Buda City Council held a public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate of $0.3423 per $100 of taxable property Sept. 7. The new rate is set to be adopted at the next council meeting Sept. 20.
According to the U.S. census, this tax rate is one of the lowest from cities in the surrounding areas, including Kyle, San Marcos and Lockhart. While the tax rate remains the same from last year, the estimated property taxes to be paid has increased.
Additionally, the proposed budget for the upcoming 2021-22 financial year is set to be adopted Sept. 20. The budget proposes a revenue of $14.4 million from taxes.
Two propositions up for election this November were presented to Buda City Council on Sept. 7, with the slogan “Your Buda, Your Choice.” Proposition A focuses on transportation while Proposition B focuses on parks and recreation.
“With the tagline, we have ‘Your Buda, Your Choice’ because it truly is the community’s decision on how they would like to move forward with these projects,” presenter and tourism director Lysa Gonzalez said.
Proposition A, focusing on transportation and mobility, will cost approximately $73.57 million that will be applied toward roads, bridges, intersections, improvements to pedestrian and bicycle areas, and more. The affected areas will include but are not limited to Old Black Colony Road, West Goforth Road and parts of Austin Street.
Reconstruction of Austin Street in downtown Buda will take place from San Antonio Road to FM 2770 and would add a sidewalk, parking and stormwater treatment.
Proposition B, focusing on parks and recreation projects, will cost approximately $16.09 million and will go toward acquiring land and equipment, creating designs and any drainage needs that may arise.
One of the projects under Proposition B builds on a project from the 2014 bond election—Garlic Creek Trail. This next part of the project will expand the trail east toward RM 967 and connect to the White Oak Preserve neighborhood.
The election will be Nov. 2 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Buda City Hall, Sunfield Station, Hays Hills Baptist Church, McCormick Middle School and Southern Hills Church of Christ.
Residents can vote early from Oct. 18-29 and find more information regarding the bonds at www.budabonds.com.
