The Courier of Montgomery County reports that commissioners in Montgomery County have come up with a possible $450 million bond referendum for May that would offer propositions for a new animal shelter, road projects and tax office.
The breakdown for funds, according to County Judge Mark Keough, is $93 million for each precinct, $13 million for a new tax office and $65 million for a new animal shelter.
Earlier cost estimates for the shelter were $84 million, but new info has whittled that number down to the $65 million.
Disagreement by commissioners have been over whether the bond ballot should be undertaken in May or November.
Keough does not want to wait and thinks the bond election should be held in November. He said if they do it now, they “are six months ahead of the game.” He felt the escalating cost of materials is a significant reason regarding the immediate need for the bond.
At $450 million there would not be an increase for taxpayers, according to John Robuck, the county’s investment adviser with BOK Financial Securities.
Commissioner Matt Gray was for a November bond because many people are voting. He also felt the November choice would give them the time needed to get projects underway for construction, particularly the rights of way necessary for new roads.
May is a better time for the bond according to Commissioners Charlie Riley and James Noack. They felt May allows more time to put information out to voters and provides time for the swearing in of Commissioner Ritch Wheeler and new Sheriff Wesley Doolittle who would be able to express their opinions on the bond.
Commissioner Noack expressed that, with a national election underway, voters may not be concentrating on county needs.
With the requirement to put the bond on the November ballot, Commissioners would have to decide before August 19th. This is a short time frame according to Commissioner Riley considering the budget hearings close on August 16th.
