bond

On Tuesday, November 3, 2020, a majority – 55.49% – of Kyle voters passed Proposition A, the City’s bond proposal for a Public Safety Center.
See the current status of this and other City projects at CityofKyle.com/Projects.

City of Kyle Public Safety 2020 bond badge

City of Kyle 2020 Bond Election for a Public Safety Center

Election Day is November 3, 2020. Early voting takes place from October 13 to 30, 2020.

The City of Kyle has called for a $37-million bond election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, which seeks voter approval for Proposition A to finance the construction of a Public Safety Center that will support our growing community.

In light of COVID-19, the City has decided to defer any tax rate impact as a result of this bond until October 2021.

Kyle Public Safety Center evening entrance view
 

Proposition A

The City of Kyle has called for a bond election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, which seeks voter approval for Proposition A to finance the construction of a Public Safety Center that will support our growing community.

The Kyle population has grown by 724% over the past 20 years, from 6,348 residents to 52,327. As the community grows, our public safety needs grow too. In an effort to avoid another temporary facility for the Kyle Police Department, a task force was formed in 2018 to officially begin the process of researching and designing a Public Safety Center.

The task force, made up of representatives from the City, Police Department and the community, recommended a design for a 64,000 sq. ft., two-story building that would provide space to fully staff the Police Department in a single location – with room to grow – and serve residents’ public safety needs for the next 20 years and beyond.

 

A Public Safety Center

Funding from the proposed bond would finance the design, construction and equipping of a new Public Safety Center that would open in 2022 and serve residents for the decades to come. This bond is an investment in our community.

Currently, the Police Department includes 54 sworn officers at an officer-to-resident ratio of 1.03 officers per thousand residents, which is lower than the standard ratio of 1.50 per thousand. The proposed 64,000 sq. ft., two-story Public Safety Center would be located on Marketplace Avenue at Kohler’s Crossing and provide space to fully staff the Police Department – in a single location – with room to grow as the Kyle population grows.

The Public Safety Center would also allow the Police Department to expand its services with dedicated space to:

  • Improve emergency response times;
  • Accommodate victims or residents experiencing trauma as a result of crime;
  • Create an investigations suite and canine unit;
  • Manage evidence processing and storage;
  • Increase officer training and pursue accreditation; and,
  • Expand community-based programs and mental health services.

A Public Safety Center would also provide the City with an opportunity to create an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). An EOC would establish a central commander center and allow for collaboration with surrounding counties and authorities during critical times. Emergencies often addressed in an EOC include, but are not limited to, weather-related natural disasters, community-wide security threats, such as school shootings or hostage situations, major traffic accidents such as those that occur on I-35, or even pandemics like COVID-19.

Finally, with room for the Police Department to grow over the next 20 years and beyond, the Public Safety Center would also provide immediate, temporary space for ancillary public safety functions, including Communications, Information Technology and City administration, until the Police Department requires the full building.

If approved by voters in November, construction of the facility could begin in spring 2021 and be completed in roughly 14 months.

Kyle Public Safety Center aerial view on axis
 

Taxpayer Impact

Proposition A is estimated to cost approximately $37 million. In light of COVID-19, the City has decided to defer any tax rate impact as a result of this bond until October 2021.

If passed, the City anticipates raising the property tax rate by an estimated $0.0744 cents per $100 of valuation during the 20-year lifecycle of these general obligation bonds. The average property owner with a $216,000 home within the City of Kyle would see their property taxes increase approximately $13.50 per month, or about $160.50 per year, beginning in October 2021.

 

What The Ballot Will Say

FOR or AGAINST: The issuance of general obligation bonds in the principal amount not to exceed $37,000,000 for the purpose of planning, designing, constructing, improving and equipping of a public safety facility, specifically a new police station and emergency operations center; and the levy of a tax in payment thereof.

 

Background

The Kyle population has grown by 724% over the past 20 years, from 6,348 to 52,327 residents. As the community grows, our public safety needs grow too.

