Debt Obligations

HB 1378: Debt Obligation Reporting

The 84th Legislature passed HB 1378 to increase the transparency of local government debt. Under Local Government Code Sec. 140.008, political subdivisions, including counties, cities, school districts, junior college districts, special purpose districts, and other subdivisions of state government must annually compile their debt obligation data from the preceding fiscal year.

The total amount of tax-supported debt for the City of Rowlett as of September 30, 2022 is $105,000,000; revenue-supported debt is $40,865,000; and financed purchases is $4,122,325. Detailed information for the outstanding obligations can be viewed in spreadsheet format or in booklet format.

Transparency Star Debt Obligations
Chart - Inflation-Adjusted Tax-Supported Debt Per Capita
Chart - Tax-Supported and Revenue-Supported Debt

Bond Information

The City of Rowlett is reviewed by two separate rating agencies.

  • Standard & Poor’s General Obligation Rating: AA
  • Standard & Poor’s Revenue Rating: AA-
  • Moody’s General Obligation Rating: Aa2
  • Moody’s Revenue Rating: Aa3

Bond Elections

In 2015, the City of Rowlett began utilizing a three-year bonding strategy, with bond elections held in 2015, 2018, and 2021.  As part of this strategy, the Community Investment Advisory Board (CIAB) gathers information regarding community needs, citizen desires, and service expansion for the City, and provides recommendations to the City Council for these bond elections.  The next bond election within this strategy is planned in 2024. 

Upcoming 2023 Bond Election Information

The Rowlett City Council has ordered special elections for Home Rule Charter Amendments and Facility Bond Propositions to be held in conjunction with the General Election for City Council on May 6, 2023:

Facility Bond Propositions
Proposition A - Public Safety Facility, $63,928,980 [Police Department, Fire Administration, Municipal Court]
Proposition B - Animal Shelter Facility, $8,400,000
Proposition C - Herfurth Park Improvements, $4,000,000 

Historical Bond Election Information: Includes election date, purpose, and amount of bond elections

Current Tax Rates

Includes property, sales, and hotel/motel taxes charged by all taxing entities on properties within the City limits

Additional Links

City of Rowlett Investment Policy
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Debt At A Glance
Texas Bond Review Board
Contact local officials