Stephenville City Council issues notice of debt for $22 million to fund street repairs, build new City Hall.
The Stephenville City Council on Tuesday took a big step forward to launch a massive street repair project and plans to build a new City Hall.
The council voted to approve a notice of intent to issue up to $22 million in certificates of obligation, which doesn’t mean the measure has been approved.
The breakdown of the $22 million project includes $18 million for street repairs and $3.5 million to construct a new City Hall.
The council will reconvene on the matter in 45 days, at which time the public will be given an opportunity to address the council.
If the council votes to move forward with the debt, it would potentially mean a 9-cent property tax increase.
For the average $300,000 homeowner in Stephenville, that means they would pay an additional $22.50 per month or $270 annually.
Residents who own a $500,000 home would pay $37.50 more per month or $450 annually.
In a telephone interview on Wednesday, Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien told Beneath the Surface News that the condition of city streets is the No. 1 complaint he hears from residents.
“The city spends about $1 million per year on making repairs,” Svien said. “Our staff has done an excellent job of stretching those dollars, but we have come to a place where we need to look at making some more major repairs.
“This has been a long time coming. We are about $250 million behind in current infrastructure needs and we need to start fixing the problems rather than spending money on making repairs.”
Alan Nix and Dean Parr were the only two council members to vote against issuing the notice of debt with Nix urging the council to proceed with “caution.”
“There is a significant amount of street work that needs to be done. As chair of public works, I’m well aware of that,” Nix said.
“But the burden on the taxpayer, for that amount, in my opinion, is greater than they should be compelled to bear.
“It’s still my opinion that we should go to a smaller amount, do what we can as far as restoration and maintenance of streets, and then use the balance of maybe $6 million at max to start drawing plans and designs and doing the engineering for some of those larger projects that will take more time, and obviously more money.”
