Elections are just around the corner, and while the yard signs are blooming like bluebonnets in May, the details on Frisco’s shiny new “Broadway-style” Frisco Center for the Arts remains as clear as a foggy morning on Preston Road.
We’ve got the Smart Frisco PAC telling us this whole thing is “free”—which is fitting, considering their treasurer once filed as indigent to get a reduced bond. I guess if it’s good enough for the courts, it’s good enough for taxpayers. Free must be her favorite word—right after entering a “plea” for her charges of assault causes bodily injury to a family member.
Then there’s Councilman Bill Woodard—who donates to the PAC and then insists he’s supporting it “as a citizen.” That’s like Clark Kent donating to the Daily Planet and swearing Superman had nothing to do with it.
Meanwhile, Cheney is pitching this project like a used Buick with a busted transmission—“low miles, clean title, don’t ask too many questions!” And let’s not forget Councilmember Tammy Meinershagen, who’s dressing this deal up like she’s starring in Pretty in Pink—but she fights like a jaguar defending her turf in the Amazon. Ask a question and you’ll find yourself swatted into next week.
And yet, no one—not one single elected official—wants to talk about the actual nuts and bolts of that build this deal. Residents need to stop and ask themselves, “Why are we voting on a project with more gaps than a 1970s punch card?”
“Just go with it,” city leaders say. I think we heard that before when they were talking about Universal Kids Studios. Remember the night of the vote, all the major elements hand changed like how late the park can open, how high the rides can be, and of course that mysterious traffic report. The city wants us to trust them again, like they are magicians, and we should just hand over our wallets.
I can still hear my dad saying, “Son, nothing in life is free.” Especially not a $340-million-dollar arts center being peddled like cotton candy at a county fair. Buckle up, Frisco. It’s time to pull out the wrench, tighten the screws, and see what this Broadway baby is really made of. Spoiler: it might not be glitter and show tunes under the hood.
The conversation of a Performing Arts Center has been ongoing for years in Frisco. We started by filing a PIR for a complete copy of all the performing arts center studies done over the years and any associated documentation related to the reports including those from consulting groups, or 3rd parties. However, the city leadership who claims to be transparent, upfront and honest, sent our request at the time to the Attorney General claiming “trade secrets” as to why they wanted to withhold details.
Take the Delorian back to 2002 and that is when the City was in discussions for the Arts of Collin County (ACC) which was to be owned and operated by the Cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano. At the time the survey conducted said there were no adequate medium-too large facilities in Collin County to support the enjoyment of the arts. At that time the city council supported an initial facility program that included a flexible multipurpose theater with a seating capacity of 800 to 1200 seats. It should also include a second theater with a seating capacity of 350 to 600 seats. The initial location was to be 121 and Custer Road on a site that contained 80 acres donated for the project. The funding for the ACC was to be $76 Million split 4 ways between each city. A bond package put before Frisco voters in 2002 was approved but the road ahead was not going to be without speed bumps.
What Killed The ACC?
The beginning of the end is when McKinney voters opted not to pony up the $19 Million membership fee leaving Allen, Plano and Frisco to pony up more money. The economy had turned downward. The project which had taken 10+ years to advance was not again in front of Frisco voters in 2011. At that time Frisco had the highest voter turnout in 14 years with over 18 percent. Roughly 53% of the voters decided to revoke the city’s authority to sell the $16.4 million in bond money for the ACC. At the time of the vote more than $8 million in bond money had already been spent on researching and designing. It was the final curtain call for the Collin County ACC. Former Mayor of Frisco, Mike Simpson, who was the ACC’s project executive director told the DMN at the time, “There is no question that the city of Frisco making the decision to withdraw their funding and withdraw their support was the biggest challenge. We pretty much had full funding with Frisco’s participation.”
Economy Bounce Back
It was time to dive back into an arts facility pool in 2015. At a February city council meeting the city council voted on two key items. The first was item #17 which was to consider an act to publish a Request for Qualifications for the development and implementation of a study to examine the feasibility of a performing/theater arts facility within Frisco City Limits. It does not say how much it would cost to do but it does say the funding for services would be handled during mid-year adjustments.
That same night they also approved the Citizen Bond Committee recommendation for the 2015 Bond Package which included $10 Million for a performing arts center. One of the many residents who spoke at that time to support the line item was none other than Tammy Meinershagen.
In November of 2015, the Frisco Creative Center for the Arts commissioned a Facility Programming Report by Page Southerland Page which is a program study to discover what the needs were by local groups in an arts facility. Based on those needs Page Southerland Page prepared 5 scenarios and in January of 2016, Tammy Meinershagen (the Arts President), presented the preliminary program and needs assessment to the City Council at the Winter Work Session. What was the outcome? The 5 outcomes included one 300 seat, three different 800-seat options, and a 1200 seat option which would be overboard.
