Round Rock voters approve biggest bond in city's history; Ly, Ortega win council races

Round Rock voters approved both of the propositions in the largest bond package in the city's history, according to unofficial final results.

Voters also reelected Michelle Ly and Frank Ortega to their seats on the Round Rock City Council.

Incumbent Ly, 41, the owner of the Rock Sports Bar, was running against Shannon Probe, 34, a stay-at-home parent, for the Place 1 seat. Ly received 3,589 votes while Probe had 2,842 votes.

Ortega, 67, a Realtor, was being challenged for his Place 4 seat by Greg Rabaey, a retail energy executive. Ortega received 3,493 votes while Rabaey had 2,930.

Mayor Craig Morgan ran unopposed for a third term. Round Rock council members serve three-year terms.

The $274 million bond was divided into two propositions. Prop A called for $230 million for parks and recreation projects, and Prop B called for $44 million for public safety projects. Proposition A was approved in both Travis and Williamson counties with 4,438 votes supporting it, while 2,097 people voted against it. Proposition B also passed with 4,915 people voting for it and 1,626 turning it down.

More: Round Rock voters to decide on $274 million bond package. Here are the propositions.

Since voters approved both propositions, homeowners could see their property taxes increase by $0.069 per $100 valuation, an estimated increase of $3 to $4 in monthly payments for the median homeowner over the next five to seven years, officials said. The price of the median home in Round Rock is $369,000.

Prop A will pay for projects including a new recreation center to house Parks and Recreation administration offices at Old Settlers Park, the relocation of the tennis complex at Old Settlers Park, a remodeling of the Clay Madsen Recreation Center and an expansion of the Rock' N River Water Park.

Prop B is focused on public safety projects including the constructions of two new fire stations on the north side of Round Rock, improving the city's Public Safety Training Center to include a high-speed driving track and the relocation of the Central Fire Station at 203 Commerce Blvd. to 1730 E. Old Settlers Blvd.

Ly has said the biggest issue facing the city is how quickly it is growing. She said as it becomes more attractive to residents and businesses, Round Rock must be prepared to provide public safety, water, roads, infrastructure and a good quality of life.

She has said she plans "to listen with an open heart to our growing population on their concerns and plan for what I believe is best for the city as a whole."

Ortega has said the city has to prioritize infrastructure and development, especially water, wastewater, utilities and roads. He has also said the city has to work to understand the community and who can and cannot afford to live here.

Ortega said his goals are improving city infrastructure, having sustainable neighborhoods, maintaining public safety, investing in parks and amenities and prioritizing fiscal responsibility.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Voters approve biggest bond in Round Rock's history