General Obligation (GO) bonds are one way for cities to fund large, long-term infrastructure and community projects, with voters making the final decision through a bond election. A General Obligation Bond Program addresses projects that are difficult to fund within existing annual operating budgets or pay-as-you-go capital resources. They’re often used for projects that cost more than a city can pay for all at once, similar to how a major purchase spreads out the cost over time.
Issuing bonds allows the city to fund large, long-term infrastructure and community projects more quickly than using existing annual operating budgets or pay-as-you-go capital resources. The property tax rate is composed of two parts: the Maintenance and Operations rate (M&O) and the Debt Service rate. The Debt Service rate provides the revenue necessary to make payments on tax-supported debt, such as bonds. While day-to-day city operations are funded through the M&O portion of the tax rate.
Since many major city projects are designed to last for many years, the cost is often spread over time, so it can be shared by both current and future residents who use those projects.
The projects were proposed based on a variety of factors, including the conditions of roads, technology, emergency response, population growth, and community input. The city conducted several meetings in December and January to discuss the proposed bond projects and tax impacts
Grand Prairie has a city tax ceiling (often called a “freeze”) for qualifying homeowners who are age 65 or older on their primary or homestead residence. If you are already qualified for the city tax ceiling, the bond program would generally not increase the total city property taxes you pay on that homestead, subject to limited exceptions under state law.
Renters do not receive a city property tax bill directly. However, property taxes can be part of a landlord’s operating costs and can influence rent over time.
The ballot will list three separate propositions. Voters can vote on each proposition individually.
If all propositions pass, the city estimates a maximum total tax rate impact of up to 3.90 cents per $100 (of assessed value). Selling bonds in phases over time (rather than all at once) can spread the timing of the impact, but actual impacts will depend on interest rates, project schedules, and tax base growth. If property tax growth exceeds projections or if interest rates are less than projected, the tax impact could be lower.
If all bonds are approved, the estimated maximum tax impact is $39.00 annually for a household with a taxable value of $100,000. The taxable value is your appraised value minus exemptions like homestead exemptions.
A simple estimate is: (Taxable value ÷ 100) × (estimated tax increase of 3.9 cents)
For a household with a taxable value of $100,000, the estimated tax impact calculation is as follows: ($100,000 ÷ 100) × (.0390) = ($1,000) × (.0390) = $39.00 annually.
The table below gives a guide for the maximum estimated tax impact on other household values.
| Maximum estimated tax impact on other household values |
| Taxable Value |
Annual Tax Impact |
|
| $200,000 |
$78.00 |
|
| $228,638 |
$89.40 |
Median Single Family Homestead Dallas County |
| $300,000 |
$117.00 |
|
| $364,279 |
$142.40 |
Median Single Family Homestead Tarrant County |
| $372,604 |
$145.70 |
Median Single Family Homestead Ellis County |
| $400,000 |
$156.00 |
|
| $500,000 |
$195.00 |
|
How will the bonds be repaid?
Bonds would be repaid through the debt service portion of the city’s property tax revenues. The total amount will be repaid with an estimated maximum tax rate impact of 3.90 cents (per $100 of assessed value) if all propositions are approved.
What happens if the bonds are approved/not approved?
If approved, the city can issue bonds for the projects and amounts listed under approved propositions. Bonds would be issued over time as projects are designed and built (not all at once). If not approved, the city would continue financing capital projects based on available funds and City Council direction.
Where will the Proposition C projects be located? (Community/Multi-purpose Center, Pickleball Complex, Botanical Garden, Public Artwork)
There is no specific predetermined location for Proposition C projects. If the proposition passes, the city will evaluate sites publicly using cost, access, environmental constraints, and neighborhood compatibility as criteria before the Council makes a final decision.
Is the City planning to build the Community/Multi-purpose Center in Proposition C at England and Lake Ridge?
No. The city intentionally did not pre-select a site before public input and feasibility analysis. If the bond passes, the city will evaluate options using clear criteria and hold public meetings before the Council makes a decision.
What are the specifics of the pickleball court? How many courts? Will they be covered?
Proposition C includes funding for a proposed pickleball complex. The city has not determined the location or design of the complex, including the number of courts or whether courts would be covered. If Proposition C is approved, those details would be determined later through concept planning and design before City Council approval.
Why does the city need GO bonds for streets if there is a 1/4-cent sales tax for street maintenance?
The 1/4-cent sales tax is a dedicated revenue source that helps fund ongoing street maintenance and related recurring costs primarily for neighborhood streets. However, it typically does not fully cover all maintenance needs across the city. GO bonds are generally used for large, major non-residential streets, bridges, and intersections. These long-lived capital projects allow the City to fund construction now and repay over time, while the dedicated sales tax can continue supporting maintenance and ongoing programs for residential streets.
Why doesn’t the 1/4-cent sales tax for parks cover Proposition C?
The park's sales tax supports ongoing park maintenance, operations, and smaller capital needs, but it often does not fully fund major new facilities or significant renovations. Proposition C would address projects that are too large to deliver using only the dedicated sales tax stream for parks while still meeting routine maintenance and program needs.
What does the city mean by the “Southern Sector” for Proposition B - Public Safety Resource Center?