2018 Brings More Studies
Sometime in 2018 the City of Frisco commissioned a “Needs Assessment” by Webb Management Services and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper. It was presented to the council on June 29, 2018, at the Summer Work Session. What did it cost taxpayers? Well, we don’t know exactly but we do know based on the Check Register in 2018 Parkhill, Smith & Cooper was paid a total of $315,600.30 for professional services. What were the suggestions? A marriage of two facilities:
1) 300 – 500-seat facility for community use which was currently in high demand but lacking in availability with a potential cost of 40 to 50 million dollars including parking and land.
2) 1200 – 1500 seat facility that will a gap for Frisco and surrounding areas in the region, but it would require a partnership with private entities and cost 50 to 60 million range.
What were the concerns: If the city opted for only the larger facility it would not be sustainable and would not likely be cost-effective for community performing arts groups.
Frisco ISD and City of Frisco Swim Together in the Arts
In August of 2020, we found another Visual & Performing Arts Center Feasibility Report that had been commissioned by Frisco ISD and City of Frisco. We filed a PIR with Frisco ISD and learned that the report cost the district $28,000 and the City of Frisco reimbursed Frisco ISD in the amount of $14,000. It lists Garfield Public Private and Schuler Shook. What was the outcome?
In early January of 2021, Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley updated the Council on the Performing Arts Center. He recapped feasibility studies concluded in December 2020, indicating a consensus on the flexibility required for such a facility in Frisco in order to accommodate various needs of the entities using the facility. Dr. Cooley stated the next steps are to have discussions with the school district to determine the appropriate size of the venue. City Manager George Purefoy updated Council on the status of the agreement, indicating the draft is with the school district for their review and comments. A final agreement was not expected until March or April of that year.
By June of 2021, then President of Frisco EDC, Ron Patterson was bringing before council a request to approve a Master Development Agreement for a Performing Arts Center, Parking Garage and Park. The deal included City of Frisco, Frisco ISD, Frisco CDC and EDC, and HP Frisco Holdings, aka Hall Group. The public private partnership was shouted from the rooftop by Mayor Cheney and it was to include 1,250 seat Main Performance Hall, 250 Seat Community Venue, a 1,100 stall parking garage and a 5-acre public park. The estimated total at the time was $99 Million ($66 Million for the PAC and $33Million for the garage).
Financial Considerations:
· $43M FISD will source their funds through approved bonds
· $13M City will source these funds through approved bonds ($2M of the $13M already sold and the remaining will be sold as required for the project)
· $33M CDC and\or City CO bonds to be funded through TIRZ#6 with a backstop of this debt by Hall
· $10M Hall will provide funding for the PAC, fund $15M for the Park development, provide the PAC and Park Properties at no cost to the City and FISD
Key Point: The FEDC, while not part of the master development agreement, will provide up to $5 million toward redevelopment of a portion of Hall Park for two buildings, according to the memo. One facility will contain a 15-story office building, hotel space and a parking garage. The second will be a luxury high-rise residential building with a parking garage.
In November of 2021, the city council was taking the next step to approve an agreement for the Program Manager Services (CBRE Heery) who would act as the representative for the planning, design, and construction of the project. The cost is a lump sum fee of $2,074,400.
In February of 2022, an agreement was executed with Corgan + Studio Gang for architectural services for the PAC and garage in the amount of $175,000. The initial agreement was for a spatial analysis study to determine the appropriate size and scale of facilities which can then be used to determine an appropriate construction budget and schedule.
THE IMPLOSION
By August 2022, it was announced that the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD were parting ways on the plan to build the joint performing arts center in conjunction with Hall Group. The school district announced it will move forward with its own PAC using the $3 million approved in bonds back in 2018 by voters.
A community impact article from that time stated, “Some local arts supporters advocated for a larger facility to attract touring Broadway shows and other commercial acts. A fundraising campaign launched in August 2021 set out to raise $100 million more for the project. An online petition about the efforts to build a new performing arts center sought to have at least 1,750-2,000 seats.” It went on to say, “But city and school officials learned in May that costs in materials, labor and equipment had increased more than 50% since the June 2021 agreement. Representatives with Corgan, which was chosen as the project architect, stated that a 1,250-seat venue would carry a price tag of between $135.7 million-$151.1 million. A 1,500-seat venue would cost between $146.1 million-$158.2 million, and a 1,750-seat venue could cost as much as $181.1 million, according to Corgan estimates.”
HERE COMES BROADWAY
In January of 2023, the council was again voting to execute an agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc. for consulting related to a PAC which includes a performing arts venue business plan. It would also include developing a utilization strategy, management approach, and business plan for three different venue options: a 350-seat community venue, a 1,500-seat flexible venue, and a 2,000-seat proscenium venue. Total cost for these services is $99,300. Bond funds were available for this project.
