STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance & Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: February 14, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: City Secretary’s Office
EXECUTIVE: Bilierae Johnson
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance (1) ordering a special election to be held in the city of Dallas (the City) on May 4, 2024, for the purpose of authorizing general obligation bonds for propositions on the purposes set forth; and (2) making provisions for the conduct of the election and other related provisions - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
This action orders a special election to submit to the qualified voters of the City’s General Obligation Bonds to be used to fund permanent public improvements. Section 3.005(c) of the Texas Election Code states in part that “For an election to be held on a uniform election date, the election shall be ordered not later than the 78th day before election day.” The 78th date before election day is February 16, 2024.
In early 2023, the City Council began exploring the possibility of a new Capital Bond Program to address needed city improvements holistically. Throughout the year, public meetings were conducted to discuss the 2024 Capital Bond Program and its components. In April 2023, the Council formed a Community Bond Task Force (CBTF) to review projects for the upcoming Bond Program. Upon conclusion of the CBTF review; special called meetings on January 19, 2024 and January 31, 2024; and a briefing on February 7, 2024, the City Council supported a $1,250,000.00 Capital Bond Program.
Working with the City Council, staff has finalized a 2024 Capital Bond Program that is ready to be submitted to the voters for approval on May 4, 2024. Dallas voters will consider approving a $1,250,000,000.00 Capital Bond Program allocated among 10 propositions:
Proposition A.Streets and Transportation: $ 516,500,000.00
Proposition B. Parks & Recreation: $ 342,970,000.00
Proposition C. Flood Protection & Storm Drainage: $ 52,100,000.00
Proposition D. Libraries: $ 43,530,000.00
Proposition E. Cultural Arts Facilities: $ 75,700,000.00
BACKGROUND
Proposition F. Public Safety: $ 95,000,000.00
Proposition G. Economic Development: $ 73,800,000.00
Proposition H. Housing Infrastructure: $ 26,400,000.00
Proposition I. Homelessness: $ 19,000,000.00
Proposition J. Information Technology: $ 5,000,000.00
Total $1,250,000,000.00
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The City Council was briefed on “Proposed 2024 Bond Program” on August 17, 2022.
The City Council was briefed on “Capital Bond Program: Planning and Development Update” on March 1, 2023.
The City Council was briefed on "Technical Criteria and 2024 Bond Program Update” on May 17, 2023.
The City Council was briefed on “2024 Bond Program and Technical Criteria Update” on June 21, 2023.
The City Council was briefed on “2024 Bond Update” on August 16, 2023.
The City Council was briefed on the "Community Bond Task Force Recommendations” by the Community Bond Task Force on December 6, 2023.
The City Council was briefed on “2024 Bond Update” on December 6, 2023.
The City Council was briefed on the "2024 Bond Program Update" on January 19, 2024.
The City Council was briefed on "2024 Bond Program Update" on January 31, 2024.
The City Council was briefed on “2024 Bond Program Update” on February 7, 2024.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.