Development of the bond package dates back to 2011, when a needs assessment for the Kyle Police Department was first conducted. The Police Department has grown and relocated multiple times over the years, and currently operates out of three separate buildings in downtown Kyle. In an effort to avoid another temporary facility for the department, and to address the public safety challenges of Kyle’s growing population, a task force was formed in 2018 to officially begin the process of researching and designing a Public Safety Center for consideration of bond funding.

After extensive research of facilities in other municipalities, the task force – made up of representatives from the City, Police Department and the community – identified the police headquarters in College Station and New Braunfels as an ideal model for the City’s new Public Safety Center. Both facilities were designed by the architecture firm PGAL, and in early 2020 City Council approved funding for a contract with PGAL to customize an existing design for Kyle’s Public Safety Center. Using the existing facility design found in the New Braunfels and College Station provided the City with an opportunity to save time and money, and to deliver a project that would allow construction to begin in spring 2021 and be completed in roughly 14 months.

The process to date provided the City with an understanding of the construction costs needed to finance a Public Safety Center. Based on this information, City Council passed an ordinance calling for a $37 million bond proposition – Proposition A – to go before voters on November 3, 2020.

 

Open Houses

The City is hosting five virtual open houses to share information about Proposition A and provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions. The open houses will be held every Thursday evening from September 17 through October 8, and on Tuesday, October 13.

Each open house will be held virtually as a Zoom Webinar*. There will be a presentation on the proposed Public Safety Center at the beginning of the event, with time for Q&A afterward.

*The October 8 open house will be held as a hybrid event, including a virtual presentation along with an in-person component at City Hall, with social distancing and other health precautions in place. See below for more details.

Please see below for the Zoom link, Webinar ID and password for each open house:

Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: 7-8 PM
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97680152699?pwd=dC92QzV1R0JjdDRCQjAyRkhVaGpBUT09
Webinar ID: 976 8015 2699
Passcode: 2020
Notes: Spanish interpretation will be available
Recording: https://youtu.be/q5T1JQSERgs

Date: Thursday, September 24
Time: 7-8 PM
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92628397701?pwd=K05Zb01CbWxVUnd3MnF4T0lFZmdYdz09
Webinar ID: 926 2839 7701
Passcode: 2020
Notes: Spanish interpretation will be available
Recording: https://youtu.be/_ClqfuMQ49A

Date: Thursday, October 1
Time: 7-8 PM
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/94386085201?pwd=TEcyMml6cXU0YWVyaG1OTmx2QkRJZz09
Webinar ID: 943 8608 5201
Passcode: 2020
Recording: https://youtu.be/IsPSpOBnbJQ

Date: Thursday, October 8*
Time:
6-7 PM Come-and-go conversation at City Hall
7-8 PM Presentation and Q&A at City Hall, Live Streamed to Zoom
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99338006811?pwd=M0FyaFlob3AxeC9VcUF1OEFqQy9Edz09
Webinar ID: 993 3800 6811
Passcode: 2020
Notes: This will be a hybrid event, with the option to join in-person at City Hall or participate virtually through the Zoom Webinar. Face coverings will be required and local and state guidelines for social distancing will be followed in person. The first hour of the event will be in-person only, offering the opportunity for the community to discuss the proposed Public Safety Center with representatives from the City and Kyle Police Department. At 7 PM, Chief Barnett and Captain Hernandez will give a presentation on Prop A from City Hall, which will be live streamed to virtual attendees. There will be time for in-person and online participants to ask questions following the presentation. Spanish interpretation and closed captioning services will be available virtually through Zoom.
Recording: https://youtu.be/f8IY6Lby56Q

Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 7-8 PM
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92241484630?pwd=QW5HcWJtalFOUUc4NkdIMll6TXFiQT09
Webinar ID: 922 4148 4630
Passcode: 2020
Recording: https://youtu.be/UYYpOgVVA2A

If you have questions about the virtual open houses, the proposed Public Safety Center, or if you would like to request a presentation about Proposition A for your neighborhood, civic organization or similar group, you can call 512-843-8940 or reach out to 2020Bond@CityofKyle.com.

