Coldspring discusses bond for COCISD, other projects

COLDSPRING — The Coldspring City Council heard updates on projects and monthly finances, as well as information regarding the Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD bond measure on November’s ballot.

At the regular meeting on Oct. 6, Dr. Bryan Taulton, COCISD Superintendent, took the floor to brief the council on the COCISD Bond and what to expect when potential school renovations are complete. Taulton said it includes renovations and improvements to all campuses in the district, such as district-wide renovations for enhanced lighting and fencing for safety, interior door and finish upgrades, restroom renovations, and six new school buses.

“This proposal is a result of two years of research, planning, and community input, laid by the Facilities & Finance Assessment Committee for Trojan Students,” said Taulton.

Taulton said the new and improved Jones campus will become the new intermediate school, while the current Intermediate school will become the James Street Elementary school.

The tax rate impact for the proposed COCISD Bond is $45 million, with an increase to $0.92 per $100 in property valuation.

Concerned residents had questions for Taulton relating to how the proposed bond would impact the students academically.

Taulton expressed that academic improvements have always been a priority for the district.

“We’ve had substantial improvement across the district,” he said.

FFACTS Committee Vice Chair Jeremy Coker was very vocal during the discussion about the 2025 COCISD Bond, saying that the increase in the tax rate is worth it if it means providing the students of COCISD with the best.

“We hold our kids to a certain standard. We need to make sure that the facilities we put them in are at the grade, the same level that we expect our children to be at,” Coker said.

Election Day will be Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the San Jacinto County Elections Administration Building.

In a separate matter, Mayor John Benestante gave financial and legislative reports to the board, saying that “Coldspring is at 75 percent of the financial year and 95 percent of revenue is in.”

Benestante also said the TxDOT Sidewalk Project “is a done deal.”

In other business:

• City Attorney Greg Magee gave an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax Ordinance, and said the ordinance “needs to be fine-tuned.”
• Joshua Taylor gave an update on the wastewater treatment plant and collection system. Taylor states that the old piping will be replaced on Thursday.
• Gerald L. Deeter, Promotions Consultant for San Jacinto County Television, discussed the work the firm does televising interesting things that happen in the community, including Commissioners' Court meetings, ESD meetings, and meetings happening in Shepherd. Deeter also said that there is a new restaurant, The Corral, opening in Coldspring.
• The board approved a resolution to select a grant administration service provider and an engineering firm for a community development block grant and authorized signatories for the contracts.

The next meeting will be Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at Coldspring City Hall.