In a nutshell
At an Aug. 15 special meeting, Sugar Land City Council approved calling the bond election, which could provide funding for public safety; streets, sidewalks and mobility; municipal facilities; and animal shelter projects.
If approved by voters, the projects will be funded by a potential tax increase of no more than $0.05 per $100 property valuation, which is an estimated monthly cost to the average resident of less than $5 per month or approximately $20 per month by 2030, Deputy City Manager Jennifer May said.
The proposed capital projects would be funded over the next five to seven years. The bond will account for $300 million worth of projects in 2024 with an additional $50 million calculated for inflation, May said.
Voters approved the city’s last bond in 2019, which included nearly $91 million in drainage, public safety, streets projects and the initial animal shelter funding, Community Impact reported. To date, 35% of projects have been completed, and an additional 55% are under construction or design, May said.
Breaking it down
The bond package is broken down into five propositions requiring voters to answer with “for” or “against” on each proposition, according to an Aug. 15 City Council presentation.
During the Aug. 15 meeting, May said voters can expect to see the following items on the ballot:
Proposition A
- Proposes $144.5 million for seven public safety projects for the police and fire departments
- Proposes $118 million for streets, sidewalks and mobility projects, including local funding match for 11 Fort Bend County mobility projects
- Proposes $35 million for seven drainage projects
- Proposes $40.5 million in funding for two municipal projects, including a field maintenance facility for 12.68 million, and rehabilitation and modernization for public service buildings
- Proposes $12 million in additional funding for the city’s new animal shelter
Ahead of the election, city staff will continue public education through the city’s website as well as update its educational and engagement calendar with events, including:
- Homeowners association and quarterly city meetings
- Block parties
- Special and community events
- Meetings with community partners and business leaders
- Speaking opportunities