Photo via City of Surprise
By Jason Stone | YourValley
A global pandemic, inflation and supply chain disruptions were just some of the issues the city of Surprise had to contend with concerning projects voters approved in the 2017 general obligation bond election.
Yet, projects were done within the five years promised, although at a higher cost because of some issues facing the city.
A series of public safety facilities, including two new fire stations, road widening projects and pavement preservation across the city were part of the bond voters approved nearly six years ago.
City Finance Director Andrea Davis told the City Council on April 18 that the projects combined cost $77.4 million, or 15.7% above the original projection of $66.9 million.
While not ideal, Davis argued to the council the amount over what was budgeted still beat an inflation rate of 20%.
Of the $10.5 million gap from projected to actual, about 41% of it came from developer impact fees. Transportation funds kicked in another $2.6 million, while solid waste fees netted the city about $1.8 million.
