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==Government==
==Government==
Princeton is a Type A General Law city<ref>{{cite web|title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report|url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ApH-HktlblUJ:www.princetontx.gov/Portals/Princeton/docs/2010-2011audit.pdf+Princeton,+TX=is+a+General+Law+town&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari|publisher=City Princeton|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref>, but its council members have tried to get a Home Rule form of government passed three consecutive times. In November 2007<ref>{{cite web|last=Gallagher|first=Danny|title=Princeton says no to home rule.|url=http://www.scntx.com/articles/2007/11/07/mckinney_courier-gazetter/news/qnews07.txt|work=Newspaper|publisher=McKinney Courier-Gazette|accessdate=11-07-07}}</ref>, May 2008<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Summary Report, Combined Accumulated Totals|url=http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_results/2008/051008/051008CAT.htm|publisher=Collin County|accessdate=05-10-08}}</ref>, and November 2008<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Summary Report: Combined Accumulated Totals|url=http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_results/2008/110408/110408CAT.htm|publisher=Collin County|accessdate=11-04-08}}</ref>, Princeton voters rejected Home Rule by an increasing margin each time. By rejecting Home Rule, Princeton voters:
Princeton is a Type A General Law city<ref>{{cite web|title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report|url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ApH-HktlblUJ:www.princetontx.gov/Portals/Princeton/docs/2010-2011audit.pdf+Princeton,+TX=is+a+General+Law+town&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari|publisher=City Princeton|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref>, but its council members have tried to get a Home Rule form of government passed three consecutive times. In November 2007<ref>{{cite web|last=Gallagher|first=Danny|title=Princeton says no to home rule.|url=http://www.scntx.com/articles/2007/11/07/mckinney_courier-gazetter/news/qnews07.txt|work=Newspaper|publisher=McKinney Courier-Gazette|accessdate=11-07-07}}</ref>, May 2008<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Summary Report, Combined Accumulated Totals|url=http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_results/2008/051008/051008CAT.htm|publisher=Collin County|accessdate=05-10-08}}</ref>, and November 2008<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Summary Report: Combined Accumulated Totals|url=http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_results/2008/110408/110408CAT.htm|publisher=Collin County|accessdate=11-04-08}}</ref>, Princeton voters rejected Home Rule by an increasing margin each time. By rejecting Home Rule, Princeton voters:


(1) Rejected a 67% higher property tax rate of $2.50 per $100 valuation<ref name="alphabet">{{cite web|title=Alphabet Soup: Types of Texas Cities|url=http://www.texascityattorneys.org/2011speakerpapers/riley/fletcher/typescities-update2009-CDAdams.pdf|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref>
(1) Rejected a 67% higher property tax rate of $2.50 per $100 valuation<ref name="alphabet">{{cite web|title=Alphabet Soup: Types of Texas Cities|url=http://www.texascityattorneys.org/2011speakerpapers/riley/fletcher/typescities-update2009-CDAdams.pdf|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref>


(2) Rejected additional property taxes allowed by Home Rule<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Statute 302.001|url=http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/TX/3/A/302/A/302.001|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref>
(2) Rejected additional property taxes allowed by Home Rule<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Statute 302.001|url=http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/TX/3/A/302/A/302.001|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref>
Line 99: Line 99:


(4) Rejected a Home Rule city's ability to annex property WITHOUT owner consent<ref name="alphabet" />
(4) Rejected a Home Rule city's ability to annex property WITHOUT owner consent<ref name="alphabet" />



By defeating Home Rule and keeping Princeton a General Law city, Princeton voters have been able to:
By defeating Home Rule and keeping Princeton a General Law city, Princeton voters have been able to:
Line 109: Line 110:


(4) Keep their private property from being annexed WITHOUT their consent<ref name="alphabet" />
(4) Keep their private property from being annexed WITHOUT their consent<ref name="alphabet" />



