Forney council votes to call November special election on up-to $49.5M recreation center and library

The Forney City Council voted on Tuesday to call a special election in November asking residents to authorize up to $49,500,000 for a single-site recreation center and library that the city says would incorporate a YMCA footprint.

City staff lead presenter Carl told the council the ordinance before them would identify cost and project description and cited a Hilltop Financial analysis used to estimate long-term debt costs. "$49,500,000 cost for this facility," Carl said during the presentation. Council member Traylor moved to approve the bond language and call a special election; Councilwoman Sarah Salgado seconded. The mayor then took a show-of-hands vote and announced the motion passed. If approved by voters, staff said the ordinance would be assigned number 2627 and the city would set a November election date.

The council and staff emphasized that the council is not approving construction tonight; passing the ordinance only places a proposition on the ballot for residents to decide. Resident Florelia Escamilla, during public comment, urged the council to "give the citizens of Forney the opportunity to decide" and reminded the chamber that "City council is not voting to build a library." Council members said additional planning, negotiations with the YMCA and public information would occur before any debt is issued and that some operational and agreement terms would be conditioned on the election outcome.

The item clears the way for staff to proceed with preparatory steps required for a bond referendum, including further work on project concepts, communications to the public, and potential memoranda of understanding or lease forms with the YMCA, all subject to voter approval.