Hays County residents may soon see new and updated county facilities.

Hays County Commissioners Court approved the publication of an intent to issue certificates of obligation not to exceed $100 million. The COs will fund county offices, administrative buildings and animal shelter facilities.

The overview

County officials estimate that a tax rate of $0.0102 per $100 valuation will be levied to pay the debt service of the COs.

Projects funded by the CO include:
  • Eastside campus
    • Will serve as a county administrative building
  • Animal shelter facilities
  • Hays County Government Center remodel
  • Precinct 4 office building
  • Precinct 5 office building
“These projects—whether it’s the Eastside Campus, improvements to our government facilities or long-needed upgrades to our animal shelter—are about ensuring that our residents can access services in spaces that are safe, modern and equipped to meet today’s demands,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe said in a news release.


Some context

From 2015 to 2045, the population of Hays County is expected to increase from 172,419 to 633,000, according to a presentation given by Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith in October.

“As our county grows, so does the demand on our facilities, and it’s important that our spaces reflect the level of service our community expects,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Michelle Cohen said in the release. “Investing in these improvements now allows us to support our staff, strengthen our operations and create welcoming, functional environments for residents.”

What’s next


County officials will issue notices to the public and begin the bond rating process. If the sale of the COs is approved at the Jan. 20 meeting, then the county will receive funds in early February.