Amarillo voters should get ready for another high profile bond election coming soon.

This week, the City of Amarillo unveiled its proposal to place a $279 million bond issue on the May 2020 ballot to fund renovations to the Amarillo Civic Center. The bond, which will fund the bulk of the project’s $319 million price tag, will carry a tax increase of about $151 per year for a $100,000 home.

The proposal includes some items which were previously voted down by voters in a 2016 Civic Center bond, including the addition of exhibit hall space, but also includes new proposals such as the planned addition of a 10,000 seat arena in downtown Amarillo, the relocation of Amarillo City Hall, renovation of the Santa Fe Depot, and the establishment of a central park downtown. In addition, it appears the Civic Center could receive a face-lift, based on artist renderings released on Wednesday.

As for the remaining $40 million of the project, City officials say sources such as certificates of obligation will be used to pay the remainder of the bill.

Public meetings on the proposal are planned for September 14, 19, and 21. The issue will likely appear on the ballot in May of next year, according to the bond proposal website.

For additional details, please visit https://www.conversationciviccenter.com/.