Stafford council asks city attorney for cost estimate on special-purpose districts to address budget gap

Councilman Herrera urged the Stafford City Council to explore special‑purpose districts as a way to raise new revenue without increasing residents’ property tax burdens, and the council voted to direct the city attorney to obtain cost estimates and a feasibility report.

Herrera framed the discussion as an effort to “leave no piece unturned” while the city addresses a multi‑year budget shortfall, saying the council should consider options that shift some costs to commercial areas or partner entities. He described special‑purpose districts as “local government entity[ies] that provide specific services to a defined geographic area” and said they are often funded by property tax, sales tax or user fees and can issue debt.

The motion sent to staff asks the city attorney to solicit quotes from outside firms and to return with recommendations on whether and how particular district types could be used in Stafford. The council did not create or authorize any district tonight; the action was narrowly limited to requesting pricing and feasibility information.

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