Frequently Asked Questions
How can I vote on these projects?
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins on Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday, November 1. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5. All registered voters in Hays County are eligible to vote. Not sure if you’re registered? Click here.
You can find a list of polling place times and locations during early voting by clicking here.
How much will these projects cost?
Proposition A would add a total of $0.02 per $100 valuation to the county tax rate, which is set at $0.35 per $100 valuation. This would result in an annual increase of about $80 for a $400,000 home — equating to a $7 monthly increase, according to the county’s outside financial advisors.
For people age 65 and older, it is important to note that you have the right to claim an “over 65 exemption” on your homestead (your primary home, if you own it) that “freezes” your county property tax.
County commissioners adopted this exemption in 2016. This means that your county property taxes are “frozen” at the amount they were when you turned 65 (or when you apply for and receive the exemption). If property taxes go up, your taxes remain the same — unless you make improvements to your house. For more information about this exemption, click here.
How do bonds work?
If approved by voters, these projects will be paid for by “general obligation bonds,” meaning bonds will be sold to investors backed by the full faith and credit of Hays County’s AA+ bond rating and paid off using county property taxes.
How will this money be spent?
If Proposition A is approved, Hays County is under legal obligation to spend bond funds on projects specified in Proposition A as spelled out on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot. To view the official order by commissioners court calling the election, click here.
How were these projects chosen?
In looking at projects for a potential bond, the county’s outside expert engineers looked at the 2016 and 2021 Master Transportation Plans, planning documents that look to identify safety improvements and improve regional connectivity.
During those planning processes, extensive public involvement was done to asses the needs of Hays County citizens. Residents surveyed during the 2021 Transportation Plan reported it was difficult traveling inside and outside the county, and that they spent too much time in traffic. In response to these needs, the majority of projects in on Proposition A are east and west connectors, which will give drivers alternate routes to I-35 and other major roads in the region.
County staff, elected officials, and the county’s consulting engineers also looked at regional planning documents, like the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 2045 Plan, as well as the transportation goals of cities within Hays County.
After gathering data, a list of projects aimed at ensuring the county’s infrastructure keeps pace with rapid population growth and development emerged. Hays County Commissioners want voters to have the final say on Proposition A projects in the November 2024 General Election.
Is there a place where I can view all of the project details at once?
The county’s outside engineers have prepared a printable document that provides details about each project it. Click here to view, download, print, or share it!
Will there be other opportunities to learn more about these projects?
The county is planning on having an open house event in each commissioners precinct. That means there will be one in San Marcos, one in Buda or Kyle, one in Wimberley, and one in Dripping Springs. There will also be an online open house for anyone to participate in at this website.
Those events will be announced soon. If you’d like to stay in the loop, click here to be added to our mailing list.
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