Voters pass Buda bond propositions

Posted 7:40 p.m. CST

In Buda's first municipal election, five bond proposals totaling $55 million in projects are on the way to approval, according to early voting results.

Each of the five propositions on the ballot has more than 56 percent approval. The $21 million proposition for a new city hall and public library has the lowest approval, with 56 percent of early and absentee votes in favor of the measure.

The $12.25 million proposition for street improvements received the highest approval, with 70.7 percent of votes in favor of the measure.

Katie Bell Moore, a supporter of the bond package and representative with the Yes Buda political action committee, said she is encouraged by the support Buda voters have shown for the propositions.

"We are definitely encouraged," Moore said. "Buda residents understand the growth that is happening. They know that we have incredibly low taxes here. Now it's time to invest in our future."

The bonds could bring homeowners' property tax responsibilities up to as much as $124.92 annually for a home valued at $100,000, $232.20 for a home valued at $173,000 and $271.80 for a home valued at $200,000, according to the city.

The breakdown of each of the propositions' impact on taxpayers is as follows:

• The city's $21 million measure for a new municipal facility housing both City Hall and the Buda Public Library accounts for 38 percent of the possible increase.
• The $6.75 million measure to build a new police department facility accounts for 12 percent of the possible increase.
• A $12.25 million measure for improvements to the city's main thoroughfares accounts for 22 percent of the possible increase.
• A $7 million measure for drainage improvements, brought to light after the 2013 Halloween floods, accounts for 13 percent of the possible increase.
• An $8 million measure for improved recreational facilities, such as parks and trails, accounts for 15 percent of the possible increase.

City officials have said the bonds will not all be sold at once, so not all of the property tax increases will go into effect at once.