“A lot of work went into the preparation, the recommendations and the finalization of this bond program,” City Manager Robert Camareno said, offering his gratitude to consultants, city staff and all who were involved in the bond process.
The bond package is divided into four propositions.
Proposition 1: streets
City streets projects were identified as the top priority in New Braunfels as a city-appointed advisory committee worked throughout 2018 to determine which items were best suited for a potential bond election. If passed, the bond will support an additional $44,512,490 for streets projects. An additional $8 million that is supported by roadway impact fees will also go toward identified streets projects. which include:
- Goodwin/Conrads Lane reconstruction—$21,397,150
- Klein Road reconstruction, Phase 2—$13,000,800
- citywide streets improvements—$15,000,000
- additional streets funding—$3,114,540
Camareno said the bond language specifies some funding would go toward the expansion of FM 306 and Business Hwy. 81.
Proposition 2: parks and recreation
The second proposition—parks and recreation—would allocate $16,547,420 for three projects. The New Braunfels Economic Development Council, or 4B Board, has pledged an additional $15 million to go toward the first phase of a sports field complex. The proposed parks and recreation projects are as follows:
- all-abilities park enhancements—$500,000
- Comal Cemetery wall stabilization—$5,262,500
- sports field complex construction, Phase 1—$25,784,920
Proposition 3: public safety
The third proposition would address public safety with the addition of three new facilities. They are:
- Fire Station No. 2 replacement—$7,367,500
- Fire Station No. 3 replacement—$6,736,000
- police department facility—$36,311,250
Proposition 4: library
If passed, the final proposition for the proposed bond initiative will provide for an investment of $5,525,340 to go toward a new library. The facility would be accommodated by the expansion of the Westside Community Center at 2932 S. I-35, New Braunfels.
An additional $3 million has been used to front tax notes and preliminary engineering reports, bringing the ballot total to $120 million—$34 million higher than the city’s last bond election in 2013. According to city officials, the tax rate would not be impacted if the bond is passed.
