Debt Obligation Transparency

Debt obligation transparency is all about local governments being upfront and clear about the money they owe—how much, for what, and when it’s due. It’s important because it gives taxpayers like you a clear view of where your money is going and how responsibly it’s being managed. 

This transparency helps build trust, keep local officials accountable, and ensures decisions are made with everyone in mind. It’s a great way to keep the community informed and engaged in the financial health of your area!

What is long term debt?

The City of Fort Worth uses long-term debt to pay for things like equipment, facilities, and land acquisition—items that help improve the community. Unlike the federal government, the City cannot borrow money to cover everyday operating expenses or to run a deficit. Before any debt is finalized, it must be approved by the Texas Attorney General’s Office to ensure everything is in order.

 

What kind of long term debt do we have?

Here’s a breakdown of the City’s debt options and how they help improve our community:

General Obligation (GO) Debt: This type of debt is backed by the full faith and credit of the City and is repaid through property taxes. GO bonds are used to fund big projects that benefit everyone, like street repairs, public safety facilities, parks, and other infrastructure upgrades. Before these bonds can be issued, voters get a say, ensuring the community has input on how money is spent. The City keeps things in check by following strict financial policies, staying within responsible debt levels, and making sure everything complies with Texas state laws.

Revenue Bond Debt: This debt is secured by a dedicated revenue stream, like utility fees or airport revenues, instead of property taxes. It allows the City to fund capital improvements for services that can support themselves. Unlike GO debt, revenue bonds don’t need voter approval but must meet certain requirements to ensure the City can repay them.

Certificates of Obligation (COs): These are used for urgent or essential projects, like infrastructure repairs, facility upgrades, or buying equipment. Unlike GO bonds, COs don’t need voter approval unless a petition is filed. Repayment can come from property taxes, utility revenues, or both.

Tax Notes: These are short-term debt tools (up to seven years) used for smaller capital projects or equipment purchases. Backed by property taxes, they provide the flexibility to handle immediate needs without long-term commitments.

Special Tax Debt: This debt is repaid through a specific tax source, like sales tax or hotel occupancy tax. It’s often used for economic development, tourism projects, or infrastructure improvements in designated areas.

Lease Revenue Debt: This type of debt is used to fund infrastructure and capital projects by using lease payments as revenue. It allows the City to avoid directly imposing a tax burden on the public.

These various debt options help the City address immediate needs, plan for the future, and ensure that improvements are funded responsibly, all while involving the community and managing the finances carefully.

 

 

The following charts provide an overview of the city's financial health. They show how much revenue is generated through taxes, the amount of debt the city supports, and how this debt compares to the population. Additionally, you'll see how tax revenue per capita (per person) has changed over time, adjusted for inflation, to give a clearer picture of the city's financial growth. These charts help us understand how our resources are being managed and how they impact you as residents.

*To switch between reports, use the arrow keys at the bottom center of the report.

 

2014-2024

 Bond Program Bond Election Date Bond   Amount Authorized     Unissued Balance as of 9/30/2024
 2022 Bond Election 5/7/2022 Proposition A: Streets and Pedestrian Mobility Infrastructure Improvements  $ 369,218,300   $  244,041,300
 2022 Bond Election 5/7/2022 Proposition B: Parks and Recreation Improvements  $ 123,955,500   $  33,886,000
 2022 Bond Election 5/7/2022 Proposition C: Public Library Improvements  $ 12,505,200   $  1,681,700
 2022 Bond Election 5/7/2022 Proposition D: Police and Fire Safety Improvements  $    39,321,000   $  19,601,000
 2022 Bond Election 5/7/2022 Proposition E: Open Space Conservation  $ 15,000,000   $  15,000,000
 2018 Bond Election 5/5/2018 Proposition A: Streets and Mobility Infrastructure Improvements  $ 261,630,080      
 2018 Bond Election 5/5/2018 Proposition B: Parks and Recreation Improvements  $ 84,180,600      
 2018 Bond Election 5/5/2018 Proposition C: Public Library Improvements  $ 9,868,500      
 2018 Bond Election 5/5/2018 Proposition D: Fire Safety Improvements  $ 11,975,820      
 2018 Bond Election 5/5/2018 Proposition E: Animal Care and Shelter Facility Improvements  $ 13,770,000      
 2018 Bond Election 5/5/2018 Proposition F: Police Facility Improvements  $ 18,075,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 1: Street and Transportation Improvements  $ 219,740,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 2: Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Improvements  $ 31,440,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 3: Library System Improvements  $ 12,650,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 4: Fire Safety Improvements  $ 9,285,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 5: Municipal Court Improvements  $ 1,530,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 6: Municipal Service Facility Improvements  $ 15,080,000      
 2014 Bond Election 5/10/2014 Proposition 7: Animal Care and Control Facility Improvements  $ 2,350,000      

 

 

Downloadable Information 

Time Trend for Total Outstanding Debt(XLSX, 15KB)

FY2024 Local Annual Debt Report(XLSX, 50KB)

 

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