EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County Commissioners Court on Monday discussed potential changes to their upcoming November bond despite taxpayer pushback.
Part of the discussion during the county commissioner’s third and final bond workshop on Monday included moving certain projects, like renovations to Ascarate Park, from the general obligations bond to the certificate of obligations bond.
Certain numbers that were discussed include decreasing certificate of obligations bonds from $195 million to $175 million.
Likewise, another potential change includes increasing the general obligations bond from $95 million to $325 million, which would raise property taxes by three cents.
During the meeting, officials with the county also calculated the prices of each project based on a 7% interest rate for each year of the bond.
Taxpayers took time during public comment to explain why they believe the bond is already too expensive.
“This lack of transparency can lead to misapplication of resources undermined by the trust in local government,” said Enrique Romero.
“It just shows that more [certificate of obligations] bond than all the other cities of Texas combined, shows that this tool may have had good reason for, you know, financing projects in the beginning, but El Paso has been misused,” said James Peinado.
However, commissioners refuted these comments by explaining why these projects are important for improving the county.
“We’re talking about facilities and projects that, you know, I think all taxpayers must be made aware and should understand that when you build a building and you invest in the building from the beginning, you have to expect to renovate that building at some point,” said County Commissioner David Stout.
Commissioners have two weeks until they finalize what projects will be a part of their November bond.
They will decide what will go on the November ballot on Aug. 12.
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