Schulenburg voters rejected Proposition A in the Nov. 3 general election, 658 to 193, according to the results cited in the report. The measure would have authorized $8 million in debt, repaid through a property tax increase. Most of the money was meant to renovate the downtown City Hall building, which has been closed since July 2024 because of structural issues.
The City Council first planned to fund the project with certificates of obligation, which typically do not require voter approval. Schulenburg property owner Chad Zimmermann launched a petition that led to the public vote.
Mayor Connie Koopmann said, "The citizens have spoken. Council will have to decide if we move forward or just sit." Zimmermann said the city should reassess its priorities. He said the city's master plan lists water, streets and jobs as the top needs and urged residents to attend council meetings and speak up.