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Hays County recently held a series of open house meetings to inform voters about the upcoming road bond projects included in Proposition A, which will appear on the Nov. 5 election ballot. If approved, the measure would fund the study, design, and construction of 31 road projects across the county at a cost of $440 million to taxpayers.
The final open house in Dripping Springs saw a low turnout, with only a few residents attending. Those who did participate were able to review project details, learn about the potential tax impact, and have their questions answered by county staff.
Earlier open house events had better attendance, with the Kyle meeting on Oct. 9 drawing the most interest. Other events were held in San Marcos and Wimberley. According to the county, more than 1,000 residents have also visited an online platform where the same information presented at the open houses is available.
In August, the Hays County Commissioners Court called for the $440 million bond election to fund critical transportation projects aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety and mobility.
If passed, the bond would add 2 cents per $100 of property valuation to pay for the projects. For the owner of a $400,000 home, that would mean an increase of approximately $6.67 per month or an additional $80 per year.
Of the 31 proposed projects, 19 are located east of Interstate 35 in Hays County.
Nine of the road projects, totaling $107.7 million, are located in North Hays County’s Precinct 4, which includes Dripping Springs, Driftwood, and Buda. Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith, along with the Commissioners Court, voted to place the bond package on the ballot. “ Transportation, mobility, and the ability of our residents to traverse the county safely is one of the highest priorities of the county,” Smith said. “Given the massive growth in Hays County, especially in the Buda and Dripping Springs areas, the county must identify needed improvements and changes. The projects in this bond are designed to improve the safe movement of our residents.”
The Hays Coalition for a Better Bond, a specific-purpose action committee (SPAC), is advocating for a 'no' vote on Proposition A. The coalition believes voters should have more time to study the projects and engage in a dialogue with county leaders on which projects should be prioritized. The coalition claims that the bond package was rushed to voters without enough public input and that the County Commissioners Court should allow more time for voters to study the proposed projects and offer input.
With less than two weeks before the election, residents can still learn more about the proposed projects by visiting hayscountybonds. com.
