The upcoming May election in Canyon will be a straightforward one, as no local races will be contested for the City Commission or the Canyon Independent School District (Canyon ISD) Board of Trustees. However, voters will have a major decision to make regarding a proposed $14 million bond to upgrade the city’s public safety facilities.
City Commission and School Board Elections
All current members of the Canyon City Commission have filed for re-election and will retain their seats unopposed:
Mayor: Gary Hinders (I)
Place Two: Cody Jones (I)
Place Three: Paul Lyons (I)
Place Four: Robyn Cranmer (I)
Place Five: Danny Potter (I)
The Canyon ISD Board of Trustees will see one new member, as Matt Parker chose not to run again for Place 5. Here are the final candidates:
Place One (Special election, term expires 2027): Mandi Palmer (I)
Place Three: Casey Posey (I)
Place Four: Randy Davis (I)
Place Five: Kari Trice
Place Six: Jenni Winegarner (I)
$14 Million Bond Proposal for Public Safety Improvements
While the election may lack competitive races, Canyon voters will decide on a $14 million bond proposal aimed at improving the city's fire and police facilities. If approved, the bond will fund several key projects, including:
Converting the former Gold Star building into a new police headquarters
Renovating Fire Station
Building a fire department training facility with a classroom, barn, and burn house
Expanding firefighter fitness and parking space
Repurposing areas for Planning and Development and Public Works
With Canyon’s population doubling to 16,000 over the past 50 years, city leaders say these upgrades are critical. "Our fire department lacks proper sleeping quarters for 24/7 staffing, and our police department is in a building never designed for law enforcement," said City Manager Joe Price. "These improvements have been needed for a decade."
Impact on Taxpayers
The bond, if approved, will cost the average Canyon homeowner an additional $242 per year in property taxes, based on a 4.5% interest rate over 20 years. The city has launched a tax calculator on its website to help residents estimate their individual costs.
Public Input and Community Engagement
City officials are actively gathering community feedback through surveys and meetings. A Flash Vote survey, completed by 455 residents, is gauging public opinion on the fire and police departments' needs. Leaders have also begun speaking at community events, such as a recent presentation to the Canyon Rotary Club.
Mayor Hinders acknowledged that a tax increase is never popular but emphasized its importance. "We have 50-year-old facilities that no longer meet our needs," he said. "Investing in public safety could also reduce homeowners’ insurance costs, potentially offsetting some of the tax impact.”
This will be only the second bond election in Canyon’s history—the first, in 2016, funded the popular Canyon Aqua Park.
