n), Texas Tax Code), the registered voters of the District must determine whether to approve the Adopted Tax Rate at an election held for that purpose; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of Section 26.08, Texas Tax Code, each of the Board and the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Stafford Texas (the “City”) determines that it is necessary and appropriate to call an election to ratify the Adopted Tax Rate (the “Election”); and WHEREAS, the Board finds that ratification of the Adopted Tax Rate at the Election and the levy thereof would maximize state funding to the District under current funding formulas; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.184(b), Texas Education Code, the Board has conducted an efficiency audit before seeking voter approval at the Election; and WHEREAS, the City may enter into one or more election agreements (the “Election Agreements”) with Fort Bend County, Texas (the “County”), by and through the County’s elections administrator (the “Administrator”) and possibly other political subdivisions, in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas (the “State”) and applicable federal law; and WHEREAS, each of the Board and the City Council finds and declares that the respective meetings of the Board and City Council at which this Joint Order and Ordinance is considered is open to the public, and that the public notice of the time, place and purpose of the meeting was given, as required by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE STAFFORD MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF STAFFORD, TEXAS: Section 1. Call of Election; Date; Eligible Electors; and Hours. The Election shall be held on November 7, 2023 (“Election Day”), which is seventy-eight (78) or more days from the date of the adoption of this Joint Order and Ordinance, within and throughout the territory of the District at which all resident, qualified electors of the District shall be entitled to vote. Each of the

Board and the City Council hereby finds that holding the Election on such date is in the public interest. The hours during which the polling places are to be open on Election Day shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

4141-1796-4361.2

Section 2. Voting Precincts; Polling Places; and Election Officers. Except as otherwise provided herein, the boundaries and territories of the respective county election precincts that are wholly or partially within the territorial boundaries of the District are hereby designated as the voting precincts of the District for the Election and the precinct numbers for the District’s election precincts shall be the corresponding county precinct number of each precinct. The Election Day polling places shall be as shown in Exhibit A to this Joint Order and Ordinance. The precinct judges and alternate judges for the Election shall be appointed in accordance with the Texas Election Code (the “Election Code”). In the event that the Mayor or the Mayor’s designees shall determine from time to time that (a) a polling place hereafter designated shall become unavailable or unsuitable for such use, or it would be in the District’s best interests to relocate such polling place, or (b) a presiding judge or alternate presiding judge hereafter designated shall become unqualified or unavailable, the Mayor or the Mayor’s designees are hereby authorized to designate and appoint in writing a substitute polling place, presiding judge or alternate presiding judge, and correct or modify the exhibits to this Joint Order and Ordinance, giving such notice, if any, as is required by the Election Code and as deemed sufficient.

STAFFORD MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - PROPOSITION A

Section 4. Ballots. The ballots shall conform to the requirements of the Election Code and shall have written or printed thereon the following: STAFFORD MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - PROPOSITION A [ ] FOR 4141-1796-4361.1

[ ] AGAINST

) ) ) ) ) )

Section 9. Delivery of Voted Ballots; Counting; Tabulation; Canvassing of Returns; Declaring Results. The ballots shall be counted by one or more teams of election officers assigned by the presiding judges, each team to consist of two or more election officers. After completion of his or her responsibilities under the Election Code, including the counting of the voted ballots and the tabulation of the results, the presiding judge shall make a written return of the Election results to the City Council in accordance with the Election Code. The City Council shall canvass the returns and declare the results of the Election. If a majority of the resident, qualified electors of the District voting at the Election, including those voting early, shall vote in favor of the Proposition, then the tax rate for the current year shall be the rate adopted by the Board. If the Proposition is not approved, then the Board may not adopt a rate that exceeds the District’s voter-approval tax rate. Section 10. Training of Election Officials. Pursuant to the Election Code, a public school of instruction for all election officers and clerks may be held as arranged or contracted by the Administrator. Section 11. Notice of Election. Notice of the Election shall be given in the manner required by the Election Code and other applicable law. To the extent required by law, each notice of the Election shall include the District’s internet website address, which is https://www.staffordmsd.org/. Section 12. Notice of Meeting. Each of the Board and the City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Joint Order and Ordinance 4 is adopted was posted on a bulletin board located 4141-1796-4361.1 at a place convenient to the public at the District’s administrative offices for a least seventy-two (72) hours preceding the scheduled time of the meeting; that a telephonic or telegraphic notice of such meeting was given to all news media who have consented to pay any and all expenses incurred by the District in connection with providing such notice, both as required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended; and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during which this Joint Order and Ordinance and the subject matter thereof was discussed, considered and formally acted upon. Section 13. Authority of the Mayor. The Mayor and the Mayor’s designees shall have the authority to take, or cause to be taken, all reasonable or necessary actions to ensure that the Election is fairly held and returns properly counted and tabulated for canvass by the Board, which actions are hereby ratified and confirmed. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, the Mayor and the Mayor’s designees are hereby authorized to complete and update, as necessary, the exhibits attached hereto with any alterations or changes in or additions to the polling locations and other information, as necessary. Section 14. Necessary Actions. To satisfy in a timely manner all of the District's obligations under this Joint Order and Ordinance, the President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the District and all other appropriate officers and agents of the District are hereby authorized and directed to do any and all things necessary and/or convenient to carry out the terms and purposes of this Joint Order and Ordinance. The Mayor and City Council of the City, in consultation with the City’s attorney and bond counsel, are hereby authorized and directed to take any and all actions necessary to comply with the provisions of the Election Code and the Federal Voting Rights Act in carrying out and conducting the Election, whether PASSED AND APPROVED this 21st day of August, 2023.or not expressly authorized herein. Section 15.AND Effective Date. this This21st Joint Order and Ordinance PASSED APPROVED day of August, 2023. is effective immediately upon its passage and approval. [Signature pages follow]

/s/ Manuel Hinojosa PASSED AND APPROVED this 21st day of August, 2023. President, Board of Trustees Stafford Municipal School District /s/ Manuel Hinojosa President, Board of Trustees Stafford Municipal School District /s/ Manuel Hinojosa President, Board of Trustees Stafford Municipal School District

ATTEST: ATTEST:

/s/ Ash Hamirani Secretary, Board of Trustees ATTEST: Stafford Municipal SchoolAPPROVED District this August 21, 2023. /s/ AshPASSED Hamirani AND PASSED APPROVED this August 21, 2023. Secretary, Board of AND Trustees this August 21, 2023. Stafford PASSED Municipal AND SchoolAPPROVED District /s/ Ash Hamirani /s/ Ken Mathew 5 Secretary, Board of Trustees 4141-1796-4361.1 /s/Mathew, Ken Mathew Ken Mayor Stafford Municipal School District Ken Mathew, Mayor

ATTEST: ATTEST: ATTEST: /s/ Roxanne Benitez /s/ Roxanne Benitez Roxanne Benitez, City Secretary Roxanne Benitez, City Secretary /s/ Roxanne Benitez City of Stafford, Texas City of Stafford, Roxanne Benitez,Texas City Secretary City of Stafford, Texas

/s/ of Ken MathewTexas City Stafford, City Mathew, of Stafford, Texas Ken Mayor City of Stafford, Texas

EXHIBIT B

FORT BEND COUNTY EARLY VOTING POLLING LOCATIONS AND TIMES

Section 5. Voting. Electronic voting machines may be used in holding and conducting the Election on Election Day; provided, however, in the event the use of such electronic voting machines is not practicable, the Election may be conducted on Election Day by the use of paper ballots (except as otherwise provided in this section). Electronic voting machines or paper ballots may be used for early voting by personal appearance (except as otherwise provided in this section). As required by the Election Code, the City shall provide at least one accessible voting system in each polling place used in the Election. Such voting system shall comply with Texas and federal laws establishing the requirement for voting systems that permit voters with physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot. Paper ballots may be used for early voting by mail.

Section 6. Early Voting. For the use of those voters who are entitled by law to vote early by mail, the early voting clerks shall provide each voter with a ballot with instructions to mark the ballot indicating his or her vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” the Proposition. Early voting, both by personal appearance and by mail, will be conducted in accordance with the Election Code. Early voting by personal appearance shall be conducted at the locations, on the dates and at the times as shown in Exhibit B. Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Monday, October 23, 2023 and end on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Signature Page to Joint Order and Ordinance Calling Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election 4141-1796-4361.2

Condado de Fort Bend

Condado de Harris Isabel Longoria Signature Page to Joint Order and Ordinance Calling Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election Harris County Elections Administrator Signature Page to Joint Order and Ordinance Calling Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election 4141-1796-4361.2 P.O. Box 1148 Houston, Texas 77251-1148 4141-1796-4361.2 Signature Page to Joint Order and Ordinance Calling Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election