In May 2023, at a special called city council meeting, Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley introduced Alex Keen of Keen Independent Research and Gena Buhler of Theatre Projects who gave a presentation regarding the current study for the proposed Performing Arts Center. After discussion, Council determined to envision large and small facilities located together and to focus first on Broadway, with an emphasis on making it a uniquely Frisco venue. Council encouraged Alex Keen and Gena Buhler to consider including a VIP or club experience which would generate revenue to help with the maintenance and operations of the facility.
In September of 2023, the council executed an agreement again with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc for more “consulting services” in the amount of $1,415,500 to be paid for by bond funds. This new scope will include exploration, development, costing, and preliminary design for the proposed performing arts complex. Elements include multiple costing studies, site analysis (Hall Park site), comprehensive community engagement, economic impact analysis, a design competition, capital stack/funding study, and refinement of the final business plan and City investment. This is a phased approach over the next eighteen months, offering flexibility to adjust along the way.
On October 3, 2023, at a city council Work Session, Assistant City Manager E. A. Hoppe gave a presentation (Exhibit B) reviewing the scope and timeline for the Performing Arts Center. He also reviewed the proposed venue and club touring schedule and the establishment of a Council Ad-Hoc Committee, including three (3) Council Members and City Manager Wes Pierson. Mayor Jeff Cheney, Council Member Tammy Meinershagen, and Mayor Pro-Tem John Keating volunteered to be the members of this Ad Hoc Committee. *** Look at that the 3 Amigos volunteered for the committee***
The next update came June 25, 2024, at CC Summer Work Session, whenGena Buhler, Principal of Theater Projects and Alex Keen, Principal of Keen Independent Research gave a presentation, reviewed the updated timeline, project phasing and tasks, refining the business plan, and priorities for the project. They also provided an update on a possible Broadway partnership update and a funding study. Also, they mentioned the community engagement feedback project is still in progress.
In September of 2024 at a city council meeting they received an updated Item # 7which was a status update on Phase 1A/1B planning study for FCFA. Gena Buhler, with Theatre Projects, and Alex Keen with Keen Independent Research gave an update to Council regarding the Phase 1A/1B planning study for the Frisco Center for the Arts.
At the same meeting the council also authorized the City Manager to finalize and execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc., for consulting services related to a performing arts venue in the amount of $214,350. These changes from the original contract, resulted in a new project total of $1,629,850. According to city records, bond funds are available for this project and were utilized for the initial Phase 1A/1B portion of the project.
By November 2024, the council was ratifying the execution of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Broadway Across America/Broadway Dallas related to the proposed Frisco Center for the Arts. Based on Phase II, the City Council and community were informed of two exciting partnership conversations. One with a proposed Broadway presenting partner, and the other with a potential educational/community partner.
The attached Letter of Intent with Broadway Across America (BAA) and Broadway Dallas outlines key expectations of both parties during the process of continuing to explore the Frisco Center for the Arts project. The Letter of Intent is non-binding and does not have a specific financial implication to the City.
Then in December 2024 the council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement based on the Request for Qualifications #2510-001 Frisco Center for the Arts Facility Concept Design to Pelli Clarke & Partners. These services will cost $385,000 in the amount of $385,000.
The scope will provide for the facility concept design of the Frisco Center for the Arts that will host a variety of events, including theater, concerts, dance performances, and community gatherings. The center will feature multiple performance spaces, including a Broadway-caliber main theater, a community hall, and flexible spaces for educational and community programming. The projected facility size is approximately 220,000 square feet, and will feature multiple performance spaces, including a 2,800-seat proscenium venue (Large Hall), and a flexible 300- to 400-seat community and education-focused courtyard venue (Community Hall). Funds are available through bond funds
2025 Steam Rolling Ahead
At the end of January at the CC Winter Work Session, Gena Buhler, Principal of Theatre Projects began a presentation updating Council on the status of the Frisco Center for the Arts. She began by explaining the partnerships of the project with the City of Frisco being the owner of the building, Prosper ISD as the educational partner, Broadway Across America and Broadway Dallas as the Broadway presenter, and the Venue Operator which is currently in negotiation. Ms. Buhler continued the presentation by reviewing Phase 2 of the project and the fundraising assessment results.
Gena Buhler then updated Council on partnership agreements with Prosper ISD, the Broadway presenting partner, and the operator selection process. Assistant City Manager E. A. Hoppe reviewed the Frisco model versus a venue management model. He emphasized the modified Frisco model, including the financial model which allows the operational partner to provide a moderate capital contribution.
Wes Pierson then explained the propositions that will be determined by the citizens of Frisco in a Bond Election in May 2025. City Attorney Ryan Pittman explained the ballot language and the public hearing process required prior to the Bond Election.
