The city of Bee Cave is back to the drawing board for its new public library building after voters approved a proposition to build the library but voted against a proposition that would fund it.
Proposition A authorizes building a new 18,500-square-foot library on a piece of land near Hill Country Indoor, and was approved with 56.61% of the vote, according to unofficial results from Travis County released at 12:02 a.m. on Nov. 5. Proposition B would have authorized the city to issue bonds and levy a tax to fund the $19.98 million project, but was ultimately voted against by 54.66% of voters.
"The City of Bee Cave thanks voters for their engagement and feedback throughout the process of considering a new home for the Bee Cave Public Library," a city statement said Nov. 5. "The City Council will review election results and determine next steps. Community input will continue to play a vital role in future city investments and priorities."
All results are unofficial until canvassed. Bee Cave's next City Council meeting is Nov. 17.
Updated 10:51 p.m. Nov. 4
Voters have cast their ballots in favor of building Bee Cave’s proposed library but have voted against funding it, unofficial results from Travis County show as of 10:05 p.m.
Proposition A allows the city to build the library, and was passed with 54.97% of the vote. Proposition B, which would allow the city to issue bonds and levy a tax for the $19.98 million facility, failed, with only 44.8% of voters in favor of the measure.
Posted 8:39 p.m. Nov. 4
Bee Cave residents were asked to decide on two city propositions this election. If approved, Proposition A gives the city permission to build a new 18,500-square-foot library. Proposition B will allow the city to issue bonds and levy a tax to pay for the $19.98 million facility, if passed.
As of 7:40 p.m. on Nov. 4, early voting results show 54.78% of voters were in favor of Proposition A, while 45.22% voted against. For Proposition B, 55.99% of votes were cast against the item, while 44.01% of votes were cast in favor.
The new library building will replace the existing library building in the Hill Country Galleria, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Proposed as a one-story building, the update proposed through Proposition A is expected to offer private study and work areas, an outdoor reading area, expanded space for books and dedicated public parking, among other amenities.
With its estimated tax impact of $0.0148 per $100 valuation, Proposition B is expected to cost the average homeowner in Bee Cave an extra $9.50 per month, or $114 per year, if approved.
The background
Though discussion has been underway on the library for years, Proposition A is on the ballot as a result of the city’s Proposition G—a city charter amendment passed by voters last November. The proposition requires the city to hold an election for approval of all transactions involving development, donation, sale or lease of city property.
Proposition B is on the ballot to ask for voter approval to fund the project through bonds and taxes.
Something to note
All results are unofficial until canvassed.
Visit https://communityimpact.com/voter-guide to see results from all local elections in your community.
