Jersey Village debate over certificates of obligation, pool and city campus grows as residents circulate petition

Jersey Village City Council members and residents spent the meeting debating whether large capital projects should be decided by council action or put to voters. The discussion centered on two potential certificates of obligation: about $20 million for water and wastewater work and up to $24 million for a proposed city campus, plus how a new community pool should be designed and funded.

Supporters of a voter decision said they were collecting signatures to force a referendum on at least some of the debt. Michael Torrigan, who identified himself as representing petition signers, told the council, “Our community expects to have a say, not to be sidelined by decisions made behind closed doors.” Council members and staff said petitioners should submit signatures quickly so the city can determine next steps.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said the COs were proposed because the city’s utility fund has little reserve and capital needs for water and sewer projects are rising; council members described the notice of intention for COs as a protective measure while the city assesses financing…