Council says town not currently authorized for charitable bingo; asks staff to study election costs and options

Town staff told the NorthlakeTown Council on June 11 that charitable bingo would require voter approval because the town is not presently authorized, and that any local authorization would not itself approve a location.

The town secretary’s office had reviewed an application for charitable bingo but, after consulting the town attorney, advised the town could not approve it administratively: ‘‘The town is not wet for bingo operations. It does require an election,’’ the staff presenter said, noting an Aug. 17 deadline to call a special election if the council chose to pursue it.

Staff provided high-level estimates from Denton County Elections Administration: an initial special-election cost of about $66,000–$70,000 if held this year, plus ongoing program administration and enforcement costs staff estimated broadly between $25,000 and $80,000 per year depending on enforcement needs and permit activity.

Councilors expressed skepticism that a special election for a single-use authorization would be cost-effective. One councilor suggested piggybacking on a general election to reduce the town’s share of the cost; another noted that county venues already host bingo events and suggested residents could use those options in the near term. Council gave direction to staff to return with estimates for adding an item to a general election and other options, rather than immediately calling a special election.

Craig Calvert, president of the Northlake Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, spoke during public input and said his group had not expected the high cost estimates and would rather see town resources allocated to policing than to holding a special election for bingo.

Council did not call the special election on June 11 and asked staff to research detailed costs and options.