The Colony · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in The Colony public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Facility Energy Upgrades (Schneider Electric)
Council directed staff toward a $50,000 detailed energy audit with Schneider Electric. The company projects $80,000-$100,000 in annual utility savings that could fund $4-5 million in lighting, HVAC, and controls upgrades over 20 years — with savings guaranteed by the contractor.
CDC Sales Tax Revenue Bonds Series 2026
The CDC wants to issue roughly $39 million in sales tax revenue bonds over 30 years to fund a prioritized list of park projects — rec center renovation, pickleball expansion, athletic complexes, and aquatic upgrades — instead of funding them piecemeal. Both boards agreed on the 30-year structure with intent to pay off early; final numbers come in June.
Fleet Division Budget Shortfall
Rising fuel and vehicle maintenance costs forced a mid-year $300,000 transfer from the general fund's contingency to the Public Works Fleet Division — a sign of inflation pressures on basic city services.
Grandscape PID Annual Assessment
The annual assessment of roughly $980,617 funds enhanced police, traffic and maintenance services at the 403-acre Grandscape district — paid by the PID, not general property taxpayers. Officials emphasized this keeps Grandscape well-maintained without burdening homeowners.
New City Fee Schedule
Development fees jump about 30% October 1 — still below neighboring cities — alongside parks fee changes and new film permit fees as The Colony courts film productions.
FY2027 Property Tax Rate and Budget
The city is keeping the property tax rate flat at $0.63 per $100 — 26 straight years without an increase — while cutting $800,000 from the general fund, freezing hiring, trimming raises to 1-2%, and saving up for a $126 million wastewater plant expansion. Formal adoption is set for September 1.
FY2027 Property Tax Rate
The council kept the proposed tax rate flat at $0.63 per $100 and set hearings for August 18. Because taxable values fell about 1.1%, the city expects roughly $270,000 less revenue — and homeowners with expiring homestead caps may see bills rise even as values drop.
Nonprofit facility lease rates
The Chamber, American Legion and Community Theater have paid $150/month for years. Council set a new rate of $1 per square foot or $150 minimum, whichever is greater, with a reevaluation in a year — a modest bump meant to recoup some utility costs without pricing out the nonprofits.
2026/2027 CDC operational budget
The board considered the CDC's operational budget for the coming year, covering transfers to the parks fund and capital projects fund, incentive payments, and administrative costs. It determines how the CDC's sales tax dollars are deployed annually.
Bond issuance and special session scheduling
Staff was to update the board on bond issuance timing and dates for special sessions. The bond proceeds fund the new recreation center, athletic fields, and other voter-approved park projects, and the City Council must also vote after the CDC's special sessions.
PID Budget Amendment for Landscape Maintenance
Council added $309,553 from PID fund balance to cover extra landscape maintenance and repairs — funded by PID dollars, not the general budget.
Public Works screening wall scope change
The city will swap a planned $485,000 masonry wall for a $62,603 chain-link fence at the Public Works yard, saving about $422,000 that returns to fund balance. The wastewater plant and Fire Station 2 lot are excluded because the wall would conflict with plant construction.
Athletic Club water well repair
The city is spending $266,733 to replace the pump at Well No. 3, which is nearing its ten-year lifespan. Keeping the well running avoids costly outages in the water system.
Purchasing policy modernization
Updates to the city's purchasing policy clarify cardholder rules, add retainage and surplus property procedures, explain construction sales tax exemptions, and create a signature authority matrix with dollar thresholds.
2026 City Council Budget Retreat
The council is planning its budget retreat for a Saturday in June at City Hall — timed so budget talks happen before the July 1 homestead exemption deadline.
Series 2026 Certificates of Obligation
The city is borrowing about $8.78 million to pay for equipment, vehicles, street and drainage work, water/sewer upgrades, and fire and police facilities. The good news: the rate came in at 3.56%, and debt is matched to how long each asset lasts.
FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
The city's books got a clean bill of health: an unmodified audit opinion, $26.3 million in unassigned fund balance, and only three minor audit adjustments — down significantly from last year.
$9.5 Million Certificates of Obligation
The city took the first step toward borrowing up to $9.5 million for streets, drainage, water and sewer, police and fire facilities, and fleet vehicles. No tax election is required for this debt type; the actual issuance comes back to council April 21.
Legislative Consulting Contract Extension
The city is paying $18,000 to extend its lobbyist, Desk 138 LLC, through March 2026 to represent The Colony's interests in Austin during the legislative session.