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Lafayette outlines $74M capital package for three projects; funding options and public engagement ahead
Summary
City of Lafayette staff presented preliminary financing estimates for a three‑project capital package — two building projects and a service‑center renovation — totaling $74 million and described funding options, polling and next steps toward a possible ballot measure.
City of Lafayette staff presented preliminary financing estimates for a three‑project capital package that would renovate/replace City Hall, expand the Bob Burger Recreation Center and renovate the Service Center. Staff described a combined preliminary cost estimate of $74 million and described options for funding, community engagement and possible ballot timing.
Alex Nelson and Megan Davis summarized the capital estimates shown in the presentation: $34 million for the recreation center, $34 million for a new civic center, and $6 million for the service center renovation, for a combined $74 million total (figures presented as preliminary and escalated to projected construction costs). Staff said those figures include contingency, soft costs and inflation adjustments and that they will be refined during design.
Staff presented a financing illustration showing a hypothetical 20‑year bond issuance. Under that illustration, the city would need about $6 million per year for debt service. Staff discussed potential revenue options that council may consider, including a dedicated property tax increase (staff estimated the impact at about $300 per year for the average Lafayette home, using a city average home value presented as $685,000) and a sales‑tax increase (presented as approximately 0.85 percentage points; staff noted Lafayette’s sales tax is already comparatively high and that 0.85% would bring the city’s sales and use tax close to 10%).
Staff emphasized these funding figures are illustrative. Katie Doling, the city manager, and other staff said the city will continue public engagement, conduct statistically valid polling and report results to city council in May. Council has requested community input; staff said the council will decide whether to advance the package, in part or in whole, and if directed, ballot language certification and additional outreach could occur over the summer for a possible placement on the November election ballot.
Public commenters asked whether projects could be phased, whether the city could delay the package to prioritize street repairs, and about tax impacts for long‑time residents. Staff acknowledged those trade‑offs and said sequencing, phasing and prioritization are among the issues council will consider when staff presents engagement and polling results.
