Fort Bend voters in November will decide on the largest bond proposal in county history, at a total of $712.6 million.To address pressing infrastructure needs, commissioners this month called for the bond election that, if passed, may help fund mobility projects for the next 15 years. The referendum will be on the ballot alongside another $15...
Fort Bend voters in November will decide on the largest bond proposal in county history, at a total of $712.6 million.
To address pressing infrastructure needs, commissioners this month called for the bond election that, if passed, may help fund mobility projects for the next 15 years. The referendum will be on the ballot alongside another $153 million package dedicated to parks and facilities.
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These proposals will be presented to voters in the upcoming November elections.
Here are some things to know about the proposed bonds.
How would the bond affect Fort Bend County taxpayers if it passes?
The commissioners court has committed to no increase in tax rate to fund this referendum and the projects will be laddered out to accommodate this commitment.
"The value of this referendum is to increase the project list approved by the voters in previous elections," said Ed Sturdivant, auditor for Fort Bend County. "This will allow the county to address projects that rise to priority without deviating from the authorization from the voters.
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“With the current authorized but unissued mobility bonds totaling $297 million, the addition of $712.6 million in projects (if approved) will provide the court with the ability to plan, prioritize and execute mobility projects for at least 15 years."
What projects are included in the proposed bond?
County records show the mobility initiatives include building, maintenance and running of county roads in Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Katy, Fulshear, Needville, Missouri City, Stafford, Meadows Place, Kendleton and Beasley.
There are three county-wide projects:
How are the funds expected to be allocated?
How does the proposed bond amount compare to previous county bonds?
This mobility bond referendum stands as Fort Bend County's most significant to date. The prior two occurred in 2017 and 2020, each totaling $218 million.
At their latest meeting, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the order to include the bond on the ballot with a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Andy Meyers reiterated this step signifies the bond's inclusion on the ballot for the public to cast their votes. He clarified this does not indicate approval of the bond itself.