Proposition Language:
(1) authorizing the Frisco Economic Development Corporation to use proceeds of its sales and use tax, including all amounts previously authorized and collected, for projects related to the proposed Center for the Arts development project, including but not limited to, land, buildings, equipment, facilities and improvements found by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors to be required or suitable for use for the proposed Center for the Arts development project.
and (2) the issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $160,000,000 for a City-owned performing arts facility, and levying taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds;
February 2025, public outcry began swiftly upon reading the propositions language. At the Feb 4 council meeting a presentation was for the public by Gena Buhler, Principal of Theatre Projects. Several residents including candidates running for city council came to speak against the use of EDC funds for the project. Jared Elad and Burt Thakur who are currently running for city council, and John Redmond, former candidate for council in 2024, spoke in opposition to Agenda Item #38. However, Josh Meek, candidate for council spoke in favor of Agenda Item #38.
The Council was in agreement to move forward with the proposed funding process and agreed on moving forward with the proposed location at US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway. They also agreed to move forward with the currently proposed modified Frisco Model for an Operator contract. When it came time for a vote it Passed Vote: 5 – 1 with Brian Livingston be the 1 against.
The next council update came on March 18th at a CC Work Session, E. A. Hoppe introduced Mitch Hirsch, Design Partner with Pelli Clarke & Partners, who gave a presentation updating Council on concept design. They described the steps taken to learn the culture and history of Frisco to best develop a concept design for the proposed facility.
Next Big Step: Letter Of Intent
On April 1, 2025 at the Frisco City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #26 was to consider and act upon award of Request for Proposal #2510-011 Frisco Center for the Arts Facility Operator to Frisco Live and authorizing the City Manager to finalize and execute a Letter of Intent related to these services.
In Fall 2024 the City of Frisco solicited a Request for Proposal (RFP) #2510-011 Frisco Center for the Arts (FCFA) Facility Operator, and received proposals on December 2, 2024, from Frisco Live (submitted as Frisco Arts Community Entertainment), Oak View Group, TVG Hospitality, and ASM Global Theater Management. Using the criteria listed in the RFP, the evaluation team consisting of representatives from City staff, Prosper ISD, and Theatre Projects consultants ranked Frisco Live as the top proposer.
The following requirements and expectations for management of the FCFA facility were established and included in the Request for Proposal included venue operations, programming and content management, education and workforce development, financial management, marketing, and Club & VIP Experience Management.
A week later the city held a special called meeting of the council to conduct a public hearing regarding Proposition A on the May 3, 2025, Election Ballot, and the City will inform the City’s residents of the cost and impact of the proposed Center for the Arts project that is the subject of Proposition A on the May 3, 2025, Election Ballot.
Well, that was a long road trip to take you on to understanding the nuts and bolts of the Frisco Center For The Arts. It’s is time to stretch our legs and tomorrow we are going to tell you about The Final Act which is what questions you should be asking beyond the Glitz and Glam of Broadway. What should you consider before voting for or against the propositions that could forever change Frisco?
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another dazzling performance of Frisco’s Bond Ballet! A timeless masterpiece where the city pirouettes around financial transparency, leaps over budget concerns, and performs a breathtaking grand jeté over taxpayer skepticism—all while insisting, with a straight face, that no new taxes will be needed.
Every year, like clockwork, Frisco’s leadership takes center stage to pitch the latest and greatest “must-have” project—this time, a performing arts center. And just like in previous acts, the audience (a.k.a. the taxpayers) ask the same question: Where is the money coming from? But fear not! The City assures us that through the magic of bonds, reallocated funds, and a sprinkle of creative accounting, the show can continue without anyone noticing an increase in their tax bill. Bravo!
But why does this ballet feel so… familiar? Perhaps because it’s a revival of past performances—new costumes, same choreography. Whether it was the stadium, the library, or the latest infrastructure project, the script remains unchanged: Big dreams, vague funding plans, and a promise that it will all work out in the end. They city just wants you to grab your playbill (or financial statement, if you dare) and settle in for another encore performance of Frisco’s Bond Ballet—where the numbers may not always add up, but the show must go on!
To understand HOW THEY PLAN TO FUND the Performing Arts Center you must first understand what the Frisco Community Development Corporation and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation do and what their funds are for! Per the City of Frisco website, “Type A (EDC) and Type B (CDC) corporations were created by Texas law to help local municipalities encourage economic development. An Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a nonprofit entity created to finance new and expanded business enterprises, subject to authorization under Texas law. Texas law defines what authorized projects EDC may participate in and allows for the adoption of sales and use tax to fund those projects.