AVISO DE ELECCIÓN

SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE que se celebrará una elección de bonos en dicho DISTRITO el 7 de noviembre de 2023, de acuerdo con la siguiente orden: ORDEN PARA CONVOCAR UNA ELECCIÓN DE TASA DE IMPUESTO CON 4141-1796-4361.2 APROBACIÓN DE LOS VOTANTES EN VISTA DE QUE la Junta de Síndicos (la “Junta”) del Distrito Escolar Municipal de Stafford (el “Distrito”) ha adoptado la tasa de impuestos del Distrito para el año corriente (la “Tasa de impuestos adoptada”); y EN VISTA DE QUE la Sección 26.08(a) del Código Tributario de Texas dispone que si la Tasa de impuestos adoptada supera la tasa de impuestos con aprobación de los votantes del Distrito (según se describe en la Sección 26.08(n) del Código Tributario de Texas), los votantes registrados del Distrito deben determinar si aprobar o no la Tasa de impuestos adoptada en una elección celebrada para ese propósito; y EN VISTA DE QUE, en conformidad con los requisitos de la Sección 26.08 del Código Tributario de Texas, ambos, la Junta y el Consejo Municipal (el “Consejo”) de la Ciudad de Stafford, Texas (la “Ciudad”) determinan que es necesario y adecuado convocar una elección para ratificar la Tasa de impuestos adoptada (la “Elección”); y EN VISTA DE QUE la Junta halla que la ratificación de la Tasa de impuestos adoptada en la Elección y la imposición de la misma maximizaría los fondos estatales para el Distrito conforme a las fórmulas de financiación actuales; y EN VISTA DE QUE en virtud de la Sección 11.184(b) del Código de Educación de Texas, la Junta realizó una auditoría de eficiencia antes de buscar la aprobación de los votantes en la Elección; y EN VISTA DE QUE la Ciudad puede celebrar uno o más convenios electorales (los “Convenios Electorales”) con cada condado, es decir, el Condado de Fort Bend, Texas y el Condado de Harris, Texas (cada uno, un “Condado” y en conjunto, los “Condados”), a través de los administradores de elecciones de los respectivos Condados u otros funcionarios electorales (en conjunto, los “Administradores”) y posiblemente otras subdivisiones políticas en conformidad con las leyes del Estado de Texas (el “Estado”) y la ley federal aplicable; y EN VISTA DE QUE ambos, la Junta y el Consejo Municipal, hallan y declaran que las respectivas asambleas de la Junta y del Consejo Municipal en la cual se considera esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas está abierta al público, y que se dio aviso público de la hora, el lugar y el propósito de la asamblea, según lo exige el Capítulo 551 del Código de Gobierno de Texas y sus enmiendas; AHORA, POR LO TANTO, JUNTA DE SÍNDICOS DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR MUNICIPAL DE STAFFORD ORDENA Y EL CONSEJO MUNICIPAL DE LA CIUDAD DE STAFFORD, TEXAS DECRETA: 4141-1796-4361.1

Sección 1. Convocación de la elección, fecha, electores elegibles y horarios. Se celebrará la Elección el 7 de noviembre de 2023 (“Día de Elección”), fecha que es setenta y ocho (78) días o más posteriores a la fecha de la adopción de esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas, dentro del Distrito y por todo su territorio en la que todos los votantes habilitados residentes del Distrito tendrán derecho a votar. Por la presente, la Junta y el Consejo Municipal, ambos consideran que celebrar la Elección en dicha fecha es de interés público. El horario en el cual estarán abiertos los lugares de votación el Día de Elección será de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. Sección 2. Precintos electorales; Lugares de votación; y Funcionarios electorales. Salvo que se disponga lo contrario en esta orden, por la presente, los límites y los territorios de los respectivos precintos electorales de los condados que se encuentran parcial o totalmente dentro de los límites territoriales del Distrito son designados como los precintos de votación del Distrito para la Elección y los números de precintos para los precintos electorales del Distrito corresponderán al número de precintos del condado de cada precinto. Los lugares de votación del Día de Elección serán como se muestra en el Anexo A de esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas. Los jueces y los jueces alternos de precintos para la Elección serán designados en conformidad con el Código Electoral de Texas (el “Código Electoral”). En caso de que el Alcalde o sus representantes designados determinaren periódicamente que (a) un lugar de votación designado más adelante deja de estar disponible o de ser adecuado para tal uso, o que sería para el mayor beneficio del Distrito reubicar dicho lugar de votación, o (b) un juez presidente o juez presidente alterno designado más adelante deja de estar habilitado o de estar disponible, por la presente, el Alcalde o sus representantes designados están autorizados a designar por escrito un lugar de votación, un juez presidente o un juez presidente alterno sustitutos, y corregir o modificar los anexos de esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas, dando dicho aviso, si hay alguno, en conformidad con el Código Electoral y según lo consideren suficiente. Sección 3. Proposición. En la Elección se presentará la siguiente proposición (la “Proposición”) ante los votantes habilitados residentes del Distrito: DISTRITO ESCOLAR MUNICIPAL DE STAFFORD - PROPOSICIÓN A ¿Se deberá autorizar a la Junta de Síndicos del Distrito Escolar Municipal de Stafford a imponer una tasa de impuestos ad valorem de $1.027924 por cada $100 de la tasación fiscal gravable de propiedad dentro del Distrito Escolar Municipal de Stafford para el corriente año fiscal, siendo una tasa que se compone de una tasa de impuestos de mantenimiento y operaciones de $0.812700 por cada $100 de dicha tasación fiscal gravable (y la tasa máxima de mantenimiento y operaciones que el Distrito puede imponer en cada año de aquí en adelante, que después quedará sujeta solo a la aprobación anual de la Junta) y una tasa de impuestos para servicio de la deuda de $0.215224 por cada $100 de dicha tasación fiscal gravable (una cantidad que la Junta fija anualmente), que es una tasa de impuestos combinada de $1.027924 que representa un aumento aproximadamente de $365,748 en los ingresos del impuesto de mantenimiento y operaciones para el Distrito en el ciclo escolar 2023-2024 y una cantidad más grande anualmente a partir de entonces, que 2 es aproximadamente ingresos del impuesto de mantenimiento y operaciones 1.13 4141-1796-4361.1 por ciento más altos que la cantidad recaudada el año pasado en virtud de la Sección 26.08 del Código Tributario de Texas y sus enmiendas?

Sección 4. Boletas de votación. Las boletas de votación cumplirán con los requisitos del Código Electoral y tendrán escrito o impreso lo siguiente: DISTRITO ESCOLAR MUNICIPAL DE STAFFORD - PROPOSICIÓN A

[ ] EN CONTRA

) ) ) ) ) ) )

Correo electrónico: VBM@harrisvotes.com Número de teléfono: (713) 755-6965 Fax: (713) 755-4983 Sitio web: www.harrisvotes.com

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A LOS VOTANTES HABILITADOS, RESIDENTES DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR MUNICIPAL DE STAFFORD:

[ ] A FAVOR

Por la presente, la Junta y el Consejo Municipal designan a los Administradores como oficiales de votación anticipada regular. La información de contacto o direcciones de entrega de los Administradores para las solicitudes de boletas para votar por correo postal y otros asuntos relacionados con la elección son las siguientes:

The Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to designate the early voting ballot board and other officers required to conduct early voting for the Election.

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The Board and the City Council hereby jointly appoint the Administrator as the regular early voting clerk. The Administrator’s contact information/delivery addresses for applications for ballots to be voted by mail and other matters related to the Election are as follows: Administrator: John W. Oldham Official Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St. Richmond, Texas 77469 Physical Address: 4520 Reading Road, Ste. A-400 Rosenberg, Texas 77471 E-mail Address: John.oldham@fortbendcountytx.gov (general) vote@fortbendcountytx.gov (ballots by mail) Phone Number: (281) 341-8670 Fax Number: (281) 341-4418 Website Address: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/elections-voterregistration

ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS (Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.)

Section 8. Multilingual Election Materials. All notices, instructions, and ballots pertaining to the Election shall be furnished to voters in English and Spanish (and for voters from Harris County also in Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin), and persons capable of acting as translators in both English and Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin) shall be made available to assist Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin) language speaking voters in understanding and participating in the election process.

Ratifying the2 ad valorem tax rate of $1.027924 per $100 valuation in Stafford Municipal School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 1.13 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $365,748.

Each voter desiring to vote in favor of the Proposition shall mark the ballot indicating “FOR” such Proposition, and each voter desiring to vote against the Proposition shall mark the ballot indicating “AGAINST” such Proposition. Voting will be conducted in accordance with the Election Code.

EXHIBIT A

Section 7. Conduct of Election. The Election shall be conducted by election officers, including the precinct judges and alternate judges or clerks appointed by the Board, in accordance with the Election Agreements, the Education Code, the Election Code and the Constitution and laws of the State and the United States of America. The City Council, the Mayor, and their respective designees, are authorized to enter into, execute and deliver one or more Election Agreements, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Election Code. The terms and provisions of each Election Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Joint Order and Ordinance. To the extent of any conflict between this Joint Order and Ordinance and an Election Agreement, the terms and provisions of the Election Agreement shall prevail, and the City Council, the Mayor, and their respective designees, are authorized to make such corrections, changes, revisions and modifications to this Joint Order and Ordinance, including the exhibits hereto, as are deemed necessary or appropriate to conform to the Election Agreement, to comply with applicable state and federal law and to carry out the intent of the Board and the City, as evidenced by this Joint Order and Ordinance. The Administrator shall be responsible for establishing the central counting station for the ballots cast in the Election and appointing the personnel necessary for such station.

Section 3. Proposition. At the Election there shall be submitted to the resident, qualified electors of the District the following proposition (the “Proposition”):

Shall the Board of Trustees of the Stafford Municipal School District be authorized to levy an ad valorem tax rate of $1.027924 per $100 of the taxable assessed valuation of property within the Stafford Municipal Independent School District for the current tax year, being a rate that is comprised of a maintenance and operations tax rate of $0.812700 per $100 of such taxable assessed valuation (and the maximum rate for maintenance and operations for which the District may levy in each year hereafter, being then subject only to annual Board approval) and a debt service tax rate of $0.215224 per $100 of such taxable assessed value (an amount that is set annually by the Board), which combined tax rate of $1.027924 represents an increase of an approximate $365,748 in maintenance and operations tax revenue to the District in the 2023-2024 school year and a larger amount annually thereafter, which is approximately 1.13 percent higher maintenance and operations tax revenue than the amount collected last year pursuant to Section 26.08, Texas Tax Code, as amended?

