Bond Program Decision Framework
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2026 1:33 pm
Happy New Year!
I’m presenting a proposed “Decision Tree” that can help guide our decision making while we think through the bond process. This was developed with the help of our professional finance staff. You’ll recall that we developed a Decision Tree to help us last year with the TRE.
There are multiple potential positive outcomes from using this, but there are at least two primary goals.
The first is that it organizes the thoughts and questions we should be asking as a Council about the items being considered. In this way, we can think them through and, hopefully, make better determinations. This organization of our thinking also helps in answering the question about why we need or want a bond election and what its impact can be.
The second goal is to have a decision-making framework that is more transparent and understandable for the public.
My hope is that this helps us create the framework for us to go through the process of a potential bond election. This should allow us to later consider specific items.
The Audit & Finance Committee is posted to consider a proposed Decision Tree next week at the January 14th committee meeting. The meeting is scheduled for January 14th at 9:30 am. I’ve attached the proposal that we’ll be considering at that meeting. You can find it here: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 132636.pdf
As always, I invite Council Members who are not on the Audit & Finance Committee to attend, if you like.
Here’s to a great 2026. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson
I’m presenting a proposed “Decision Tree” that can help guide our decision making while we think through the bond process. This was developed with the help of our professional finance staff. You’ll recall that we developed a Decision Tree to help us last year with the TRE.
There are multiple potential positive outcomes from using this, but there are at least two primary goals.
The first is that it organizes the thoughts and questions we should be asking as a Council about the items being considered. In this way, we can think them through and, hopefully, make better determinations. This organization of our thinking also helps in answering the question about why we need or want a bond election and what its impact can be.
The second goal is to have a decision-making framework that is more transparent and understandable for the public.
My hope is that this helps us create the framework for us to go through the process of a potential bond election. This should allow us to later consider specific items.
The Audit & Finance Committee is posted to consider a proposed Decision Tree next week at the January 14th committee meeting. The meeting is scheduled for January 14th at 9:30 am. I’ve attached the proposal that we’ll be considering at that meeting. You can find it here: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 132636.pdf
As always, I invite Council Members who are not on the Audit & Finance Committee to attend, if you like.
Here’s to a great 2026. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson