How does a bond election work?
When projects like new facilities and safety improvements for roads need funding, a governing body can ask voters for approval of funds through a bond election. A bond referendum is the process through which voters will decide whether or not they want to authorize a governmental body to raise funds for the sale of bonds, according to Cynthia McDonald, Travis County’s chief deputy for Transportation and Natural Resources.
“[When voters approve bond elections] we are borrowing money through bonds in order to fund these major projects,” she said.
Here’s what a Travis County bond process for a November election might look like, she said.
1. Forming a citizens bond advisory committee
Sometime between mid-January and early February, the Travis County Commissioners Court and the judge will each approve three appointees for the county's citizens bond advisory committee, McDonald said.
“Part of the role of the CBAC is to go out and talk to constituents in their precinct and to find out what their take is on certain projects,” McDonald said.
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets in the county's administration building at 700 Lavaca St. in Austin.[/caption]2. Planning and seeking public input
The committee will begin meeting in late February or early March and receive information from the county’s Planning and Budget office and the county attorney’s office about how to plan for the bond. From there the group will discuss project lists prepared by staff to determine how to select and prioritize projects for the bond package and make recommendations to the court. Committee members will visit sites of some of the proposed projects and seek public input on potential improvements until around mid-July, McDonald said.
3. Recommending projects
The CBAC will bring a report to the commissioners court sometime in mid-July on recommendations for capital improvement projects to be addressed with bond funds pending voter approval.
4. Hosting public hearings
In July and August, the county will offer residents the ability to weigh in on bond projects and the process at public hearings. The goal will be to hold at least one public hearing in every precinct, McDonald said. Commissioners, staff and committee members will attend the events.
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 700 Lavaca St. in Austin.[/caption]5. Giving official notifications
Early August is the court’s deadline to notify the Travis County Clerk's Elections Division of intent to contract with the county clerk for election services on Nov. 8. No earlier than 90 but no later than 62 days before the election, the Commissioners Court must approve an order calling for the election on the ballot. The court must also give notice to the state of Texas 61 days before the election. Fifty days before the election the court has to certify the ballot with the county clerk, and 45 days before the election the court is required to issue a notice of the election to county residents, McDonald said.
Voters would then cast their ballots in a bond election. For more information about Travis County elections, visit the Travis County Clerk's Elections Division website here.