"The legal position of home rule cities is the reverse of general law cities. Rather than looking to state law to determine what they may do, as general law cities must, home rule cities look to the state constitution and state statutes to determine what they may NOT do."<ref name="local">{{cite web|title=Local Governments in Texas|url=http://www.tml.org/HCW/LocalGovernmentsinTexas.pdf|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> As a General-Law city, Princeton must follow the laws of The State of Texas: "A general law city has no charter and may only exercise those powers that are specifically granted or implied by statutes."<ref name="alphabet" /> The Texas statutes that govern Princeton are called "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE…CHAPTER 51. GENERAL POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES."<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Government Code: Chapter 51|url=http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.51.htm|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> Chapter 5 of the Texas Local Government Code defines Type A General Law cities<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Local Government Code - Section 5.001|url=http://law.onecle.com/texas/local-government/5.001.00.html|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> and Home Rule cities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Local Government Code - Section 5.004|url=http://law.onecle.com/texas/local-government/5.004.00.html|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> Approximately 75% of Texas cities are General Law cities. "If state law does not grant general law cities the express or implied power to initiate a particular action, none may be taken."<ref name="local" />
"The legal position of home rule cities is the reverse of general law cities. Rather than looking to state law to determine what they may do, as general law cities must, home rule cities look to the state constitution and state statutes to determine what they may NOT do."<ref name="local">{{cite web|title=Local Governments in Texas|url=http://www.tml.org/HCW/LocalGovernmentsinTexas.pdf|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> As a General-Law city, Princeton must follow the laws of The State of Texas: "A general law city has no charter and may only exercise those powers that are specifically granted or implied by statutes."<ref name="alphabet" /> The Texas statutes that govern Princeton are called "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE…CHAPTER 51. GENERAL POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES."<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Government Code: Chapter 51|url=http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.51.htm|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> Chapter 5 of the Texas Local Government Code defines Type A General Law cities<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Local Government Code - Section 5.001|url=http://law.onecle.com/texas/local-government/5.001.00.html|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> and Home Rule cities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Local Government Code - Section 5.004|url=http://law.onecle.com/texas/local-government/5.004.00.html|accessdate=02-21-13}}</ref> Approximately 75% of Texas cities are General Law cities. "If state law does not grant general law cities the express or implied power to initiate a particular action, none may be taken."<ref name="local" />

Revision as of 02:16, 22 February 2013

For the ghost town in Newton County, see Princeton, Newton County, Texas.
Princeton, Texas
City
Location of Princeton in Collin County, Texas
Location of Princeton in Collin County, Texas
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyCollin
Area
 • Total4.3 sq mi (11.2 km2)
 • Land4.3 sq mi (11.2 km2)
 • Water0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
574 ft (175 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total3,477
 • Density801.4/sq mi (309.4/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
75407
Area code972
FIPS code48-59576Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1344570Template:GR

Princeton is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States. The population was 6,807 at the 2010 census.

Geography

On 30 June, 2011 a Collin County District Court Judge issued a one-page judgment ending a legal dispute over Princeton's southern boundary.[1] Using Princeton's official city records, District Court Judge Ray Wheless ruled:

"the City of Princeton's southern most corporate city limit extends to approximately 0.610 miles south of F.M. Road 982's intersection with U.S. Highway 380…as was depicted in maps provided by the City of Princeton to local, county, state and federal authorities prior to the enactment of City of Princeton Ordinance No. 2003-08-12-01."[1]

With this ruling, Princeton's attempted strip annexation of 2003 reverted back five miles to its south boundary of 1985.[1] The case was named "The State of Texas Ex Rel. Collin County, Texas vs. The City of Princeton, Texas," No. 366-00108-2010.[2] Princeton did not appeal the judge's decision.[3] On October 10, 2011, Princeton city council approved a new map in Ordinance No. 2011-10-10-01 that reflects the judge's decision.[4]

Demographics

As of the 2000 CensusTemplate:GR, there were 3,477 people, 1,238 households, and 932 families residing in the city. The population density was 801.4 people per square mile (309.3/km2). There were 1,377 housing units at an average density of 317.4 per square mile (122.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.94% White, 0.95% African American, 0.98% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 4.57% from other races, and 2.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.90% of the population.

There were 1,238 households out of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,590, and the median income for a family was $45,948. Males had a median income of $32,852 versus $25,021 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,092. About 6.6% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over.

History

See also: List of POW camps in the United States

In the late 1870s T. B. Wilson and his brother George began farming near the site of future Princeton. In 1881 the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Company extended its line from Greenville to McKinney, passing through land owned by the brothers. The name Wilson's Switch was commonly used to designate the area. When residents applied for a post office branch, however, they learned that the name Wilson was already being used. The community then submitted the name Princeton in honor of Prince Dowlin, a landowner and promoter of the town. This name was accepted, and a post office was established in 1888.[5]

Princeton was the site of a prisoner of war camp for German prisoners during the Second World War. The local farmers paid the POWs to work on their farms. Before and after the war the camp was used as a camp for migrant farm workers. Under a special bill, the German prisoners of war were contracted to work on the City Park located across from the city hall. The park was built in memory of the men who served in the armed forces during World War II.

