Highland Haven voters to decide on $1M water bond
Highland Haven has a $1 million water bond on the Nov. 4 ballot. File photo
By Maci Cottingham
Highland Haven voters will decide on a $1 million water bond in the Nov. 4 election, a measure aimed at securing critical water system infrastructure without raising taxes or water rates.
Early voting runs until Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Visit the Burnet County Elections Office website for polling sites and hours.
According to an informational flyer released by the city leading up to the bond election, if the bond is adopted, “no debt service tax will be created and water rates will not be raised due to the bond.”
The bond would fund the purchase of 8.35 acres of property next to Highland Haven’s water plant, which includes two wells the city is currently leasing and paying royalties on.
“Without approval, the city will continue leasing water used from the property, incurring ongoing royalty payments and lacking control over critical water infrastructure,” City Administrator Andy Adams said in a written response to questions from DailyTrib.com. “Approval will enable the purchase of land near our water plant, securing access to two city wells, eliminating royalty payments, and supporting future water system upgrades and planning. This strengthens our water infrastructure without additional costs to residents.”
The bond money would also fund system upgrades, such as the required replacement of a generator, which is required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Repayment of the bond will come from ongoing water system revenues, with no new debt service or tax rate increases necessary, according to city officials.
The ballot will include language saying “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE,” which is required by state law because the city is taking on a general obligation bond, but the tax rate will not be increased to pay the bond.