Bond package to fund projects from roads to roofs

The City Council recently authorized the issuance of a $54.9 million bond package for several critical infrastructure projects and facility improvements.

“The City continues to implement the largest Capital Improvement Program in the history of the City, and the financing plan recommends significant funding to invest in our infrastructure and systems, maintain high-quality facilities and expand our drainage improvement needs,” Finance Director Traci Barnard said. “These bonds support that initiative.”

Capacity and Connectivity

About $32.5 million of the funds will be devoted to road projects as the City continues to upgrade its transportation infrastructure.

Highlights include the reconstruction of Hartrick Bluff Road, Outer Loop West Phase I, Pea Ridge Road and the extension of Blackland Road among others.

Equipment

Another $3.1 million will be used for new equipment, which includes nine new Solid Waste vehicles and new Mobile Data Laptops for the Police Department.

Facilities

The bond package earmarks $15.9 million for improvements to City facilities, including a new $8.9 million Solid Waste and Recycling facility. This category also includes renovations of the first floor at City Hall, roof replacements and HVAC replacements for several City facilities.

Public Safety

The bond includes design of a new Public Safety Training Campus, located near the airport. This center will provide Police and Fire with adequate facilities to help simulate real-world scenarios.

It will also fund the design of an expansion to the Temple Animal Shelter, including a new Pet Adoption Center, new kennels and two meet-and-greet pocket parks.

Drainage

The final $4.3 million of the bond package will go toward drainage improvement projects in the areas of Hartrick Bluff Road, Pea Ridge Road and Blackland Road.

Council unanimously approved the issuance of bonds at its July 1 meeting. Even with the bond package included, the proposed budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year includes a tax rate that is one cent lower than the current rate.

For the past three years, city management has shifted its focus from a single annual budget to a multi-year business plan, which City Manager Brynn Myers said helps the city address immediate needs while planning for future growth and development.

“We challenged ourselves to plan for those things that are critical to maintain and enhance the Temple we love,” Myers said. “We challenged ourselves to consider the need for growth, change and innovation so that the City of Temple will be a city where the next generations will also love to call home.”