The city of Buda will hold its first bond election in November, Buda City Council decided Aug. 12 after months of deliberation over what to include in the $55 million proposal.
If approved by voters on Nov. 4, $27.75 million of the bond would fund a new city hall, public library and public safety facility.
Also proposed are $12.25 million in street improvements, including the widening of Main Street and the addition of a right-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and FM 967. Another $7 million is earmarked for implementing the city's drainage master plan. Improvements to City Park, along with other parks and recreational projects, are expected to cost about $8 million in bond money.
"This really gives the citizens of Buda an opportunity to help us grow the city," Mayor Todd Ruge said.
With Buda's population projections running as high 80,000 in 2040, Ruge said Buda's current facilities could get a bit claustrophobic.
"The city is growing, and I believe the roads, infrastructure and facilities need to reflect that growth," he said.
The bond will be broken up into five propositions: parks, drainage, streets, a municipal facility and a public safety facility.
Council members said they were put at ease by the transparency of the bond advisory committee process, which involved a slew of meetings, an online survey and public input.
Twelve members of the community made up the bond advisory committee. The committee hammered out its proposal over six meetings, reaching a consensus at its final meeting on June 25.
"It is very heartening to know that people from all different political stripes have been so pleased with the process," Councilwoman Eileen Altmiller said. "This is going to be the first bond the citizens of Buda have ever voted on, so this is going to be an exciting process."