Southwest

Trustees of the Scottsdale Cultural Council last week heard plans for a $10.5 million bond proposal that the art group plans to take to the Scottsdale City Council in March 2012.

DALLAS - Falling incarceration rates could interfere with Arizona's plan to issue debt to finance a for-profit private prison, according to reports.

DALLAS - Improved revenue collections indicate Oklahoma's years of budget shortfalls are history, Treasurer Ken Miller said Thursday in announcing the 20th consecutive month of revenue increases.

DALLAS - Arizona State University will have a new way to issue debt with a stadium district authorized by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Phoenix.

DALLAS - Colorado voters refused a tax increase that would have raised $3 billion for the state's struggling school districts Tuesday and rejected several local measures that would have provided revenue for bond issues.

DALLAS - Arkansas will be able to repair and upgrade more than 400 miles of Interstate highway with proceeds from $575 million of Garvee bonds being decided by voters on Tuesday, up from earlier estimates of 300 miles.

DALLAS - Texas' 254 counties would gain new bonding authority and could team up for long-term project financing under two constitutional amendments awaiting voter approval next week.

The Pasadena Independent School District is seeking approval from voters next week for $270.1 million of general obligation bonds to finance new facilities needed to accommodate the Houston-area district’s rapid growth.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said last week she was “very embarrassed” by the deteriorating condition of the state capitol building in Oklahoma City.

A pension study commission said last week it would consider a wide range of options for closing Kansas’ pension liabilities, including pension bonds and a shift to a 401(k)-style retirement plan for new state workers.