Kyle Public Safety Center northwest aerial view
 

Voter Information

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Early voting takes place from October 13 to 30, 2020. In conjunction with the November General Election, voters will consider Proposition A from the City of Kyle – which seeks approval to sell general obligation bonds to fund the design, construction and equipping of a new Public Safety Center that would be located on Marketplace Avenue at Kohler’s Crossing. The total amount of the bonds for which approval is sought is $37 million.

The last day to register to vote is October 5, 2020. To register or apply for a ballot by mail, visit the Hays County Government Center or the Elections Office online.

The following hours and Vote Center Locations in Kyle have been approved by the Hays County Commissioners for the 2020 November General Election.

Early Voting: October 13 - 30, 2020

Hours:

Tuesday, October 13 — Friday, October 16 10 AM — 7 PM
Saturday, October 17 7 AM — 7 PM
Sunday, October 18 1 PM — 6 PM
Monday, October 19 — Friday, October 23 10 AM — 7 PM
Saturday, October 24 7 AM — 7 PM
Sunday, October 25 1 PM — 6 PM
Monday, October 26 — Friday, October 30 7 AM — 7 PM

Locations:

Hays CISD Admin - Arnold Transportation Building
21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road
Kyle, TX 78640

Kyle City Hall
100 West Center Street
Kyle, TX 78640

Live Oak Academy High School
4820 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, TX 78610

Election Day: November 3, 2020

Hours:

Tuesday, November 3 7 AM — 7 PM

Locations:

Chapa Middle School
3311 Dacy Lane
Kyle, TX 78640

Hays CISD Admin - Arnold Transportation Building
21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road
Kyle, TX 78640

Hays County Precinct 2 Office
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, TX 78640

Kyle City Hall
100 West Center Street
Kyle, TX 78640

Live Oak Academy High School
4820 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, TX 78610

Tobias Elementary School
1005 FM 150
Kyle, TX 78640

Wallace Middle School
1500 West Center Street
Kyle, TX 78640

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Still looking for more information on the 2020 Bond Election for a Public Safety Center? Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Proposition A. If you don’t see your question here, please send us an email to 2020Bond@CityofKyle.com or call 512-843-8940 and a member of our team will be in touch. Thank you!

Why is the City of Kyle calling for a bond election?

The Kyle population has grown by 724% over the past 20 years, from 6,348 residents to 52,327. As the community grows, our public safety needs grow too. To address this growth, the Kyle City Council passed an ordinance on August 17, 2020 calling for a $37 million bond election for a Public Safety Center. Ballot language was set for Proposition A, which will be considered by voters on November 3, 2020.

Funding from the proposed bond would finance the design, construction and equipping of a new Public Safety Center that would open in 2022 and serve residents for decades to come. This bond is an investment in our community.

What does the current Kyle Police Department look like?

In 2013, the Kyle Police Department moved into the current headquarters at 111 North Front Street. The headquarters, a former Wells Fargo bank building, is one of three separate KPD facilities – all built in the 1970s – along with the former post office that now supports dispatch, and a third building that supports code enforcement, animal control and storage. Take a look behind the walls of the current KPD facilities by watching the brief video linked here (also embedded at the top of this section).

What exactly is included in the proposed bond package?

If voters pass Proposition A in November, they will give permission to the City of Kyle to sell general obligation bonds to fund the design, construction, equipment and interior build-out (FF&E) of a new Public Safety Center on Marketplace Avenue at Kohler’s Crossing.

The 64,000 sq. ft., two-story facility would provide space for the City of Kyle to fully staff the Police Department in a single location – with room to grow over the next 20 years and beyond – and to deliver public safety services to our community. If approved by voters in November, construction could begin in spring 2021 and be completed in roughly 14 months.

What is a Public Safety Center?

A Public Safety Center is a facility dedicated to serving the public safety needs of the Kyle community.

Along with providing space to fully staff the Police Department – in a single location – with room to grow over the next 20 years and beyond, the proposed Public Safety Center would also have dedicated space to expand community-based programs like the Citizens’ Police Academy and Citizens on Patrol, which connect the Police Department with the residents it serves, and offer new programs and services for residents that the current police headquarters cannot support.