Type A EDCs are authorized under Texas law to fund, among other things, manufacturing and industrial development projects and the provision of land, buildings, equipment, facilities, expenditures, targeted infrastructure and improvements that are for the creation or retention of primary jobs for projects such as manufacturing and industrial facilities, research and development facilities, military facilities, recycling facilities, distribution centers, small warehouse facilities, primary job training facilities for use by institutions of higher education, and regional or national corporate headquarters facilities, and certain infrastructural improvements to promote or develop new or expanded business enterprises.”
Type B (CDC) corporations, also funded via a sales and use tax, are authorized under Texas law to fund, among other things, the development of recreational and community facilities, including parks, museums, sports facilities, auditoriums, amphitheaters, and concert halls, in addition to all projects eligible for Type A funding or other participation.
Now that you understand the basics of EDC and CDC funding, let’s focus on what Frisco’s Bond Ballet! City leaders are trying to PITCH a state of the art performing arts center that will bring Broadway Shows. To get your “BUY-IN” they are using a grand performance of confusion when it comes to the actual cost and how they plan to use creative accounting to pay for it – so you think “IT’S FREE!”
The City of Frisco leadership and the Frisco EDC Bond Propositions are pushing to rewrite the rules of the game allowing them to reroute sales tax revenues meant for Type A (Economic Development Corporation) Funds for Type B (Community Development Corporation) Purposes. Citizens already voted in the past on how this money should be allocated to both the EDC and CDC so why are they trying to change it now? IT IS THE ONLY WAY KING CHENEY, TONE DEAF TAMMY, BOBBLEHEAD BILL, and the rest of the council and city leadership can get a Performing Arts Center because they know you “the voter” won’t approve a property tax increase.
Instead of using EDC money that is meant to keep FRISCO COMPETITIVE and stimulate local economic growth and attract businesses that bring good quality paying careers the city leadership and city council want to use it as their own personal piggy bank to fund their dreams and desires. City officials are interpreting the local government code broadly, arguing that the performing arts center qualifies as an economic development project.
Let’s pretend a PAC qualifies economic development as the code is written today – then why is the city asking us to vote on Proposition A and B? When you read both props look at the words we highlighted in BOLD and ask yourself why would they need me to vote on this?
Proposition A reads “The Frisco Economic Development Corporation is authorized to use proceeds of its sales and use tax, including all amounts previously authorized and collected, for projects related to the proposed center for the arts project, including but not limited to, land, buildings, equipment, facilities and improvements found by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors to be required or suitable for use for the proposed Center for the Arts Project in accordance with section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.”
Proposition B reads, “The issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $160,000,000 for a City-owned Center for the Arts Project, and levying taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.”
By bringing Prop A & B the city can tell you…. IT’S FREE! When you hear Smart Frisco tell you it’s FREE – it’s NOT! It is your Sales & Use Tax that funds the budget for the EDC. That means for every dollar you spend in Frisco, buying gas, groceries, or visit local businesses, a portion of the sales tax and use tax YOU PAY is GOING TO THE EDC! While tourists spend money, trust me residents spend more here so clearly, we are paying for it! While it may not be a property tax increase when you spend money in Frisco you are FUNDING THE EDC. The city is asking residents to be the Sugar Daddy for this project.
The latest act by the city, city leadership and the Frisco’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) starts with taking artistic liberties—not in the theater, but in the way it’s justifying the use of taxpayer dollars. The city sees this as an open invitation to bankroll the arts center, citing potential economic benefits such as increased tourism and commercial activity.
We would argue that this is a classic case of bait and switch or mission creep—where funds originally intended to boost Frisco’s business landscape are now underwriting a cultural project that primarily benefits a select group. Truth is we have done very well for ourselves in life, and we live comfortably, but Frisco is getting more and more expensive to live each day! The city leadership and council care more about Tourism instead of those who live here. Tourism is important but IT IS NOT EVERYTHING! What happened to Cheney Version 2017 where in his political video he talked about the quality of life for residents?
Before you vote YES to either of these propositions ask yourself, “If I get laid off and look for another job locally near me could I afford to live on what a Theater Attendant gets paid? What about a Park Attendant at Universal?” Face it young kids are not working anymore, and current businesses are struggling to find labor and now we are going to add more hourly labor – how is that creating good quality careers?
The question remains: Is this a wise and proper use of EDC funds, or is it just a budgetary sleight of hand to avoid putting the full burden on taxpayers? Either way, Frisco residents should be paying close attention. What starts as a reallocation for the arts today could and would set a precedent for future creative interpretations of economic development spending. After all, if a performing arts center is “economic development,” what’s next? A taxpayer-funded roller disco in the name of tourism? Stay tuned—this show is just getting started.
