Bond Election History

About the 2022 Bond Election

On Aug. 16, 2022, the Boerne City Council called for a Quality of Life Bond Election to be held in conjunction with the General Election on November 8, 2022. The $36 million bond program was comprised of two propositions. Prop A ($23 million) addresses Streets and Mobility and Prop B ($13 million) addresses Parks and Open Space.

Election Results

Both propositions were approved by voters and the results are as followed:

City of Boerne, Proposition A

For: 4,486 (60.28%)
Against: 2,943 (39.72%)
Total: 7,711

City of Boerne, Proposition B

For: 4,431 (58.91%)
Against: 2,978 (40.19%)
Total: 7,711

On Nov. 15, 2022, the Boerne City Council formally received and canvassed the election results during a specially-called City Council Meeting. With the propositions approved, the City will now develop a project bid schedule with the first bonds likely to be issued in early 2023 to allow projects to start as soon as possible.

Public Outreach

The City held two in-person Boerne Open Neighborhood Discussion (B.O.N.D.) Meetings for the upcoming Bond Election. If you were up able to attend, click here to watch a recording of the presentation given on October 12.

Potential Tax Rate Impact

From the City's latest projections, for every one cent of tax rate, the City estimates being able to fund approximately $6 million in bond debt. With a $36 Million Quality of Life bond election, the average $380,000 home in Boerne could see an increase of up to 5.5 cents per $100 of taxable value, or $17 per month. These numbers are based on certified tax rolls from Kendall County. If voters approve the propositions, no tax rate increases would be considered until the City's Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget process which is finalized in September 2023. At that time, the City would determine if an increase in the tax rate would be required to fund the issued debt.

Adler Road

Adler Road

The Adler Road project calls for a major reconstruction of the pavement along Adler Road from Esser Road to Main Street. Other improvements include:

The addition of a two-way center left turn lane
A widening of the road
Drainage improvements.

The condition of this road was regularly noted in the 2021 Citizen Survey. The City of Boerne has assessed Adler Road a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating of 22 out of 100, indicating a poor pavement condition.

(Pictured above: A concept rendering of improved Adler Road.)

(Pictured above: Adler Road looking west from intersection of Esser Road.)

(Pictured above: Adler Road looking west near Parks and Recreation Office at 1017 Adler.)

Other Street Projects

Other Street Projects

The following streets have been identified as potential reconstruction projects:

W. Blanco Road
N. Shooting Club Road
W. Kronkosky Street
Parkway Drive

W. Blanco Road

Project would include the reconstruction of W. Blanco Road adjacent to Main Plaza and Waterworks Terrace, from Main Street to W. San Antonio Avenue.

The City of Boerne has assessed W. Blanco Road a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating of 18 out of 100, indicating a poor pavement condition.

(Pictured above: W. Blanco Road looking toward Main Street.)

N. Shooting Club Road

Project would include the reconstruction of N. Shooting Club Road from FM. 1376 to city limits line.

The City of Boerne has assessed N. Shooting Club Road a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating of 19 out of 100, indicating a poor pavement condition.

(Pictured above: N. Shooting Club Road looking south.)

W. Kronkosky Street

Project would include the reconstruction of W. Kronkosky Street west from Main Street toward St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.

The City of Boerne has assessed W. Kronkosky Street a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating of 5 out of 100, indicating a poor pavement condition.

(Pictured above: W. Kronkosky Street looking west from Main Street.)

Parkway Drive

Project would include the reconstruction of Parkway Drive from Old San Antonio Road to the I-10 West frontage road.

The City of Boerne has assessed Parkway Drive a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 20 out of 100, indicating a poor pavement condition.

(Pictured above: Parkway Drive looking west toward I-10 frontage road.)

Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements

Northside Community Park

Northside Community Park

Located at 524 Adler Road, near the intersection of N. Plant Avenue/Topperwein Road and Adler Road, the 35 acres of land was purchased after the voter approved Quality of Life Bond Election in 2007. Since that time, few improvements have been made to the property. The development of Northside Community Park as identified on the Parks Master Plan is listed below and preliminary designs call for the following park features:

All-abilities playscape
Additional flexible open space
Challenge course
Community room
Covered pickleball courts
Covered Basketball Pavilion
Dog park
Expanded skate park
Multi-use soccer and football fields with lights
Splashpad
Stormwater features
Walking trail

(Pictured above: A concept rendering of developed Northside Community Park. Click here to see larger version.)

Other Park Improvements

Council and Community Collaboration

Drawing on community input from the 2021 Citizen Survey – as well as the 2018 Master Plan, Mobility Master Plan, and Parks Master Plan – City Council focused on critical needs of the City while drafting a list of potential projects for the bond package. The areas of focus included streets, intersections, parks, and open space.

The Boerne City Council held several meetings and workshops prior to calling for the bond election. The list of potential projects was narrowed to include the two propositions that appear on this page.

