Mayor outlines $100.5 million bond package, council asks for language next meeting

Mayor Matthew Porter and city staff spent substantial time on July 14 drafting the structure of a proposed bond election and the wording the city would ask bond counsel to prepare.

Porter proposed four propositions: $25 million for public safety renovations and expansion; $25.5 million combining downtown improvements and Saksi/Ballard work; a $30 million Public Works complex with $10 million of that identified as paid from the utility fund; and $20 million for parks projects (East Fork, Avalon, Community/Founders and potential land acquisition). He summarized the package as $100.5 million on the ballot, with an effective ad valorem impact of about $90.5 million after the $10 million utility‑fund portion is explained on the ballot.

City staff (city manager/designee) described next steps: bond counsel will draft ballot language and Hilltop Securities will prepare tax‑rate and finance analyses; staff expects to return ballot language for council approval at the next meeting and to call the election in early August for a November vote.

Council members discussed grouping choices, whether to specify narrower uses for the parks proposition (for example, field improvements, lighting, parking) and the mechanics of listing utility‑fund payments on the ballot. Councilman Scott Williams and others asked about specific projects (Sandon/Sandon/Sandon spelling in the materials) and whether some street projects would be handled outside the general obligation bond or by other funds. Several council members signaled support for the mayor’s proposed package and asked staff to return with precise ballot language at the next meeting.

No final action was taken to place the measures on the ballot; staff will draft language and return on the next meeting agenda.