As May local elections near, the City of McKinney has proposed multiple bonds that will cost local property taxpayers more than $700 million with interest.
The bonds include using taxpayer funds for city park improvements, designing and constructing a new municipal court facility, and constructing or reconstructing city streets.
However, despite the bond materials explaining the bond package will cost local property taxpayers $485.5 million, the total amount taxpayers will be burdened with equals more than $712 million including the estimated interest on the debt.
City property taxpayers currently owe more than $577 million in bond debt principal and interest.
The five bond proposals on the May 4 ballot are:
Prop A – $106 million for the “enhancement and expansion of our community’s parks system.” It includes constructing a new recreation facility for all ages, making improvements at Towne Lake, and improving the Gabe Nesbitt Ball fields to “attract tournaments to the city.” The money will also be used to add outdoor pickleball courts. With interest, this proposal will cost approximately $155 million.
Prop B – $36 million to design and construct a new municipal court facility. The project would include constructing an approximately 36,000-square-foot facility with two courtrooms, jury meeting rooms, court staff offices, marshal offices, and holding areas. With interest, the proposal would cost approximately $52 million.
Prop C – $30 million to make improvements and expand McKinney’s Public Works South Campus. The current plan includes expanding the building to accommodate approximately 120 additional employees, 200 vehicles, and other materials needed to support city infrastructure. The proposal states that the improvements would “help the department meet the needs of the city’s growing population, now and in the future.” With interest, the proposal would cost approximately $44 million.
Prop D – $70 million to improve and expand McKinney’s Public Safety facilities for the police and fire departments, acquire land for future fire stations, and add additional public safety training facilities. With interest, the proposal would cost approximately $103 million.
Prop E – $243.5 million for the construction and reconstruction of various roads and intersections. Some of the projects include constructing intersection turn lanes and safety improvements, traffic signals, street pavement repairs, and pedestrian accessibility improvements. With interest, the proposal would cost approximately $358 million.
Last year, McKinney proposed a $200 million bond to expand the city-owned airport, which would have cost local property taxpayers $380 million with interest. However, voters rejected the proposal.
Early voting runs April 22-30.
Election Day is Saturday, May 4.
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