Tagged: bond election advisory task force

A dueling set of recommendations and a council member’s medical leave of absence lead to a series of tie votes earlier today regarding November’s bond spending package – meaning the Austin City Council needs to act pronto to set the ballot.

Council member Bill Spelman’s absence was acutely felt at this morning’s work session, as the council split on what should be included in a $385 million bond package the city presents to voters this fall.

A motion supported by council members Sheryl Cole, Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo took the $400 million recommendation from the city’s Bond Election Advisory Task Force as the starting point for negotiations. A series of amendments then added additional items to the tally, and subtracted others. 

The Bond Election Advisory Task Force has continued to refine a potential bond package to send to Austin voters this November.

The latest iteration of the proposals comes in at $400 million. That's down from an initial $1.5 billion department-wide “needs assessment,” then packages valued at $650 million and $575 million. The Austin City Council will eventually choose the projects that make it to voters.

Funds are organized under the following categories: affordable housing, city facilities, community-based projects, parks and open spaces, and transportation and mobility.