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About the 2025 Bond Election

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About the 2025 Bond Election

On February 4, 2025, the Fulshear City Council called for a Bond Election to be held in conjunction with the General Election on May 3, 2025. The $13.5 million bond program was comprised of two propositions. Proposition A ($10,750,00) addresses Phase III of Primrose Park and Proposition B ($2,750,00) addresses park land.

A formal bond informational presentation was made at the April Bond Town Hall at city hall. 

How the Bond Measures Were Developed

Council and Community Collaboration

Drawing on community input from the 2022 Parks and Pathways Master Plan – as well as the 2018 Strategic Plan, 2021 Comprehensive Plan – City Council focused on critical needs of the City while reviewing a list of potential projects for the bond package. The areas of focus included parks and recreation, and open space.

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

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can residents learn more?

    Residents can stay informed by visiting the City’s website and attending one of the two Town Hall sessions. 

    Town Hall #1 – March 31st, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Irene Stern Community Center 

    Town Hall #2 – April 12th, 10:30 am-12:30 pm at City Hall 

    The City will also provide regular updates through its social media channels.

    For more details or to ask questions, please contact Mariah Gallegos, Communications Coordinator, at mgallegos@fulsheartexas.gov. 

  • What happens if the bonds fail?

    The projects will not move forward. Without sufficient funding, the projects will be on hold until a later time. 

  • How were these projects selected?

    Fulshear’s population has been growing rapidly, increasing the demand for parks and recreational spaces. Currently, the City does not have available land for new parks, and future opportunities for land acquisition may become more expensive or unavailable as development continues. These bonds will provide for the City to expand Primrose Park into a destination regional park for residents and also allow the City to secure additional land parcels before they are developed for other uses. Input was gathered from City staff members, community volunteers on the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the City Council. The projects included in the bonds were selected based identified priorities, the ability to start the projects quickly, and the City’s long-term vision for parks and recreation. Future parks projects may be brought to the voters for consideration in the future.

  • How can residents learn more?

    Residents can stay informed by visiting the City’s website and attending one of the two Town Hall sessions. 

    Town Hall #1 – March 31st, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Irene Stern Community Center 

    Town Hall #2 – April 12th, 10:30 am-12:30 pm at City Hall 

    The City will also provide regular updates through its social media channels. 

  • When would construction on Primrose Park Phase 3 begin?

    If the bonds are approved in May 2025, the City will continue its design efforts for Primrose Park and finalize engineering. Construction on Phase 3 would begin following the completion of Primrose Park Phase 2 which is already under construction and anticipated to be substantially complete by December 2025. The City will also explore if any work can be done concurrently to reduce the anticipated time.  

  • How will these bonds impact property taxes?

     Proposition A for Primrose Park Phase 3 has a potential tax rate increase of $0.014830. This is a $59.32 increase in taxes on a $400,000 home.

     Proposition B for parkland acquisition has a potential tax rate increase of $0.003842. This is a $15.37 increase in taxes on a $400,000 home.

    The City is committed to responsible financial planning, and any potential increase in property taxes will be communicated clearly. The goal is to balance the need for new parkland and facilities while minimizing the financial burden on residents. 

  • How are funds repaid that are received through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds?

    Property taxes are the main source of funds used to repay bonds issued through a General Obligation bond. General Obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing jurisdiction, in this case the City of Fulshear. This means the City is obligated to pay back the bonds plus interest by pledging revenue from ad valorem taxes. The City levies a property tax annually with a portion of the tax rate dedicated to the interest & sinking fund to repay general obligation bonds in the form of annual principal and interest payments.

  • Why would a bond election be the way to pay for these projects rather than paying for them as we go?

    The City issues bonds to finance projects that will benefit the City for decades, allowing the cost to be spread across the useful life of the project. It would take many years to accumulate enough funding to pay for these projects as we go- during that time the projects don’t get built.

    History has shown that construction inflation far outpaces interest costs and are not fixed as the interest will be on bonds.

  • If the 2025 Bond goes to the ballot and is approved by voters, will it increase the property taxes paid by homeowners who are 65 or older?

    No, a General Obligation (GO) bond will not increase taxes for homeowners who are 65 or older and have an approved Over 65 Homestead Exemption.

  • 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.

     

  • 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 Fulshear, 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 Fulshear is a government entity and the projects are public projects. 

     

  • Can bond funds be used for any other purpose?

    No. Texas law requires that the proceeds of voter approved bonds be used only for projects described in the ballot questions.

  • Since bonds were approved by voters, is the City going to raise the value of my home?

    The City does not set the value of your home. The Fort Bend County Appraisal District is the entity that sets your property’s valuation amount based on market values.

  • What is a general obligation bond?

    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.