BY KATY MCAFEE
The big picture
The cost
After Travis County’s $287 million 2015 bond to create a new family courthouse narrowly failed, county leaders issued debt through a certificate of obligation—debt cities and counties can issue for new buildings, road improvements or other projects without voter approval—to fund it. The courthouse opened in December 2022.
If the bond passes, project planning will begin immediately, officials said. Lake Travis-Westlake area residents can also expect an increase on their annual tax bill. If the bond fails, no projects will move for- ward. However, the county does have another financial option that doesn’t require voter approval if officials still want to break ground on some projects, officials said.
The 2023 bond marks the county’s largest package to date due in part to the county’s goal to spend $200 million on parkland acquisition. County leaders said they were guided to invest in green space following a December 2019 Texas A&M University study found Texas loses about 650 acres of land per day to development while property values are increasing. “There’s lots of development along [Hwy.] 71 and the lake. [There’s] a couple of golf courses going in and thousands of homes,” Howard said. Howard added the region’s recent drought also inspired the county to invest in conservation easements—legally binding documents that restrict land from certain uses for environmental protection—near Lake Travis. “We’ve got to act, or we’re going to lose all of this green space,” Howard said. Parkland acquisition could have a fiscal impact as well: The same Texas A&M study found nature tourism and outdoor recreation brought in $35.9 billion to Texas’ gross product in 2019, nearly 2% of the state’s economy. "Part of what I really like about living in Travis County is that it's sort of a gateway to the Hill Country. And I don't want to lose it." ANN HOWARD, TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Taxable property value
Estimated annual tax bill increase
"We try to call out a bond every ve years to address a running list of road and parks projects... When you grow this fast as a region, you got to
$895,200 Lake Travis ISD median market value $1,844,808 Eanes ISD median market value
$108.11
follow with the infrastructure." JOHN LANGMORE, CHAIR, TRAVIS COUNTY BOND COMMITTEE
$222.82
What's next?
Early voting begins Oct. 23, and Election Day is Nov. 7. For more information on the 2023 election, visit www.communityimpact.com/ voter-guide.
We are experts in bioidentical hormone & thyroid optimization, and offer the latest in regenerative and anti-aging medicine. Restore health, find balance & renew vitality
WHOLE EARTH PROVISION CO. SINCE 1970 4477 S. LAMAR BLVD 1014 N. LAMAR BLVD
Do you suffer from?
Weight Gain Low Libido Muscle Loss Joint Pain
Brain fog Fatigue Poor Sleep Mood Swings
Heal your body from the inside out
We can help.
NEW PATIENT SPECIALS! Call 737-242-6722 for details.
CLOTHING FOOTWEAR ACCESS TO TOOLS
thrivehormonalhealth.com
1017 Ranch Road 620 S #220, Lakeway, TX 78734
29
LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook