Star-Telegram endorsement: Fort Worth’s $845 million bond package | Opinion

There’s more skepticism of government proposals to issue bonds than in years past.

Fiscal caution is a good instinct. But voters should distinguish between levels of government and the value of proposed projects, as well as a city or school board’s record of debt management.

In a still-booming Fort Worth, the six bond propositions totaling $845 million on the May 2 ballot are all worthwhile. Each represents an attempt to keep the city’s amazing population and economic growth rolling without sacrificing quality of life for the very people who pay the bills. From major street-improvement projects to a badly needed new animal shelter, each proposal is financially sound and addresses a true need.

State law requires that the ballot describe each proposal as a tax increase, which city officials see as alarming and not quite accurate. Each time government spends money, it must tax someone. But Fort Worth’s debt load is structured so that no tax rate hike will be required to pay back the bonds once issued.

Ultra-fiscal hawks could argue that rejecting the package would mean an eventual dip in the tax rate used to address debt. That would mean severe deficiencies in city services, higher property taxes to pay for projects in annual budgets, or both.

Pay-as-you-go is an admirable principle, and one that the city employs in street maintenance and other areas. Big problems — such as the traffic nightmare along Bonds Ranch Road in northwest Fort Worth — can’t be addressed piecemeal, though. In many such cases, the city’s investment will pair with funds from other governments, including Tarrant County. That’s fiscally smart and the most efficient way to tackle major needs.

More than $500 million for Fort Worth streets

Proposition A would spend $511.5 million on roads. It’s by far the largest share of the package, as it should be in a city where traffic planning hasn’t always kept pace with seemingly endless housing construction. In addition to the major improvements such as the aforementioned Bonds Ranch, the city would undertake a long list of repairs to side streets, bridges and railroad crossings.

Nearly every Fort Worthian would benefit from Proposition A. It will shorten commutes, reduce pollution and mean less damage to cars from potholes.

Maintaining a booming city as a pleasant place to live means thinking ahead decades. For instance, if land isn’t preserved now for green spaces and parks, it may be lost forever to development. Proposition B calls for $185.1 million for parks and recreation, including $25 million to develop Gateway Park, a large, underrated gem on the city’s east side.

Residents would also see a new community center in the Hillside area of southeast Fort Worth, a new aquatic park at North Z Boaz Park on the west side and improvements to the Zoo and Botanic Garden. And $25 million to acquire land so future generations enjoy a city with ample green space is a great investment.

Under Proposition C, the city would borrow $14.6 million to boost public libraries. Three would see major renovations, the most extensive at the Southwest Regional Library off South Hulen. Even in the age of instantaneous online information, libraries remain a tremendous resource for all residents that the city should protect.

Proposition D, at $10 million, is the smallest proposal but might be the toughest sell. It’s designed to provide money for the city to invest in development of affordable housing. And while it wouldn’t dedicate cash to specific projects, it would give City Hall flexibility to fund planning and improvements that could help draw federal, state or private investment.

The cost of housing is a complex, long-term problem. The more creativity and quick action government officials can approach it with, the better.

Fire and emergency response

Crime and public safety always top lists of residents’ concerns. So, Proposition E should draw little resistance. It would authorize $63.9 million for a modernized emergency management call center and two new firehouses. Given the city’s recent consolidation of emergency medical response, each is necessary to ensure the best possible treatment for residents in dire need.

Proposition G seeks $59.9 million to replace the city’s outdated animal shelter. It might be tempting to think animal control officials should simply make do or make modest renovations. But expansion of the current site in southeast Fort Worth is impossible, City Manager Jay Chapa told the Editorial Board, and working conditions threaten to affect employee recruitment and retention.

Animal control officers are some of the most dedicated public servants around. If they’re fed up, it’s a sign that a new center is badly overdue. Voters should act before the problems of unchecked animal populations begin to plague neighborhoods.

Voters can cast ballots starting April 20. Early voting ends April 28. Fort Worth registered voters can cast a ballot at any Tarrant County location.

About our campaign endorsements