In our 15 to 20+ years living here in Frisco, this is the worst smelling project we have ever seen. They can smell the Shit Stink in Celina, Prosper and probably up to Oklahoma. The level of dirt our politicians use to cover up key details for this Performing Arts Center project from the public is unconscionable. In our next blog, we talk about what the city is not telling you! If it is city-owned who pays to operate it? Have they inked a deal for a venue operator? Over the years as the performance hall ages, who is responsible for the UPKEEP and how will we pay for it as it is a city-owned facility? The 50 to 60 million they plan to raise from donors and corporate sponsors – have any of these deals been locked in? If now, how do they know we won’t need to bring more money to the table? How will the local arts community have use of this facility, can they even afford the rental fees to host events there? How much time will we have on stage if we share it with Prosper ISD? How does this benefit our local theater group if Broadway shows are always on stage? Where do those funds come from? They keep talking about Broadway Shows yet have they inked a deal with Broadway Across America? Why would you vote to change how funding buckets are used when the truth is THE CITY IS WITH HOLDING DETERMINENTAL FACTS THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR DECISION ON HOW YOU VOTE FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
Tick-tock, tick-tock sounds the clock! Days go by, and the tick-tock never seems to stop. Meanwhile City of Frisco leadership sits behind closed doors while we watch the clock, just tick-tock! Precious moments fading away and citizens still are not standing up to ask, is everything okay? What happens when time runs out…? Tick-tock they will try to approve a $300-$500 million dollar Performing Arts Center and announce they plan to raise taxes!
Back on June 18th at the Budget and Audit Committee Meeting we learned from the agenda that both the Committee Chair – Councilman Bill Woodard and Committee Members –Councilwomen Angelia Pelham and Laura Rummel were present. They had a discussion regarding the “PRELIMINARY FY 2025 Budget” and our Chief Financial Officer, Derrick Cotton talked about potential revenue generating items. It is the last paragraph where it says Mr. Cotton talks about the “Homestead Exemption” and presented changes in the adjusted taxable values and discussed a possible tax rate change for FY25 that had our attention.
They plan to pick up the discussion this Tuesday August 6th at 3pm at the next Budget and Audit Committee Meeting. Then we noticed Tuesday nights city council meeting Agenda Item 32 calls for a public hearing on the FY 25 budget. In fact, the city memo reads “Consider and act upon adoption of a Resolution calling for a public hearing on the City of Frisco FY 2025 Budget, Frisco Economic Development Corporation FY 2025 Budget, and Frisco Community Development Corporation FY 2025 Budget. (Budget/TA)”
Why does a city call for a public hearing on the potential adoptions of the budget? Well according to Texas Local Government Code, Title 4: Finances, Subtitle A – Municipal Finances, Chapter 102 – Municipal Budget (wow that’s a mouth full) there are several reasons. Section 102.005 specifically states that if they are proposing a budget change it must be available for public inspection.
(b) A proposed budget that will require raising more revenue from property taxes than in the previous yearmust contain a cover page with the following statement in 18-point or larger type: “This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by (insert total dollar amount of increase and percentage increase), and of that amount (insert amount computed by multiplying the proposed tax rate by the value of new property added to the roll) is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.”
Once they conclude that so called “PUBLIC HEARING” they can adopt a budget according to the law. So based on what they have been discussing, based on the public hearings they have quietly posted, we can guarantee you the city is about to announce a Tax Increase! Right now, those city leaders are just hoping you are not paying attention and all the other political distractions around the country will keep you from recognizing the destructive path they are.
Now you should say, wait a damn minute Mayor Cheney – you just ran a year ago on the fact you have lowered taxes. Let’s not forget John Keating and Angelia making the 2024 rounds campaigning for your vote claiming they lowered taxes and plan to continue lowering taxes, but all the while they knew they were going to propose an out of this world Performing Arts Center and raise taxes.
Didn’t this city council pull out all the stops to get votes to VOTE NO against the Fire Fighters because they claimed it “WOULD INCREASE TAXES” when they already knew they were going to do it anyways? What they were not telling you then is they planned to raise taxes but just for things they want for their own selfish reasons. Who cares what citizens actually need….
In a time when inflation is high and we are facing a presidential election these mice are running around in the clock hoping we don’t pay attention to the TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK of the clock. If any one of our council members vote to raise taxes – VOTE THEM OUT! Why are we, one of the flushest cities, according to Cheney talking about revenue generating ways for the city to make money. It is simple, CHENEY-VILLE COSTS A LOT TO BUILD. The old red head wants you to just do as he say’s and not ask questions ASK QUESTIONS!
Do you love Amazon? It is hard to believe that there is one website where you could literally scroll and find anything and everything you want. Half the time, you can find items to buy that you did not even know you need, until low and behold your eyes see it! The dangers of scrolling can hit the pocketbook. We like to look at how the city spends our tax dollars, and it is kind of like Amazon. They spend money like they are shopping on Amazon, adding items to the cart and when they are bored they just look for something that tickles their fancy.