Council Meetings and Workshops

City Council Bond Meetings and Workshops

Boerne City staff have presented potential bond projects to City Council at several meetings and workshops. Catch up on the workshops below.

Initial Bond Presentation to Council - Jan. 20, 2022

Parks and Open Space - Feb. 22, 2022

Facilities - March 8, 2022

Streets and Sidewalks - March 22, 2022

Prioritization Workshop - April 12, 2022

Bond Presentation to Council - June 14, 2022

City Council calls for November Bond Election - August 16, 2022

Election Information

General Election Information

The bond election will be held in conjunction with the November 8, 2022, General Election for local, state, and federal offices.

This webpage is designed to provide information about the potential City of Boerne Quality of Life Bond Election. It does not advocate passage or defeat of the measure and is intended only for informational purposes. It does not discuss any of the other matters that are to be voted upon.

Election Dates

October 8 – Last day to register to vote
October 24 – First day of in-person early voting
November 4 – Last day of in-person early voting
November 8 – Election Day

In order to cast a ballot in the bond election, you must be both registered to vote in and be a resident of the city limits of the City of Boerne. If you’re unsure of whether you are eligible to vote or would like to learn more, visit votetexas.gov.

Voter Eligibility

You are eligible to register to vote if:

You are a United States citizen;
You are a resident of the county in which application for registration is made;
You are at least 17 years and 10 months old (your registration will be effective 30 days after you submit your voter registration application or on your 18th birthday, whichever is later. In order to be eligible to vote, you must turn 18 on or before election day);
You are not a convicted felon, or, if convicted you have been pardoned or fully discharged your sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or probation; and
You have not been declared by a court to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.

Press Coverage

Public Meetings

FAQs about Bond Elections

What is a general obligation bond?

Over the past 50 years, the City of Boerne has utilized general obligation (GO) bonds to restore, replace, and expand infrastructure and capital assets across the city. GO Bonds are a debt obligation issued by local governments to fund public purpose capital improvements, such as roads and public facilities. GO bonds are secured by and payable from the City’s pledge of ad valorem tax levied on all taxable property within the City. GO Bonds are proposed and voted on in citywide elections.

How did residents vote in past Bond Elections?

Since 1972, the City of Boerne City Council has sent four Bond Elections to the voters for their approval. Below is a brief timeline and background on those elections.

September 1972 – The Boerne City Council voted to seek voter approval of the issuance of $1.07 million for utility improvements and extensions. There were three proposals on the ballot, and all three were approved by voters.

Prop 1: $1,025,000 for waterworks improvements and extensions. For = 201, Against = 21

Prop 2: $28,000 for sewer improvements and extensions. For = 205, Against = 16

Prop 3: $17,000 for natural gas improvements and extensions. For = 200, Against = 20

April 1987 – The Boerne City Council voted to seek voter approval of the issuance of $3 million for street improvements, fire station facilities and library facilities. There were four proposals on the ballot, and two were approved by voters.

Prop 1: $2,000,000 for street improvements. The project included Esser Road, Oak Park, W. Highland, W. Hosack, Advogt, Frey, Hickman, Kronkosky, Schweppe, Becker, Stahl, James, Theissen, Plant, Live Oak, Frederick, Schleicher, North, Johns Road, Phil Wilson, Dailey, Roeder. For = 360, Against, 287

Prop 2: $625,000 for fire station facilities. For = 342, Against = 301

Prop 3: $300,000 for street improvements for West Theissen Street Crossing. For = 165, Against = 469

Prop 4: $75,000 for library facilities. For = 242, Against = 395

November 2001 – The Boerne City Council voted to seek voter approval of the issuance of $3.625 million for street and drainage improvements and to purchase and equip a new fire truck.

Prop 1: $2,740,000 to construct street and drainage improvements and purchase land (widen and realign Esser Road at River Road). For = 87, Against = 77

Prop 2: $525,000 to purchase and equip a new firetruck. For = 84, Against = 80

May 2007 – The Boerne City Council voted to seek voter approval of the issuance of $21.47 million public safety upgrades, a new library, green space/land acquisition, trail/sidewalk improvements.

Prop 1: $10,250,000 for public safety projects including a new Police Department Headquarter, Municipal Court, Expansion and remodel of Fire Station No. 1. For = 866, Against = 418

Prop 2: $5,000,000 for a new municipal library. For = 860, Against = 446

Prop 3: $830,000 to construct new sidewalks. For = 863, Against = 419

Prop 4: $1,990,000 for municipal trails and pedestrian paths. For = 745, Against = 556

Prop 5: $3,400,000 for parks improvements and purchase land for future park space. For = 813, Against = 493

How much did taxes increase for the 2007 Bond Election and are the projects completed?

Voters approved raising the tax rate by six cents, however, due to the increase in property values within the City limits, the collections were higher than expected and the tax rate was ultimately increased just two cents. All projects from the 2007 Quality of Life Bond have been completed.

