On Feb. 11, council voted to call a May transportation bond to the tune of $96.7 million. Given the coronavirus pandemic, council opted to postpone the election to Nov. 3.
Now, facing an Aug. 17 deadline to include proposed bond measures on a November ballot, council is weighing next steps. At issue: The onset of the pandemic and its financial strain on residents, paired with increasing need for roadway infrastructure improvements to enhance mobility and quality of life within the city.
Assistant City Manager Amy Giannini and Pflugerville Parks and Recreation Director Shane Mize provided an overview of the initial work done by the citizens bond committee to council June 23. Council is currently considering whether to split the transportation and parks bonds into three separate propositions: $96.7 million for roadways, $41.2 million for parks projects, and $45 million for a recreation and senior center.
Council's considerations follow bond propositions suggested by the committee in February, which included $101.7 million in roadway projects, a $45 million recreation and senior center, and $41.2 million for parks projects and land acquisition.
In a citizens survey conducted in January, 928 respondents said they wanted the city to prioritize infrastructure investments, lower taxes and plan for future development. More than 50% of respondents said they would be willing to pay an additional $10 a month for roadway improvements, while 19% said they would pay $5 more.
Council voted Feb. 11 to host its transportation bond election May 2—reducing the package’s scope to $96.7 million—and postpone its parks and recreation packages to the Nov. 3 election. Council is not required to host a bond election in November and could choose to opt out, Giannini confirmed June 23.
Council Member Jim McDonald asked for an estimated tax increase for residents for each portion of the bond proposal. Giannini is set to bring those estimates to council at the next bond discussion, she said. McDonald also suggested adding back in an additional $5 million from the Main Street extension project for consideration, given council’s prioritization of downtown revitalization.
Mayor Victor Gonzales' request that council host a special meeting or additional work session in between regular meetings to ensure these decisions are not postponed until the 11th hour.
Council Member Jeff Marsh said it is the council's responsibility to let “the politics of the future decide whether or not the roads get built,” stressing the importance of giving citizens the opportunity to voice their opinions at the ballot box. Council Member Doug Weiss said with city roadways in serious need of repair, getting the appropriate financial estimates to make an informed decision is crucial.
The differences between moving ahead with the bond election versus postponing it further, Weiss said, could have ramifications to the city’s roadway infrastructure.
“It is a huge elephant, but it is four years’ worth of elephants,” Weiss said.
