Georgetown leaders are teeing up a massive borrowing proposal that could put roughly $494 million in bond capacity before voters in May 2027 to pay for roads, parks, and city facilities. At a workshop last week, staff walked City Council through a long list of potential projects and asked elected officials to start ranking their priorities. Council members were also asked to consider forming community interest groups to help narrow the package before any formal decisions are made.
What's in the ask
City staff told council that conservative financial models show about $494 million in debt capacity over the next decade, with roughly $300 million penciled in for future road projects and about $168 million categorized as near-term transportation needs. Those near-term projects include FM 971, Hwy. 29 East, the Southwest Bypass, and Williams Drive. The presentation noted the modeling uses conservative growth and interest rate assumptions and assumes no tax rate increase. The numbers were laid out at the May 12 workshop, according to the City of Georgetown.
Facilities and trade-offs
Staff outlined about $70 million in general government facility needs, a list that includes renovations to fire stations, Phase 3 of the Public Safety Operations and Training Complex, and land acquisition for a new Fire Station No. 10. They also noted that a $425,000 facility study for library improvements was funded by the 2023 voter-approved bond. City leaders have set aside $10 million toward a new YMCA, and the city is working with Williamson County on roughly $12 million in animal shelter upgrades. Staff warned that a $75 million overhaul of San Gabriel Park would be possible but would likely require trimming other projects or about a 2% tax rate increase, as reported by Community Impact.
Blue Hole and parks
Parks staff say the Blue Hole Park master plan is complete, Halff Associates was contracted to handle design work, and construction on an initial $7.9 million package began earlier this year, according to City of Georgetown Parks and Recreation. The city estimates that about $54 million in bond capacity could be directed to parks and trails, and council members were urged to assemble community groups to help set priorities for those investments. The Blue Hole effort has also drawn local coverage, including reporting by FOX 7 Austin.
Timeline and next steps
Council would have to vote in February 2027 to officially call a May 2027 bond election, and staff said they would return with more detailed borrowing models and options by August so elected officials can decide how to package transportation, facilities, and parks. Staff suggested a citizen committee could help test the community's appetite and refine priorities before the city asks voters to approve a package. The city noted its current modeling is conservative and assumes no tax rate increase unless the council chooses otherwise, according to the City of Georgetown.
