Item 11 Passed 9-0
In plain language — from the agenda backup
Council is set to greenlight a major financing deal for expanding and upgrading the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, using a federal EPA loan to buy a new Austin Water revenue bond. The item authorizes a bond in a par amount not to exceed $1 billion, with this year's debt service already built into the Combined Utility Revenue Bond Redemption Fund. It's a big step in keeping Austin's wastewater system ready for a growing city.
The official agenda language
Approve an ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Austin, Water and Wastewater System Revenue Bond, Series 2026B (Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Enhancements Project)(WIFIA ID - 23123TX) and a direct loan agreement for the purchase of the bond with the United States Environmental Protection Agency in a par amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000 in accordance with the parameters set out in the ordinance, authorizing related documents, and approving the payment of cost of issuance. Funding: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 debt service requirements for the proposed bond issuance are included in the Combined Utility Revenue Bond Redemption Fund.
"Without objection, the consent agenda is adopted" — meeting transcript (unofficial)
What got said
- Bill Bunch opposed the $1 billion Walnut Creek wastewater bond, arguing the expansion is unnecessary
The roll call
Approved on Consent 9-0
- Kirk Watson Mayor Yes
- Natasha Harper-Madison D1 Absent
- Vanessa Fuentes D2 Absent
- José Velásquez D3 Yes
- José "Chito" Vela D4 Yes
- Ryan Alter D5 Yes
- Krista Laine D6 Yes
- Mike Siegel D7 Yes
- Paige Ellis D8 Yes
- Zohaib "Zo" Qadri D9 Yes
- Marc Duchen D10 Yes