Amarillo voters approved two of seven capital improvement bond proposals in last week’s election.
Voters approved propositions to improve Amarillo streets and public safety.
The street improvement proposition, according to the Amarillo Globe, comes with a price tag of $89.5 million and includes replacement of pavement and traffic signals; addition of streetlights, curbs, sidewalks; pavement maintenance and reconstruction; landscape improvements; utility relocations; street widening and expansion; removal of abandoned railroad crossings; and rehabilitation of two historic brick-paved roadways in the downtown area.
The public safety improvement proposition has a $20.1 million-price tag and includes purchase of fire and police service equipment and vehicles; construction of facilities to replace Fire Stations No. 3, 5 and 9; construction of the fire shop; expansion of the police department’s north parking lot; remodel of the police department’s fourth floor; the addition of four sirens; and construction of additional structures for animal management.
According to a Nov. 9 press release from the City of Amarillo, the two propositions will be funded through tax-supported debt paid over a five-year period to provide budgetary relief and to allow the city to reallocate some of its budgeted funds to address other needs.
The release said the city will continue reviewing other capital project needs to ensure that the city of Amarillo has the infrastructure and services to both serve its citizens and to attract new businesses, residents and visitors.
Five other propositions struck down by voters last week totaled $230 million and included improvements to municipal facilities, neighborhood parks, the Amarillo Civic Center, city fleet and athletics facilities.
Had voters approved all seven of the projects, property taxes would have increased by about 57 percent, the Amarillo Globe reported.
