Plano City Council received an overview of a potential 2025 bond during its May 28 preliminary open meeting. The city normally seeks voter approval for bond every four years.
What you need to know
Director of Budget Karen Rhodes-Whitley said a 2025 bond would primarily focus on streets, parks and recreation and public safety. To help vet the project list developed by city staff, council members are expected to appoint a bond committee made up of Plano residents.
Rhodes-Whitley said the preliminary proposal for a 2025 bond is $700 million, but that estimate has not been finalized. Voters approved $364 million for the 2021 bond.
She added that around $50 million in bond funding remains for street projects, and it is expected to run out in the middle of next year with no further allocations. Street projects included in the 2021 bond are Independence Parkway and improvements at major intersections.
Some context
Voters have historically approved Plano bond propositions, Rhodes-Whitley said.
“We have been very, very successful when we’ve gone out for bond authority,” Rhodes-Whitley said. “Only twice has a proposition not been voted on or passed.”
What’s next?
Officials expect council to name a citizen bond committee later this month. The committee will likely weigh various projects through December.
Rhodes-Whitley said there will also be three public hearings dedicated to the main focuses of the bond scheduled tentatively for the following dates:
- Nov. 25 for facilities
- Dec. 9 for parks and recreation projects
- Dec. 23 for streets projects