Kyle calls for $294.4 million bond vote to pay for fixing roads

Eight Kyle roads could see some much-needed improvement, but the way to pay for those fixes will be up to the voters in November in what city leaders say is Kyle’s largest bond package in city history.

According to city officials, the $294.4 million bond package request is a nod to the exponential growth seen in the city and the need for better mobility. The city last passed a transportation bond in 2013.

The bond proposal also comes on the heels of the Hays school district $115 million bond, which passed in May. That bond, however, did not require a tax rate increase.

What the roads bond would pay for 

The city in August proposed a $294.4 million bond package that will address mobility, congestion and safety in eight road projects throughout the city. The bond proposal will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.  

The approval comes after more than a year of research and multiple public bond workshops.  

The selection of the proposed road projects was based on where residents expressed the most interest and concerns in safety, mobility and maintenance; and after a careful review from city staff and expert engineer and traffic modelers, city officials said.

The eight projects total more than 10 miles of new roads, reconstruction and widening projects. City officials said the projects will provide more capacity to support current and future traffic needs and boost quality of life experience through economic development. They're also intended to reduce congestion and emergency response times, increase vehicle and pedestrian safety, and strengthen connections between the east and west sides of Kyle. 

Projects include:

• Upgrading Old Stagecoach Road and Center Street to Veterans Drive.
• Improving Marketplace Avenue with a new road extending north to connect to the existing Marketplace Avenue.
• Upgrades to portions of Windy Hill Road, Bebee Road and Bunton Creek Road.
• New road construction for a portion of Bebee Road starting at Interstate 35.
• Construction on the Kohler's Crossing overpass extending to Seton Parkway, and Kyle Parkway.
• Lehman Road extensions to the Ascension Seton Hays Hospital complex.

“After more than a year of research and preparation, we are excited to finally present these projects to the public," Mayor Travis Mitchell said in a statement. "Each project was carefully reviewed by city council, city staff, expert engineers, and outside financial analysts. Once constructed, these projects will make Kyle safer and will dramatically increase connectivity throughout our community.”  

If the bond — Proposition A — is approved, taxpayers are projected to see a 9.17 cent per $100 evaluation increase, which is about $25.87 per month for the average priced single-family home in Kyle. 

City Council races on the ballot

Kyle residents will also vote on two candidates for the City Council in District 1 and District 3. Council members serve three-year terms.  

Dex Ellison in August abruptly resigned his position on the council, leaving his District 1 seat vacant. It is still unclear why he resigned. Six candidates filed to fill his seat and vie for the spot: Marina Tupikov, Neal Breen, Marc McKinney, Amanda Stark, Nick Madsen and Bear Heiser.

In District 3, incumbent Robert Rizo filed for re-election but he will have to face off against challenger Miguel A. Zuniga for the seat.

Early voting begins Oct. 24.