PROPOSITION 1: The Law Enforcement Proposition 1
1. Emergency communications and 9-1-1 response
2. Law enforcement facilities and support
3. Expanded and renovated jail
These three aspects of the bond are designed to increase public safety in Hays County. The County hopes to get more help to people in emergencies, to give law enforcement officers the tools, space, and training they need to serve the public effectively and to provide a safe, secure place to hold inmates, including those who are a danger to themselves or others.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has determined that our jail does not meet our needs. The jail is 28 years old and has only 362 cells. 10-15% are required by law for a 'buffer' for special needs; 18 are held for special circumstances, 4 are for infirmary needs, so we have 310 cells available for general population. As of 10/17/16 there were 442 inmates in Hays County and on 10/15/16 there were 493. Currently Hays County spends almost $2 Million per year on outsourcing inmates to other counties for lack of space.
The total cost on Proposition 1 is $106,400,000
PROPOSITION 2: Transportation
1. $98.9 Million for specific road projects across the county, especially in dangerous and/or high traffic areas. See a list of projects at HaysCountyBonds.com2. $22.5 Million for drainage and low-water crossing improvements, bike-pedestrian improvements, and environmental mitigation and conservation projects
3. $10 Million for smaller safety improvements.
Combined with Proposition 1, financial planners estimate this can be done without increasing the current tax rate. In categories 2 and 3, some of the money may be shifted as new traffic patterns emerge, or as matching-funds for safety and mobility projects at the state (or with local cities) become available. County officials hope to add to taxpayer dollars with grants and state partnership money.
The county as a AA Bond Rating, a 6 month reserve. The commissioners expressed that this debt could be reduced without any tax increase, as a matter of fact, they are hoping to offer a tax rate reduction next year.
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