On Tuesday, council initially approved a $101.7 million roadway projects list, featuring city intersection improvements, neighborhood streets reconstruction and Immanuel Road and FM 685 corridor improvements, among others.
Parks and recreation projects could total $42.3 million, including city trail improvements, enhancements at Lake Pflugerville and 1849 Park and a destination play space. A proposed recreation center is listed at approximately $47.3 million.
Council directed staff to separate parks and recreation projects from the proposed recreation center when drafting ballot language, meaning residents will be able to vote separately on the roads, parks and recreation center projects. Should all three propositions be approved in November, the total bond would amount to roughly $191.3 million.
City Finance Director Amy Good provided estimates on how much this would cost an average homeowner each month. A $200 million bond package would result in an additional $12.96 a month for the average homeowner, based on current estimates. Good noted that the city will not receive its certified numbers from Travis County until next week and that current calculations are based on preliminary estimates.
The average monthly cost also accounts for a projected growth in the city's population tax base, Good said. That value, she confirmed, is calculated at a 6% growth rate over the next five years.
As the city's population continually increases, council agreed that the outlined projects—particularly its transportation improvements—are critical at ensuring the city is able to effectively manage its growth.
“This is probably the only time that we’ll actually have the chance to at least keep up with our growth as we’re going forward," Council Member Mike Heath said.
