CTroyMathis
21 December 2002, 01:17 PM
Dallas proposes $360 million for bond plan
Funds would fix roads, spruce up city without raising taxes
12/17/2002
By COLLEEN McCAIN NELSON / The Dallas Morning News
Dallas city officials unveiled the magic number Monday for the proposed bond package: $360 million.
That's how much the City Council could spend to repair roads and spruce up the city while holding the tax rate steady.
The council plans to ask voters to approve a bond program in May, but the size of the package aimed at improving infrastructure has been an open question.
Last week, council members said a bond program that held the line on taxes probably would total less than $300 million. But First Assistant City Manager Mary Suhm said Monday that the city could sell $360 million in bonds without increasing taxes.
Bond breakdown
• $135 million for street improvements
• $40 million for park projects
• $7.9 million for an animal shelter in West Dallas
• $11 million for cultural arts facilities, including the new Center for the Performing Arts
• $4 million for fire department facilities, including a new station in the Red Bird area
• $21 million for libraries, including design of the new Timberglen and West Love Field branches, replacement of libraries at Casa View and Walnut Hill, and facade improvements to the Central Library
• $4.3 million for police facilities, including design of a new South Central police substation in southern Dallas and design and infrastructure of a new academy in Cadillac Heights
"That's great news," Mayor Laura Miller said.
The revised estimate was reached by making a few minor changes to the bond package and by spreading the projects over four years instead of three, Ms. Suhm said. No final decisions have been made about the bond program's size or which projects would be included.
Council members will meet with city staff during the next few weeks to discuss how the bond money should be spent.
Council members have discussed an array of options for the bond program, ranging in price from $255 million to $603 million. But sentiment has shifted during the last week, with several council members and the mayor saying they are unwilling to put a package that raises taxes before voters.
"I would love to see all the park and all the library projects get done, but we just can't afford that right now," council member Mark Housewright said. "We've got to make do with what we've got."
The council passed a 5 percent tax increase in September, and a second tax increase could be necessary to balance next year's budget, Mr. Housewright said.
"I certainly would not be in favor of a third tax increase," he said.
Although council members said they were encouraged by the revised estimate released Monday, a $360 million bond program falls far short of the package that many had hoped to develop.
Ms. Miller pushed for a $515 million bond program as recently as two weeks ago, and some on the council continue to argue that a package of less than $500 million would shortchange the city and leave essential repairs undone.
Ms. Miller said the council would be faced with the unenviable task of whittling a $6 billion needs list down to a $360 million package.
"Council members will have to prioritize," she said. "They'll have to pick and choose."
Council members will discuss the package at their Jan. 15 meeting, and they must finalize the details by Feb. 19.
Council member Veletta Forsythe Lill said she would continue to lobby her colleagues to consider a larger bond package. Raising taxes is unpleasant, but neglecting the city's infrastructure has serious long-term consequences, she said.
"Unfortunately, we are only stalling," Ms. Lill said.
Repairs delayed now could cost the city more in the future, she said.
"I know this is painful, but it's more painful when our infrastructure decays," Ms. Lill said.
Funds would fix roads, spruce up city without raising taxes
12/17/2002
By COLLEEN McCAIN NELSON / The Dallas Morning News
Dallas city officials unveiled the magic number Monday for the proposed bond package: $360 million.
That's how much the City Council could spend to repair roads and spruce up the city while holding the tax rate steady.
The council plans to ask voters to approve a bond program in May, but the size of the package aimed at improving infrastructure has been an open question.
Last week, council members said a bond program that held the line on taxes probably would total less than $300 million. But First Assistant City Manager Mary Suhm said Monday that the city could sell $360 million in bonds without increasing taxes.
Bond breakdown
• $135 million for street improvements
• $40 million for park projects
• $7.9 million for an animal shelter in West Dallas
• $11 million for cultural arts facilities, including the new Center for the Performing Arts
• $4 million for fire department facilities, including a new station in the Red Bird area
• $21 million for libraries, including design of the new Timberglen and West Love Field branches, replacement of libraries at Casa View and Walnut Hill, and facade improvements to the Central Library
• $4.3 million for police facilities, including design of a new South Central police substation in southern Dallas and design and infrastructure of a new academy in Cadillac Heights
"That's great news," Mayor Laura Miller said.
The revised estimate was reached by making a few minor changes to the bond package and by spreading the projects over four years instead of three, Ms. Suhm said. No final decisions have been made about the bond program's size or which projects would be included.
Council members will meet with city staff during the next few weeks to discuss how the bond money should be spent.
Council members have discussed an array of options for the bond program, ranging in price from $255 million to $603 million. But sentiment has shifted during the last week, with several council members and the mayor saying they are unwilling to put a package that raises taxes before voters.
"I would love to see all the park and all the library projects get done, but we just can't afford that right now," council member Mark Housewright said. "We've got to make do with what we've got."
The council passed a 5 percent tax increase in September, and a second tax increase could be necessary to balance next year's budget, Mr. Housewright said.
"I certainly would not be in favor of a third tax increase," he said.
Although council members said they were encouraged by the revised estimate released Monday, a $360 million bond program falls far short of the package that many had hoped to develop.
Ms. Miller pushed for a $515 million bond program as recently as two weeks ago, and some on the council continue to argue that a package of less than $500 million would shortchange the city and leave essential repairs undone.
Ms. Miller said the council would be faced with the unenviable task of whittling a $6 billion needs list down to a $360 million package.
"Council members will have to prioritize," she said. "They'll have to pick and choose."
Council members will discuss the package at their Jan. 15 meeting, and they must finalize the details by Feb. 19.
Council member Veletta Forsythe Lill said she would continue to lobby her colleagues to consider a larger bond package. Raising taxes is unpleasant, but neglecting the city's infrastructure has serious long-term consequences, she said.
"Unfortunately, we are only stalling," Ms. Lill said.
Repairs delayed now could cost the city more in the future, she said.
"I know this is painful, but it's more painful when our infrastructure decays," Ms. Lill said.