Imagine our surprise when scrolling through the city agendas, we found another interesting item from the July 2nd City Council Meeting related to purchasing authority. Daniel Ford, Director of Administrative Services sent a memo to the Mayor, Members of the Frisco City Council, and cc’d in Wes Pierson – City Manager and E.A. Hoppe – Assistant City Manager asking them to consider a change to the ordinance granting purchasing authority to the City Manager or his/her designee for all budgeted items not exceeding $100,000.
In 2017, the City Council approved a threshold increase from $25,000 to $50,000. Why are they now wanting to change it to $100,000? The memo states the request is being made to streamline the contract approval process, expedite routine non-controversial purchases, and to reduce the administrative burden on staff, while maintaining compliance and transparency.The word transparency made us laugh!
The memo goes on to read that in 2018 the purchasing of items on the consent agenda was 117 for the full year. Now they claim it has gone up to 245 for the full year and this change would reduce the administrative and processing time for putting council items together by almost two weeks. It also states the increase would allow more flexibility and efficiency to handle these agreements. HOW DOES MAINTAINING TRANSPARENCY AND FLEXIBILITY GO TOGETHER?
Would you be surprised to learn that Agenda Item #30 passed and was APPROVED 6 – 0. The new ORDINANCE 2024-07-32 basically allows the city to spend more with less oversight. How is that transparent? Who determines what is a ROUTINE AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL purchase? Oh yeah, the city determines that that! If one of the council members knocked on your door and said I need 100,000, don’t ask questions, just trust me, would you? The staff is asking to reduce the administrative burden they face so they want to be paid the same but have their workload made easier or do less work.
Does anyone besides us see an issue with this Ordinance? Interesting how they threw it on the agenda before the Summer Vacation break, don’t you think? Why does the city always claim they are taking steps to be more TRANSPARENT, yet they send almost every single PIR to the Attorney General and hide information from the public? If you think this is a bad change then you should email your city council and city manager. Now they claim in this memo they want to spend more with less oversight to be more transparent.
A conversational narcissist is someone who constantly turns a conversation toward themselves and is often uninterested in what other people have to say. In a fast-paced world, they’re eager to get their point across quickly without making true connections with others. Often a conversational narcissist has an anxious aspect to their personality which is why they talk about things familiar to them such as their business or themselves! Signs of a conversational narcissist include one-sided conversations. They have their own agenda, and they can’t move away from it long enough to engage with someone else or to hear someone else’s opinions. Conversations with them are never interpersonal or interactive, they are more of a monologue or lecture. They often feel they are the center of the universe, and they will never admit they are wrong and often interrupt. They will appear visibly uncomfortable, bored, contemptuous, or distracted when other people are talking. Lastly, they come across as arrogant when speaking to them.
Does this sound like anyone you know? Well, we think it sounds a lot like Mayor Cheney. Just look at city council meetings and often you will find Mayor Cheney “schooling” the public or other city council members. At the recent State of the City luncheon put on by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor also displayed traits of a conversational narcissist during his 76-slide presentation. If you want to see Mayor Jeff Cheney’s State of the City Presentation then just visit the city website.
Over our lifetime we have lived in many cities, and rarely did we hear about State of the City Luncheons until we moved to Frisco. This was our first year to attend and according to the Frisco Chamber Website you should attend because “Frisco is a city like no other! As for who attends, well it is a who’s who of Frisco for sure. Individual Tickets were $100 per person, or you could sponsor a table for $900. But if you want to be a Visionary Sponsor that is $2000 or better yet be an Innovator Sponsor for just a mere $3000.
The mayor of course took pride and time talking about the 2024 Council Top 10 Priorities. Specifically, the master planning of Grand Park, a new Performing Arts Center, World Cup 2026, and Downtown Frisco. He could not stop boasting about how great all these things would be for Frisco.
We found the slide about Foreign Direct Investments interesting which stated according to Duns & Bradstreet, there are 71 companies in Frisco owned by a parent company that is ‘OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.”
The next interesting thing was the “developments” coming. All we could hear was cha-ching, cha-ching, and cha-ching!
Downtown Redevelopment: $70-million project
Northwest Community Park: $40-million budget
4th Street Downtown Redevelopment: $16-million budget
Grand Park Development: Budget TBD
Fire Station 10 – Spring 2025: No Budget Listed
Police Annex: No Details Given
One thing not covered in depth was the desire for a NEW PEFORMING ARTS CENTER. On the city website it states that in 2023, the City of Frisco participated in the Americans for the Arts AEP6 Study, which found the arts sector generated $21.3 million in economic activity in Frisco in 2022! Read the full report here (PDF). So that is why they are trying to find a way to get that $500 million Performing Arts Center. In fact, Cheney didn’t say we hope to have one, he said we will have one because he has wanted it since 2017. It always has been about what he wants, right? That’s it!
