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Amarillo Ledger

Storyline · 15 events · Oct 2012 – Sep 22, 2026

Amarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)

Amarillo began charging a drainage utility fee in October 2012 and has issued debt repaid from drainage fund revenue since then: Series 2012A certificates of obligation and Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds in 2014, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024. After June 2023 flooding around Lawrence Lake, the Greenways playa (Playa 7) and other playa lakes, the FY2023/24 budget raised the drainage fee 47.1% and the 2023-2028 capital plan listed $46 million in FY2024 drainage projects. In March 2024 the council authorized up to about $43 million in drainage revenue bonds (Series 2024; $38,135,000 issued). City documents call the project pool "2023 Drainage Bond Funds." Projects funded from it include Lawrence Lake and Playa 7 pump stations and force mains (a $14,255,589 guaranteed maximum price, May 2026) and the SW 45th Avenue and S. Lamar Street storm drain ($3,296,580 award and a $1,350,000 transfer, September 22, 2026, both 5-0).

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  1. · Context

    Drainage utility fee begins on Amarillo utility bills

    A drainage fee approved by city leaders took effect with October 2012 water bills, at $1.71, $2.51 or $3.79 a month for most homes and $39.15 for commercial properties, to fund storm drainage including playa lakes and underground drainage. The City's FY2025 financial report describes FY2025 as the drainage utility fund's thirteenth year of operation.[1][2]

    • ✓ Verified

      KVII reported in August 2012 that a drainage fee would begin with October 2012 water bills: about a quarter of homes would pay $1.71 a month, about half $2.51, large homes $3.79 and commercial properties $39.15, with the money usable only for drainage, including playa lakes and underground drainage systems. [1]

      Small home monthly
      $2
      Typical home monthly
      $3
      Large home monthly
      $4
      Commercial monthly
      $39
    • ✓ Verified

      The City's FY2025 financial report says the Drainage Utility Fund completed its thirteenth year of operation in FY2025, with operating revenues of $10.8 million and operating expenses of $8.6 million, and $63.9 million in outstanding debt at year-end. [2]

      Operating revenue
      $10,800,000
      Operating expense
      $8,600,000
      Outstanding debt
      $63,900,000

  2. · Precursor

    Drainage COs and revenue bonds issued 2012-2021

    City debt records list drainage-fund debt issued before 2023: Series 2012A certificates of obligation ($6,260,000), Drainage Revenue Series 2014 ($6,080,000), Series 2020 ($9,240,000) and Series 2021 ($9,160,000), each for acquiring, improving and constructing municipal drainage facilities and serviced by drainage fund revenue.[3][2]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's schedule of debt at September 30, 2025 lists debt serviced by drainage fund revenue: Certificates of Obligation Series 2012A ($6,260,000), Drainage Revenue 2014 ($6,080,000), 2020 ($9,240,000), 2021 ($9,160,000), 2023 ($4,675,000) and 2024 ($38,135,000), totaling $73,550,000 issued and $62,645,000 outstanding. [3]

      Total issued
      $73,550,000
      Outstanding
      $62,645,000

  3. · Origin

    Council authorizes Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2023

    The council adopted Ordinance No. 8039, 5-0, authorizing Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2023, pledging the drainage system's net revenues; the CFO and the City's financial advisor presented it. City financial reports record $4,675,000 issued, maturing through 2042.[4][5][2][3]

    Laura StorrsGinger NelsonCole StanleyHoward Smith

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 10, 2023 the council adopted Ordinance No. 8039 authorizing "City of Amarillo, Texas, Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2023," pledging the drainage utility system's net revenues, 5-0 (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Powell, second by Councilmember Smith). At the same meeting it adopted, 5-0, Ordinance No. 8040 (waterworks and sewer revenue bonds) and Ordinance No. 8041 (certificates of obligation). [4][5]

    • ✓ Verified

      City financial reports record the Series 2023 drainage revenue bonds at $4,675,000, at 4.00-5.00%, maturing through 2042. At September 30, 2025, $4,275,000 was outstanding, and the schedule of debt lists $852,991 of proceeds spent and $3,822,009 unspent. [2][3]

      Issued
      $4,675,000
      Outstanding
      $4,275,000
      Spent
      $852,991
      Unspent
      $3,822,009
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      City financial records give different issue dates for the Series 2023 drainage revenue bonds.

