Hays County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hays County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Memorial Day Fireworks Sales and Drought Assessment
Dry conditions prompted the fire marshal and fire chiefs to ask for a 30-day burn ban across the same footprint as before — no outdoor burning countywide.
Dripping Springs Southwest Connection road project
The court tabled a ~$10M design contract for a new road connecting RM 12 to US 290 near Dripping Springs. Opponents say there's no traffic study, environmental study, or full cost estimate, and the road threatens the Trinity Aquifer recharge area; supporters say it's been planned since 2010 and will relieve dangerous cut-through traffic in neighborhoods.
FY 2027 Social Service Agency Funding and Price Center Reallocation
Residents and commissioners addressed funding allocations for local social services, successfully restoring $10,000 for the Price Center after an administrative omission. The court also discussed establishing a dedicated social service advisory commission to improve future budget reviews.
Council Resignation
Kyle City Council member Claudia Zapata just resigned, leaving an open seat that city leaders are going to have to figure out how to fill. This shake-up on the council means a shift in local leadership right when important community decisions are being made.
Juvenile Diversion Program Staffing
Local judges and justices of the peace urged the court to fund a second juvenile diversion coordinator position, citing severe caseload backlogs and lengthy wait times for families.
Hays County Strategic Plan Public Engagement
Consultants presented results from community surveys and listening sessions showing strong public interest in water conservation, infrastructure, and transparency.
Trash Rate Increase
Your trash bill is about to get more expensive after the City Council gave an initial green light to a rate hike. Expect to shell out a bit more cash for garbage pickup every month.
Sidewalk Café Pilot Program
Georgetown is testing out a new pilot program that lets local restaurants use nearby sidewalks and parking spots for outdoor dining. While it's designed to make downtown feel more vibrant and walkable, it will definitely shake up how you find parking and get around the area.
Utility Rates
Get ready for a price hike on your September utility bills because the Dripping Springs City Council just approved new rates. If you live or run a business in the area, you'll want to budget a little extra for your monthly services starting next month.
Election Equipment Modernization and Financing
County leaders approved a three-year installment plan to purchase $2.6 million in new voting machines to replace aging hardware before the upcoming presidential election.
Sunfield and Suncreek Roadway Construction Litigation
The county is taking legal action against unauthorized roadway construction by third parties in the Sunfield and Suncreek subdivisions while terminating existing interlocal maintenance agreements.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Housing Support Funding
Community advocates urged the county to maintain vital funding for temporary supportive housing within the AOT program, emphasizing its success in housing former inmates with mental illness and reducing recidivism.
Darden Hill West Extension Engineering Contract
Residents expressed strong opposition to approving an engineering contract for the Darden Hill West Extension, citing concerns over environmental damage, rural character, and lack of transparency.
Hays Central Appraisal District Facility Opposition
Commissioners pushed back against the Hays Central Appraisal District's request to fund a new facility and major budget increases, citing a lack of transparency and a heavy financial burden on local taxpayers.
City Council meeting
Woodcreek City Council is meeting tonight to lock in final designs for upcoming neighborhood projects. It's a key chance to see what changes are coming right to your backyard.
Development Agreement
Hays County commissioners just hit the brakes on the Hays Commons project, sending developers back to the drawing board. It’s a major stall for the proposed development, meaning the plans will need a serious overhaul before they can move forward.
Hays County Health District
If you're a WTCPUA customer in Hays County, you need to boil your water before using it for drinking or cooking. Check the official map online to see if your specific neighborhood is under the advisory.
Hayes Commons Subdivision and Density Variances
A proposed high-density housing development over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone faced intense community backlash over wastewater spraying, lot size variances, and traffic safety.
Eastside Campus Construction Manager at Risk Award
The county awarded a major construction management contract for the $62 million Eastside Campus project, while addressing concerns over land agreements and city coordination in Kyle.