The City of Kyle Mobility Committee has scheduled public meetings Jan. 19 and 26 to discuss a possible road bond election that could cost as much as $52 million.
The public meetings will consider two directions the city could take. The first package would include engineering and construction on Bunton, Lehman, Burleson, Marketplace and Goforth roads. The second option would include engineering for each of the five roads in addition to construction on Bunton, Burleson and Goforth roads.
The total cost for the three-road project would be $23.6 million.
City Council discussed the possible bond Jan. 2 and decided to recommend the mobility committee pursue both options. Depending on what happens at the public meetings, one option could make it onto the ballot in May, according to Mayor Lucy Johnson.
At the City Council meeting Jan. 2, Mobility Committee member Joe Bacon applauded the council for the "tough decisions" it has had to make over the past few years to lower the city's debt.
"I realize that we're in a time right now where there is a lot of emphasis on reducing taxes and big spending, and I kind of agree with that," Bacon said. "I have no interest in giving government—federal, state or local—any more of my money than I need to. Over the last couple of years, you have done an incredible job of moving forward, making tough decisions about every department's budget, [and] making tough decisions about increasing fees in order to make sure the services kept going, so you know what, I feel comfortable giving you more of my money."
Lila Knight, a resident of Kyle, said she is concerned that the increase in taxes will affect the city's ability to attract employers.
"I think this is an important issue that y'all need to address for us, and I hate to be like Dolly Downer here, after everyone is so 'la la la' for all five roads, but I think these are things we have to consider," Knight said. "We have been one of the fastest-growing towns on the I-35 corridor, and a lot of that has been because we have a low tax rate, and I don't want to see that go up in smoke."
