DTX-DEN: Impact 10/28/2025

Denton City Council unanimously approved the intent to reimburse approximately $384 million for capital improvement projects at an Oct. 21 meeting.

The big picture: Assistant Finance Director Matt Hamilton said this allows the city to begin these projects with existing cash and reimburse itself later on through the sale of bonds. The money will go toward general government, solid waste, water, wastewater and electric utilities.

The specifics: The city is paying for these projects through two different kinds of bonds: general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation.

The general obligation bonds, which were approved by voters in the 2023 election, total $44.22 million and will be used for:

• Streets
• Drainage and flood control
• Public art and public safety

The gist: Fossil Creek Liquor is expected to open in Denton before the end of 2025, according to a filing from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 

The specifics: Construction is slated to begin Nov. 1 and wrap up Dec. 1. The renovation of the 4,080 square-foot space is expected to cost $150,000.

Fossil Creek Liquor sells beer, wine, spirits and offers delivery services throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to its website.

• 3801 N. I-35, Ste.130, Denton

Interesting in visiting a local book shop or finding a new book? Check out these 15 independent bookstores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

1. Neighbor Books: The store offers books in a variety of genres, puzzles, gifts and more. Neighbor Books also has a second story offering a variety of seating areas.

• Opened in 2024
• 208 E. Louisiana St., McKinney

• Opened in 2025
• 1018 E. 15th St., Plano

Texas is home to about 3.5 million small businesses, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Estimates show that the average Texas small-business owner could save about $2,500 per year if voters approve an expanded business tax exemption on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The details: State Proposition 9 would exempt up to $125,000 of a business’s personal property, such as equipment, furniture and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a tax exemption on property worth $2,500 or less.

“At $2,500, virtually everyone's paying this tax,” NFIB Texas Director Jeff Burdett said in an Oct. 24 interview. “If you have a desk, a computer and a chair, you're probably over $2,500 [in inventory]. … It makes no difference for almost any business.”

At the polls: Early voting in the Nov. 4 election began Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. For more information about the propositions and candidates on your local ballot, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.