Bond issuance is when a public agency raises money for projects by issuing bonds, which is a debt obligation. The bond debt typically has a term of 25 years, with the County making interest and principal payments to the investor throughout the term, similar to a home mortgage. These types of bonds are known as “general obligation bonds,” meaning that Harris County’s payments of principal and interest are made from tax revenues.

Harris County voted on three propositions for the issuance of bonds totaling $1.2 million in the general election on November 8, 2022.

The three bond propositions on the November 8 ballot were Propositions A, B, and C.
Proposition A: Would provide up to $100 million in investments in public safety facilities.
Proposition B: Would provide up to $900 million in investments in roads, drainage, and transportation-related programs.
Proposition C: Would provide up to $200 million in investments in parks and trails.  

The bonds would provide funding for capital improvements in three areas: (1) public safety facilities, (2) roads, drainage, and transportation-related programs, and (3) parks and trails. These bond dollars complement other funding sources to provide additional investment in public assets owned and maintained by Harris County.

The bonds will finance eligible capital projects, including land, labor, materials, and professional services. The bond funds cannot be used outside the three categories on the ballot, nor may they be used to fund day-to-day operations.

The bond would provide funding for capital expenditures, not day-to-day operations, in the three areas of public safety facilities; roads, drainage, and transportation-related programs; and parks and trails.

Investments in public safety may support public safety facilities and technology, including law enforcement facilities, courtrooms, backup generators, and improved data systems for court management and crime prevention.

Investments in transportation-related programs may include road rehabilitation and added capacity; roadway and neighborhood drainage improvements; walking, biking, and mass transit access; and safety projects to reduce transportation-related fatalities and injuries.

Investments in parks and trails may include new construction and/or maintenance of parks facilities and trails, including floodable parks, trail projects, and inclusive parks for people with disabilities.

In consultation with the County Administrator’s Office and the Harris County Engineering Department, Harris County Commissioners Court determined the bond amounts in each category by considering existing funding sources, current needs, and reasonable and affordable projected spending.

If passed, the bond would cost the owner of $300,000 home $32 per year in taxes over the life of the 25-year bond. The property tax impact would be about $0.012 per $100 of assessed home value based on estimated tax year 2022 values, assuming $1.2 billion issuance of 25-year debt with constant principal and interest payments.

Yes, citizens can contact their precinct at:

Precinct One

Precinct Two

Precinct Three

Precinct Four