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • PAGE 7

Ratificar la tasa del impuesto ad valorem de $1.027924 por cada $100 de tasación en el Distrito Escolar Municipal de Stafford para el corriente año, tasa que producirá en un incremento del 1.13 por ciento en ingresos del impuesto de mantenimiento y operaciones para el Distrito durante el corriente año en comparación con el año anterior, lo que significa $365,748 adicionales.

Sección 5. Votación. Se podrán usar máquinas de votación electrónica para celebrar y llevar a cabo la Elección el Día de la Elección; sin embargo, se dispone que, en caso de que no sea posible el uso de dichas máquinas de votación electrónica, la Elección se pueda celebrar el Día de la Elección mediante el uso de boletas de votación de papel (salvo que se disponga lo contrario en esta sección). Se pueden usar máquinas de votación electrónica o boletas de votación de papel para la votación adelantada en persona (salvo que se disponga lo contrario en esta sección). En conformidad con el Código Electoral, la Ciudad deberá proporcionar por lo menos un sistema de votación de fácil acceso para discapacitados en cada lugar de votación utilizado en la Elección. Dicho sistema de votación cumplirá con las leyes de Texas y federales que establecen el requisito para sistemas de votación que permitan a los votantes con discapacidades físicas emitir un voto secreto. Se podrán usar boletas de papel para la votación adelantada por correo.

Por la presente, se autoriza e instruye a los Administradores a que designen un consejo de boletas de votación anticipada y a los demás funcionarios necesarios para llevar a cabo la votación anticipada de la Elección.

ANEXO A

Sección 7. Celebración de la Elección. La Elección la llevarán a cabo funcionarios electorales, incluidos jueces y jueces alternos o funcionarios de los precintos designados por la Junta, en conformidad con los Convenios Electorales, el Código de Educación, el Código Electoral y la Constitución y leyes del Estado y de los Estados Unidos de América. El Consejo Municipal, el Alcalde y sus respectivos representantes designados están autorizados a celebrar, firmar y formalizar uno o más Convenios Electorales, en conformidad con las disposiciones aplicables del Código Electoral. Por la presente, se incorporan a esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas los términos y las disposiciones de cada uno de los Convenios Electorales. En la medida en que existiere algún conflicto entre esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas y un Convenio Electoral, los términos y las B-1 disposiciones del Convenio Electoral prevalecerán, y el Consejo Municipal, el Alcalde y sus respectivo representantes designados están autorizados para realizar ciertas correcciones, cambios, revisiones y modificaciones a esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas, incluso a sus anexos, que se consideren necesarios o adecuados para cumplir con el Convenio Electoral, para cumplir con la ley estatal y federal aplicable y para poner en práctica la intención de la Junta y de la Ciudad, como queda de manifiesto a través de esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas. Los Administradores serán

LUGARES DE VOTACIÓN PARA EL DÍA DE ELECCIÓN (En el horario de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m.)

responsables de establecer la estación central de conteo de los votos emitidos en la Elección y de 4 designar el personal necesario para dicha estación.

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Sección 8. Materiales multilingües de la Elección. Todos los avisos, las instrucciones y las boletas de votación relacionados con la Elección serán proporcionados a los votantes en inglés, español, vietnamita y chino (mandarín), y se pondrán a disposición personas capaces de actuar como traductores en inglés y en español, vietnamita y chino (mandarín) para asistir a los votantes que hablan español, vietnamita y chino (mandarín) a entender y participar en el proceso electoral.

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Sección 9. Entrega de votos emitidos, conteo, tabulación, escrutinio de resultados, declaración de resultados. Las boletas de votación serán contadas por uno o más equipos de funcionarios electorales designados por los jueces presidentes, y cada equipo estará integrado por dos funcionarios electorales o más. Después de completar sus responsabilidades según el Código Electoral, incluido el conteo de los votos emitidos y la tabulación de los resultados, el juez presidente deberá entregar una declaración escrita de los resultados de la Elección al Consejo Municipal, de acuerdo con el Código Electoral. El Consejo Municipal hará el escrutinio y declarará los resultados de la Elección. Si una mayoría de los votantes habilitados, residentes del Distrito, que votan en la Elección, incluso quienes votaron anticipadamente, votaran a favor de la Proposición, en ese caso la tasa de impuestos para el corriente año será la tasa adoptada por la Junta. Si no se aprobara la Proposición, entonces la Junta no podrá adoptar una tasa que supere la tasa de impuestos con aprobación de los votantes del Distrito. Sección 10. Capacitación de los funcionarios electorales. En conformidad con el Código Electoral, se podrá realizar un curso público de capacitación para todos los funcionarios electorales según lo planifiquen o contraten los Administradores. Sección 11. Aviso de Elección. Se dará aviso de la Elección como lo exigen el Código Electoral y otras leyes que correspondan. En la medida requerida por la ley, cada aviso de la Elección incluirá la dirección del sitio web del Distrito, que es https://www.staffordmsd.org/. Sección 12. Aviso de asamblea. Ambos la Junta y el Consejo Municipal hallan, determinan, detallan y declaran oficialmente que se colocó un aviso por escrito con la fecha, la hora, el lugar y el asunto de la asamblea en la cual esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas es adoptada, en una cartelera de anuncios ubicada en un lugar conveniente para el público en las oficinas administrativas del Distrito por al menos setenta y dos (72) horas antes a la hora programada de la asamblea; que se dio aviso telefónico o telegráfico de tal asamblea a todos los medios de prensa que acordaron pagar cualquier y todo gasto incurrido por el Distrito en conexión con la entrega de tal aviso, ambos como lo requiere la Ley de Asambleas Públicas, Capítulo 551 del Código de Gobierno de Texas y sus enmiendas; y que dicha asamblea estuvo abierta al público según lo requiere la ley en todo momento en que esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas y su asunto fueron tratados, considerados y se tomaron medidas oficiales.

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Sección 13. Autoridad del Alcalde. El Alcalde y los representantes designados del Alcalde tendrán la autoridad para tomar, o hacer que se tomen, todas las medidas razonables o necesarias para asegurar que la Elección sea celebrada de forma imparcial y que los resultados sean debidamente contados y tabulados para ser escrutados por la Junta, medidas que por la 5 presente son ratificadas y confirmadas. Sin limitar la generalidad de la oración inmediatamente 4141-1796-4361.1 precedente, por la presente, se autoriza al Alcalde y a sus representantes designados a completar y actualizar, según sea necesario, los anexos adjuntos a este documento con cualquier modificación o cambio o agregados a los lugares de votación y otra información, según sea necesario.

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Sección 14. Medidas necesarias. Para satisfacer de manera oportuna todas las obligaciones del Distrito bajo esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas, el Presidente y el Secretario de la Junta de Síndicos del Distrito y todos los demás funcionarios y agentes adecuados del 4141-1796-4361.1 Distrito, por la presente, quedan autorizados y se los instruye a que hagan todas y cada una de las cosas necesarias y/o convenientes para llevar a cabo los términos y los propósitos de esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas. Por la presente, se autoriza e instruye al Alcalde y al Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad, con el asesoramiento del abogado y del asesor de bonos de la Ciudad, a que tomen todas y cada una de las medidas necesarias para cumplir con las disposiciones del Código Electoral y de la Ley Federal de Derechos de Votación para realizar y celebrar la Elección, sean expresamente autorizadas en la presente o no.

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Sección 15. Fecha de entrada en vigencia. Esta Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas entrará en vigencia inmediatamente después de ser aceptada y aprobada.

ACEPTADA Y APROBADA a los 21 días de delfirmas] mes de agosto de 2023. [Sigue la página ACEPTADA Y APROBADA a los 21 días del mes de agosto de 2023.

/firma/ Manuel Hinojosa Presidente de la Junta de Síndicos /firma/ Manuel Hinojosa Distrito Escolar de Stafford Presidente de laMunicipal Junta de Síndicos

Distrito Escolar Municipal de Stafford

ATESTIGUA: ATESTIGUA: /firma/ Ash Hamirani Secretario de laHamirani Junta de Síndicos /firma/ Ash Distrito Escolar de Stafford Secretario de laMunicipal Junta de Síndicos

Distrito Escolar Municipal de Stafford ACEPTADA Y APROBADA a los 21 días del mes de agosto de 2023. /firma/ Ken Mathew Ken Mathew, Alcalde de la Ciudad de Stafford, Texas

ATESTIGUA: /firma/ Roxanne Benitez Roxanne Benitez, Secretaria de la Ciudad de

la Ciudad de Stafford, Texas 4141-1796-4361.1

voters@harrisvotes.com

ANEXO B LUGARES Y HORARIOS DE VOTACIÓN ANTICIPADA

Cada votante que desee votar a favor de la Proposición marcará la boleta indicando “A FAVOR” de dicha Proposición, y cada votante que desee votar en contra de la Proposición marcará la boleta indicando “EN CONTRA” de dicha Proposición. La votación se llevará a cabo en conformidad con el Código Electoral. Sección 6. Votación anticipada. Para el uso de aquellos votantes que por ley tienen derecho a votar por anticipado por correo, los oficiales de votación anticipada proporcionarán a cada votante una boleta de votación con instrucciones para marcar la boleta indicando si vota “A FAVOR” o “EN CONTRA” de la Proposición. La votación anticipada, tanto en persona como por correo, se llevará a cabo en conformidad con el Código Electoral. La votación anticipada en persona se llevará a cabo en los lugares, las fechas y los horarios como se muestran en el Anexo B. La votación anticipada en persona empezará el lunes 23 de octubre de 2023 y terminará el viernes 3 de noviembre de 2023. Por la presente, la Junta y el Consejo Municipal designan a los Administradores como oficiales de votación anticipada regular. La información de contacto o direcciones de entrega de los Administradores para las solicitudes de boletas para votar por correo postal y otros asuntos relacionados con la elección son las siguientes: 3 4141-1796-4361.1

