Editor's note: This story was edited to include final voting numbers and comments from Mayor Linda Anthony and City Administrator Travis Askey.
West Lake Hills residents supported two bonds totaling $25 million at the Nov. 2 election for a new City Hall, police building, and permanent public improvements such as roadway and drainage projects.
Those voting "yes" on Proposition A equal 474 votes with 302 who cast their ballot against the measure. Proposition A is a $13.2 million bond to build a new City Hall and police building, both located at 911 Westlake Drive. On Proposition B, an $11.8 million bond for improvements on six area roadway and drainage projects, voters are approving that measure in voting with 576 votes for the bond and 199 votes against.
“It brings us the reality of safer, better roads and safer, better buildings that each will bring more functionality to the community,” Mayor Linda Anthony said. “This is a big win for everyone in West Lake Hills because our roads are in terrible shape. This is a giant step forward for us.”
For Proposition A, the general obligation bonds will be paid out of property taxes and result in the tax rate going from $0.0786 to $0.1077 per $100 property value.
The current West Lake Hills City Hall, located at 911 Westlake Drive, was completed in the mid-1980s, with the 2,890-square-foot police department reaching completion in 1983 and the 3,050-square-foot administration building following a few years later, according to the city’s website. Construction continued in 2009 with a two-story addition to the administration building.
The website also said each building was built to residential code at the time, but neither comply with current building codes or meet state and national Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Demolition of the existing buildings is included in Proposition A as well as the construction of a two-story municipal complex totaling 18,000 square feet.
Proposition B is an $11.8 million bond for improvements on six roadway and drainage projects: Camp Craft Road, Laurel Valley Road, Redbud Trail, Westlake Drive, Yaupon Valley Road and Terrace Mountain Drive. These projects range from $699,250 to $3,724,525 with the project on Yaupon Valley being the cheapest and the project on Redbud being the most expensive. For Proposition B, the general obligation bonds will also be paid out of property taxes and result in the tax rate going from $0.0786 to $0.1046 per $100 property value.
“You’ve got to make your best determination about the chronology of how you put those projects on the street such that it won’t adversely impact first and foremost the residents of West Lake Hills, but the other folks who use Westlake Drive and Redbud for their daily commute,” City Administrator Travis Askey said.
With the passage of both Proposition A and B, the tax rate will go from $0.0786 to $0.1338 per $100 property value. Using these rates, the effect on owners of a $1.5 million home would be an increase in property taxes ranging from $390-$850, according to the city’s website.
“This is terrific that the community turned out and was willing to raise their taxes to invest in what they see as a better future for their community and everyone who lives and travels through here,” Anthony said.
All results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit our online Voter Guide for all local election results in your community.