By David Kapitan

Staff Writer

Even with several key items of community interest on the ballot, including the establishment of an Emergency Services District and the green light for a construction of a hotel locally, as well as three seats for both the Wills Point City Council and Wills Point ISD Board of Trustees up for grabs, voting proved to be steady but not spectacular on Election Day.

Propositions

Proposition 1 on the ballot passed with ease clearing a path for the construction of a Best Western Plus Hotel to be constructed in the eastern portion of the city with no property tax increase for residents.

Voters overwhelmingly supported the measure by a 283-67 margin, (80.86 percent for, 19.14 percent against).

“For several years, groups and individuals in the community have approached EDC to assist with the construction of a hotel in Wills Point,” EDC Administrator Pam Pearson said. “The search is finally over and the voters have approved the construction of a 3-story Best Western Plus Hotel at Wills Point Business Park. The EDC Board is thrilled the community is allowing sales tax dollars to fund incentives of a tourism project which will accommodate overnight guests attending events and generate additional revenue.”

Voters also backed a second proposition on the ballot, throwing their support behind the establishment of Emergency Services District #4 by a vote of 321 for (56.32 percent) to 249 against (43.68 percent).

ESDs are political subdivisions of the State of Texas that may support or provide local emergency services, including emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, rural fire prevention and control services, and other emergency services.

Wills Point Fire Chief Ed Leipply said he was appreciative of the support from affected residents.

“A big thanks goes to the city residents and county residents of the fire district,” Leipply said, adding that the ESD will allow for a better level of services by helping to provide local firefighters with the tools they need.

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