Flower Mound council calls $82 million bond election for parks, streets and facilities

Flower Mound — The Town Council voted unanimously Feb. 3 to place a bond proposition on an upcoming ballot that, as presented, would authorize up to $82,000,000 for parks, trails, street reconstruction and related capital projects.

Council members and staff said the measure responds to aging infrastructure and equipment needs across the town. John Zagorski, who presented the bond language on behalf of the Blue Ribbon Bond Committee, told council the ordinance language was intentionally simplified so voters could understand the broad uses on the ballot rather than a long itemized list.

The proposal would appear to voters as general propositions describing parks and recreation facilities — including trail systems, parks, sports fields and a community activity center — and street reconstruction projects. Zagorski said the committee consolidated several line items and set a flat total to improve transparency: "by simplifying the amounts, we think it'll be easier to read," he said.

Bond counsel told council that voter approval would authorize borrowing but would not obligate the town to issue any bonds immediately. "By putting this to the voters, that doesn't obligate you to issue one penny's worth of bonds," the bond counsel said, describing the later steps that the town would take if voters approve the authorization. Counsel explained that if the measure is approved, the town would return with specific issuance plans, maturities and sale method, and that bond proceeds typically arrive about 30 days after the ordinance authorizing a particular sale is passed.

Town Manager James highlighted the town's effort to leverage outside funding alongside bond proceeds. He also noted the town recently received a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife grant to help improve Toronto Park and said staff has applications pending for other parks projects. James reported economic development figures in the meeting: 92 new businesses opened in the previous year, creating approximately 1,100 jobs.

Council discussion touched on outreach, ballot language and timing of issuance. Staff and bond counsel said the proposition would allow flexibility on which streets are reconstructed first, with staff returning to council to list specific projects before issuing bond proceeds. Bond counsel described the typical structure — maturities within a 30-year authorization and typical call/redemption protections — and said market timing and the town's credit rating would influence specific sale timing and interest rates.

Action and votes: Councilmember Taylor moved approval to call the bond election; the motion carried unanimously. Theresa conducted a roll call that recorded affirmative votes from Councilmember Taylor, Councilmember Drew, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Schistel and Councilmember Werner. The council recorded the measure as passed by unanimous vote and indicated it will appear on the ballot.

What happens next: If voters approve the authorization, council and staff would return with a plan for issuing bonds in tranches, including the precise projects funded in each issuance. Bond counsel reiterated that the vote authorizes the maximum principal amount and that each issuance will be considered separately.

Votes at a glance: J1 — Call bond election authorizing up to $82,000,000 for parks and streets; outcome: approved unanimously (5–0).

Source material: Presentation and Q&A with John Zagorski and bond counsel during the Feb. 3, 2025 Town Council meeting; council roll-call vote recorded on the meeting record.