The bond advisory committee met throughout 2021 to narrow a list of proposed 2023 bond projects. On Oct. 17, the committee formed an official recommendation for the City Council, which was made up of 20 projects totaling over $183 million. The proposed projects will be considered by the City council before being narrowed down to $140 million, the estimated capacity without a tax rate impact for a proposed May 2023 bond election.
During the bond workshop Dec. 5, many members of the community came forward to voice their support for the parks and recreation projects proposed by the committee recommendations. The projects include Comal River improvements to the last tubers exit, the west section of the Alligator Creek Linear Park and Trail, the second phase of Mission Hill Park, and completing a portion of the Dry Comal Creek Trail feasibility and conceptual design.
“I support all 20 projects. I was lucky to be on the bond project committee. We worked through many projects to get to this 20. These 20 are really important to the overall picture of the city,” said Joe Turner, member of the 2023 bond advisory committee. “There are many transportation projects on [the 2023 bond proposal]; we need every one of those transportation projects.”
Council members considered seven scenarios on how the proposed projects can be funded while remaining within their $140 million budget. Projects not selected will remain on the city’s capital improvement plan for potential future development with other funding sources, according to the city.
“We know there's a number of scenarios we tried to present ... to really start the discussion. We're looking for any questions [and] feedback,” said Garry Ford, transportation and capital improvements director. “Our overall plan, based on council's direction is to maybe narrow these down to a couple of scenarios for further discussion, other projects for us to consider, other scenarios.”
Accepting funding from the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation for a portion of the proposed projects in the bond was also considered. Mayor Rusty Brockman, Mayor Pro Tem Harry Bowers and District 5 Council Member Jason Hurta voiced support for Scenario 7 of possible ways to fund the projects.
Scenario 7 is focused on transportation and funds 10 major roadway projects, and it fully funds citywide transportation programs. The NBEDC has the capacity to fund approximately $35 million-$45 million in priority projects separate from the proposed bond program, according to the city. Some of the projects the NBEDC has prioritized include drainage improvements to Castell Avenue, the west portion of Alligator Creek Trail and improvements to Kohlberg Road.
“The options or the approach that has been laid out by the [NBEDC] really is a decision point for you all that, if you would like for the [NBEDC] to consider those projects, that those projects may not be delivered immediately," New Braunfels City Manager Robert Camareno said. "It may be over time if and when that capacity exists.”
The next meeting to discuss the 2023 bond will take place Jan. 5, 2023, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 550 Landa St., New Braunfels. More information can be found on the proposed bond on the city’s website.
