Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
When growth isn’t managed responsibly, taxpayers pay the price.
Unchecked development means new roads, expanded law enforcement, added water infrastructure, and long-term maintenance costs. If growth doesn’t pay for itself, homeowners do.
On March 3, Precinct 4 voters will decide whether to continue fiscally disciplined leadership that has required developers to prove infrastructure capacity before approval — or return to the policies that allowed rapid growth while taxes climbed.
Over the past three years under Commissioner John Stacy:
- The county tax rate has been reduced by 14.2%
- Nearly $70 million in road projects have moved forward
- Developers have been required to demonstrate water, road, and public safety capacity before new approvals
By contrast, his opponents adopted budgets above the no-new-revenue rate every year they held office — contributing to property tax increases of more than 50% in their respective municipal budgets.
“Growth is coming to Rockwall County,” said Stacy. “The question is whether it’s responsible growth — or growth that forces homeowners to subsidize it.”
On March 3, voters will choose:
Responsible growth and stable taxes — or overdevelopment that shift the burden to families.
Overdevelopment → infrastructure strain → budget increases → higher taxes.
If developers don’t pay for growth, you will.
If developer-backed candidates approve thousands of new homes without requiring adequate roads, water, and public safety infrastructure, someone has to pay for the gap. That someone is you — on your property tax bill.
“Developer-funded candidates bring developer-driven growth,” Stacy said. “Developer-driven growth raises your taxes. That’s not opinion — that’s what the record shows.”
Your Local Government Matters Most
In the noise of a primary season filled with high-profile races, it’s easy to overlook the officials who most directly impact daily life. But your county commissioner controls a portion of your property tax rate, approves developments around your home, and decides whether your roads get fixed or your infrastructure keeps up with growth.
On March 3, the choice is clear:
Keep taxes stable — or risk going back to the policies that raised them.
John Stacy is running for re-election as Rockwall County Commissioner Precinct 4 in the March 3rd election.
The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rockwall Times, its ownership, or its editorial team. We publish community perspectives to encourage informed civic engagement.