      Reported value 1[2]

      Date
      2023-01-01

      Issue date in Note 13 (long-term obligations) of the FY2025 financial report

      Reported value 2[2]

      Date
      2023-02-16

      Issue date in the debt statistical table of the same report

  4. · Trigger

    Playa lake flooding; council continues disaster declaration and rents a Greenways pump

    During early-June 2023 flooding, Lawrence Lake overflowed around Paramount Boulevard, Olsen and 45th Avenue, and homes near the Greenways playa (Playa 7) could not be reoccupied. At a June 8 special meeting the council continued the mayor's disaster declaration and voted 4-0 to rent a temporary pump for Playa 7 from United Rentals. By June 14 the City and TxDOT pumps had removed about 275 million gallons from the lakes, the City said.[6][7][8][9]

    Cole StanleyFloyd HartmanDon TippsHoward Smith

    • ✓ Verified

      At a June 8, 2023 special meeting the council considered Resolution No. 06-08-23-1 continuing the mayor's disaster declaration and voted 4-0 (Stanley, Smith, Tipps, Scherlen) to award United Rentals a contract for a temporary pump to remove water from Playa 7, Greenways Lake. The Globe-News reported the council unanimously extended the declaration by 30 days. [6][7][8]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources give slightly different amounts for the June 8, 2023 Playa 7 temporary pump contract.

      Reported value 1[6][7]

      Amount
      $98,966

      Amount in the City agenda and signed minutes

      Reported value 2[8]

      Amount
      $98,966

      Amount reported by the Amarillo Globe-News

      Reported value 3[9]

      Amount
      $98,000

      Rounded figure in KFDA's June 14, 2023 report

    • ✓ Verified

      The Globe-News reported that Lawrence Lake overflow flooded areas around Paramount Boulevard, Olsen and 45th Avenue, closing Paramount Boulevard and the I-40 entrance at Paramount, and that homeowners on 77th Street near the Greenways playa could not return home. Mayor Cole Stanley said the City would do a full evaluation of the Greenways playa and re-examine the 100-year floodplain. [8]

    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported on June 14, 2023 that the Interim Public Works Director said Lawrence Lake was about two feet above its containment elevation, and that City and TxDOT pumps had removed approximately 275,000,000 gallons since tracking began June 2, including 89 million gallons from Lawrence Lake and 36 million from the Greenways over two weeks. [9]

      Gallons removed
      275,000,000

  5. · Related development

    City explains playa lake pumping is paid from the stormwater capital line

    KFDA reported that the council had extended two playa lake pump contracts costing over $500,000 and that pumping was paid from an $800,000 stormwater drainage extensions and improvements line in the capital program; the Interim Public Works Director said the City had not received federal or state funding for the contracts.[10]

    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported in July 2023 that the council had extended two playa lake pump contracts costing over $500,000, that $800,000 had gone that year to stormwater drainage extensions and improvements in the capital program (which covers playa lake pumping), and that the Interim Public Works Director said the City had not received federal or state funding for the contracts it executed. [10]

      Pump contracts
      $500,000
      Capital line
      $800,000

  6. · Starting point

    47.1% drainage fee increase takes effect with the FY2023/24 budget

    The FY2023/24 budget included a 47.1% drainage fee increase, $1.08 a month for an average residential property, effective October 1, 2023, to cover additional debt issuances for capital improvements. The FY2023/24 capital plan listed FY2024 drainage utility projects including Lawrence Lake, Playa 7, lake dredging and Lamar Street at 45th Avenue ($2,500,000).[2][11][12]

    • ✓ Verified

      The FY2025 financial report says the 2022/23 budget included a 6% drainage fee increase to cover inflation and an additional debt issuance, and the 2023/24 budget a 47.1% increase, $1.08 a month for an average residential property, to cover additional debt issuances for capital improvements; there were no increases for 2024/25 or proposed for 2025/26. A March 2024 staff memo said the 47% increase took effect October 1, 2023 to fund debt service on the Series 2024 bonds and higher operating costs. [2][11]