That is the State of the City here in Frisco according to Cheney. We only have one question; HOW CAN WE AFFORD ALL THESE PROJECTS? Yes, we have bond money set aside, but when you think about it, we are spending money like its water just going down the drain and at some point, these city leaders are going to lock us into a rock and hard place financially.
The City of Frisco is asking taxpayers to consider a new Performing Arts Center that has a rumored will cost taxpayers a rumored price tag of $300 Million up to $600 Million+ dollars. The city has started a “Sell It to the Public” campaign with a company called Theatre Projects on social media which begins with residents taking a survey to gather feedback on the grand idea. They announced plans to host open house sessions at City Hall, talk to local arts organizations, and will host listening sessions for the public.
We received an email this week from one reader who attended their “Zoom Session” and guess how many residents participated? Maybe 15 plus the representatives from Theater Projects who is doing all the dog and pony work for the city. I guess the small attendance still counts towards feedback but compared to a city of 220,000 people it does not like seem a great sample to us. The email also said how they are currently looking at two properties to potentially house this Performing Arts Center which we find very interesting.
The website which has been set up talks about the Project History and how the city has been studying the possibility of a new performing arts center for over 6 years. It refers to several studies and assessments done to support the future planning of the “critical Frisco asset” for our community. It also has a link to the 45-page 2023 Business Plan put together by Theatre Projects. Even though the 2023 Business Plan put together by Theatre Projects shows the Hall Group vision, our inside source says Hall Group is out! They will not be a part of this theatre project in any way shape or form, and they are not offering up the land for it any longer. Hence why on the “zoom” we mentioned earlier, they stated they were “eyeing two different potential sites for this PAC.
They are using every avenue to make sure we know how great and grand this project is and to show us how badly we need it. The city’s friends at Frisco Enterprise, the paper in their back pocket, wrote an article and it states that “Back in September, the Frisco City Council approved a $1.4 million professional services agreement with consultant Theatre Projects.” Part of that agreement is that the city leadership and the team from Theatre Projects would do venue tours to gather data and talk to venue operators. We “the taxpayers” are paying for all this travel, plus we are paying for the additional travel cost for the Theatre Projects team to attend. In case you are wondering that additional expense is not included in the $1.4 million agreement we have with them for consulting services.
According to the Frisco Enterprise, the visits included the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida; the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida; the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock, Texas and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We figured since they were on this whole “Sell It to The Public” Road Show, we would file a Public Information Request for more information. We asked for the complete copies of the performing arts center studies and any associated documents related to the reports including those from consulting groups or 3rd parties like Frisco ISD or Hall Group. We asked for all 6 of the previous studies they have done that we were able to find in meeting minutes.
We assumed that it would be no issue getting any documentation because of how badly they want to “Sell It Like a Cheap Cheney Piece of Real Estate” to Frisco taxpayers. Imagine our surprise after paying $16.74 yesterday and today the status changed to “SENT TO AG FOR A RULING.” The did release the 7 studies to us, but the “other supporting documents” are subject to copyright and will be available in the City Secretary’s Office for viewing only. Who wants to go review the documents for us and report back what is in them? Email us at FriscoWhistleBlower@protonmail.com
What did they send to the AG for review? How much are they withholding from US, THE TAXPAYERS, whom they are going to pitch a tax increase to soon so they can spend hundreds of millions of dollars for a performing arts center which will be city owned and operated. Then we always hear them quote “copyright” as a reason to withhold things. We are just confused, when does copyright matter to the city? They made it clear during the recent political election when council members were using the “copyrighted” city logo in their campaign materials they did not care and in fact they said they could not do anything about it. Strange because the city websites states in black and white they CAN NOT USE THE CITY LOGO for political campaigning so why have a rule you can’t enforce about a copyrighted logo? Now when it comes to documents related to the Performing Arts Center, they want to say copyright matters. It seems they use that word copyright when it is convenient to withhold information, they don’t want you or me to see.
The way we see it is simple! The city is spending millions of bond approved tax dollars on studies for a PAC, then they want to claim copyright to withhold those details from those of us who are paying for it! Just release all the documents and stop trying to play games because it is getting really old.
Oh, one last thing, Frisco ISD got tired of the games a year or so ago, and they are currently building their own Performing Arts Center because outside influences kept delaying the project. That means you, the taxpayers will be paying for multiple Performing Arts Center. Feels like an episode of Oprah, where she yells “You get an arts center, you get an arts center, and you get an arts center!”
Maybe
Tammy’s supporters have a real pattern of poor ethics. Is it a common thread that Tammy supporters have questionable morals…
i speculate one of them three horse sisters of Cheney. they fight like roller derby girls. i bet they can…
Illegal activity from Tammy’s campaign: 3 All other campaigns: 0
Frisco police should absolutely investigate. It may even be an FBI matter.