In a subdued vote that marked a subdued process, the Council unanimously passed the 2010 Proposed Capital Improvement Program. The process was much shortened from past years and not a single citizen spoke toward the program at any time—probably because the whole package was much smaller than previous years and was low enough than no new taxes would be required for debt service.
 
From the City Manager Bill Dollar's budget message:

 

The tax-supported portion of the Proposed CIP totals $42.8 million and is heavily weighted towards Street and Drainage projects. A total of $18.4 million (42.9%) is dedicated to street and transportation improvements and $7.7 million (18.0%) is included for major drainage projects. The Proposed CIP also includes funding for Public Safety projects including the critical replacement of Police in-car video cameras and the refurbishment of Fire ambulances.
 
Economic Development is also a significant component of the 2010 proposed plan with funding for continuation of our Downtown Redevelopment efforts and improvements in the City’s commercial corridors. In addition, the Proposed CIP includes funding for the City’s libraries to update and expand the materials collection and to provide for facility improvements. Funding for Hollabaugh Park and the West Garland Recreation Center along with enhancements to existing Park facilities is also included in the proposed program.
 
The 2010 Proposed CIP includes $99.6 million in projects related to City utilities and internal support services. Within this amount, $27.0 million is related to GP&L infrastructure, $37.1 million is dedicated to Wastewater Collection and Treatment, and $19.6 million is to fund the capital needs of the Water Utility. The proposed program also includes funding for the completion of the Downtown Utility Services Building.
 
CIP Funding
The Proposed $142.4 million program will require the issuance of $12.5 million in tax-supported debt, consisting of $8.8 million in General Obligation (GO) authorized Commercial Paper, $2.2 million in Certificates of Obligation (COs), and $1.5 million in Short-Term Tax Notes. In addition, the utility-supported portion of the program will require debt issuance totaling $23.1 million, which includes $975,000 in COs and $22.1 million in Revenue Bonds.
 
Tax Rate Impact
No increase in the Debt Service Tax Rate for fiscal year 2010-11 is required to fund the 2010 CIP as proposed.
 

In District 1, there will be concrete trail development in the Spring Creek Forest area, including behind Naaman Forest HS, much of it with county funds, and will link to a new visitors center off Holford Rd (which is in Dist 7).
 
Two of the largest street projects will be the extension of Naaman Forest to Brand Rd, creating a back route for Special Event Center traffic, and the widening of Pleasant Valley Rd and a new bridge across Rowlett Creek, much of that money from NTTA and county funds.
 
For a complete copy of the CIP, download it here.