EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- El Paso County is hosting a series of public meetings on its plans to issue up to $54 million of certificates of obligation to fund infrastructure projects. The County says the debt will not raise tax rates. "These COs, otherwise defined as long-term debt instruments used for essential publicneeds, would allow the County to improve public safety, expand access to clean drinking water, address HVAC necessities at the Family Youth Services Center, and invest in flood control measures," the County said in a news release. The Commissioners Court approved a "notice of intent" on March 24, which started a state-mandated 45-day waiting period before the certificates of obligation can be officially issued. Certificates of obligation are similar to bonds, but they don't require voter approval and are usually used for critical infrastructure and other requirements. If approved, the COs would include: $33.5 million for water and sewer services; $16 million for roadway safety improvements; $2.5 million for flood control; and $2 million for heating and cooling upgrades at the Family Youth Services Center. "These investments aim to strengthen County infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and support underserved communities, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility and keeping the debt service tax rate level," the County said. The proposed COs would be tax-exempt and carry an estimated interest rate of 4.74 percent. The final sale and approval of the debt instruments will be considerd by the Commissioners Court on Monday, May 12. Here is a schedule of meetings on the COs: Thursday, April 10: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – virtual meeting Tueseay, April 15: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Gallegos Park, Community Room, 7361 Bosque Rd.,Canutillo Tuesday, April 22: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Fabens Warehouse, Meeting Room, 1331 Fabens Rd. Thursday, May 1: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Ascarate Park, Pavilion, 6900 Delta Dr. Wednesday, May 7: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – El Paso County Eastside Annex, Community Room,2350 George Dieter Dr. County residents are encouraged to attend and learn more the projects and how they are being funded. ...read more read less