      Fy2023 24 increase
      47.1%
      Monthly increase
      $1
      Fy2022 23 increase
      6%
    • ✓ Verified

      The 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program lists 21 Drainage Utility Fund projects with $46,000,000 programmed in FY2024 (and $67,036,300 over the plan), including Lawrence Lake pump station ($5,200,000), excavation ($4,000,000) and west slope repair ($4,000,000), Olsen/Emil storm sewer ($4,800,000), Playa 7 pump station ($3,200,000), McDonald, Medi-Park and Thompson Park lake dredging ($3,400,000 each) and Lamar Street at 45th Avenue ($2,500,000, described as reconstructing Lamar Street to drain stormwater north to Bennett Lake). These are programmed amounts, not spending. [12]

      Fy2024 programmed
      $46,000,000
      Plan total
      $67,036,300
      Lamar 45th
      $2,500,000

  7. · Context

    Consultant hired to prepare a state Flood Infrastructure Fund application for T-Anchor Lake

    On the consent agenda approved 4-0, the council hired Freese and Nichols (not to exceed $50,000, from drainage fund revenues) to plan and submit a Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund grant application for T-Anchor Lake.[13][14]

    Freese and Nichols, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 12, 2024 the council approved, 4-0 on its consent agenda, a Freese and Nichols agreement, hourly not to exceed $50,000 from drainage fund revenues, to plan, coordinate and submit a Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund grant application for T-Anchor Lake. No record of the application's outcome was located. [13][14]

      Amount
      $50,000

  8. · Starting point

    Council authorizes up to about $43 million in drainage revenue bonds (Series 2024)

    The council adopted Ordinance No. 8123, 5-0, authorizing Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2024. The staff memo said up to approximately $43 million in proceeds would be used for drainage system improvements and that the 47% rate increase effective October 1, 2023 was to fund the debt service. City financial reports record $38,135,000 issued, maturing through 2054.[11][15][2][3]

    Laura StorrsCole StanleyDon TippsJosh Craft

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 26, 2024 the council adopted Ordinance No. 8123 authorizing Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2024, 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Tipps, second by Councilmember Craft), after a presentation by the CFO and Specialized Public Finance. The memo said "up to approximately $43 million in proceeds will be used for improvements and construction of the City's drainage system." [11][15]

      Authorized up to
      $43,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      City financial reports record the Series 2024 drainage revenue bonds at $38,135,000, at 4.00-5.00%, maturing through 2054, with $37,985,000 outstanding at September 30, 2025. The schedule of debt at that date lists no proceeds spent and $38,135,000 unspent. [2][3]

      Issued
      $38,135,000
      Outstanding
      $37,985,000
      Unspent
      $38,135,000
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      City financial records give different issue dates for the Series 2024 drainage revenue bonds.

      Reported value 1[2]

      Date
      2024-03-15

      Issue date in Note 13 (long-term obligations) of the FY2025 financial report

      Reported value 2[2]

      Date
      2024-04-25

      Issue date in the debt statistical table of the same report

    • Unverified

      City agenda items from 2026 fund drainage projects from "2023 Drainage Bond Funds" (PRJ-0000104), which the September 22, 2026 memo describes as funding projects identified in the FY23/24 CIP, budgeted in December 2023. City debt records list two drainage revenue bond series from that period: Series 2023 ($4,675,000, authorized January 10, 2023) and Series 2024 ($38,135,000, authorized March 26, 2024). The documents reviewed do not say which series funds PRJ-0000104; the awards charged to it in 2026 ($14,255,589 and $1,350,000) together exceed the Series 2023 issue. [16][17][3][5][15]