In addition, the facility would provide space for an Emergency Operations Center where the City could collaborate with surrounding counties and authorities during critical times such as natural disasters, community-wide security threats, or even pandemics like COVID-19.

If passed, where will the Public Safety Center be located?

The proposed Public Safety Center would be located on Marketplace Avenue at Kohler's Crossing.

This new intersection is part of the Marketplace Avenue extension being constructed by the developer of Plum Creek at their own cost. The new section of Marketplace Avenue will provide complete access to the site of the proposed Public Safety Center from Kohler’s Crossing, and it is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2021.

The six-acre site would be donated to the City by the developer of Plum Creek, which equates to more than $700,000 in land savings for taxpayers.

To learn more about the proposed location and other development in the area, visit CityofKyle.com/Uptown.

Does Proposition A include funding for the Heroes Memorial?

No, the Heroes Memorial is not included in this bond package.

If voters pass Proposition A in November, they will give permission to the City of Kyle to sell general obligation bonds to fund the design, construction, equipment and interior build-out (FF&E) of a new Public Safety Center on Marketplace Avenue at Kohler’s Crossing, as well as relocation services related to the move.

To learn more about the City’s plans for the Heroes Memorial, visit CityofKyle.com/Uptown.

How did the City determine the scope and amount of the bond package?

Development of the bond package dates back to 2011, when a needs assessment for the Kyle Police Department was first conducted by Brinkley Sargent Architects. In an effort to avoid another temporary facility for the department, and to address the public safety challenges of Kyle’s growing population, a task force was formed in 2018 to officially begin the process of researching and designing a Public Safety Center for consideration of bond funding.

After extensive research of facilities in other municipalities, the task force – made up of representatives from the City, Police Department and the community – identified the police headquarters in College Station and New Braunfels as an ideal model for the City’s new Public Safety Center. Both facilities were designed by the architecture firm PGAL, and in early 2020 City Council approved funding for a contract with PGAL to customize an existing design for Kyle’s Public Safety Center.

The process to date provided the City with an understanding of the construction costs needed to finance a Public Safety Center. Based on this information, City Council passed an ordinance calling for a $37 million bond proposition – Proposition A – to go before voters on November 3, 2020.

What were the findings of the needs assessment for the Kyle Police Department?

The original assessment, conducted by Brinkley Sargent Architects in 2011, projected the facility needs for the Police Department to be approximately 38,497 sq. ft. by 2036, with an additional support building of approximately 5,413 sq. ft.

A follow-up study was conducted by Brinkley Sargent Architects in 2019, which identified 38,496 sq. ft. in facility needs for the Police Department by 2029, and 41,199 sq. ft. in facility needs by 2039.

These studies looked only at facility requirements for the Police Department; they did not take into account additional square footage to create an Emergency Operations Center or space required to support ancillary public safety services that may be provided by the City of Kyle.

What would a Public Safety Center offer to the community, and what challenges will it address for the City of Kyle?

The Kyle population has grown by 724% over the past 20 years, from 6,348 residents to 52,327. As the community grows, our public safety needs grow too.

Currently, the Police Department includes 54 sworn officers at an officer-to-resident ratio of 1.03 officers per thousand residents, which is lower than the standard ratio of 1.50 per thousand. The proposed 64,000 sq. ft., two-story Public Safety Center would provide space to fully staff the Police Department – in a single location – with room to grow over the next 20 years.

The new Public Safety Center would also have dedicated space to expand community-based programs like the Citizens’ Police Academy and Citizens on Patrol, which connect the Police Department with the residents it serves, and offer new programs and services for residents that the current police headquarters cannot support. In addition, the facility would provide space for an Emergency Operations Center where the City could collaborate with surrounding counties and authorities during critical times such as natural disasters, community-wide security threats, or even pandemics like COVID-19.

Finally, the proposed facility would allow the Kyle Police Department to pursue accreditation from the Law Enforcement Recognition Program through the Texas Police Chiefs Association and The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), which opens up opportunities for the Kyle Police Department to pursue various grants that could further improve recruitment, training and public safety services for the community. Accreditation from CALEA® provides greater accountability within the agency and increased community advocacy through a set of standards that clearly define authority, performance and responsibilities.

