DISH — Residents will consider whether to allow alcohol sales inside town limits on the November general election ballot.

It took only 14 signatures to call the Nov. 2 local option election for Dish, population 125, to allow the sale of all alcoholic beverages.

The legal language on the petition, “the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages,” permits the sale of beer, malt liquor and wine in a grocery or convenience store; and the sale of beer, malt liquor, wine and distilled spirits in a liquor store; and the sale of beer, malt liquor, wine and distilled spirits in a bar or restaurant, according to Carolyn Beck, spokeswoman for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Town Commissioner Charles Smith said that David Jackson, a local developer who owns the southwest corner at Eakin Cemetery Road and FM156, has been approached by more than one business interested in that corner.

“They’ve said they are interested in locating there, but only if they have that option to sell [alcohol],” Smith said.

Dish is three miles south of Ponder and four miles north of Justin.

Town leaders are interested in diversifying their tax base, which is heavily dependent on property taxes — about half of which come from mineral valuations.

“Our tax base is so low already,” Smith said. “We’re trying to create another stream of revenue to grow our town with.”

While the town would likely welcome restaurants, or a beer park, Smith said he doubted the town would welcome a liquor store.

The Denton County elections office verified the petition signatures, submitted by Jackson, on July 19. County commissioners approved calling the election Aug. 24.

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 4. Early voting begins Oct. 18 and ends Oct. 29.

PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881. Her e-mail address is pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com .