JV Wire- Bond Election

To Know mean NO

A Perspective on Infrastructure Needs

While I do believe in enhancing our infrastructure – including new city hall and community pool – I am against the current city management’s approach to these initiatives. It seems they have an allergy to the truth and lack the capability to responsibly manage taxpayers’ money. Here’s why:

City Hall Complex

• Management’s claims: City Management argues that purchasing this property was a smart move, even claiming they had to overpay due to competition.
• My Findings: I reached out to the party that was “allegedly” bidding up the price, and they confirmed they never submitted a bid or had any interest in the property.
• Cost-Saving Claims: They suggests savings from employees not driving across the street, but this is anecdotal at best. They conveniently omit that two additional staff members were hired to maintain the property. They also omit the property tax revenue loss from this property being owned by the city.
• Alternative Options: There’s a 24,000 SF building on Dillard Drive, built in 2025, available for $6.3 million, which meets the city’s needs at nearly one-fifth the cost of the proposed complex. If approved, Jersey village will spend nearly $30 million (or $36 million with interest) on this complex – more than what West University, the third richest city in the US, spent on theirs. Not to mention increased operational and maintenance cost for a facility of this size and age.

Community Pool

• Funding Sources: The city has sold land and has other properties under contract that could fully fund a community pool.
• Bond Request: So why request a $6.5 million bond? The intention is to use bond money alongside general fund resources to create a more extravagant pool complex, similar to the original $10.1 million we previously rejected.
• Past Behaviors – City Council and Management were overhead discussing their plan to use funds from the general fund for this extravagant pool project. This raises concerns, especially considering their history of circumventing voter approval in the past. For example, they deliberately removed the golf course clubhouse project from voter consideration, knowing it would likely fail a vote. Instead, the City Manager shifted funds within the general fund to pay for the clubhouse avoiding the need for voter approval.

Water and Sewer Upgrades

• While upgrades are necessary, I hesitate to let the current management handle $20 million if this bond passes.
• Future Considerations – Perhaps it’s wise to wait for the 2026 election to see new city council lead to new city management, fostering more responsible financial practices. Might voting down these bonds compel City Management to utilize general fund resources for necessary upgrades? Unfortunately, I doubt they will become fiscally responsible anytime soon.

Conclusion

Let’s ensure we make informed decision that prioritize our community’s financial health. Together, let’s vote down these proposals!