Round Rock Edition | October 2023

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 OCT. 7NOV. 2, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

Meeting the need

Volunteer Jennifer Hall (right) assists a client in the Round Rock Area Serving Center’s food pantry, which the nonprot plans to double in size.

GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Increased need for local assistance drives $7M Serving Center expansion as nearly 88,000 helped in 2022

the nonprot to help more people. Scott said the cost of living, groceries and transportation has exacerbated the needs of the Round Rock and Williamson County community.

nancial assistance wait their turn to be helped. After seeing 87,400 people visit in 2022, Serv- ing Center Executive Director Lori Scott said the organization has outgrown its space and is looking to more than double its footprint, which will allow

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Most days, a line of vehicles can be seen parked on the street in front of the Round Rock Area Serving Center, where constant trac ows in and out as people in need of groceries, clothing and

CONTINUED ON 34

Also in this issue

Impacts: Maui-based Hawaiian shave ice now open (Page 6)

Election: WilCoasking voters to approve $884M bond (Page 18)

Development: Google Fiber installing network (Page 26)

Business: Beauty college celebrating 40 years (Page 39)

Now is the Best Time to Get Protected From Seasonal Illness Like Flu and RSV! Getting a flu shot is a safe and simple thing to protect our families and our communities this fall. Ask your healthcare provider about your child's protection against vaccine-preventable diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and others.

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ROUND ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 212 E MAIN ST ROUND ROCK, TX 78664

ROUND ROCK EDITION

For more information, visit: WilCoBonds2023.com

FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY

On Nov 7, vote YES

for faster travel, safer connections, and new and improved parks with NO TAX INCREASES. and improved parks

PROPOSITION A � $825M Vote YES to improve roads! Roads all across the county would get safety and mobility improvements to improve connections and ease congestion.

PROPOSITION B � $59M Vote YES for something the whole family can enjoy! Parks will continue to get the attention they deserve and create new parklands.

23 Year Proven Track Record of Delivering County Transportation and Park Projects On Time and On Budget

ON NOV 7 YES!

VOTE

Early Voting Oct 23-Nov 3

PD. POL. ADV. BY WILCO ROAD AND PARK SOLUTIONS, MIKE ROBINSON TREAS. PO BOX 686 ROUND ROCK, TX 78681

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Zara Flores Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson

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Impacts

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4 Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice opened in Round Rock, offering a variety of its signature recipes. The business, which began as a small shop in Lahaina, Maui, makes its own syrups using pure sugar cane, purified water, natural fruit juices and premium concentrates. • Opened Aug. 26 • 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 116, Round Rock • www.ululanishawaiianshaveice.com

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Round Rock

2 HairWeavon Local resident Ariel Rawlings opened the first U.S. location of HairWeavon, an Ireland-based wig and topper shop founded by Yinka Martin that aims to provide products for people experiencing hair loss. • Opened Aug. 25 • 2711 La Frontera Blvd., Ste. 110, Room 406, Round Rock • www.hairweavon.com 3 MOD Pizza MOD Pizza, a fast-casual restaurant offering pizzas sized for individual customers as well as tossed salads, opened in Round Rock in August. The restaurant opened in a newly built section of the Round Rock Crossing shopping center in front of Target.

• Opened Aug. 31 • 119 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. 101, Round Rock • www.modpizza.com 5 Hunan Lion Chinese Restaurant Hunan Lion Chinese Restaurant reopened in Round Rock with a soft opening, two years after a fire forced the restaurant to close. The Chinese restaurant offers a variety of chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes; appetizers; soup; fried rice; and noodles. • Reopened Aug. 26 • 1208 N. I-35, Ste. 500, Round Rock • www.hunanlionroundrock.com

Now open

1 Anytime Fitness Steve Hudson opened a new Anytime Fitness location at Teravista Crossing in Round Rock. The fitness center offers 24-hour access to its facility, which includes a wide range of strength and cardio equipment. The business also offers free fitness consultations with a coach and members have access to any of Anytime’s 5,100 locations worldwide. • Opened Sept. 1 • 5290 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock • www.anytimefitness.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Now open

Coming soon

6 Crumbl Cookies A Crumbl Cookies location in the Round Rock Crossing shopping center offers a variety of cookies in a rotating menu for pickup and delivery. • Opened Sept. 15 • 3021 S. I-35, Ste. 140, Round Rock • www.crumblcookies.com

8 Shake Shack Shake Shack opened its first drive-thru location in Central Texas. The New York-based restaurant is known for its hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and frozen custard. The company also has locations in Austin and San Marcos. • Opening by end of September • 1402 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.shakeshack.com

10 Dutch Bros Coffee A fourth Round Rock Dutch Bros Coffee location is in the works. The coffee chain offers hot and cold beverages, such as cold-brew and frozen coffee, as well as its own energy drink and muffins. • Opening in spring 2024 • 111 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.dutchbros.com

Assisted Living Locators A new Assisted Living Locators franchise is offering its services to seniors and their families in the Round Rock area. The business, owned by Round Rock native Laura Langley, offers no-cost assistance in finding senior living options, including home care, independent living, assisted living and other care. • Opened Sept. 12 • www.assistedlivinglocators.com/care-advisor/ round-rock-texas

In The News

Round Rock location at Rock Creek Plaza. • Opening in first quarter of 2024 • 2132 N. Mays St., Ste. 800, Round Rock • www.tylerstx.com

11 St. David's Round Rock Medical Center The hospital celebrated its 40th anniversary in September. A $53.1 million expansion project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, will add 70,606 square feet to the hospital and bring the total capacity to over 200 beds with the addition of two floors, a 34-bed patient care unit, four operating rooms and support spaces. • 2400 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.stdavids.com

Expansions

9 Bluebonnet Beer Co. Bluebonnet Beer Co., which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in September, opened a new indoor beer hall. The beer hall is the latest addition to the taproom offering local craft brews, including ales, seltzers and lagers. • