The Justin City Council unanimously voted last week to call for a November bond election to fund $19 million in renovations to City Hall.
Justin voters will see the measure on their ballot in November. If residents approve the measure, the city will use the money to make improvements to City Hall and the Joe Merle Morris Community Center.
City officials say the funds would improve several city facilities.
“It’s a gym, it’s a flex space, it’s a library upgrade,” said Mayor James Clark.
Councilman James Castle spoke before the vote, saying he has been advocating for improvements to the facility for a long time. Castle said at first he only wanted to renovate the city’s old gymnasium. But quickly learned that it wasn’t feasible for that to be a standalone project.
“I’m not crazy about spending a lot of money. But it’s a need,” said Castle. “It’s something we’re going to need. You can’t get around it. You can’t get away from it. And the City deserves it.”
If the bonds are issued, taxpayers will start seeing the impact on their tax bills in 2028, according to the city’s financial advisor.
“Tonight we’re not voting to pass a bond, we’re voting to give the citizen’s the opportunity to let us know if they agree if this is something that’s important to them and their community,” said Mayor Clark.
“If you recognize the need, if you’re a senior and you want to use the senior facility, if you want an indoor basketball gym, if you recognize the library needs some help, then get out and support this.”
