The Taylor City Council will discuss whether a future bridge should include city of Taylor aesthetics during its upcoming meeting Thursday, Feb. 8.
Williamson County is constructing bridges across U.S. Highway 79 at the city limit boundary between Hutto and Taylor. The upcoming meeting’s agenda packet said the county designed renderings and requested pricing for aesthetic options from their contractor that highlights both cities.
The county is asking both cities to consider paying for the features on the bridge, which is Farm to Market 3349.
The aesthetics would put “Welcome to Taylor” on one side of a bridge and “Thanks for visiting Taylor” on the other side of the other bridge. Hutto would receive a similar design, but facing the opposite direction.
There are city of Taylor logos on certain portions of the bridge in the design as well.
The total costs of the display fea- tures are $68,062.83, according to the agenda.
Rendering of what one side of the Farm to Market 3349 would like if the city of Taylor opts to fund the city-themed aesthetics. Photo courtesy of the city of Taylor
Since it is recommended to add 20% to the costs for contingencies, the total anticipated costs to consider would be $82,000.
If the city of Hutto also participates, Taylor’s cost would be 50% at $41,000. If Hutto opts out, Taylor will have to pay double if it wants the logos.
The agenda said the city will recommend approval of funding for both options depending on if Hutto desires to participate.
“(It is a) unique opportunity with a bridge at the city limit boundary for aesthetic benefits to the city,” the agenda reads.
The staff analysis portion of the agenda lists costs and required ongoing maintenance as the cons of the project.
Other options the council can consider is only approving funding on the condition Hutto also participates or not approving any funding at all.
The bridge project is expected to be built in about a year, according to the agenda.
In other business, city leaders will:
• Receive the Annual Racial Profiling Report from Taylor Police Department Chief Henry Fluck.
• Request a budget amendment to increase the TIF#1 budget for economic development projects using fund balance.
Taylor City Council regularly meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. in Taylor. Agendas and live broadcasts are available at http:// www.taylortx.gov.
