Published: May 08, 2008 12:50 am         

Early votes heavy for Bland ISD, City of Commerce elections

The early voting was heavy for Saturday’s elections in the Bland Independent School District and the City of Commerce, both of which have major bond issues pending.

A $15 million bond issue is the only item on the Bland ISD ballot. The bonds, if approved, would be used primarily for the construction of a new elementary school. School district officials said if the Existing Debt Allotment (EDA) state aid is rolled forward, the district would build a new middle school adjacent to the new elementary school with the anticipated $2.4 million in state aid. The expected tax rate to pay for the schools is $1.54 per $100 valuation, which would increase property taxes for an average-valued home in the district by $23.48 per month.

A total of 86 early votes had been cast before Tuesday evening’s deadline, according to Superintendent Bryan Clark.

In the City of Commerce election; Tim Johnson, John Sands, and Quay Throgmorton are running for Mayor; while Elmer Hall, Chris Eliason and Billie Biggerstaff are seeking the Council Place 2 seat and Bob Monday, Russell Lutes and Billy Taylor are vying for the Place 4 spot. Voters in Commerce are also deciding the fate of a $3 million bond package for street improvements.

Commerce City Secretary Marty Cunningham said 128 people voted early for the election.

Polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Lists of polling places for the various elections, along with sample ballots, will be featured in Saturday’s editions of the Herald-Banner