  9. · Related development

    Design contracts for Lawrence Lake, 45th and Lamar, and multi-site storm drains

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded Freese and Nichols $862,089 for Lawrence Lake drainage planning, Kimley-Horn up to $88,000 for 45th Avenue and Lamar Street drainage design, and Freese and Nichols $667,796 for storm drain design at Olsen and Western, Fulton and Bell, and Hillside and Coulter. The memos cite 23/24 CIP drainage bond funding.[18][19]

    Freese and Nichols, Inc.Kimley-Horn and Associates

    • ✓ Verified

      On April 23, 2024 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, a $862,089 Freese and Nichols agreement for Lawrence Lake drainage planning (item 9.AA), a Kimley-Horn agreement hourly not to exceed $88,000 for 45th Avenue and Lamar Street drainage design near Bennett Lake (9.BB), and a $667,796 Freese and Nichols agreement for storm drain design at Olsen and Western, Fulton and Bell, and Hillside and Coulter (9.CC). Each memo lists "23/24 CIP, Drainage Bond Funding." [18][19]

      Lawrence lake
      $862,089
      Lamar 45th design
      $88,000
      Multi site
      $667,796

  10. · Context

    Drainage bond projects update to council

    Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper presented a drainage bond projects update at the May 13, 2025 council meeting, alongside a playa lake level monitoring item. The minutes record no action.[20]

    Donny Hooper

    • ✓ Verified

      The May 13, 2025 council minutes list item 9.E, "Drainage bond projects update," introduced by Mayor Stanley and presented by Mr. Hooper, and item 9.D, playa lake level monitoring, presented by Mr. Harder. No action is recorded on either. [20]

  11. · Related development

    Halff Associates hired to design the Playa 7 pump station ($2,425,000)

    On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded Halff Associates $2,425,000 for design and construction services for a Playa 7 pump station and a force main down Soncy Road to West Amarillo Creek, from drainage bond proceeds. An August 25, 2026 amendment ($393,812) raised it to $2,818,812 after the force main route was moved next to Soncy Road.[21][22]

    Jerry DanforthHalff Associates, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On August 26, 2025 the council approved, 5-0 on its consent agenda, a $2,425,000 Halff Associates contract for design and construction of a Playa 7 pump station and a force main down Soncy Road to the gravity drains to West Amarillo Creek, from drainage bond proceeds. On August 25, 2026, on a consent agenda approved 4-0, Amendment No. 1 added $393,812 (total $2,818,812, CIP PRJ-560133). [21][22]

      Original
      $2,425,000
      Amendment
      $393,812
      Revised
      $2,818,812

  12. · Related development

    Lawrence Lake pump station land and design contracts

    On the consent agenda approved 4-0, the council approved buying land at 3437 W. I-40 for a Lawrence Lake pump station ($600,000 plus closing costs) and a $4,398,836 Freese and Nichols design contract for a new force main and stand-alone pump stations to pump the lake at double the current rate to West Amarillo Creek, both from drainage bond proceeds.[23]

    Jerry DanforthFreese and Nichols, Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 9, 2025 the council approved, 4-0 on its consent agenda, a $600,000 (plus closing costs) contract to buy property at 3437 W. I-40 for the Lawrence Lake pump station and a $4,398,836 Freese and Nichols agreement for the Lawrence Lake drainage improvements design, both from drainage bond proceeds. The memo said the design would allow pumping the lake at double the current rate to West Amarillo Creek. [23]

      Land
      $600,000
      Design
      $4,398,836

  13. · Related development

    Western Builders selected as construction manager for Playa 6 and Playa 7 pump stations

    The council voted 5-0 to award Western Builders of Amarillo a construction manager at-risk contract for new lift stations and force mains at Playa 6 and Playa 7 ($40,000 pre-construction fee and a 3.25% construction fee), funded from drainage utility fund bond proceeds.[24]

    Jerry DanforthWestern Builders of Amarillo

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 27, 2026 the council voted 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Simpson, second by Councilmember Reid) to award Western Builders of Amarillo construction manager at-risk services for new lift stations and force mains at Playa 6 and Playa 7: a $40,000 lump-sum pre-construction fee, a 3.25% construction fee and general conditions estimated at 3.5% to 5.0%, funded from drainage utility fund bond proceeds (CIPs PRJ-560221 and PRJ-560133). [24]

