by JORDAN GASS-POORÉ
Special to the Hays Free Press
The Kyle City Council is seeking citizens’ input on a number of recommended projects, equipment and personnel that, if chosen to be funded in the next city budget, will increase the amount residents pay in taxes or utility fees.
Top priority items, such as the expansion of the Kyle wastewater treatment facility, located off FM 150, and extension of wastewater lines, were identified during the city’s visioning process earlier this year in an effort to spur development.
The possible expansion comes after the facility’s contractor Aqua Texas, Inc. was fined earlier this year for violations from a sewage spill last fall.
The 10-question survey also solicits support from residents to increase property taxes to pay for debt issued for the purchases, construction and reconstruction of different projects.
Jerry Hendrix, city of Kyle communications director, said survey questions are based on continued concerns from residents.
“What do the citizens support? The city council represents the citizens,” he said.
Even though Hendrix said he could not speak on behalf of Kyle City Council members, he said the main concerns for many city residents are road construction and reconstruction.
An increase in residents’ property taxes to pay for the debt accumulated for the reconstruction of Lehman, Bunton, Goforth, Burleson and Marketplace roads is proposed.
A priority road work order was submitted last fall by the Kyle City Council to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO).
CAMPO coordinates regional transportation planning and approves the use of federal transportation funds within Bastrop, Caldwell, Travis and Hays counties.
According to the press release, the city council’s priority road work order projected the reconstruction of Lehman, Bunton, Goforth, Burleson and Marketplace at more than $20 million.
According to city documents dated May 19, 2012, total infrastructure project costs are estimated at $58,400,000.
The total annual requirement from residents is estimated at more than $7 million.
Hendrix said survey results will help city council members determine whether or not a road bond election will take place.
Residents are asked to check to support (and by how much) or not support each survey item.
Surveys may be submitted online at the City of Kyle’s website; mailed to the City of Kyle at P.O. Box 40, Kyle, TX 78640; or brought to the Kyle City Hall at 100 W. Center Street.
