Editorial: Bond measure for downtown Longview parking facility is worthy of support

Longview News-Journal
October 20, 2023 at 10:47AM

A downtown Longview parking project would benefit more than just folks conducting business at the Gregg County Courthouse.

The facility at the corner of Methvin and Center streets would relieve congestion around the courthouse as well as provide more parking options for patrons of nearby businesses and residents attending downtown events.

A bond measure on the Nov. 7 ballot would fund the facility, and it’s deserving of voters’ support.

Calling it a parking “garage” fails to describe its function and appearance.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt told us the facility would be 13,000 square feet, four levels and provide 293 parking spaces. It would be lighted 24-7 and have “high security” with “cameras out the gazoo on every floor” that would be monitored by the sheriff’s office, he said.

Another important feature: Parking would be free and open to the public — not just courthouse visitors but anyone in downtown Longview.

And it would allow employees in two courthouse offices — the Gregg County Veterans Service Office and Elections Office — to move and therefore accommodate future space needs in the courthouse.

Although the bond proposal is for up to $19 million, Stoudt said $12 million to $13 million is more likely because of $10 million the county is setting aside from its reserves to help pay for the facility.

The judge said the debt would be structured to be repaid over 15 years with the ability to repay it early in five years.

Stoudt also told us it’s important for voters to know the county won’t spend any more bond money than is necessary, adding that any amount of debt the county is authorized to use but doesn’t need for the parking facility “will go away.”

“We will not spend it on anything else,” he said.

Gregg County’s property tax rate is expected to increase by about 1 cent if the bond proposal passes, according to estimates. A $12 million, 15-year bond would result in an additional $9.70 annually on a home valued at $100,000.

Commissioners made the right decision earlier this year when they voted to let Gregg County residents make the final call on the parking facility, which has been discussed and argued over for years.

This is a worthy project that comes at a small cost to county taxpayers, and we believe its many benefits will enhance downtown for decades to come.

“It’s not just for today. It’s for the next 50 to 100 years,” Stoudt said. “This is going to be a quality facility and structure.”

Early voting for the Nov. 7 election starts Monday.