Capital Improvement Program General Obligation (GO) Bond Election 2016

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) approved by Allen voters during the May 7, 2016 Bond Election represents the recommendations from a comprehensive citizen driven process led by a volunteer steering committee appointed by City Council.

All five of the bond propositions below were approved.

Bond Proposition Categories
Public Safety $24,445,000
Parks and Recreation   $27,000,000
Public Facilities (Library) $16,045,000 
Streets and Drainage $23,890,000 
Public Art $1,770,000 
Total $93,150,000 
Total bond proposition may result in a potential tax increase of $0.004 (less than 1/2 cent).
Allen Bond 2016 Logo
  1. Public Safety
  2. Parks & Recreation
  3. Municipal Library
  4. Streets
  5. Public Art
  6. Finance
Craig Gillis, Subcommittee Chair
Over 25 citizens participated in the Public Safety subcommittee.

Ballot Proposition Wording:
Proposition Number 1
The issuance of $24,445,000 general obligation bonds for public safety facilities, including fire stations and a police training facility. 

Proposed Bond Projects:
Central Fire Station - 15 year old facility 
  • Address major repairs – roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water damage to exterior walls 
  • Add storage building for emergency medical supplies
  • Expand and remodel space to accommodate more staff and equipment due to growth along US 75 corridor
Fire Station #6
  • Timing of construction to coincide with commercial development along 121
  • Ridgeview and Watters site acquired in 2008
  • 2007 bond election funding reallocated for Fire Station 2 reconstruction, which had more immediate needs
Police Firearms Training Center (location to be determined)
  • Lost access to local range in 2013, now travel two hours round trip to Greenville for mandated proficiency training only 
  • Indoor 50-yard capability needed for patrol rifles 
  • Elimination of travel time allows for enhanced reality-based training and decision-making scenarios 
  • Multi-use facility could accommodate specialized training


Proposed Bond Funding for Public Safety Projects
Central Fire Station (Expansion & Repairs) $6,600,000
Fire Station #6 $9,945,000  
Police Firearms Training Center $7,900,000
Total $24,445,000  


cntral-fire-station

CIP Steering Committee

The six-member Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Steering Committee was appointed by Allen City Council and was made up from community volunteers interested in helping shape Allen's future growth. More than 100 additional volunteers participated in the process to determine the final recommendations.

 

  • CIP Steering Committee Chair: Dr. Joe Farmer
  • Finance: Chris Schulmeister 
  • Parks/Recreation: Mary Vail-Grube
  • Streets/Drainage: George Chrisman
  • Public Safety: Craig Gillis
  • Public Facilities: Kathy Litinas
Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a capital improvement program?
A capital improvement program (CIP) is a road map for planning and funding public facilities and infrastructure. It typically incorporates both the construction of new facilities and the rehabilitation or replacement of existing capital assets. It is often required by law and usually involves a relatively formal process of public hearings and adoption by the local governing body. A CIP spans three to seven years and serves as the City's declaration to make capital expenditures on the schedule indicated. A CIP may or may not consider multiple forms of funding; at a minimum it includes expenditures to be funded by the sale of bonds (or bonded indebtedness). 
 
How does the CIP relate to a possible bond election? 
The City’s Capital Improvement Program is a comprehensive plan for scheduling and funding public facilities and infrastructure. It includes all major capital projects proposed for development or improvement over a five to seven year period. Capital projects may be funded from multiple sources like grants, state and federal funds, private sources, operational funds, and bonds. Only new projects earmarked for bond funding will be considered by City Council for a future bond election that would go before Allen voters. 
 
What are General Obligation bonds?
Bonds are a method used by cities to finance major capital projects. Bonds enable cities to finance large purchases over time. Bonds are a commonly-used tool for growing cities. As population has rapidly grown in Allen, so has the demand for services and infrastructure. Bonds help the City keep up with  growth and continue to meet the service level expectations of the community. The city’s bond debt is repaid through the property tax (also referred to as “ad valorem” tax) paid by owners of taxable property in Allen.