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CITY OF BASTROP STREET MAINTENANCE TAX INFORMATION

 

 

FOR CURRENT LIST OF WEATHER DELAYS/SCHEDULE UPDATES, CLICK HERE.
Click below to read the latest version of the Street Maintenance Program's Information, Updates, & FAQ document.
faq
Project Website

Click above for Project Website with live updates

 

PAST UPDATES

 

Proposal
    1. What does the street tax proposal do to the BEDC budget? It would cut it by 3/4th , leaving 1/4th for the BEDC, or the equivalent of $1.1M dollars annually. As sales taxes increase, so does this amount.

     

    1. Why is this change justified and what is the impact on streets and roads. Were there other options for street repair money?  The City is currently utilizing almost $2M each year (half) for new investment which some may call a corporate subsidy. Converting it to a street tax will help existing streets, including residential.  The other option is the annual budget amount (previously at $25K (which is was nowhere near enough, and contributed to the existing condition of many streets)) The FY 2024 budget now includes $800K. However, the estimate for repairs throughout the city of existing streets, including residential,  is more than $70M of needed repairs. Traditionally, the City borrows money for street repair. You cannot borrow your way out of a street program, which is what cities normally do, thereby NEVER decreasing the tax burden, or allowing an increase to parks and other quality of life aspects for residents.

     

    1. Is this the best alternative?  Yes, otherwise, it’s a General Fund obligation alone OR a street fee on the utility bills for all residents. There are already upward pressures on the utility bill from the Wastewater and Water improvements, keeping our residents in mind, the fewer items on the utility bill, the better. After facing a potential $100M+ drainage plan, that may create a drainage utility, it is necessary to review the development codes for density numbers and keep the residents in mind before any additional items are placed on the utility bill.

     

     

    1. Regarding BEDC, one might ask,  Is 1/4 revenue stream enough to meet current obligations such as existing loans, bonds,  etc.?  Yes, they currently owe less than $2.6M plus  $4.7M in city projects that have been earmarked. The organization has more than $9M in working capital.

     

    1. If so, then how much is left for BEDC after obligations are paid (what is the yearly budget)? The previous annual budget included 5 staff members. There is currently only one staff member and the City Manager who is performing the task of the executive director. The proposed budget under the new proposal may include 2 staff members.

     

     

    1. What will be its new role and duties?  Would staffing be cut based on these new priorities?  Yes, they are now down to 1 staffer, with the City Manager doing dual duty as CM and Exec Director (at ¼ the salary).  New duties would include small business retention and expansion, and workforce training.

     

    1. What about lease for office space or would that change as well? City is negotiating a new lease for development services staff; they’d be included in that space as well, furthering more of a partnership approach to development and business development, rather than an adversarial relationship.

     

    1. What is the transition plan? If the vote is approved, the tax reallocation to streets will begin after the 1st quarter, or in April. BEDC will seek partners in workforce and small business retention/expansion. It may include Smithville Workforce, BISD, & the Chamber. All entities have given positive messages about their willingness to partner. Angela would remain to manage any partnership agreements plus any incentives that were provided in the past to ensure the obligations are still being met, with the potential to add an additional staff member as necessary.
LIVE STREAM - August 2, 2023 Public Forum
LIVE STREAM - August 2, 2023 Public Forum

(PAST) PUBLIC FORUM: Let's Talk About Streets

PUBLIC FORUM: Let's Talk About Streets

 

 

Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 6:30 PM

Bastrop City Hall

1311 Chestnut Street

Bastrop, TX 78602

512-332-8800

 

 

The City of Bastrop is hosting this forum to discuss the current status, maintenance, and future of streets in Bastrop. City Manager Sylvia Carrillo will make a presentation and citizens are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and submit oral or written comment.

 

Questions? Call 512-332-8800 or email info@cityofbastrop.org

Right: Images from Water St., Farm St., Linden, St., and Magnolia St. in Bastrop, TX.

 

Below: Green requires only maintenance, yellow/orange need rehabilitation, and the red streets require complete reconstruction.

“The Mission of the City of Bastrop is to continuously strive to provide innovative and proactive services that enhance our authentic way of life to achieve our vision.”