$17.7 Million Bond Sale to be Presented to Belton City Council in April

March 20, 2025

By David Stone

The Belton Journal

A Certificate of Obligation bond proposal of up to $17.7 million will be presented to the Belton City Council next month to raise money for the expansion of the Temple-Belton Wastewater Treatment Plant and other projects.

An adopted Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal years 2025-2029 identifies nearly $85 million of potential capital projects to be completed over the next five years, according to a report from Director of Finance Mike Rodgers.

A public hearing on the bond was held during last week’s council meeting and the bond sale will be presented for approval on April 8.

The most significant project in the Capital Improvements Program is the wastewater treatment plant expansion. Belton’s 25 percent share of the $71.2 million project is $17.8 million.

Also, more than $1.75 million of vital improvements to the primary Belton lift station must be done, and the second phase of the Loop 121 expansion project requires the relocation of utilities at a cost of $2.3 million.

The Belton Fire Department must also replace its aerial apparatus for $1.7 million, and the city will spend $750,000 to purchase the former Miller Heights Elementary School property.

Each of these projects will be included in the 2025 Certificates of Obligation. Even with a $6.6 million cash contribution by the city, an additional $17.7 million is necessary to complete these projects.

Texas state law generally requires our local governments to seek voter approval before issuing debt that will be repaid from tax revenues. Every year, in May and November, voters are asked to approve new bond debt for the construction of city and county buildings, hospitals, schools, water infrastructure and much more.

Certificates of Obligation, however, is an exception to this rule. Local governments can use COs to fund public works without voter approval. They provide local governments with flexibility when they need to finance projects quickly.

Also at last week’s meeting, council approved a memorandum of understanding between the city and the Belton Area Citizens for Seniors Inc. regarding senior center renovations.

These renovations include designing 1,000-square-feet of activity and meeting rooms, restrooms, kitchen upgrades and improved building accessibility. According to an amended memorandum approved last week, the work must be completed within two years.

$100,000 has already been distributed to the Belton Area Citizens for Seniors for the work.

Also last Tuesday, the council approved the creation of a Building LifeSafety Grant Program, which provides $50,000 grants per project with a 50 percent match in the central Downtown, Uptown and Main Street Zones.

According to Bob van Til, director of planning, the grant program will pay for building improvements that are related to life-safety items such as fire suppression and sprinkler systems; the mitigation of asbestos, lead and mold; ADA accessibility; and energy conservation programs.

Van Til said the grant program is intended to provide “gap funding” between the owner’s projected entry costs, additional development costs and code requirements.

Council approved amended contracts for two pieces of land — 62 acres from Jay Lovorn and 165 acres from Janet Rand.

The Belton Economic Development Corporation negotiated to purchase the 62-acre tract located just north of Dog Ridge Loop to use for light industrial development, according to BEDC Executive Director Cynthia Hernandez. BEDC has engaged KPA Engineers to assist in the site evaluation, providing information on utilities. In working with KPA and city of Belton staff, it has been determined that the site can be served with water and wastewater, although improvements to both will be needed.

According to Hernandez, the cost for water improvements are still unknown. BEDC will be responsible for the $2,907,000 purchase price, $4,606 for surveying, $130,815 for commission and the closing costs.

Funds for the real estate purchase were not budgeted for 2025; however, given the estimated end of year budget projections, Hernandez’s report said funds will be available to cover the purchase of property and closing costs.

The BEDC also has negotiated a contract to buy the 165-acre tract on West Amity, west of I-35. The property will serve business and retention efforts, and BEDC will continue to work with the city to determine the best option for serving the land with water and wastewater, Hernandez said.

BEDC will be responsible for the $4,500,000 purchase price, $5,675 for surveying, and $135,000