The Boerne Police and Municipal Court Complex opened in November 2010.
Northside Park was purchased in 2008 and the Skate Park, restrooms and playground were opened in 2010.
The Boerne Fire Department expansion/renovation was complete in March 2011.
The Patrick Heath Public Library was completed in April 2011 and opened to the public on June 4, 2011.
Sidewalks were completed in 2011 and 2012.
River Road Park renovation was completed in summer of 2012.

What is the easiest way to learn more information about the Bond Election?

The City of Boerne has an entire website for information related to the Bond Election -- boerne-tx.gov/bond2022

If the 2022 Quality of Life Bond goes to the ballot and is approved by voters, will it increase the property taxes paid by homeowners who are 65 or older?

Homeowners who are 65 or older will not see a tax increase if voters approve the 2022 Quality of Life Bond.

What if I have a question or comment about the proposed Boerne Quality of Life Bond?

Questions and comments about potential 2022 Boerne Quality of Life Bond can be directed to [email protected]

When would the first bond projects be under construction?

If the bond goes to the ballot and passes in November 2022, the City will develop a project bid schedule. The first bonds would likely be issued in early 2023 to allow the projects to start as soon as possible.

Will the Quality of Life Bond Election bond increase taxes?

If voters approve the propositions, no tax rate increases would be considered until the City's Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget process which is finalized in September 2023. At that time, the City would determine if an increase in the tax rate would be required to fund the issued debt. Over the life of the $36 Million in general obligation bond debt, there is a potential for a tax rate increase of up to 6 cents per $100 in assessed property value. The City works diligently to balance property tax rates with needs for other services, such as police, fire, transportation, and more.

How have residents been involved in developing this bond?

Residents are the drivers of the development of this bond. Over the past five years the City has solicited resident’s feedback during our 2018 Master Plan creation, Community Transportation Committee, and with our first-ever Citizen Survey in 2021. Most responders said they want to see the City focus on investing in roads and intersections, green space, and managing and improving mobility. Read the full Citizen Survey here.

How does a bond work?

A general obligation bond (GO bond) is a common financial tool used by governments that is secured by and payable from a pledge of ad valorem tax levied on all taxable property within the City to repay bondholders over the life of the bonds.

Generally, banks or bond underwriters provide a governmental entity funds up front for capital projects to allow for the construction of large projects the entity wouldn’t otherwise be able to fund in one fiscal year. The governmental entity then repays those funds, including interest, over time.

In Texas cities like Boerne, GO bonds are typically sold in a competitive sale to ensure the lowest interest rate. Interest on the bonds is tax exempt to the bondholders because the City of Boerne is a government entity and the projects are public projects.

How does the City currently pay for projects?

The City currently funds projects several ways, including through our general fund, enterprise funds, sales taxes, sale of bonds, development impact fees, and cost sharing with federal and state funding sources.

Why not just do these projects on a pay-as-you-go basis?

The City works to maximize the annual capital improvement budget each year, but like most cities our size, our infrastructure needs are greater than what annual funding can support. GO bonds offer the City a cost-effective financial tool to address a large number of both deferred maintenance and new infrastructure projects over the course of several years. By matching a project’s funding to the number of years the facility, park, or roadway will be in service, every generation of taxpayer who uses that asset will help pay for it.

Who would buy the GO bonds?

If the bond is approved, we will not know who will buy the GO bonds until they are sold in the market. Boerne typically sells bonds competitively but will choose a negotiated sale or private placement if it is in the best interest of the City of Boerne and our taxpayers.

How long would the City be paying off the bond?

The timeline varies based on the project. Federal tax law does not allow the City to sell bonds that exceed the useful life of the project being financed. So, if a road is expected to last 20 years, the bond cannot exceed 20 years.

How was the proposed Northside Community Park designed?

What we have available right now is not the final design, but simply meant to highlight the many features that are planned for the park. Those many features were identified by residents in the citizen survey and the 2017 Parks Master Plan. In working with the group that helped design the proposed plans for Northside the No. 1 goal was to maintain all healthy native trees. So, where the roadway goes down on the left side of the park, all those parking spots and the drive itself were designed and placed to go around the trees. Same goes for the dog park, the trees will be incorporated into the space. While some of the features will likely move around a bit if the park is developed the No. 1 goal of maintaining all healthy native trees will remain. Lastly, while not shown in the drawings yet, the end result will also mean more trees will be planted across the park increasing the overall tree count.

View All FAQs

Bond Election History

About the 2022 Bond Election

Election Results

Public Outreach

Potential Tax Rate Impact

Bond Propositions

Prop A: Streets and Mobility | $23 Million

Prop B: Parks and Open Space | $13 Million

Prop A: Streets and Mobility

Adler Road

Other Street Projects

W. Blanco Road

N. Shooting Club Road

W. Kronkosky Street

Parkway Drive

Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements

Intersection Improvements

Traffic Signal Improvements

Prop B: Parks and Open Space

Northside Community Park

Other Park Improvements

Northrup Park

City Park

Northside Neighborhood Park

How The Bond Propositions Were Developed