The future of Chandler's infrastructure investment lies in the hands of its City Council after the Resident Bond Exploratory Committee, led by the city's former Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, submitted its recommendations for a substantial $475 million bond package. The proposal, unveiled to the Council, outlines a strategic allocation of funds aimed at enhancing fire and police services, street improvements, as well as parks and recreation facilities, as reported by the City of Chandler.
The largest share of the recommended funds is $183 million, earmarked specifically to revamp the city's street network. Another $158 million is slated to upgrade parks and recreation, imparting Chandler's residents with the potential to greatly benefit from improved communal spaces. Fire equipment and facilities are poised to receive an $88 million boost, while the police department is looking at a $46 million investment in its capacity to adequately serve and protect the community, according to the City of Chandler. Yet, before these plans can become a reality, the Council must decide to whether or not to present the bond measure to voters.
In accordance with Chandler's governmental protocols, the necessity for voter authorization is a legal stipulation under the Arizona Revised Statute, binding the city to secure public consent before issuing general obligation bonds backed by secondary property taxes for repaying the debt. The city has historically relied on such bonds, with nearly 70% of its 10-year Capital Improvement Plan funded this way, as per the City of Chandler. Chandler is currently at a juncture where up to $620 million in bond authorization is feasible without impacting the secondary property tax rate.
Assembling the committee of 31 civic-minded residents back in September, the Council’s intent was to methodically sift through financing needs for various programs. This group took it upon themselves to not just look but to deeply delve into the city’s facilities and parks, assessing the viability and urgency of general obligation bond authorization for projects totaling $728 million. Their conclusions led them to recommend a more conservative $475 million as part of a painstakingly prioritized process. Should the Council heed the committee's proposal, Chandler voters will be confronted with their third bond authorization request in 20 years, following approvals of $451 million in 2007 and $272 million in 2021.
