According to the 2022 bond election memo, money would be used for capital improvements and equipment in various categories and will facilitate the capital improvement planning through 2028. Projects were identified in the 2023-27 plan as “future bond elections” and cost escalations that were a result of the COVID-19-related inflation:
- Proposition A, public safety: $270 million would be allocated for multiple renovations and replacement and maintenance projects for fire and police.
- Proposition B, parks: $50 million would be allocated for improvements to swimming pools, park facilities, salaries and Hermann Park conservancy.
- Proposition C, animal care: BARC animal shelters and adoptions would receive $47 million, including for a BARC warehouse replacement and new facility.
- Proposition D, public health: $33 million would be allocated for facilities that provide health-related services and salary recovery.
- Proposition E, general permanent improvements: $29 million would be allocated for projects for city administrative buildings such as for City Hall structure repairs, exterior waterproofing, renovations to the water system and replacement of sanitary lines as well as City Hall annex renovations to the water system and replacement of the sanitary lines.
- Proposition F, libraries: $26 million would be allocated.
- Proposition G, solid waste: An area that has repeatedly had complaints in the past would be given $6 million for facility projects such as roof replacements, environmental services, salary recovery, locker room upgrades, concrete and pavement repairs, facility conditions assessment and inflation-related contingency.
If the bonds are authorized by voters, subsequent ordinances to issue the bonds must still be approved by Houston City Council. However, these will only appear on future agendas once the projects are designated in a capital improvement plan and proposed bond issuances are presented to the Houston Budget and Fiscal Affair Committee, the memo said.
If authorized, the bond will help future councils by increasing their spending flexibility, city officials said.
