Hutto moves forward with Prairie Winds Phase 3 funding plan

Hutto City Council approved a resolution on February 5 to advance a financing plan for infrastructure in Prairie Winds Phase 3. The plan would fund improvements through homeowner assessments tied to Improvement Area No. 2 of the Prairie Winds Public Improvement District. A public hearing is scheduled for March 12.

Improvement Area No. 2 covers about 62 acres and is planned for 192 single-family homes with lot sizes ranging from 45 to 60 feet. Planned public improvements include streets and sidewalks, water and wastewater lines, drainage systems, and a proportional share of infrastructure benefiting the wider Prairie Winds district.

City Finance Director Alberta Barrett said the resolution allows the city to publish required notices and hold the hearing before any assessments are officially levied.

Assessment payments would vary by lot size and are structured similarly to Improvement Area No. 1. Depending on lot size, future homeowners could pay roughly $29,000 to $42,000 per home over multiple years in Public Improvement District assessments, in addition to regular property taxes. The total projected assessments are $6.95 million, while the estimated cost of authorized improvements is about $10.9 million.

Several council members expressed concern about ensuring clear disclosure for homebuyers. Council member Peter Gordon noted that some buyers and Realtors had difficulty accessing assessment details and payoff options. Representatives from P3 Works, the PID administrator, confirmed that disclosure forms and assessment information are available online. Developers said they will reinforce training and disclosure practices with builders and sales teams.

The public hearing on assessments for Improvement Area No. 2 is scheduled for March 12. City Council is expected to consider final approval of the assessment ordinance and the issuance of special assessment revenue bonds later in March.