Abilene will issue $43 million in bonds to fund projects for the Abilene Zoo and recreation facilities. The Abilene city council this morning approved issuing the general obligation bonds, which Abilene voters passed in November’s general election.
The Zoo plans to use the bonds to add new exhibits and expand current habitats. Administrators will also move forward on plans for a new amphitheater and a cafe.
The Parks and Recreation Department will use its portion of the funds to demolish, design, rebuild, and outfit the Cesar Chavez and GV Daniels recreation centers. Both are past their useful life and renovations will bring them into compliance with the city’s health and safety codes.
George Wilford, City investment advisor says tax increases will stay as promised, “The community and voters were told the tax impact would not be any more than 1.45% for the zoo projects and 2.7% for recreation.”
This will be reflected in property tax payments for Fiscal Year 2025.