08/30/2026
Just so Plano voters know what is on the ballot in November regarding the Stars arena. IT is a done deal. This is what we are voting on:
The Plano City Council officially placed Proposition A on the November 3, 2026, special election ballot.
The Exact Ballot Proposition Language
While Texas statutory law requires specific legalese regarding the maximum tax caps, the official city resolution structures the package to ask voters to approve the following authorization:
"Authorizing the City of Plano, Texas to establish, finance, and operate a sports and community venue project within the Willow Bend District, and to impose the following new or increased venue-related taxes for the purpose of financing the project:
A short-term motor vehicle rental tax at a rate not to exceed 5%;
A hotel occupancy tax at a rate not to exceed 2%;
An event parking tax at a rate not to exceed $3 per vehicle;
An admissions tax at a rate not to exceed 10% of the ticket price; and
A venue facility use tax of up to $5,000 per game on each member of a major league sports team playing at the venue.”
Explanation in Plain English
In simple terms, this ballot measure is asking: "Should Plano pass new taxes that target visitors and arena users to help pay for the new Dallas Stars arena?"
Here is a breakdown of what a "Yes" or "No" vote means, and how the taxes work:
1. It is a "Visitor Tax" package, not a local property tax.If approved, the city is given permission to collect money using five specific fees. These fees are designed to make out-of-town visitors and event-goers pay for the stadium, rather than Plano homeowners.Car Rentals: People renting cars in Plano will pay up to 5% extra.Hotels: Out-of-town guests staying in Plano hotels will pay up to 2% extra.Concert & Game Attendees: Anyone buying a ticket to an event at the arena will pay up to 10% extra on their ticket and up to $3 for parking.The Players: Professional athletes playing in the arena will be charged a "facility use fee" of up to $5,000 per game.
2. It is an "All-or-Nothing" package on the ballot.All five of these taxes are bundled together into a single vote (Proposition A). Voters cannot pick and choose; you either vote to approve the entire toolset of taxes, or reject all of them. Passing the measure sets the maximum legal limit, but City Council can later decide to implement lower rates if the full amount isn't needed.
3. This is NOT a vote to approve or cancel the arena.This election is strictly a financial vote.If you vote YES: You are agreeing that the city should use visitor taxes to fund its $700 million portion of the project.If you vote NO: You are saying the city cannot use these specific visitor taxes. However, a "No" vote does not cancel the Dallas Stars project. The City of Plano can legally still move forward with building the arena, but they would have to find a different way to pay for it (such as relying entirely on the TIRZ property tax increment).
