Council publishes notice of intent for up to $142.0 million in COs; members press for more project detail

Pflugerville City Council voted to authorize publication of a notice of intent to issue combination tax and limited revenue certificates of obligation (COs) for projects identified in the city's capital improvement program (CIP). The notice sets the maximum amount the city could issue and begins the formal public notification process.

Tracy Waldron, finance director, told the council that the $83 million general-fund component was included in the fiscal 2025 budget and that the notice reflects CIP-derived maximums (the discussion also referenced $59 million for the utility fund earlier in deliberations). Waldron said the resolution is the initial step in a multistage process; staff will return with refined project lists, dollar allocations and additional authorizations before any final bond sales.

Council member Ryan pressed staff for greater transparency and requested project-level costs, maps and clearer descriptions before the council moves forward. Ryan said the public would benefit from greater detail and argued that some road projects might be better presented to voters in a general-obligation (G.O.) bond rather than funded via COs, which can be issued without a public referendum under certain conditions.

Staff acknowledged gaps in the packet and committed to providing more specific project numbers and mapping in future briefings. City staff also told council they are preparing for a possible future G.O. bond and will coordinate a separate process when appropriate.

The council approved the resolution to publish the notice of intent; meeting minutes state the motion carried.