City Council approved borrowing $78 million to buy out homes in the Onion Creek area.

Council approved the move Sept. 9 after being told by a city deputy chief financial officer that doing so would require issuing a certificate of obligation, therefore passing on the cost to taxpayers.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell did not approve of the move. He said he was uncomfortable with setting the precedent of borrowing $78 million without voter approval.

The council voted against putting the decision on November's ballot at a previous meeting.

This round of buyout approval comes after the council approved buying out homes in the area for $31 millionJune 26.

The Onion Creek area covered by the buyouts is part of the 100-year flood plain. This area has been hit more than other similarly zoned areas inrecent years.

The last flood in this area occurred the night of Oct. 30 with more than 10 inches of rain hitting the area. Onion Creek rose more than 11 feet in15 minutes.

At least eight people lost their lives during the flood and more than 1,200 homes were damaged.

Some residents of the area continue to be displaced from their homes due to inability to afford repairs.