Not too long after Tarleton State University went to Division 1 Athletics I think now three years ago, they informed the Stephenville ISD they could not renew the contract for use of Memorial stadium for home HS football games, which expires at the end of 2024. It's been the SISD home stadium since it was built in the 1940's.
Building of new west side home stands, including suites in anticipation of going D1 raised capacity to 15,000, then somehow I've read 17,000. Funding approved by the state legislature and the A & M System. Now with new north endzone tall and steep student seating it's up to 24,000. TSU now needs the stadium the day/night before to prepare for a Saturday game. Texan Alley, RV parking, more. I've also read other D1 schools frown on such, and, that the NCAA requires "exclusive use".
By May 2022 the SISD came up with a $50,000,000 bond proposal for a new stadium. With property taxes already going through the roof, out of a total of 2948 voters it lost by 260 votes. It seemed the Yellowjackets would be homeless. in 2025. Or renting Dublin's nice new 5000 seat stadium, a bit beneath them in some's opinions, but which they have already done.
So, the SISD came up with a new proposal for an 8,000-seat stadium for $39. 9 million. Not $40 million, $39.9. Support in the paper from numerous local luminaries. Placards by Tractor Supply and all over town declaring "This is Not a tax increase". Near the vote the paper said it Would be a tax increase. With this time 7609 voters it passed by 147.
Now, with appraisals still up, the city council passed the highest rate legally allowed. After the state legislature passed bills to increase state school funding specifically to reduce property taxes.
I have a Dublin address less than two miles outside the Stephenville city limits, eight miles from Dublin. But I'm in the SISD, which already had a higher tax rate than Dublin. No other city services provided, water, sewer, trash, etc.
Sorry to rant. Off my soapbox.
The Stephenville High School football team may soon be homeless. The Yellow Jackets have played in Tarleton University’s Memorial Stadium (built in 1951) for as long as anyone can remember. But Tarleton has notified the Stephenville ISD
www.brownwoodnews.com
By SARA VANDEN BERGE The worry over where the Stephenville Yellow Jackets will play their football games when its contract with Tarleton State University expires is no more. Voters gave the green light to a $39.9 million bond proposition for a new football/soccer stadium on Tuesday with 3,878...
www.beneaththesurfacenews.com