1. Hays County signals intent to fund overturned bond projects through tax rate increase
Hays County residents may see an increase to their property taxes as the county works to find alternative funds for 30 road projects, defunded after a Travis County Court case overturned a 2024 road bond election.
The tax rate would be the same rate that was approved by voters as part of the November 2024 road bond election.
What’s happening
Hays County Commissioners unanimously voted July 29 to publish a notice of intent to increase the tax rate by $0.02 per $100 assessed home value to fund most of the road projects included in the 2024 road bond, according to agenda documents.
In November 2024, 55% of Hays County residents voted in support of the $440 million road bond, which also included a $0.02 increase to the tax rate.
2. Road bond hits roadblock
A $440 million Hays County road bond was at a standstill after a Travis County judge ruled it void due to procedural violations by Hays County related to public notice.
Approved by voters in November 2024, the bond was intended to fund more than 35 transportation projects aimed at easing traffic and supporting growth.
One project, the SH 45 Southwest Extension, involved a $7.09 million design for a possible four-lane divided highway to improve access to I-35, according to the project details. It would have connected the 3.7-mile gap between SH 45, from FM 1626 to I-35.
After hearing about the plans, Travis County Commissioners Court sent a letter urging Hays County to halt the project, citing “vigorous opposition” and concerns about environmental harm to the Edwards Aquifer, lack of coordination with Travis officials and other regional stakeholders as well as potential increases in sprawl and traffic impacts on Austin. Officials also clarified they had not endorsed the project.
3. $100M certificate of obligation bond makes headway in Hays County
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.
4. $4.13M Eastside Campus to bring county services to Kyle
Kyle residents may soon gain easier access to Hays County services, as the construction of a new administrative building is making progress.
Latest update
Hays County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with HDR Architecture for design services for the building, not to exceed $4.13 million, at a Dec. 2 meeting.
In November, Hays County officials published an intent to issue certificates of obligation not to exceed $100 million. The Eastside Campus is one of the projects the county intends to fund with the COs.
5. Here's what Buda’s proposed $28M certificates of obligation would fund
Buda City Council took the first formal step toward issuing about $28 million in bonds to pay for park and utility projects included in the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
In a nutshell
On Dec. 2, council adopted the resolution authorizing publication of a notice of intention to issue city of Buda combination tax and limited revenue certificates of obligation, or COs, Series 2026.
Officials said in a news release that the vote does not sell the bonds but does begin the required legal process to move toward a future sale.
