Plano Voters to Decide on Dallas Stars Arena Taxes This November

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

PLANO, Texas – Plano voters will get a say this November on taxes to help finance the proposed Dallas Stars arena at the Shops at Willow Bend. But a “no” vote would not necessarily stop the project.

The City Council voted 8-0 Monday to place the venue-tax proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot. The proposed taxes would apply to hotel stays, short-term rental cars, event parking, admissions and use of the venue, not residential property taxes.

“This is not a tax increase on individual property taxes for citizens here,” Deputy City Manager Doug McDonald said.

The vote is the latest step in a process that began June 8, when the council approved a non-binding letter of intent with the Dallas Stars, agreements with other project partners and a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone covering the Willow Bend site. No final development agreement or site plan has been approved.

What the November Vote Means

McDonald emphasized that rejecting the venue taxes would not necessarily stop the arena project.

“A no vote does not prevent the city from proceeding with the arena project under the TIRZ statute and other laws,” McDonald said.

The proposed tax rates are the maximum allowed under state law. Even if voters approve them, they would not automatically take effect. The council would have to adopt a future ordinance setting the rates.

City officials said projected revenue from the taxes will be presented at future council meetings.

Residents Question Cost and Traffic

Several residents urged the council to slow the process, raising concerns about traffic, financing and the impact on nearby neighborhoods.

Judith Walsh, who said she lives less than two miles from Willow Bend, asked the council to pause the process until the city could commit to neighborhood protections involving noise, lighting, event parking, security, traffic and the power grid.

“We did not choose Plano to live next to a 90-acre year-round sports and entertainment complex,” Walsh said.

Plano resident Jeremy Matthews focused on financing. He criticized what he described as the city’s planned $700 million contribution toward arena construction and argued that the November ballot does not present voters with the entire financial picture.

“This election covers only a portion of the financing of the arena,” Matthews said.

The city says its potential financing plan relies on new revenues generated by the project, including commercial property tax revenue within the Willow Bend TIRZ, venue and visitor-related taxes and other arena-event revenue. The city’s project page says the proposal would not affect current property tax rates for Plano residents.

Council members said significant details remain under study. Council Member Bob Kehr said the city is at least a year away from having all of the studies and information regarding the project’s size, location and other details.

“We have many opportunities to say no in the future,” Kehr said, adding that the city will provide bimonthly updates and hold additional town halls as studies are completed.

Plano Holds Property Tax Rate

The council also moved forward with a proposed property tax rate of 43.76 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, the same rate as the current year.

Plano’s recommended 2026-27 budget totals $841.9 million, while the proposed Community Investment Program totals $290 million.

Budget discussions also pointed to pressure on future tax rates as the city takes on major capital projects.

The capital program includes spending on streets, parks, drainage, water and sewer infrastructure. Staff said much of the city’s water work involves aging infrastructure, while redevelopment could also require additional capacity improvements.

Flock Camera Concerns Return

Automatic license plate readers also surfaced during public comments, with several residents raising privacy concerns about systems commonly known as Flock cameras.

Harlan French raised concerns about potential misuse of the technology and called for residents to have a say in whether Plano uses it.

“I think that there should be a referendum for Plano to vote on this,” French said.

For Plano voters, the next major decision comes Nov. 3, when they will decide whether the venue-related taxes become part of the city’s financing plan for the proposed arena.