League City's 4B Board will vote Monday, August 3, on two items that must pass before the city can close on nearly $49.5 million in debt for the Pat Hallisey Park project: an amended interlocal agreement with the city for 4B capital projects and adoption of the board's FY2027 budget.
The votes come at a joint session with the Parks Board, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 400 W. Walker. The agenda, posted Tuesday, July 28, shows eight items split between the two boards.
What's at stake
The Pat Hallisey Park sportsplex carries a $49.76 million construction budget based on the Spawglass bid reviewed at the Tuesday, May 26, City Council workshop. Of that total, $49.46 million would be financed through 4B sales tax debt structured over 25 years at an estimated 4.5% interest rate, producing annual payments of roughly $3.34 million. The remaining $300,000 comes from the city's Tree Preservation Fund.
The city estimates FY2027 4B sales tax revenue at $5.42 million according to the May 26 presentation. That means the Pat Hallisey debt service alone would consume about 62% of the board's projected annual revenue.
If the 4B Board approves both items Monday, the project timeline calls for debt closing Thursday, September 24, and a City Council contract award Tuesday, October 13. Spawglass has proposed a 570-day construction schedule.
The park is planned for the west side of League City near Calder Drive and Ervin Street. Design elements presented by Blake Coleman of TBG Partners at the May 26 workshop include synthetic turf at the baseball infield, concrete bleachers, a 10-foot-wide, 2.5-kilometer trail, an upgraded softball plaza, and the Calder Entry Road.
Other projects affected
The 4B debt commitment has already forced the city to defer or restructure other park projects, according to the May 26 workshop materials. Walker Pool renovations ($4.3 million) are paused in design. Sportsplex lighting ($1.9 million) is postponed. Lobit Park Phase 2 ($5.4 million) has been shifted from 4B debt to park dedication fees.
Also on the agenda
The Parks Board will hear a presentation on Texas General Land Office Coastal Management Program grants tied to the Clear Creek Master Plan, a separate initiative focused on recreational access along the creek's northern border. Staff will also update both boards on pending projects and recreation programming.
Bigger picture
The joint meeting falls within a broader capital spending season. City Manager John Baumgartner presented the FY2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan to council Tuesday, July 14, totaling $807.1 million over five years with a proposed FY2027 capital budget of $124.2 million. The city's CIP introduction notes approaching $400 million in unfunded projects remain on the list. The first reading of the FY2027 budget ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.
How to weigh in
Residents who want to speak at the Monday, August 3, meeting must sign up with the staff administrator upon arrival. Speakers are limited to three minutes each during the citizens comment period.
