THE HIGHLANDS, Kan. — Voters in The Highlands will decide Tuesday, Nov. 3, whether to authorize up to $500,000 in general obligation bonds to pay for street paving and improvements in the Reno County community.
The proposal would allow the city to finance improvements along four roads, with voters determining whether the city can move forward with the bond issue.
The Highlands City Council voted unanimously Sept. 14 to place the question on the general election ballot.
Which streets would be improved?
According to the city's bond election ordinance, the proposed improvements would include:
- East Snokomo Road
- West Snokomo Road
- Crazy Horse Road
- Northlinks Drive
The project would include paving and other related improvements along the designated streets.
The city estimates the project will cost approximately $500,000.
How would the improvements be funded?
The proposal asks voters to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
General obligation bonds are a form of borrowing backed by the issuing government's taxing authority. The city would be responsible for repaying the borrowed money and applicable interest.
The official election documents identify the maximum bond amount and the streets included in the proposal.
However, the financial projections included in the provided election paperwork do not specify a final repayment period, interest rate or estimated property tax mill levy.
Those figures would be important in determining the full cost of the proposed financing.
What happens if the bond passes?
A majority vote in favor would authorize The Highlands to issue up to $500,000 in general obligation bonds for the street improvement project.
The city could then proceed with the financing and improvements authorized by the ballot question.
What happens if the bond fails?
If a majority of voters reject the proposal, the city would not receive authorization to issue the bonds under the ballot question.
City officials would then need to consider other financing options, modify the proposed project or seek voter approval through a future election.
When and where can residents vote?
The question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for eligible voters residing in The Highlands.
The city's designated Election Day polling location is Mitchell United Methodist Church, 5512 N. Pennington Road, Hutchinson.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Residents can also vote in advance at the Reno County Annex. Saturday voting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31, with advance voting closing at noon Monday, Nov. 2.