“Southern Sector” refers to the southern portion of Grand Prairie, generally in the area near the SH 360 - US 287 corridor. This term is used for planning purposes to describe the general area of the Public Safety Resource Center. A specific site has not been selected, yet the city has included potential acquisition costs in the bond proposal. If Proposition B is approved, the city would evaluate potential sites in the Southern Sector through the project development process, including City Council review and opportunities for community input before any Council action.
What is the process for the public artwork included in the bond program - what’s proposed and how will it be selected?
The city will follow a public art process that can include planning, design, fabrication, and installation of public artwork in public spaces. The specific type, size, and location of artwork would be determined during project development. Artwork would be selected through a city process that includes review and recommendations by the City’s Public Art Ad Hoc Committee. The committee is comprised of three City Councilmembers, who will provide input through public meetings on artwork concepts, selection approaches, and alignment with community goals.
What is the difference between authorization and issuance?
Bond authorization is voter approval of a maximum amount of bonds for the purposes described in each proposition. Bonds are authorized by the voters and are later issued by the city. Bond issuance is when the city sells bonds to investors to fund projects. Issuance typically occurs over multiple years as projects move forward.
Can bond money be used for something else?
No. Bond proceeds may only be used for the purposes described in the approved bond propositions and related costs of issuing the bonds. Funds cannot be redirected to unrelated purposes outside the approved proposition purposes.
Was the bond program developed and discussed publicly?
Yes. The bond program was presented and discussed during multiple City Council meetings, which were publicly posted and open to the public in accordance with state law. Agendas and meeting materials were made available in advance, and discussions took place during both regular and special City Council meetings. The meetings occurred on:
December 2, 2025 (Special City Council - presentation on the 2026 GO program)
December 16, 2025 (City Council meeting discussion of 2026 General Obligation Program)
January 6, 2026 (City Council meeting)
January 20, 2026 (City Council meeting)
Are all projects guaranteed to happen exactly as listed?
Although bonds can only be issued in the amounts and for the purposes listed in each bond proposition, project costs, timing, and sequencing can change based on project design and engineering, city needs, bid pricing, and other factors. Any changes will be discussed publicly.
Will the City seek grants or partnerships to offset costs?
The city actively seeks grants on a regular basis. When available and appropriate, the city may pursue grants, intergovernmental funding, and partnerships to help reduce the net cost of eligible projects. The city will evaluate grants to reduce the amount of other funding needed for eligible costs, consistent with grant requirements and City Council action.
What oversight exists?
Bond programs are subject to public budgeting, financial reporting, and external audit processes. The city will provide public reporting on authorized amounts, bonds issued, project status, and expenditures through the bond program webpage and periodic updates.
Is the City permitted to use public funds to advocate for the bond proposal?
The city’s role is to provide neutral, factual information such as election details, ballot language, descriptions of proposed projects, and objective tax impact information. The city is prohibited from spending public funds for political advertising but is allowed to communicate factually and describe the purposes of a bond measure if the communication does not advocate passage or defeat of the measure.
If approved, how will the public be kept updated on project status?
The city will keep the public informed of project updates via this webpage.
How could land acquisition estimates be included in the City’s bond proposals (projects in Proposition C) if the city has not selected specific locations yet?
For projects under Proposition C, specific sites have not yet been determined. If Proposition C is approved, the city will move forward with the project development process, which will evaluate factors such as land availability, cost, access, utility capacity, environmental constraints, and neighborhood compatibility.
To prepare a realistic bond plan, the city included a target amount for land acquisition in its cost estimates. Including land acquisition in the bond proposal allows the city to secure an appropriate site when one is identified and negotiated, instead of delaying projects until a separate funding source is identified. Land purchases would still require City Council approval through a public agenda process, and bond funds could only be used for purposes consistent with the approved Proposition language.
If actual land acquisition costs exceed the amount budgeted in the bond estimate, the City would identify another funding source, and any additional funding would be subject to City Council approval.
When is the election?
The General Election is May 2, 2026.
Earling voting will be held:
Dallas and Tarrant County: April 20 and April 22 - 28
Ellis County: April 20, April 22 - 25 and April 27 - 28
The deadline to register to vote in this election is Thursday, April 2, 2026
Click here for more election information.
When were the last GO bonds authorized in Grand Prairie?
GO bond authorizations were last approved by voters in 2021 (Economic Development) and 2001 (Public Safety, Storm Drainage, and Streets).
How can I get more information about the 2026 GO Bond program?
Residents can stay informed by attending a city-sponsored bond informational session. Dates, times, and locations for city-sponsored sessions are posted on the city’s bond webpage www.gptx.org/BondElection2026.
In addition, you may see city staff providing informational presentations throughout the community at meetings hosted by Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), HOAs, neighborhood associations, community groups and other organizations. Please check the website for details on the city-sponsored informational sessions.
Who can vote in the 2026 Bond Election?
To vote in this election, residents must be registered by April 2, 2026. For official voter registration and eligibility requirements, please visit the appropriate county elections office. County links are available on the City’s Elections page: https://www.gptx.org/Departments/City-Secretary/Elections
Bond Election FAQ Spanish(PDF, 169KB)
Bond Election FAQ Vietnamese(PDF, 261KB)