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Council reviews CIP: water and wastewater projects, new facilities plan and 2026 debt issuance pegged at $30 million
Summary
Staff reviewed the five-year capital-improvement program, highlighted major water, wastewater and drainage projects scheduled to progress in FY26, discussed a planned 2026 debt issuance (proposed $30 million) and asked council to begin design planning for a proposed 2029 city complex (design budget roughly 6–8% of construction).
City staff walked council through the five-year capital-improvement program (CIP) and the FY 2026 capital projects fund. Highlights included ongoing and planned water, wastewater and drainage projects, grant pursuit, debt planning and early-stage planning for a new city facilities complex.
Major projects and timing discussed: - Water: Baker Drive water-plant construction is ramping up and is expected to account for a significant portion of FY26 construction spending; the 16-inch Huff Smith waterline and the State Highway 249 waterline extension were described as moving toward or into construction in FY26. Staff also added well-rehab and electrical maintenance projects funded by cost savings from the 2023 certificates of obligation. - Wastewater: Lift-station consolidation (Phase 1) was in bid and expected to move into construction; SCADA work was nearing completion for the current phase. - Drainage: Several drainage projects were noted, including the M‑118/Lizzie Lane channel work (with a previous disaster-recovery reallocation grant already obtained) and other channel projects where additional grants will be pursued. Staff said the city is pursuing a reapplication for a previously unsuccessful $23 million grant for a separate drainage project.
New city facilities and funding: staff presented a long-range plan showing a proposed site acquisition for a public-works service center (land purchase shown in FY2028) and a proposed city complex/city hall construction in FY2029. Staff said design work should be undertaken approximately two years before construction and recommended budgeting 6–8% of the estimated construction cost for design. Council asked staff to include a placeholder for design in FY2027 (roughly $600,000 as a planning estimate) so design work can begin and clarify program needs.
Debt planning: staff described a planned debt issuance schedule with a proposed $30 million issuance in 2026 and additional issuances to fund east-water plant and south-wastewater treatment-plant work; slide materials allocated portions of planned issuances to specific projects. Staff said the city will continue to pursue grant partnerships and coordinate with Harris County for easement/right-of-way opportunities (Telgate/Telega area) to reduce acquisition costs.
No project-specific construction contracts were awarded at the meeting; council asked staff to add a FY2027 design placeholder for the new city complex and to continue pursuing grants and county partnerships for utility and drainage easements.
