By Patty Montagno
Staff Writer
Members of the Sachse City Council heard a status report regarding the municipal campus bond monies during a recent council meeting.
Finance Director Teresa Savage explained that the Sachse Municipal Complex, consisting of city hall, library, public safety building, and senior center may be enhanced through additional furnishing and equipment. “The purpose of this item was to update council on the status of previously approved equipment and projects, estimated bond funds remaining, and additional equipment that could enhance the use of the facility,” she said.
Savage explained that funding for the construction of the municipal complex was approved by voters in 2006, and bonds were issued in two stages in 2007 and 2009.
“The total amount issued was $20,405 with an additional $374,309 in investment earnings credited to the project,” she said. “At the time of the first update in 2013, expenditures totaled $20,550,638, leaving unexpended funds of $228,671.”
Savage said that several items were identified in 2013 for which staff was requested to obtain cost estimates, but prior to presenting those cost estimates, the ice storm in 2013 revealed a need for backup power generating at the senior center.
“A revised list of suggested projects and equipment was presented to council in 2014,” she said. “Several items have been completed, and several are currently in progress; additionally, funds have been received from Dallas County for reimbursement of the Sachse/Miles signalization which was originally paid using campus bond funds, so additional monies are available.”
Savage said expenditures to date include an outdoor Christmas tree, historic photos, forensic drying cabinet, outdoor furniture, outdoor signage and upgraded audio-visual equipment for the library. Those items totaled $38,162 in funds expended.
“Works in progress as of May include security enhancements around the campus, an additional exit door at the library, solar shades in the city hall customer service area, and the backup generator at the Senior Center,” she said. “Those projects total an estimated $143,041.”
Staff has cooperatively prepared a list of additional equipment and projects that would either solve existing problems or enhance the functionality and efficiency of the campus. The list included additional sidewalks to make the amphitheater more accessible, a cover over the amphitheater stage, additional outdoor furnishings, electrical upgrades to support the Christmas lighting projects, miscellaneous upgrades to the Senior Center, and the addition of a radio frequency identification system for the library. The full list of suggested items totals $138,909.
Savage said the bonds approved by voters in 2006 specified purposes and amounts for those purposes. Proceeds of voted bonds can only be used for the purposes for which the bonds were voted. Unexpended funds from the bonds that were issued for the campus may only be used for the campus.
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