Members of the Princeton Independent School District and the Princeton Lions Club have teamed up to annually hold the Princeton Onion Festival. It is a major festival for the town that began in 2005 and is expected to occur on the fourth Saturday of April each year. Among the various events at the festival are an a 5K Run, antique/classic car show, and tennis round robin tournament. Individuals and groups selling arts and crafts also attend the festival.

Government

Princeton is a Type A General Law city[6], but its council members have tried to get a Home Rule form of government passed three consecutive times. In November 2007[7], May 2008[8], and November 2008[9], Princeton voters rejected Home Rule by an increasing margin each time. By rejecting Home Rule, Princeton voters:

(1) Rejected a 67% higher property tax rate of $2.50 per $100 valuation[10]

(2) Rejected additional property taxes allowed by Home Rule[11]

(3) Rejected any other additional taxes allowed by a Home Rule charter[12]

(4) Rejected a Home Rule city's ability to annex property WITHOUT owner consent[10]


By defeating Home Rule and keeping Princeton a General Law city, Princeton voters have been able to:

(1) Keep their 67% lower property tax rate of $1.50 per $100 valuation[13]

(2) Keep their freedom from additional special property taxes, because a General-Law city has "no inherent power to tax"[10]

(3) Keep their freedom from any other taxes permitted by a Home-Rule charter, because a General-Law city has no charter[10]

(4) Keep their private property from being annexed WITHOUT their consent[10]


"The legal position of home rule cities is the reverse of general law cities. Rather than looking to state law to determine what they may do, as general law cities must, home rule cities look to the state constitution and state statutes to determine what they may NOT do."[14] As a General-Law city, Princeton must follow the laws of The State of Texas: "A general law city has no charter and may only exercise those powers that are specifically granted or implied by statutes."[10] The Texas statutes that govern Princeton are called "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE…CHAPTER 51. GENERAL POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES."[15] Chapter 5 of the Texas Local Government Code defines Type A General Law cities[16] and Home Rule cities.[17] Approximately 75% of Texas cities are General Law cities. "If state law does not grant general law cities the express or implied power to initiate a particular action, none may be taken."[14]

Education

The City of Princeton is served by the Princeton Independent School District.

Finances

Due to reduced financial flexibility and moderately high debt, Fitch has revised its Rating Outlook for Princeton from "Stable" to "Negative."[18]

Public health

As recently as November 4, 2010 the city has been running legal notices required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality stating drinking water from their system has repeatedly tested positive for coliforms. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as indicators that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. The contamination was discovered in the North Western part of the city.[19]

References

  1. ^ a b c Beattie, Chris (July 15, 2011). "Judge rules against Princeton in land case". McKinney Courier-Gazette. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  2. ^ Engle, Jamie (07-14-11). "City manager terminated, no appeal in 982 case". The Princeton Herald. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  3. ^ Council Minutes, Princeton. "Princeton City Council Minutes 07-11-11" (PDF). Princeton City Council. Retrieved 07-11-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  4. ^ "Princeton, Texas". City-Data.com. Retrieved 02-14-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. ^ http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/PP/hgp14.html
  6. ^ "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report". City Princeton. Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ Gallagher, Danny. "Princeton says no to home rule". Newspaper. McKinney Courier-Gazette. Retrieved 11-07-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ "Election Summary Report, Combined Accumulated Totals". Collin County. Retrieved 05-10-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  9. ^ "Election Summary Report: Combined Accumulated Totals". Collin County. Retrieved 11-04-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ a b c d e f "Alphabet Soup: Types of Texas Cities" (PDF). Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ^ "Texas Statute 302.001". Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ "Texas Tax Code - Section 302.102 Tax Collection Powers". Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ^ "Annual TML Taxation and Debt Survey Results". Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  14. ^ a b "Local Governments in Texas" (PDF). Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  15. ^ "Local Government Code: Chapter 51". Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ "Texas Local Government Code - Section 5.001". Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. ^ "Texas Local Government Code - Section 5.004". Retrieved 02-21-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  18. ^ "Fitch Affirms Princeton, Texas GOs and COs at 'A-'; Outlook Revised to Negative". Business Wire. December 7, 2011. Retrieved February 14, 2013. (press release)
  19. ^ The Princeton Herald legal notices page, 11-04-10

External links

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