The Round Rock City Council during a Feb. 9 meeting called the largest bond election in the city's history as well as an election to decide two council seats and the city's next mayor.

Council seats for places 1 and 4 as well as the mayor's seat will go to the voters May 6. Incumbents Place 1 Council Member Michelle Ly, Place 4 Council Member Frank Ortega and Mayor Craig Morgan have announced their intention to seek re-election. Greg Rabaey, former planning and zoning commission vice chair, also stated he intends to run for Place 4.

Also going to the voters May 6 will be two propositions for a total of $274 million in bond-funded projects to improve public safety infrastructure and city amenities. Proposition A, representing a $230 million investment in city parks, recreation and sports projects and facilities, according to city documents, would include the following:
  • Phase 1 of a new recreation center that would house Parks and Recreation Department administrative offices;
  • An outdoor track;
  • Expansion of the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex;
  • Relocation of tennis courts located at Old Settler's Park;
  • Improvements to the Lakeview Pavilion;
  • An expansion of the Rock'N River Water Park;
  • Remodeling of the Clay Madsen Recreation Center;
  • Expansion of the Round Rock Sports Center;
  • Development of the Lawn at Brushy Creek, a potential park project near downtown Round Rock;
  • Citywide trail expansion;
  • Improvements to the city's Play For All Park;
  • Systemwide park improvements; and
  • Land acquisition, design costs, required equipment, related drainage and other related costs.
Proposition B, a potential $44 million investment in public safety infrastructure improvements and expansion, will include:
  • Improvements to the Public Safety Training Center, such as a high-speed driving track and classroom expansion;
  • Relocation of the city's central fire station;
  • Construction of two new fire stations; and
  • Land acquisition, design costs, required equipment, drainage and other costs.
If every part of the bond passes, property owners could see their tax rates increase by a total of $0.069, although Susan Morgan, city of Round Rock chief financial officer, said the increase would be gradual, with monthly tax bill increases of $3-$4, based on the median home value of $369,000.