(Texas Scorecard) – Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French is questioning the City of Mansfield’s decision to build a sports stadium, alleging that the city is constructing the facility without proper approval from residents.
During the May 2023 election, the city council put two propositions up for a vote. One focused on a change in how the city’s Type A and Type B sales and use tax could be utilized to attract additional types of businesses to the city. The second allowed for the creation of a professional multi-sport venue using Type A sales and use taxes.
Both propositions passed. However, French is asserting that the voter information guide was vague and that the $86 million sports stadium project was only decided this year, giving residents no “opportunity to consider this specific project.”
“While the propositions passed, they were somewhat vague. The election was also in 2023, though the decision to build a new stadium is just now being made. This has many local residents upset and some questioning the legality of the decision, considering they were not provided with an opportunity to consider this specific project, which will cost nearly $100 million. Some have noted that, in 2023 when the proposals were first considered, several council members noted that any project that would require the use of public funds would require a vote – a vote which, according to some concerned residents, didn’t happen,” French wrote on X.
French pointed to an August 26 meeting in which the city council approved two agenda items that combined issued $75 million in debt to Mansfield residents—allegedly without voter approval.
“Reasonably, this has upset many Mansfield residents who feel the City Council has been approving large expenditures and issuing massive amounts of debt without their consent,” wrote French.
However, Mansfield City Councilmember Tamera Bounds told Texas Scorecard that both propositions were “properly vetted and there was an official reading into the public record, as required by the Texas Local Government Code.”
Additionally, Bounds addressed the allegations that voters were not properly informed, saying, “Multiple public venues were opened to provide information to Mansfield voters and educate them about what the city was asking them to vote for. Many council members were involved in this process. Additionally, a voter guide was distributed.”
Bounds also said that “as this project has progressed, hearings have been and will continue to be held transparently in public through several City agenda items, such as public hearings, new business, old business, and possibly the Consent Agenda.”
The future hearings will include discussions of land purchases, the design, the construction manager at risk, any amendments related to the project, and other possible items related to the multi-sports stadium.
Additionally, Bounds said that all council members are available to meet with citizens to listen and address their concerns.
Councilmember Julie Short told Texas Scorecard her reasoning for supporting the project, outlining that the stadium will attract visitors to Mansfield, who will in turn spend money and lessen the tax burden on residents.
“This development, that includes the stadium, will open up $2.5 Billion in private development. It also includes a High 5 family entertainment establishment with rooftop concert space, a hotel/conference center (that the state legislature has already approved for tax incentives from their portion), many more restaurants, retail, Class A office and living opportunities,” said Short.
Short also explained that there is no “sinister activity or self-promotion” for the project and said she appreciates French’s willingness to hold elected officials accountable.
“There is no sinister activity or self-promotion here, although that is what seems to be the easiest assumption for so many,” said Short. “I appreciate that Mr. French and others are intent on holding elected officials responsible. I have no problem with that and appreciate it!”