TEMPLE, TX (August 17, 2026) – UPDATE: The Temple City Council has called a bond election for November 3, 2026, regarding the issuance of up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for the Sammons Community Center.
If approved by voters, Proposition A would provide funding for the replacement of the existing Sammons Community Center with a new facility designed to support community programming, recreation, fitness activities, education, events and gatherings.
Project Background
The proposed project follows an evaluation of the existing facility after professional assessments identified structural deficiencies following the 2024 Tornado, including weaknesses in portions of the building’s roof framing system and structural integrity. A supplemental structural assessment confirmed findings from an earlier engineering evaluation and identified portions of the building requiring full replacement as well as other areas requiring localized repairs.
The City evaluated multiple options for the facility, originally constructed in 1921, including repairs and partial reconstruction as well as full replacement. Following the evaluations and additional planning, the City developed a conceptual plan for a new community center of approximately 20,000 square feet. The concept includes flexible event spaces, classrooms, recreation and fitness areas, a demonstration kitchen, community gathering and lounge areas, library and table-game areas, offices, storage and support spaces.
Planning for the proposed facility also included input from Sammons staff, program instructors, recreation staff and active community center users. Priorities identified through that process included spaces for programs and events, improved accessibility, fitness opportunities, indoor and outdoor gathering areas, and parking.
The current estimated total project cost is $15 million, including approximately $12.25 million for building and site construction, $1 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment, $1.05 million for design and bidding, $550,000 for construction-phase services and materials testing, and $150,000 for demolition.
The renderings developed for the project are conceptual and are intended to illustrate the potential character and functionality of a future community center. Final design would occur following voter authorization and subsequent design and development of the project.
If approved by voters, Proposition A would provide funding for the replacement of the existing Sammons Community Center with a new facility designed to support community programming, recreation, fitness activities, education, events and gatherings.
Project Background
The proposed project follows an evaluation of the existing facility after professional assessments identified structural deficiencies following the 2024 Tornado, including weaknesses in portions of the building’s roof framing system and structural integrity. A supplemental structural assessment confirmed findings from an earlier engineering evaluation and identified portions of the building requiring full replacement as well as other areas requiring localized repairs.
The City evaluated multiple options for the facility, originally constructed in 1921, including repairs and partial reconstruction as well as full replacement. Following the evaluations and additional planning, the City developed a conceptual plan for a new community center of approximately 20,000 square feet. The concept includes flexible event spaces, classrooms, recreation and fitness areas, a demonstration kitchen, community gathering and lounge areas, library and table-game areas, offices, storage and support spaces.
Planning for the proposed facility also included input from Sammons staff, program instructors, recreation staff and active community center users. Priorities identified through that process included spaces for programs and events, improved accessibility, fitness opportunities, indoor and outdoor gathering areas, and parking.
The current estimated total project cost is $15 million, including approximately $12.25 million for building and site construction, $1 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment, $1.05 million for design and bidding, $550,000 for construction-phase services and materials testing, and $150,000 for demolition.
The renderings developed for the project are conceptual and are intended to illustrate the potential character and functionality of a future community center. Final design would occur following voter authorization and subsequent design and development of the project.
Proposition A
On November 3, Temple voters will be asked whether to authorize the City to issue up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for Sammons Community Center. The proposition authorizes funding for purposes including design, construction, improvements, demolition, equipment, necessary property interests and related landscaping.
The ballot will state:
“City of Temple, Texas Proposition A
THIS IS A TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $15,000,000 for the Sammons Community Center, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds”
Tax Impact
If approved, the bonds would be repaid through the City’s ad valorem property tax.
The estimated tax rate impact is $0.0125 in fiscal year 2028 (tax year 2027). This equates to an estimated $10 maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes on a residence homestead with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized, This figure assumes application of a homestead exemption of $ 20,000 .
Voter Information
Polling locations and early voting dates and times will be determined by Bell County and provided prior to the election.
For additional information about Proposition A and the Sammons Community Center project, visit templetx.gov/bond26.
The ballot will state:
“City of Temple, Texas Proposition A
THIS IS A TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $15,000,000 for the Sammons Community Center, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds”
Tax Impact
If approved, the bonds would be repaid through the City’s ad valorem property tax.
The estimated tax rate impact is $0.0125 in fiscal year 2028 (tax year 2027). This equates to an estimated $10 maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes on a residence homestead with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized, This figure assumes application of a homestead exemption of $ 20,000 .
Voter Information
Polling locations and early voting dates and times will be determined by Bell County and provided prior to the election.
For additional information about Proposition A and the Sammons Community Center project, visit templetx.gov/bond26.
City of Temple City Council to Consider Bond Election
TEMPLE, TX (August 10, 2026) - The Temple City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, August 17 at 10 a.m. to consider calling a bond election for November 3, 2026.
The proposed bond election would ask Temple voters to consider up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for Sammons Community Center. The proposed project would replace the existing Sammons Community Center with a new facility designed to continue serving the community with recreational, educational and gathering spaces for residents of all ages. Council's action on August 17 would determine whether the proposition is placed before voters in November. If the election is called, voters would make the final decision.
Visit templetx.gov/meetings for additional information on upcoming public meetings.
The proposed bond election would ask Temple voters to consider up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for Sammons Community Center. The proposed project would replace the existing Sammons Community Center with a new facility designed to continue serving the community with recreational, educational and gathering spaces for residents of all ages. Council's action on August 17 would determine whether the proposition is placed before voters in November. If the election is called, voters would make the final decision.
Visit templetx.gov/meetings for additional information on upcoming public meetings.
Special Called Council Meeting: Sammons Community Center Bond Election Consideration