      Preconstruction fee
      $40,000
      Construction fee
      3.25%

  14. · Related development

    $14.26 million guaranteed maximum price for the Lawrence Lake pump station and force main

    The council voted 5-0 to set a $14,255,589 guaranteed maximum price with Western Builders of Amarillo for the Lawrence Lake pump station and force main (Playa 6), funded from "2023 Drainage Bond Funds" (PRJ-0000104). KFDA reported a 30-inch force main to Bell Street and capacity rising from 3-4 million to 15 million gallons a day.[16][25]

    Jerry DanforthCole StanleyWestern Builders of Amarillo

    • ✓ Verified

      On May 26, 2026 the council voted 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Tipps, second by Councilmember Reid) to approve Contract Amendment No. 1 to the CMAR contract with Western Builders of Amarillo, establishing a $14,255,589 guaranteed maximum price for the Lawrence Lake pump station and force main (Playa 6 force main and wet well), funded from 2023 Drainage Bond Funds (CIP PRJ-0000104). [16][25]

      Amount
      $14,255,589
    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported that the project includes a 30-inch force main from Lawrence Lake to Bell Street, that daily drainage capacity is expected to rise from 3-4 million gallons to 15 million gallons, that work was to begin in about a month and take a year, and that about $25 million of the drainage bond funds remained for other playa lakes. These are projections reported by the station. [25]

      Capacity after gallons per day
      15,000,000
      Remaining bond funds
      $25,000,000

  15. · Peak

    $1.35 million transfer and $3.30 million SW 45th and Lamar storm drain award

    The council voted 5-0 to transfer $1,350,000 from PRJ-0000104 (2023 Drainage Bond Funds) to the Lamar Street at 45th Avenue project (PRJ-560208), then 5-0 to award Amarillo Utility Contractors $3,296,580 for about 1,360 feet of 36- to 60-inch storm drain and 8,500 square yards of seal coat, which the memo said would increase conveyance capacity and address historic flooding in the area.[26][17][27]

    Jerry DanforthDon TippsDavid PrescottAmarillo Utility Contractors

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 22, 2026 the council voted 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Tipps, second by Councilmember Prescott) to transfer $1,350,000 from Capital Project PRJ-0000104, 2023 Drainage Bond Funds, to PRJ-560208, Lamar Street at 45th Avenue. The memo said PRJ-0000104 was set up as a placeholder for the bond funds until actual construction costs were known. The minutes cited are the draft minutes in the October 13, 2026 packet. [26][17][27]

      Amount
      $1,350,000
    • ✓ Verified

      On September 22, 2026 the council voted 5-0 (motion by Councilmember Prescott, second by Councilmember Tipps) to award Amarillo Utility Contractors, Inc. $3,296,580 for about 1,360 linear feet of 36-inch to 60-inch reinforced concrete storm drain and 8,500 square yards of seal coat near SW 45th Avenue and S. Lamar Street, funded from bond proceeds (CIP 560208, budgeted December 2023) after best value bid BVB 411-26 YM. [26][17][27]

      Amount
      $3,296,580
    • ✓ Verified

      The BVB 411-26 scoring summary in the packet ranks four submissions: Amarillo Utility Contractors 92.66 points, West Texas Utility Contractors 92, L.A. Fuller and Sons Construction 90.86 and MH Civil Constructors 83.74 (out of 100). [17]

    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo Capital Projects, Development and Engineering (staff memo): The staff memo said the project "will increase stormwater conveyance capacity and address historic flooding in the area." The memo does not identify specific flood events at that intersection. [17]

    • ✓ Verified

      The 2023-2028 CIP programmed $2,500,000 for Lamar Street at 45th Avenue in FY2024; the September 2026 construction award was $3,296,580, and the council transferred $1,350,000 more into the project the same night. City documents did not publicly state the project's total budget after the transfer or a reason for the change beyond the placeholder explanation. [12][17]

      Cip programmed
      $2,500,000
      Award
      $3,296,580
      Transfer
      $1,350,000

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