Southwest

DALLAS - Amid uncertainty in the bond market and painful belt-tightening by the state, two large Texas school districts are issuing a combined $235 million of bonds to keep up with demands from growing populations.

Travis County voters would decide Nov. 8 on a $205.6 million general obligation bond program for roads and park projects if commissioners accept the recommendations presented last week by a citizens committee.

Trustees of Oklahoma County Independent School District No. 52 last week set an election for Sept. 13 on a request for $90.5 million of bonds. The board also approved a list of projects to be financed with the proceeds.

Gov. Susana Martinez said New Mexico’s unemployment compensation trust fund should remain healthy through 2012, more than 12 months longer than originally projected.

The commission set up to look into faster ways to bolster the finances of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System convened last week for the first of 10 meetings. The 13-member commission is to recommend solutions to the 2012 Legislature.

The two largest Arkansas state pension funds, which provide benefits to more than 55,000 retirees, last week reported investment returns of more than 20% in fiscal 2011.

DALLAS - Debt issued by charter schools in Texas can be enhanced by the state's Permanent School Fund under a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Rick Perry.

DALLAS - The Central Texas Turnpike System, which operates three tollways in the Austin area, is counting on higher subsidies from the state after revenues fell $100 million short of covering debt and operating costs, officials said.

M.R. Beal & Co. has opened two new offices in Texas, tapping three executives from Sterne Agee in the process.

DALLAS - The Dallas Independent School District has halted bond-financed renovations and upgrades at eight schools due to lower-than-expected enrollment.