CIP priorities, pavement‑condition index and equipment purchases spark council debate on funding and timing

Council reviewed the five‑year CIP rack‑and‑stack and debated priorities among competing plans — Old Town master plan, FM 1103 work, the pavement‑condition index (PCI) and utility relocations. Staff said FY29 shows capacity to issue about $16 million in certificates of obligation without increasing the tax rate and encouraged council to use objective scoring criteria to prioritize projects.

Councilmembers expressed concern that plan studies without funding lead to unfulfilled plans. Several members urged focusing on a limited set of high‑priority projects and noted that FM 1103 utility relocations overlap in timing with neighborhood street work; staff agreed to reconcile schedules so neighborhoods are not used as detours during major corridor construction.

Public‑works staff proposed buying heavy equipment (motor grader, steel‑wheel roller, bucket truck) to expand in‑house paving capacity and reduce recurring rental costs and scheduling delays. Staff argued ownership would allow better control over timing and could produce long‑term savings; council asked for cost/benefit analysis and a list of requested equipment and expected impact on project throughput.

Council also discussed financing options, including a voter‑approved bond for larger lists of roads versus certificates of obligation funded by sales tax or existing capacity. No vote was taken; staff will provide the CIP project list, scoring, equipment cost breakdowns and timing for future consideration.