If the bond passes, will KPD dispatchers still be relocated to the Hays County Emergency Communications Center?

Yes, KPD dispatchers are scheduled to move into the Hays County Emergency Communications Center in late September 2020, regardless of the outcome of this bond election. Dispatchers will remain employees of the Kyle Police Department.

How would the proposed bond package impact property taxes for Kyle residents?

The $37-million Public Safety Center would be funded by general obligation bonds, which are repaid by property taxes. If Proposition A passes, the City anticipates raising the property tax rate by an estimated $0.0744 cents per $100.00 of valuation during the 20-year lifecycle of these general obligation bonds.

The average property owner with a $216,000 home within the City of Kyle would see their property taxes increase approximately $13.50 per month, or about $160.50 per year.

It’s important to note, that in light of COVID-19, the City would defer the tax rate impact until October 2021.

Does the $37-million estimated total include interest?

No. The $37-million total does not include interest, but the estimated interest payment is included in the projected tax rate impact of $0.0744 cents per $100.00 of valuation during the 20-year lifecycle of the general obligation bonds. Current calculations for interest are estimated at $19.6 million, but may vary based on the specific terms of the bonds at the time of sale.

What is the breakdown of the total cost for the proposed Kyle Public Safety Center?

The preliminary breakdown of costs for the proposed Kyle Public Safety Center is below. Please note: the estimates listed here will change as site-specific design is completed, if voters pass Proposition A this November.

  • Land = $0 (Donated)
  • Design Fees = $1,170,000
  • Construction = $27,830,000
  • Soft Costs (Material Testing, Impact Fees, etc.) = $500,000
  • Radio Antennas, Fiber, CellDAS = $1,500,000
  • Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment = $3,000,000
  • Fixed Storage Furniture = $1,000,000
  • Bond Issuance Costs = $1,000,000
  • Project Contingency = $1,000,000
  • Total Estimated Project Cost = $37,000,000

Does the bond cover the cost of moving into the Public Safety Center?

No. If the bond passes, moving expenses would be part of the operating budget for the year that the Public Safety Center is ready for occupancy. However, it’s important to note that the bond does include all new furniture, fixtures and equipment, which would limit the amount of material required to move.

What happens if there is a surplus from the $37-million bond sales once the project is complete?

If the final cost of the Public Safety Center comes in below $37 million on the project is completed, there are a few options the City could pursue with the surplus, including:

  • City Council could decide to use the surplus to make the debt payments toward the bonds.
  • If the bonds are “callable,” the City could use the surplus to directly pay off the principal amount, but this will depend on the specific terms of the bonds at the time of sale, and “callable” bonds typically incur additional expense(s) for the City.
  • City Council could also reprogram the funds for other Capital Improvement Project(s) that meet the requirements for a general obligation bond, however, this would require approval by the Texas Attorney General’s office.

Why did the City decide to pursue a bond election for this project?

General obligation bonds give the City of Kyle a way to pursue capital improvement projects like the Public Safety Center that would otherwise affect other services or take additional time to fund.

A capital improvement project typically has a long useful life, and issuing general obligation bonds spreads out the cost to taxpayers over many years, similar to a home mortgage that is repaid over time. The proposed Public Safety Center would serve the residents for the next 20 years and beyond, and issuing bonds to finance the debt would allow the City of Kyle to distribute that debt over the life of the facility.

How does the cost of this bond compare to similar facilities in other cities?

Extensive research of facilities in other municipalities and planning by the bond task force provided the City with an understanding of the construction costs needed to finance a Public Safety Center. Based on this information, City Council passed an ordinance calling for a $37-million bond proposition – Proposition A – to go before voters on November 3, 2020.

By comparison, the City of New Braunfels passed a bond program in 2019 that included $36.3 million for a new police headquarters (upon which the design of the proposed Kyle Public Safety Center is based). Additional comparison points include the City of Denton, which passed a bond program in 2019 that included $36 million for its police headquarters renovation, and the City of Longview, which passed a bond program in 2018 that included $33.4 million for a new police station.

