DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
2017 City of San Antonio General Obligation Bond Election
SUMMARY:
Consideration of an Ordinance calling the City of San Antonio’s 2017 General Obligation Bond Program Election for $850 Million to be considered by the voters on May 6, 2017 within Six Propositions.
The calendar leading up to the Saturday, May 6, 2017 Election is as follows:
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Thursday, February 9, 2017 |
City Council adopts the ordinance calling the Election |
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Monday, April 24, 2017 |
First day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
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Tuesday, May 2, 2017 |
Last day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
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Saturday, May 6, 2017 |
Election Day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On January 19, 2017, the City Council approved a final list of projects totaling $830 million to be included in the City’s Proposed $850 million 2017 General Obligation Bond Program Election. The final project list was developed in large part with community input received through the five Community Bond Committees that were appointed by the City Councilmembers to serve in an advisory capacity. The Community Bond Committee recommendations were developed within a three-month long public input process that included collectively 30 meetings consisting of 25 public meetings and five bus tours. During the public input process, over 1,400 residents were in attendance and 350 resident comments were made. The recommendations of these Community Bond Committees were presented in the City Council B-Session on Wednesday, January 11, 2017.
The election is ordered and conducted in accordance with the Voting Rights Act, Texas Election Code, Texas Local Government Code, Texas Government Code and all other applicable law.
ISSUE:
On January 19, 2017 the City Council approved a final list of projects to be included in the City’s Proposed 2017 General Obligation Bond Program. The final list of projects has been divided into six propositions, as follows:
• Streets, Bridges, and Sidewalk Improvements Proposition includes 64 projects totaling $445,263,000 [includes Public Art];
• Drainage and Flood Control Improvements Proposition includes 19 projects for a total of $138,988,000 [includes Public Art];
• Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Improvements Proposition includes 79 projects for a total of $187,313,000 [includes Public Art];
• Library and Cultural Facilities Improvements Proposition includes 13 projects totaling $24,025,000 [includes Public Art];
• Public Safety Facilities Improvements Proposition includes 5 projects for a total of $34,411,000 [includes Public Art]; and,
• Neighborhood Improvements Proposition totals $20 million and will be delivered in accordance with the City Council approved Urban Renewal Plan
The collective total of all six propositions is $850 million.
There is no proposed increase in the City’s ad valorem property tax rate as a result of the 2017 General Obligation Bond Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
In order to comply with state law requirements and the 2017 Bond Calendar established for the General Obligation Bond Election, the ordinance should be adopted as currently scheduled.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FY 2017 Bond Program totals $850 million. There is no proposed increase in the City’s ad valorem property tax rate as a result of the 2017 General Obligation Bond Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City of San Antonio officially order the Bond Election to be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017.