Following the Amarillo voters' rejection of a $275 million bond and its accompanying tax increase earlier this month, the Amarillo City Council is considering getting the ball rolling on a separate tax increase next week.

According to the City of Amarillo, the Amarillo City Council will consider approving a resolution that “declares the expectation to reimburse expenditures for purchasing property at 500 South Grant Street, 621 South Johnson Street, and 707 South Johnson Street,…demolition of buildings, and site preparation with proceeds of future debt.” The resolution attached to the agenda shows the maximum principal amount of the debt issuance is expected to run $5,570,000.

These properties were discussed earlier this year as part of the Amarillo Civic Center and downtown projects spending package, which was rejected by voters. The purchase of the three properties is expected to provide a location for the construction of a new city hall facility.

In addition to the possible moves on this debt issuance, the Amarillo City Council will consider the issuance of $1 ,050,000 to pay “contractual obligations” related to “acquiring, constructing, improving and equipping park facilities and professional services rendered in connection therewith.”

The Amarillo City Council meet on Tuesday, November 17th at 1pm. Due to social distancing requirements, the meeting will be held by video conference. For information on how to watch the meeting, visit the agenda at this link.