Bond Debt and Corporate Subsidies: Georgetown Approves $46 Million in Utility Bonds and Special Tax Abatements

Working families in Williamson County are already grappling with rising living costs, but local politicians in Georgetown seem determined to keep piling on debt. When municipal governments issue tens of millions in specialized bonds while handing out targeted tax abatements, existing homeowners and small businesses are left picking up the tab. On October 13, 2026, the Georgetown City Council voted to approve first readings of ordinances authorizing $29 million in Utility System Revenue Bonds (Series 2026B) and $17 million in Utility System Revenue Bonds (Series 2026C) to be sold through the Texas Water Development Board. On top of this $46 million debt obligation, council members pushed forward Special Assessment Revenue Bonds for the Heirloom Public Improvement District and designated Reinvestment Zone No. 2026-003 to grant tax abatements for commercial real estate developments. Instead of letting free market competition operate on a level playing field, local governments frequently use Public Improvement Districts and Reinvestment Zones to pick winners and losers. These special tax zones allow select corporate entities to secure preferential tax breaks while standard property owners pay full price for municipal services. According to an extensive economic study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, local government permitting layers, debt schemes, and development rules account for a huge percentage of final real estate costs. When cities issue multi-million dollar revenue bonds to finance growth subsidies, they artificially inflate debt service requirements while shifting long-term infrastructure risks directly onto local taxpayers. Georgetown residents deserve fiscal responsibility and equal treatment under the law. Piling up $46 million in new utility debt while handing out corporate tax abatements is a textbook example of municipal central planning at taxpayer expense.