Página de firmas de la Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas para convocar una Elección de Tasa de Impuesto con Aprobación de para los Votantes Página de firmas de la Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas convocar una Elección de Tasa de

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Impuesto con Aprobación de los Votantes

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Condado de Fort Bend

Administrador: John W. Oldham Dirección postal oficial: 301 Jackson St. Richmond, Texas 77469 Dirección física: 4520 Reading Road, Ste. A-400 Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Correo electrónico: John.oldham@fortbendcountytx.gov (general) vote@fortbendcountytx.gov (boletas de votación por correo) Número de teléfono: (281) 341-8670 Fax: (281) 341-4418 Dirección del sitio web: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/electionsvoter-registration Condado de Harris Isabel Longoria Harris County Elections Administrator P.O. Box 1148 Houston, Texas 77251-1148 Correo electrónico: VBM@harrisvotes.com Número de teléfono: (713) 755-6965 Fax: (713) 755-4983 Sitio web: www.harrisvotes.com Por la presente, se autoriza e instruye a los Administradores a que designen un consejo de boletas de votación anticipada y a los demás funcionarios necesarios para llevar a cabo la votación anticipada de la Elección. Sección 7. Celebración de la Elección. La Elección la llevarán a cabo funcionarios electorales, incluidos jueces y jueces alternos o funcionarios de los precintos designados por la

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Página de firmas de la Orden y Ordenanza conjuntas para convocar una Elección de Tasa de Impuesto con Aprobación de los Votantes 4141-1796-4361.1

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THE STAR

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選舉日投票地點（上午 7:00 至晚上 7:00）

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第 9 節。遞交已投選票；計票；統計；審核選票報告；宣佈結果。選票應由首席法官指派的一個或多個選舉官員小組計票，每個小組由兩名或兩名以上選舉官員組成。完成選舉法規定的職責，包括點算已投選票並統計結果後，首席法官應依照選舉法編寫書面的選舉結果報告並呈交市議會。市議會應審驗選票報告並宣布選舉結果。

茲此通知，本區將於 2023 年 11 月 7 日依據下述命令舉行債券選舉：

斯塔福德市學區和德克薩斯州斯塔福德市議會的聯命令要求對斯塔福德市學區進行選民批准稅率選舉；為選舉的進行和發出通知制定規定；以及其他相關條款鑑於，Stafford 市立學區（下稱「本區」）理事會（下稱「理事會」）已採納本區本年度的稅率（下稱「所採納稅率」）；以及鑑於，Texas 州稅法第 26.08(a)節規定，如果所採納稅率超過了本區的選民准許稅率率（如 Texas 州稅法第 26.08(n)節所述），則本區的登記選民必須決定是否在為此目的舉行的選舉中批准所採納稅率；以及鑑於，依照 Texas 州稅法第 26.08 節的規定，Texas 州 Stafford 市（下稱「本市」）理事會及市議會（下稱「議會」）均認定，召集一項選舉以批准所採納稅率（下稱「選舉」）是必要且適宜的；以及鑑於，理事會認為，在選舉中批准所採納稅率並進行徵稅，將最大限度提高州政府在當前資助模式下對本區的資助；以及鑑於，依照 Texas 州教育法第 11.184(b)節規定，理事會在於選舉中尋求選民批准之前開展了效率審計；以及鑑於，市政府可以透過該縣的選舉管理員（「管理員」）和可能的其他政治部門與德克薩斯州本德堡縣（「縣」）簽訂一項或多項選舉協議（「選舉協議”），根據德克薩斯州（“州”）法律和適用的聯邦法律；和鑑於，理事會和市議會均裁定並宣布，審議本聯合命令和法令的理事會及市議會會議均已向公眾開放，且關於上述會議時間、地點和主題的公告已依照 Texas 州政府法（修訂版）第 551 章之規定發出；故此，現由 STAFFORD 市立學區理事會命令，并由 TEXAS 州 STAFFORD 市市議會頒令如下：第 1 節。選舉的召集；日期；合資格選民；以及時間。選舉應於 2023 年 11 月 7 日（下稱「選舉日」）在本區範圍內舉行，即自本聯合命令和法令獲採納后的第七十八（78）天或以後，本區內的所有合資格居民選民均可以參加投票。理事會和市議會均茲此認定，在上述日期舉行選舉符合公眾利益。投票所應於選舉日當天上午 7:00 至晚上 7:00 間開放。

在選舉中投票的本區合資格居民選民（包括提前投票的選民）中，若多數投票支持提案，則本年度的稅率應為理事會採納的稅率。如果該提案未獲批准，則理事會不得採納超過本區選民准許稅率的稅率。於 2023 年 8 月 21 日獲通過及批准。第 10 節。選舉官員培訓。根據選舉法的規定，行政官可安排或簽約一處公立學校對所有選舉官員及書記官進行指導。第 11 節。選舉通知。選舉通知應以選舉法和其他適用法律規定的方式發出。在法律規定的範圍內，每份選舉通知皆應包括本區的互聯網網站地址，即 /簽名/ Manuel Hinojosa https://www.staffordmsd.org/。

理事會主席

Stafford 市立學區第 12 節。會議通知。理事會和市議會均正式認定、決定、宣讀並宣佈：已將採納本聯合命令和法令之會議的日期、時間、地點和主題的書面通知張貼在便於本區公眾查閱的公告板上，張貼時間為預定會議時間的至少七十二(72)小時之前；已將上述會議的電見證：話或電報通知提交給同意支付本區因提供上述通知而承擔的所有費用的所有新聞媒體，上述兩項行動均依照公開會議法、Texas 州政府法（修訂版）第 551 章之規定進行；上述會議已依法全程向公眾公開，並且本聯合命令和法令及會議主題已經過討論、商議及正式執行。

/簽名/ Ash Hamirani

第 13 節。市長的職權。市長和市長的指定人員有權採取或促使採取一切合理或理事會秘書長必要的行動，以確保選舉公平舉行，並對選舉結果正確計票和統計供理事會進行审核，特 Stafford 市立學區此批准和確認這些行動。在不限制前述語句的一般性的情況下，特此授權市長和市長的指定人員在必要時完成和更新本文件隨附的附件，其中包括對投票地點和其他信息（視需要）的任何修改或更改或增添。第 14 節。必要行動。為了及時履行本區在本聯合命令和法令下的各項義務，現授權並指示本區理事會主席和秘書長以及本區所有其他相應官員和代理人執行各項必要和 /或便利事務，以貫徹本聯合命令和法令的條款和目的。茲授權並指示本市市長和市議會，經與本市代表律師和債券法律顧問進行商議後，在舉行選舉的過程中採取一切必要行動以符合選舉法、聯邦投票權法案和選舉服務協議的規定，無論本命令是否明確授權其採取該等行動。第 15 節。

生效日期。本聯合命令和法令經通過和批准後立即生效。 [以下是簽字頁]

於 2023 年 8 月 21 日獲通過及批准。

第 2 節。投票區；投票所；及選舉官員。除本通知另有規定外，特此將全部或部分位於本區地域邊界內的各縣選舉投票區的邊界及區域指定為本區用於本次選舉的投票區，並指定本區選舉投票區的投票區編號應為每個投票區對應的縣投票區編號。選舉日投票所應如本聯合命令和法令附附件 A 中所示。應依照 Texas 州選舉法（下稱「選舉法」）任命本次選舉的投票區法官及候補法官。市長或市長指定人員可隨時認定 (a) 此後指定的投票所無法使用或不適合選舉用途，或將此類投票所遷移至他處符合本區人民的最佳利益；或者 (b) 此後指定的某首席法官或後補首席法官不再符合任職資格或無法繼續任職。市長或市長指定人員現獲准可在出現上述情況時以書面形式更換投票所或指定並委任首席法官或後補首席法官，並更正或修改本聯合命令和法令的附件，並發出符合選舉法規定的、被視為充分的上述通知（如有）。第 3 節。

提案。以下提案（「提案」）應在選舉中呈交本學區之合資格居民選

民： STAFFORD 市立學區 - 提案 A 是否授權 Stafford 市立學區理事會於本納稅年度對 Stafford 市立獨立學區範圍內的房產徵收一項從價稅？其稅率為每 100 美元應稅估值收稅 1.027924 美元。該稅率由運營和維護稅率以及債務清償稅率組成，前者爲每 100 美元應稅估值收稅 0.812700 美元（本區此後每年可徵收的維護和運營稅最高稅率，每年僅須經理事會批准），後者爲每 100 美元應稅估值收稅 0.215224 美元（該數額每年由理事會設定）。1.027924 美元的綜合稅率表示本區在 2023-2024 學年的維護和運營稅收入將增加約 365,748 美元，此後每年的數額會進一步提高。此收入與去年根據 Texas 州稅法（修訂版）第 26.08 節徵收的維護和運營稅收入相比，高出約 1.13%。第 4 節。

選票。該選票應符合選舉法規定，且應寫有或印有以下文字： STAFFORD 市立學區 - 提案 A

[ [

] ]

贊成反對

)

批准本年度在 Stafford 市立學區徵收$1.027924/$100 估值的

)

