An estimated cost of $69.1 million could make up Buda’s five-year budget for future infrastructure projects.
On Aug. 29, the Buda City Council viewed a presentation on the proposed five-year Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Plan, which would range from Fiscal Year 2018 to 2022.
Buda city leaders could adopt the CIP plan on Sept. 19.
According to the presentation, the five-year total estimated cost for the proposed CIP projects is $69,162,724.
Of that amount, roughly $27.6 million is reserved for projects in FY18. Micah Grau, Buda assistant city manager, said roughly $25 million of that amount would cover wastewater projects associated with the city’s wastewater treatment plant expansion.
Grau said the city saved a little money during the development of the CIP as it was “fully completed by in-house staff.” Work on developing the CIP began 6 months ago, Grau said. Projects within the five-year plan would change every year according to the changing needs of the city.
The CIP Plan is only a planning document outlining possible capital expenditures over the next five years. Expenditures include water, wastewater, streets and drainage, facilities and parks projects, Grau said.
“This is the first time to develop the CIP completely in-house,” Grau said. A change in format to the CIP was made to make it more informative to residents and staff members.
The presentation also included recommendations from Buda’s Planning and Zoning commission.
Recommendations ranged from re-prioritizing certain projects, placing more emphasis on the east side of Interstate 35, to removing the proposed Cabela’s connector and developing a tool to prioritize sidewalk projects.
Buda city leaders added their input to the plan, but also questioned staff on certain aspects.
Buda Mayor Todd Ruge questioned the need for a $130,600 new restroom for Stagecoach Park. He cited resident concerns over the cost as it relates to the CIP. Grau said a drop-in bathroom unit, standard with a men’s and women’s stall, would cost roughly $90,000 to $110,000, not including the cost of running utilities.
“One hundred thirty thousand dollars for a restroom?” Ruge said, “I could build a house for that much.”
P&Z commissioners also recommended council members amend the CIP to move projects forward on development of Garison Park, the Aquatic Center and the purchase of land for a proposed Eastside Park.
Council member Eileen Altmiller believed acquisition of land for the Eastside Park should be moved up sooner rather than later due to incoming development.
Altmiller also wanted to see the prioritization of sidewalks utilized within the CIP.
Council member George Haehn expressed his desire to avoid incurring additional debt to fund CIP projects. He instead vouched for using funds within the water, wastewater and general funds for CIP projects.
