Ballot Question on Props. 1-7

So, this is my first election here in Austin (and Texas for that matter). I must say that I'm a little confused as to why so much money is being appropriated for bonds and notes.
    Again, I'm new here, so I'm not up on Austin's previous elections and propositions, but I can only guess that property taxes are what they are because of multiple generations of previously issued bonds. Is this true?
    Why would anyone want to perpetuate this snowball? Why not just turn in budget and time-line amendments that included these much-needed repairs and special-needs programs?
    Please don't get me wrong as these all sound like they have at least some merit. I just don't see why street repairs and traffic signals should be funded using bonds. It's called an operating budget. Make one (that is accurate)!