從價稅率，該稅率將導致本區本年度的維護與運營稅收入比上

)

一年增加 1.13％，即提高 365,748 美元。

第 5 節。投票。選舉日舉行或執行選舉時可使用電子投票機；然而，若使用該等電子投票機不可行，則可通過使用紙質選票來執行選舉（本節另有規定的情況除外）。電子投票機或紙質選票可用於親自出席提前投票（本節另有規定的情況除外）。根據選舉法規定，本市應在本選舉所用之各投票所提供至少一個無障礙投票系統。該提前投票系統應符合就允許肢體殘障選民投出無記名投票之投票系統作出規定的 Texas 州與聯邦法律。紙質選票可用於提前郵遞投票。 2 選民如欲支持某提案，應在選票上該提案填劃「贊同」；如欲反對某提案，請為其填劃「反對」。投票應按照選舉法進行。

第 6 節。提前投票。為確保合資格選民可以依法進行郵寄提前投票，提前投票書記官應向每位選民提供選票，且選票上應載有指示選民就該提案投以贊成票或反對票的說明。無論以親自出席還是郵寄方式參加提前投票，都必需遵守選舉法。親自出席提前投票的地點、日期和時間應如附附件 B 所示。親自出席提前投票應於 2023 年 10 月 23 日（週一）開始，2023 年 11 月 3 日（週五）結束。董事會和市議會特此共同任命管理員為定期提前投票書記官。申請郵寄選票以及與選舉相關的其他事宜的管理員聯絡資訊/遞送地址如下：行政官：John W. Oldham 正式郵寄地址：301 Jackson St. Richmond, Texas 77469 實際地址：4520 Reading Road, Ste.A-400 Rosenberg, Texas 77471 電子郵件地址：John.oldham@fortbendcountytx.gov（一般事務） vote@fortbendcountytx.gov（郵寄選票）電話號碼：(281) 341-8670 傳真號碼：(281) 341-4418 網站地址：https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/electionsTHÔNG BÁO BẦU CỬ voter-registration GỬI CÁC CỬ TRI CƯ DÂN HỘI ĐỦ ĐIỀU KIỆN CỦA KHU HỌC CHÁNH THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD:

現授權並指示選舉行政官為舉行提前投票而指定所需的提前投票選票委員會和其他

官員。 THEO ĐÂY XIN THÔNG BÁO một cuộc bầu cử trái phiếu sẽ được tổ chức trong HỌC KHU nói trên, vào ngày 7 tháng Mười Một, 2023, theo lệnh sau đây:

第 7 節。執行選舉。本選舉應由選舉官員依據選舉協議、教育法、選舉法以及美國與本州憲法和法律執行，這些官員包括理事會所委任的投票區法官和後補法官或書記 LỆNH LỆNH CHUNG CỦA KHU TRƯỜNG THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD VÀ SẮC LỆNH 官。根據選舉法的相關規定，市議會、市長及其各自指定人員有權訂立、簽署和交付一項 CỦA HỘI ĐỒNG THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD, TEXAS KÊU GỌI CUỘC BẦU CỬ MỨC 或多項選舉協議。各選舉協議的條款和規定特此納入本聯合命令和法令。如果本聯合命令 THUẾ PHÊ DUYỆT CỦA CỬ TRI CHO KHU TRƯỜNG THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD; 和法令與選舉協議之間存在任何衝突，則以選舉協議的條款和規定為準，並授權市議會、 QUY ĐỊNH VỀ TIẾN HÀNH VÀ THÔNG BÁO BẦU CỬ; VÀ BAO GỒM CÁC ĐIỀU KHOẢN KHÁC LIÊN QUAN ĐẾN NÓ 市長及其各自指定人員對本聯合命令和法令（包括本聯合命令和法令的附件）作出必要或適宜之更正、更改、修訂和修改，以符合選舉協議，遵守適用的州和聯邦法律，並貫徹本 XÉT THẤY RẰNG, Hội Đồng Quản Trị (“Ban Quản Trị”) của Khu Học Chánh Thành 聯合命令和法令所體現之理事會和市議會的意圖。行政官還應負責建立中央計票站以統計 Phố Stafford (“Học Khu”) đã áp dụng mức thuế suất của Học Khu cho năm hiện tại (“Mức Thuế 上述選舉中的投票，並任命計票站工作人員。 Suất Được Áp Dụng”); và THẤY RẰNG, Mục 26.08(a), Bộ luật Thuế Vụ Texas quy định rằng nếu Mức Thuế 第XÉT 8 節。與選舉有關的所有通知、指示和選票均應以英語和西班牙語提供給選 Suất được Áp Dụng vượt quá mức thuế suất do cử tri phê chuẩn của Học Khu (như được mô tả 民（哈里斯縣的選民也應以越南語和中文（普通話）提供）以及能夠擔任英語和西班牙語 trong Mục 26.08(n), Bộ luật Thuế Vụ Texas), các cử tri đã đăng ký của Học Khu phải xác định 翻譯的人員應提供西班牙語、越南語和中文（普通話），以幫助講西班牙語、越南語和中 xem có chấp thuận Mức Thuế Suất được Áp Dụng hay không tại một cuộc bầu cử được tổ chức vì 文（普通話）的選民了解和參與選舉過程。 mục đích đó; và XÉT THẤY RẰNG, theo các yêu cầu của Mục 26.08, Bộ luật Thuế Vụ Texas, cả Ban Quản Trị và Hội đồng Thành phố (“Hội đồng”) của Thành phố Stafford Texas (“Thành phố”) xác định rằng việc ra lệnh tổ chức một cuộc bầu cử là3cần thiết và phù hợp để xin phê chuẩn Mức Thuế Suất được Áp Dụng (“Cuộc Bầu cử”); Và XÉT THẤY RẰNG, Ban Quản Trị nhận thấy rằng việc phê chuẩn Mức Thuế Suất được Áp Dụng tại Cuộc Bầu Cử và việc đánh thuế theo đó sẽ tối đa hóa nguồn tài trợ của tiểu bang cho Học Khu theo các công thức tài trợ hiện hành; và XÉT THẤY RẰNG, theo Mục 11.184(b), Bộ Luật Giáo Dục Texas, Ban Quản Trị đã tiến hành một cuộc kiểm toán hiệu năng trước khi xin ý kiến phê duyệt của cử tri tại Cuộc Bầu Cử; và XÉT THẤY RẰNG, Thành phố có thể ký kết một hoặc nhiều thỏa thuận bầu cử ("các Thỏa Thuận Bầu Cử") với Fort Bend, Texas (quận gọi là "Quận"), thông qua các quản trị Quản Trị Viên") và có thể cả các cơ quan chính trị phụ thuộc khác, theo luật pháp của Tiểu bang Texas ("Tiểu bang") và pháp luật liên bang có liên quan; và XÉT THẤY RẰNG, cả Ban Quản Trị và Hội đồng Thành phố xác định và tuyên bố rằng những cuộc họp tương ứng của Ban Quản Trị và Hội đồng Thành phố, trong đó Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này được xem xét, được tổ chức công khai, và thời gian, địa điểm và mục đích của cuộc họp đã được thông báo công khai, theo quy định của Chương 551, Bộ Luật Chính Quyền Texas, bản tu chính; VÌ VẬY BÂY GIỜ, THEO YÊU CẦU CỦA BAN QUẢN TRỊ KHU HỌC CHÁNH THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD VÀ RA LỆNH BỞI HỘI ĐỒNG THÀNH PHỐ CỦA THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD, TEXAS RẰNG: Mục 1. Yêu Cầu Tổ Chức Bầu Cử; Ngày; Các Cử Tri Hội Đủ Điều Kiện; và Giờ. Một cuộc bầu cử (“Cuộc Bầu Cử”) sẽ được tổ chức vào ngày 7 tháng Mười Một, 2023 ("Ngày Bầu Cử"), có nghĩa là tối thiểu bảy mươi tám (78) ngày kể từ ngày thông qua Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này, trong phạm vi và trên toàn bộ ranh giới của Học Khu, trong đó tất cả các cử tri cư dân hội đủ điều kiện của Học Khu sẽ được quyền bỏ phiếu. Theo đây cả Ban Quản Trị và Hội Đồng Thành Phố thấy rằng việc tổ chức Cuộc Bầu Cử này vào ngày đó là vì lợi ích công cộng. Giờ mở cửa các địa điểm bỏ phiếu trong Cuộc Bầu Cử sẽ là từ 7 giờ sáng đến 7 giờ tối. Mục 2. Các Phân Khu Bầu Cử; Các Địa Điểm Bỏ Phiếu; và Các Viên Chức Tuyển Cử. Ngoại trừ những trường hợp được qui định khác trong tài liệu này, ranh giới và lãnh thổ của các phân khu bầu cử tương ứng của Quận hoàn toàn hoặc một phần nằm trong ranh giới lãnh thổ của Học Khu theo đây được chỉ định là các phân khu bỏ phiếu của Khu vực bầu cử và số phân khu cho các phân khu bầu cử của Học Khu sẽ là số phân khu Quận tương ứng của mỗi phân khu. Các phân khu Bầu Cử trong Ngày Bầu Cử sẽ được trình bày trên Phụ Lục A của Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này. Các trưởng ban điều hành phân khu và trưởng ban điều hành dự khuyết cho Cuộc Bầu Cử sẽ được bổ nhiệm theo qui định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử Texas ("Bộ Luật Bầu Cử"). Trong trường hợp Thị Trưởng, hoặc người được Thị Trưởng ủy quyền, đôi khi thấy rằng (a) một phòng phiếu qui định sau này sẽ không có sẵn hoặc không phù hợp cho mục đích sử dụng đó, hoặc việc rời địa điểm phòng phiếu đó sẽ có lợi nhất cho Học Khu, hoặc (b) một trưởng ban điều hành hoặc trưởng ban điều hành dự khuyết sau này được bổ nhiệm sẽ không hội đủ điều kiện hoặc không rảnh để đảm nhận chức vụ, Thị Trưởng, hoặc người được Thị Trưởng ủy quyền, theo đây được phép chỉ định và bổ nhiệm bằng văn bản một phòng phiếu, trưởng ban điều hành hoặc trưởng ban điều hành dự khuyết thay thế, và hiệu chỉnh hoặc sửa đổi các phụ lục của Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này, và đưa ra thông báo, nếu có, theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử và khi thấy thỏa đáng. Mục 3. Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị. Tại Cuộc Bầu Cử sẽ đệ trình cho các cử tri cư dân hội đủ điều kiện của Học Khu kế hoạch đề nghị sau đây (“Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị”): KHU HỌC CHÁNH THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD - KẾ HOẠCH ĐỀ NGHỊ A Hội đồng Quản trị Khu Học Chánh Thành Phố Stafford có được ủy quyền thu một mức thuế giá trị gia tăng (ad valorem) là $1.027924 cho mỗi $100 giá trị được định thuế của tài sản trong Khu Học Chánh Độc Lập Thành Phố Stafford trong năm thuế hiện tại, đây là một mức thuế bao gồm mức thuế vận hành và bảo trì là $0.812700 cho mỗi $100 giá trị được định thuế (và mức thuế tối đa cho các hoạt động vận hành và bảo trì mà Học Khu có thể đánh thuế hàng năm sau này, chỉ cần được sự chấp thuận của Ban Quản Trị mỗi năm) và mức thuế dịch vụ nợ là $0.215224 cho mỗi $100 giá trị được định thuế (một số tiền được Ban Quản Trị thiết lập hàng năm), mức thuế kết hợp này là $1.027924, thể hiện mức tăng khoảng $365,748 trong doanh thu thuế vận hành và bảo trì của Học Khu trong năm học 2023-2024 và một số tiền lớn hơn hàng năm sau đó, tức là cao hơn khoảng 1,13 phần trăm so với doanh thu thuế vận hành và bảo trì được thu vào năm ngoái theo Điều 26.08, Bộ Luật Thuế Vụ Texas, bản tu chính hay không? 2 Mục 4. Lá phiếu. Các lá phiếu sẽ tuân thủ quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử và sẽ ghi nội dung sau đây:

