When presenting the 2020 Proposed Capital Improvement Program to Mayor Scott LeMay and the Garland City Council, City Manager Bryan Bradford said this $340.8 million CIP is the city’s largest ever. It represents a $61.1 million increase over the 2019 CIP. The plan, if adopted as is, would result in rate hikes in water, wastewater and trash collection totaling $1.61.
The goal of the 2020 CIP, according to staff is: “to enhance the economic viability and quality of life for the Garland community by: the implementation of the 2019 bond program in seven years and the expedition of the completion of the remaining 2004 bond program projects.”
Staff explained that it is a five-year plan that includes public works, infrastructure, utility infrastructure, municipal facilities and large or specialized equipment.
The following criteria are required to qualify for CIP:
- Must be a capital asset
- Must have useful life of at least five years
- Cost must exceed $25,000, or preferably $50,000
A CIP should be viewed from a multi-year perspective. The program includes planned projects for five years and the expected costs, along with the method of financing and estimated tax and utility rate impacts. It is important to note that the capital budget provides funding for the first year but CIP projects might span multiple years. Approving a project in the first year can create an obligation to issue additional debt in year two for completion of the project.
The CIP is divided into three categories:
Tax supported projects $129.4 million
Internal service projects $1.5 million
Utility supported projects $209.9 million
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Total 2020 proposed CIP $340.8 million
Tax supported program areas:
Street/Transportation $53,763,000
Parks $23,935,000
Drainage $13,769,000
Economic Development $10,627,000
Public Safety $9,529,000
Landfill/Transfer Station $7,549,000
Facilities & Equipment $7,209,000
Library $2,981,000
___________
$129,362,000
Utility & Internal Service program areas:
Electric Utility $98,544,000
Wastewater Utility $68,477,000
Water Utility $39,939,000
Environmental Waste Services $2,695,000
Information Technology $1,465,000
Stormwater Mgmt. Utilities $273,000
___________
$211,393,000
In 2020, the 2004 bond program is expected to be 76.1% finished. In 2024, it should be 97.6% complete.
At the end of 2020, the 2019 bond program is anticipated to be 7.1% complete. In 2024, it is expected to be 85.5% complete.
The proposed 2020 CIP would require the following increases:
Water – residential – 63 cents per month
Wastewater – residential – 79 cents per month
Trash collection – 19 cents per month
Electric rates – no increase
Stormwater rates – no increase
CIP review calendar:
Monday, Feb. 17 – Council discussion
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Public hearing
Monday, March 2 – Council deliberations
Tuesday, March 3 – Public hearing and adoption of CIP