It’s important to note that in addition to a new police headquarters, this Public Safety Center, unlike others listed above, would also provide the City of Kyle with a dedicated Emergency Operations Center to serve residents for decades to come.

Why is the City of Kyle proposing a bond package during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The need for a Public Safety Center existed long before the pandemic, with initial discussions dating back to 2011. While the unprecedented situation with COVID-19 has impacted everyone in Kyle and beyond, it has also reinforced the need for a dedicated space for the City to provide public safety services to residents. Delaying this project will not change the City’s need to deliver these services to a growing population.

In addition to providing space to fully staff the Police Department in a single location, the proposed facility would have dedicated space to expand community-based programs and services, and to create an Emergency Operations Center where the City could collaborate with surrounding counties and authorities during critical times such as natural disasters, community-wide security threats, or even pandemics like COVID-19.

What happens if the bond does not pass?

If the bond does not pass, the City will have to pursue alternative options to house the Police Department, which would include leasing, renovating and retrofitting an existing space. Funds for an interim solution would be pulled from the Police Department’s operating budget and could affect other services. Initial calculations for an interim solution would cost the City an estimated $1 million per year.

Additionally, it’s important to note that if Proposition A does not pass in November, the City will not be able to issue debt through certificate of obligation for a Public Safety Center for a minimum of three years.

What is the bottom line, the one thing voters should know about the proposed bond package?

This bond package for a new Public Safety Center – Proposition A – reflects our commitment to the proper and efficient progress of our city. This facility will allow the City to increase its public safety services to support the growing population. This is an investment in our community.

When is Election Day?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Early voting takes place from October 13 to 30, 2020.

Am I eligible to vote in this election?

In order to cast a ballot in the bond election, you must be both eligible to vote and registered to vote in the City of Kyle.

Persons are generally eligible to vote if:

  • They reside within the city limits and are registered to vote at their in-city address;
  • Are 18 years of age or older on the day of the election;
  • Are citizens of the United States;
  • Are not disqualified as a convicted felon; and,
  • Have a registration that is valid on the day of the election.

How can I register to vote?

You must be registered to vote by October 5, 2020 in order to participate in the November 3, 2020 bond election.

To register to vote or apply for a ballot by mail, visit the Hays County Government Center

Where can I vote?

The following Vote Center Locations in Kyle have been approved by the Hays County Commissioners for the 2020 November General Election.

Early Voting: October 13 - 30 | Hours Vary

Hays CISD Admin - Arnold Transportation Building
21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road
Kyle, TX 78640

Kyle City Hall
100 West Center Street
Kyle, TX 78640

Live Oak Academy High School
4820 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, TX 78610

Election Day: November 3 | 7 AM — 7 PM

Chapa Middle School
3311 Dacy Lane
Kyle, TX 78640

Hays CISD Admin - Arnold Transportation Building
21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road
Kyle, TX 78640

Hays County Precinct 2 Office
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, TX 78640

Kyle City Hall
100 West Center Street
Kyle, TX 78640

Live Oak Academy High School
4820 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, TX 78610

Tobias Elementary School
1005 FM 150
Kyle, TX 78640

Wallace Middle School
1500 West Center Street
Kyle, TX 78640

When will polling places be open?

The following hours have been approved by the Hays County Commissioners for the 2020 November General Election.

Early Voting Hours:

Tuesday, October 13 — Friday, October 16 10 AM — 7 PM
Saturday, October 17 7 AM — 7 PM
Sunday, October 18 1 PM — 6 PM
Monday, October 19 — Friday, October 23 10 AM — 7 PM
Saturday, October 24 7 AM — 7 PM
Sunday, October 25 1 PM — 6 PM
Monday, October 26 — Friday, October 30 7 AM — 7 PM

Election Day Hours:

Tuesday, November 3 7 AM — 7 PM

What exactly will the ballot language say for Proposition A?

FOR or AGAINST: The issuance of general obligation bonds in the principal amount not to exceed $37,000,000 for the purpose of planning, designing, constructing, improving and equipping of a public safety facility, specifically a new police station and emergency operations center; and the levy of a tax in payment thereof.

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