KHU HỌC CHÁNH THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD - KẾ HOẠCH ĐỀ NGHỊ A [ ] THUẬN

[ ] CHỐNG

) ) ) ) ) )

Phê chuẩn khoản thuế giá trị tài sản là $1.027924 cho mỗi $100 giá trị tài sản phải đóng thuế trong Học Khu Thành Phố Stafford cho năm hiện tại, mức thuế này sẽ dẫn đến tăng 1.13 phần trăm doanh thu thuế hoạt động và bảo trì cho Học Khu cho năm hiện tại so với năm trước, có nghĩa là thêm $365,748.

Mục 5. Bỏ phiếu. Máy bỏ phiếu điện tử có thể được sử dụng để tổ chức và tiến hành Cuộc Bầu Cử vào Ngày Bầu Cử; tuy nhiên, với điều kiện là trong trường hợp việc sử dụng các máy bỏ phiếu điện tử đó không khả thi, Cuộc Bầu Cử có thể được tiến hành vào Ngày Bầu Cử bằng cách sử dụng lá phiếu giấy (trừ khi có qui định khác trong mục này). Máy bỏ phiếu điện tử hoặc lá phiếu giấy có thể được sử dụng cho thủ tục đích thân tới bỏ phiếu sớm (trừ khi có qui định khác trong mục này). Theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử Texas, Thành phố sẽ cung cấp ít nhất một hệ thống máy bỏ phiếu tiện dụng cho người khuyết tật tại mỗi phòng phiếu sử dụng trong Cuộc Bầu Cử. Hệ thống máy bỏ phiếu đó sẽ tuân thủ luật pháp Texas và liên bang qui định về việc phải có các hệ thống máy bỏ phiếu cho phép các cử tri bị khuyết tật thể chất bỏ phiếu kín. Lá phiếu giấy có thể được sử dụng cho thủ tục bỏ phiếu sớm qua thư. Mỗi cử tri muốn bỏ phiếu ủng hộ Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị sẽ đánh dấu “THUẬN” trên lá phiếu của Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị đó, còn mỗi cử tri muốn bỏ phiếu phản đối Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị sẽ đánh dấu “CHỐNG” trên lá phiếu có Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị đó. Thủ tục bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ được tiến hành theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử. Mục 6. Bỏ Phiếu Sớm. Đối với các cử tri được quyền bỏ phiếu sớm qua thư theo luật, cá thư ký phụ trách bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ cung cấp cho mỗi cử tri một lá phiếu cùng với hướng dẫn cách

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/簽名/ Manuel Hinojosa 理事會主席 Stafford 市立學區

見證：

/簽名/ Ash Hamirani 理事會秘書長 Stafford 市立學區

附件 B

關於舉行選民准許稅率選舉的聯合命令和法令之簽名頁

提前投票的投票地點和時間

於 2023 年 8 月 21 日獲通過及批准。

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/簽名/ Ken Mathew Ken Mathew，市長 Texas 州 Stafford 市見證：

/簽名/ Roxanne Benitez Roxanne Benitez，市秘書長 Texas 州 Stafford 市附件 A

ĐƯỢC THÔNG QUA VÀ PHÊ CHUẨN ngày 21 tháng Tám, 2023.

選舉日投票地點（上午 7:00 至晚上 7:00）

với doanh thu thuế vận hành và bảo trì được thu vào năm ngoái theo Điều 26.08, Bộ Luật Thuế Vụ Texas, bản tu chính hay không? Mục 4. Lá phiếu. Các lá phiếu sẽ tuân thủ quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử và sẽ ghi nội dung sau đây: KHU HỌC CHÁNH THÀNH PHỐ STAFFORD - KẾ HOẠCH ĐỀ NGHỊ A

CHỨNG THỰC:

/s/ Ken Mathew Ken Mathew, Thị trưởng Thành Phố Stafford, Texas

/s/ Roxanne Benitez Roxanne Benitez, Thư Ký Hội Đồng Thành Phố Thành Phố Stafford, Texas

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[ ] THUẬN

) Phê chuẩn khoản thuế giá trị tài sản là $1.027924 cho mỗi ) $100 giá trị tài sản phải đóng thuế trong Học Khu Thành Phố ) Stafford cho năm hiện tại, mức thuế này sẽ dẫn đến tăng 1.13 ) phần trăm doanh thu thuế hoạt động và bảo trì cho Học Khu 關於舉行選民准許稅率選舉的聯合命令和法令之簽名頁 [ ] CHỐNG ) cho năm hiện tại so với năm trước, có nghĩa là thêm $365,748. ) Mục 5. Bỏ phiếu. Máy bỏ phiếu điện tử có thể được sử dụng để tổ chức và tiến hành Cuộc Bầu Cử vào Ngày Bầu Cử; tuy nhiên, với điều kiện là trong trường hợp việc sử dụng các máy bỏ phiếu điện tử đó không khả thi, Cuộc Bầu Cử có thể được tiến hành vào Ngày Bầu Cử bằng cách sử dụng lá phiếu giấy (trừ khi có qui định khác trong mục này). Máy bỏ phiếu điện tử hoặc lá phiếu giấy có thể được sử dụng cho thủ tục đích thân tới bỏ phiếu sớm (trừ khi có qui định khác trong mục này). Theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử Texas, Thành phố sẽ cung cấp ít nhất một hệ thống máy bỏ phiếu tiện dụng cho người khuyết tật tại mỗi phòng phiếu sử dụng trong Cuộc Bầu Cử. Hệ thống máy bỏ phiếu đó sẽ tuân thủ luật pháp Texas và liên bang qui định về việc phải có các hệ thống máy bỏ phiếu cho phép các cử tri bị khuyết tật thể chất bỏ phiếu kín. Lá phiếu giấy có thể được sử dụng cho thủ tục bỏ phiếu sớm qua thư. Mỗi cử tri muốn bỏ phiếu ủng hộ Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị sẽ đánh dấu “THUẬN” trên lá phiếu của Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị đó, còn mỗi cử tri muốn bỏ phiếu phản đối Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị sẽ đánh dấu “CHỐNG” trên lá phiếu có Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị đó. Thủ tục bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ được tiến hành theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử. Mục 6. Bỏ Phiếu Sớm. Đối với các cử tri được quyền bỏ phiếu sớm qua thư theo luật, cá thư ký phụ trách bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ cung cấp cho mỗi cử tri một lá phiếu cùng với hướng dẫn cách điền lá phiếu cho biết cử tri đó bỏ phiếu “THUẬN” hay “CHỐNG” Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị. Thủ tục bỏ phiếu sớm, kể cả đích thân tới bỏ phiếu sớm và bỏ phiếu sớm qua thư, sẽ được tiến hành theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử. Thủ tục đích thân tới bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ được tiến hành tại các địa điểm và ngày giờ ghi trong Phụ Lục B. Thủ tục đích thân tới bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ bắt đầu từ thứ Hai, ngày 23 tháng Mười, 2023 và tiếp tục cho đến hết thứ Sáu, ngày 3 tháng Mười một, 2023. Ban Quản Trị và Hội Đồng Thành Phố theo đây đồng bổ nhiệm các Quản Trị Viên làm các thư ký phụ trách bỏ phiếu sớm thông thường. Thông tin liên hệ/địa chỉ bưu tín của Quản Trị Viên 關於舉行選民准許稅率選舉的聯合命令和法令之簽名頁 để tiếp nhận đơn xin lá phiếu bầu qua thư và các vấn đề khác liên quan đến Cuộc Bầu Cử là như sau: Quản Trị Viên: John W. Oldham Địa Chỉ Thư Tín Chính: 301 Jackson St. Richmond, Texas 77469 Địa Chỉ Thực Thể: 4520 Reading Road, Ste. A-400 Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Địa chỉ email: John.oldham@fortbendcountytx.gov (tổng quát) vote@fortbendcountytx.gov (các lá phiếu bầu bằng thư) Số điện thoại:3(281) 341-8670 Số fax: (281) 341-4418 Địa chỉ trang mạng: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/electionsvoter-registration

ĐƯỢC THÔNG QUA VÀ PHÊ CHUẨN ngày 21 tháng Tám, 2023.

