Steve Stoler, Director of Media Relations for the City of Plano, said that the city is concentrating on infrastructure maintenance without resorting to a tax-rate election or property tax transfer to fund major capital investments. This statement was made during an interview with Lone Star Standard on February 20.
"The City's long-term capital project needs have shifted in recent years," said Stoler. "To the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and maintenance of existing infrastructure. The City utilizes a number of financing instruments."
In the interview, Stoler explained that the city has shifted its long-term capital project focus from new infrastructure development to maintaining and rehabilitating existing systems. Key priorities include upgrading aging water and sewer systems, improving roadways, and enhancing drainage and erosion control in city creeks. Modernizing traffic signals and intelligent transportation systems is also a significant focus as the city adapts to higher-density development.
Stoler noted that several major sewer projects are planned along the city's southern border, Spring Creek, Willow Bend, and Lavon Farms to address system capacity needs. Drainage improvements, including culvert replacements, will enhance roadway safety and erosion control in affected areas. Additionally, bridge replacements and roadway repairs, such as those on Plano Parkway, will mitigate local flooding and structural concerns.
According to the city's website, Plano relies on financing tools such as General Obligation Bonds, Revenue Bonds, and Tax Notes to fund infrastructure projects. The city also leverages cash reserves, intergovernmental grants, and partnerships with other entities to supplement project funding, providing a diverse revenue stream. This approach ensures sustainable support for infrastructure upgrades.
Stoler has been Director of Media Relations for the City of Plano since 2013 after a 27-year career in TV journalism as a reporter for WFAA and FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth. A Mercer University graduate with a B.A. in Communications in 1980, he and his team won a 2024 PRSA Pegasus Award for crisis communications.
