Southwest

DALLAS — Facing the risk that voters might curtail state and local debt issuance in two months, Colorado issuers are sizing up the cost of three November ballot issues and hastening bond deals before the measures have a chance to pass.

DALLAS — Kansas general fund revenue came in 10% higher than expected in August, which Gov. Mark Parkinson called “another clear sign” the state’s economy is beginning to recover.

DALLAS — Less than two months after a record $1.5 billion deal, the Texas Transportation Commission is preparing another $1 billion issue of general obligation bonds.

With soaring demand for top-rated, tax-exempt munis, Harris County, Tex., expects strong results Tuesday in its pricing of $205 million of tax-backed refunding bonds, according to the county's financial services director.

The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, the builder of three professional sports stadiums, could default on some of its $988 million of debt as early as March 2011, according to calculations by Moody's Investors Service.

Corpus Christi Independent School District will build two new schools if voters sign off on a $125 million general obligation bond referendum on Nov. 2.

A proposal by Logan County Independent School District No. 1 for $89.8 million of lease-revenue bonds was rejected last week by almost 78% of those voting.

The Kansas chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses said last week it was "shocked and disappointed" at a city's imposition of a transportation utility fee on property owners based on how much traffic the property generates.

Arkansas' joint adequacy evaluation oversight subcommittee has proposed a 2.5% increase in state funding for local school districts in fiscal 2012 and another 2.9% hike in fiscal 2013.

The Chicago Cubs will campaign strenuously in favor of a financial package to keep the team's spring training operations at its long-time home of Mesa. A vote on the proposal is set for the general election on Nov. 2.