CHỨNG THỰC:

/s/ Ken Mathew Ken Mathew, Thị trưởng Thành B-1Phố Stafford, Texas

/s/ Roxanne Benitez Roxanne Benitez, Thư Ký Hội Đồng Thành Phố Thành Phố Stafford, Texas Trang Ký Tên vào Lệnh Kết Hợp và Sắc Lệnh Yêu Cầu Tổ Chức Cuộc Bầu Cử Mức Thuế Do Cử Tri Phê Chuẩn

PHỤ LỤC A CÁC ĐỊA ĐIỂM PHÒNG PHIẾU VÀO NGÀY BẦU CỬ (Từ 7 giờ sáng đến 7 giờ tối)

Các Quản Trị Viên theo đây được ủy quyền và được chỉ thị bổ nhiệm ủy ban phụ trách bỏ phiếu sớm và các viên chức khác cần thiết để tiến hành thủ tục bỏ phiếu sớm cho Cuộc Bầu Cử. Mục 7. Tiến Hành Cuộc Bầu Cử. Cuộc Bầu Cử sẽ được tiến hành bởi các viên chức bầu cử, bao gồm các trưởng ban điều hành phânA-1 khu và các trưởng ban điều hành dự khuyết hoặc các thư ký do Ban Quản Trị bổ nhiệm, theo quy định của Các Thỏa thuận Bầu Cử, Bộ Luật Giáo Dục, Bộ Luật Bầu Cử, và Hiến Pháp và luật pháp của Tiểu Bang và Hợp Chủng Quốc Hoa Kỳ. Hội Đồng Thành Phố, Thị Trưởng, và những người được chỉ định tương ứng của họ, được ủy quyền ký kết, thực hiện và đưa ra một hoặc nhiều Thỏa thuận bầu cử, phù hợp với các quy định hiện hành của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử. Các điều khoản và quy định của mỗi Thỏa thuận bầu cử theo đây được đưa vào Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này. Trong phạm vi bất kỳ xung đột nào giữa Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này và một Thỏa thuận bầu cử, các điều khoản và quy định của Thỏa thuận bầu cử sẽ được ưu tiên áp dụng, và Hội Đồng Thành Phố, Thị Trưởng, và những người được chỉ định tương ứng của họ được phép hiệu chỉnh, thay đổi, sửa đổi và chỉnh sửa Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này, bao gồm các phụ lục, nếu thấy cần thiết và phù hợp để tuân theo Thỏa thuận bầu cử, tuân theo luật pháp hiện hành của Tiểu Bang và liên bang, và để thực hiện mục đích của Ban Quản Trị và Hội Đồng Thành Phố, như được ghi trong Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này. Các Quản Trị Viên sẽ chịu trách nhiệm thiết lập trạm kiểm phiếu trung tâm để tiến hành bỏ phiếu trong Cuộc Bầu Cử này và bổ nhiệm nhân sự cần thiết cho trạm kiểm phiếu đó. Mục 8. Tài Liệu Bầu Cử Đa Ngôn Ngữ. Tất cả các thông báo, hướng dẫn và lá phiếu liên quan đến Cuộc bầu cử sẽ được cung cấp cho cử tri bằng tiếng Anh và tiếng Tây Ban Nha (và cho cử tri từ Quận Harris cũng bằng tiếng Việt và tiếng Trung (Quan Thoại)) và những người có khả năng làm phiên dịch viên bằng cả tiếng Anh và tiếng Tây Ban Nha., tiếng Việt và tiếng Trung (Quan Thoại) sẽ được cung cấp để hỗ trợ cử tri nói tiếng Tây Ban Nha, tiếng Việt và tiếng Trung Quốc (Quan Thoại) hiểu và tham gia vào quá trình bầu cử. Mục 9. Giao Các Lá Phiếu Đã Bầu; Đếm Phiếu; Kiểm Phiếu; Công Bố Kết Quả. Các lá phiếu sẽ được một hoặc nhiều đội ngũ các viên chức bầu cử đếm theo sự phân công của các trưởng ban điều hành bầu cử, mỗi đội bao gồm hai hoặc nhiều viên chức bầu cử. Sau khi hoàn tất các nhiệm vụ theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử, bao gồm việc đếm các lá phiếu đã bầu và kiểm phiếu, trưởng ban điều hành sẽ trình tài liệu ghi kết quả Cuộc Bầu Cử cho Hội Đồng Thành Phố, theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử. Hội Đồng Thành Phố sẽ kiểm phiếu và công bố kết quả của Cuộc Bầu Cử.

Trang Ký Tên vào Lệnh Kết Hợp và Sắc Lệnh Yêu Cầu Tổ Chức Cuộc Bầu Cử Mức Thuế Do Cử Tri Phê Chuẩn

Nếu đa số các cử tri cư dân hội đủ điều kiện của Học Khu bỏ phiếu tại Cuộc Bầu Cử này, bao gồm cả những cử tri bỏ phiếu sớm, bỏ phiếu ủng hộ Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị, thì mức thuế cho năm hiện tại sẽ là mức thuế được Ban Quản Trị áp dụng. Nếu Kế Hoạch Đề Nghị không được phê chuẩn, thì Ban Quản Trị không thể áp dụng một mức thuế vượt quá mức thuế được cử tri phê chuẩn của Học Khu. 4 Mục 10. Huấn Luyện Các Viên Chức Bầu Cử. Chiếu theo Bộ Luật Bầu Cử, một khóa hướng dẫn công khai cho tất cả các viên chức bầu cử và thư ký có thể được tổ chức theo sự sắp xếp hoặc hợp đồng bởi các Quản Trị Viên.

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Mục 11. Thông Báo Bầu Cử. Cuộc Bầu Cử sẽ được thông báo theo quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử và luật pháp khác hiện hành. Trong phạm vi luật pháp cho phép, mỗi thông báo Bầu Cử sẽ có địa chỉ trang web của Học Khu, đó là https://www.staffordmsd.org/.

ĐƯỢC THÔNG QUA VÀ PHÊ CHUẨN ngày 21 tháng Tám, 2023.

Mục 12. Thông Báo Họp. Cả Ban Quản Trị và Hội Đồng Thành Phố chính thức nhận thấy, quyết định và tuyên bố rằng văn bản thông báo về ngày giờ và địa điểm và chủ đề của cuộc họp thông qua Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này đã được niêm yết trên bảng tin đặt ở địa điểm thuận tiện cho công chúng tại các văn phòng hành chánh của Học Khu trong ít nhất bảy mươi hai /s/ Manuel Hinojosa (72) giờ trước giờ họp dự kiến; cuộc họp nói trên đã được thông báo bằng điện thoại hoặc điện báo cho tất cả các kênh truyền thông thời sự đồng ý trảChủ bất Tịch, kỳ vàHội tất cả mọiQuản khoảnTrị chi phí Học Khu Đồng làm phát sinh liên quan đến việc đưa ra thông báoKhu nói Học trên,Chánh cả haiThành đều theo định của Luật Phốquy Stafford Nhóm Họp Công Khai, Chương 551, Bộ Luật Chính Quyền Texas, bản tu chính; và cuộc họp này luôn được công khai theo qui định của luật pháp, và tại đó Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này và CHỨNG THỰC: nội dung được thảo luận, xem xét và thực thi. Quyền Hạn của Thị Trưởng. Thị trưởng và người được Thị trưởng ủy quyền Mục 13. sẽ có thẩm quyền thực hiện, hoặc cho thực hiện, tất cả các hành động hợp lý và cần thiết để bảo

/s/ Ash Hamirani đảm Cuộc Bầu Cử này được tiến hành công bằng và kết quả bỏ phiếu được Ban Quản Trị đếm và Thư Ký,phiếu Hội Đồng Trị và các hành động đó theo đây được phê duyệt và phê chuẩn. Không kiểm đúng Quản quy định, Khu Thành hạnHọc chếChánh tính chất tổng Phố quátStafford của câu ngay trước đó, Thị trưởng và người được Thị trưởng ủy quyền

theo đây được phép điền và cập nhật, khi cần, các bản phụ lục kèm theo đây cùng với bất kỳ thay đổi hay sử đổi hoặc bổ sung nào về các địa điểm phòng phiếu và thông tin khác, nếu cần.

Mục 14. Các Công Việc Cần Thiết. Nhằm đảm bảo thực hiện đầy đủ và kịp thời tất cả các nghĩa vụ của Học khu theo Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này, Chủ tịch và Thư ký của Hội đồng Quản trị Học Khu cùng với tất cả các quan chức và đại diện thích hợp khác của Học Khu được ủy quyền và chỉ đạo thực hiện tất cả các hoạt động cần thiết và/hoặc thuận tiện để thực hiện các điều khoản và mục đích của Sắc Lệnh và Nghị Định Chung này. Thị Trưởng và Hội Đồng Thành Phố của Thành Phố, sau khi hội ý với luật sư và cố vấn trái phiếu của Thành Phố, theo đây được phép và được chỉ thị thực hiện bất kỳ và tất cả các công việc cần thiết để chấp hành các quy định của Bộ Luật Bầu Cử và Đạo Luật Quyền Bỏ Phiếu Liên Bang về việc tổ chức và tiến hành Cuộc Bầu Cử, cho dù có được cho phép rõ ràng trong tài liệu này hay không.

PHỤ LỤC B CÁC ĐỊA ĐIỂM PHÒNG PHIẾU VÀ NGÀY GIỜ TIẾN HÀNH THỦ TỤC BỎ PHIẾU SỚM

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Mục 15. Ngày Có Hiệu Lực. Sắc lệnh và Lệnh Kết Hợp này có hiệu lực ngay sau khi được phê chuẩn và thông qua. [Phần chữ ký ở trang tiếp theo]

ĐƯỢC THÔNG QUA VÀ PHÊ CHUẨN ngày 21 tháng Tám, 2023.

/s/ Manuel Hinojosa Chủ Tịch, Hội Đồng Quản Trị Khu Học Chánh Thành Phố Stafford

CHỨNG THỰC:

/s/ Ash Hamirani Thư Ký, Hội Đồng Quản Trị Khu Học Chánh Thành Phố Stafford

Trang Ký Tên vào Lệnh Kết Hợp và Sắc Lệnh Yêu Cầu Tổ Chức Cuộc Bầu Cử Mức Thuế Do Cử Tri Phê Chuẩn

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • PAGE 9

OPINION Taypayers Coalition: Vote 'No' on Fort Bend County bond propositions By David L. Savage VICE CHAIRMAN, THE TAXPAYERS COALITION

Editor’s note: This guest opinion article is submitted by The Taxpayers Coalition, which describes itself as “a grassroots organization focused on financial transparency and accountability in local government.” This piece, which is slightly edited for style purposes, does not necessarily reflect the views of the Fort Bend Star or its staff. The Fort Bend Star welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Fort Bend County residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court has asked voters to approve an unprecedented $866 million Mobility and Parks Bond Package in the upcoming November election. The question before us is: How do we evaluate this package? The last four mobility bond packages from 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2020, combined, totaled $777 million. The mobility portion of the 2023 package is $713 million, nearly as much as the last 16 years’ worth combined. This alone should give us pause. We then should ask ourselves, how has the county performed in executing the projects from these past bond approvals? One of the entrances to my subdivision, Marshall Oaks, comes from Greenbusch Road. The 2013 Mobility Bond approved $7.9 million to improve Greenbusch and ten years later, the improvements are incomplete after an 18-month

closure for construction with the contractor walking off the job. The project will need to be rebid and completed by another contractor and will certainly not be done within the $7.9 million original funding. It has already been redesigned to a more limited improvement than the voters approved due to higher right-of-way acquisition and redesign costs. In the presentations given by county staff they have revealed that right-of-way costs have increased at a rate of 25 percent and construction costs have increased at a rate of 35 percent, significantly increasing project estimates and delaying the project completion to five-year estimates over their previous three-year projections. On the parks side of the ledger, the current bond proposal is seeking $8.5 million to remove the old community center and construct a new one for the Stafford 5th Street Community Center. The existing facility was built in 2002, saw a 50 percent expansion in 2008, and a gymnasium expansion in 2016. Why are we tearing down the existing facility to build a newer one? Could it be that we are not executing well on construction administration on existing projects as both of these examples clearly show? When the county officials spoke at the recent presentation, they misled taxpayers by stating that they have reduced the tax rate every year since 2008 and state that the county can take on more bond debt to the tune of $150 million per year. As we all know the appraisal rates have been double digit and our total tax bills have been increasing significantly. The debt discussion is

The Taypayers Coalition opposes the mobility and parks bond propositions put forward by Commissioners Court.

all based upon the appraisal rates continuing to climb in a similar fashion and that, in turn, increasing tax revenues to the county. It also assumes growth in population and development to cover significantly more debt. Additionally, the federal government gave Fort Bend County $157 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program, a one-time windfall we could have used to reduce unfunded pension obligations of county employees. Instead, the county has

the rate, but not enough to overcome the significant appraisal increases; so, we all will receive a little more than a 4% increase in our tax bill from the county. You can go to the website www.fortbendcountytx.gov/taxoffice and see an estimate of how much your taxes will be increasing. In my case, the total tax increased almost $4,000! The current county government also forced unnecessary expenses on taxpayers through a redistricting plan that was entirely politically

increased staff with those funds and will not have ARPA money in the future to cover those salaries and benefits. This is poor stewardship of our taxpayer money. Our state officials have recognized the property tax problem and have taken measures to provide relief from the budget surplus. Unfortunately, the county has viewed this as an opportunity to seize more taxpayer money locally. The Commissioner’s Court just approved their budget for 2024 which did reduce

driven to weaken one party in county government. All of these factors raise many doubts to the effectiveness of the current Commissioners Court in executing projects and in acting in the taxpayer’s best interest. Consequently, it is the position of the Taxpayers Coalition to reject both bond proposals on the upcoming ballot. Please vote No to Proposition A and B on the ballot in November to pump the breaks on runaway government spending at every level.

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THE STAR

PAGE 10 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to awilliams@txstreetmedia.com

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

ONGOING THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!

Mark your calendars! Join us at Horizon Baptist Church’s 6th Annual Pumpkin Patch. All proceeds go to Fort Bend Rainbow Room, helping abused and neglected children in our community. Opening Day: Sunday, October 1st 12:30pm Open Wed-Fri: 3pm-Dusk, Sat: 11am-Dusk, Sun: 12:30pmDusk Horizon Baptist Church, Missouri City, TX (2223 FM 1092/Murphy Rd) Free Entrance! Food vendors on-site (Friday Nights, Sat Oct 7th Fall Festival 11am - 3pm) Rainbow Room Wish List: New athletic shoes, twin-size sheets/ comforters, diaper bags, pillows, paper towels, and toilet paper. Let’s make a difference together!

LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION

Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718 For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.

SUGAR LAND GARDEN CLUB OCTOBER PRESENTATION

“Remarkable Plants: Natives and Sneaky Interlopers in the Texas Garden and Wildscape” BY Matt Turner, PhD. October 17, 2023 • 10 AM St. Basil’s Hall • 702 Burney Rd, Sugar Land

RICHMOND/ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Please join us on Thursday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, at St. John’s UMC in Richmond. St. John’s is located at 400 Jackson Street. We are looking forward to welcoming Dana Declouet to our meeting this month. Dana is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator and will be speaking on respite care. She’ll be addressing the cost, the length of stay, and who pays for respite care. Alzheimer’s Association support groups are a safe place for caregivers and loved ones of people with dementia to: • Develop a support system. • Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions. • Talk through issues and ways of coping. • Share feelings, needs and concerns. • Learn about community resources. Just a reminder that support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. Please visit our group’s Facebook Page: Richmond Alzheimer’s Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondRosenbergAlzheimersSupport/ or visit https://www.facebook. com/groups/alztexprograms to learn more about the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter’s Care and Support page, Questions may be sent to: gallowkj@earthlink.net We hope you will join us on Thursday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m.

QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB

The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL

Sunday October 8, 10:00am – 6:00 pm. Breakfast menudo and tacos at 8:00am. Festival food plus Filipino, Indian, Mexican food. Games, bingo, silent auction, raffle prizes. 1510 Fifth St, Missouri City, Highway 90 at Fort Bend Parkway. Https://www. holyfamilychurch.us

MUSIC MAGIC FOR 6 & 7 YEAR OLD BOYS STARTS OCTOBER 3

The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas is offering Music Magic, an 8-week music enrichment program for six and seven year old boys. The class meets from 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays starting October 3, 2023 and ending on December 5, 2023. (They will not meet on Halloween or Thanksgiving week.) Music Magic brings music alive through the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. To find out more about Music Magic, visit: https:// fbbctx.org/our-programs/music-magic/.

LANDMARK CHARITIES PARTNERS WITH HOPE FOR THREE 8TH ANNUAL GOLF FORE AUTISM TOURNAMENT

Hope For Three, a nonprofit and autism organization, is partnering with Landmark Charities to present the 8th Annual Golf Fore Autism Charity Tournament on October 2nd at the prestigious Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land. Individual play is $150 or form a foursome for $600. Network with business partners, professionals, and community supporters who participate in the tournament to raise awareness of autism and funds for autistic children. Register your team today at www. hopeforthree.org/events. Volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, and underwriting opportunities are available. The event takes place on both courses to double the impact supporting local families. Your support can change a child’s future.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC offers ESL classes on Tuesday nights 6-8:30 from August 22, 2023 through May 21, 2024. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths. All are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org

FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS

We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200

281-243-2344 (Direct) Sugar Land, TX 281.243.2300 (Main) • KenWoodPC.com

THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES

We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264

Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’ ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB

Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.

FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR

To join, the membership application can be accessed at https:// www.fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE

Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED

Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195

EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.

Have a Non Profit? Need to get it out there? Put here in our community calendar!

Let the community know in our Community Calendar!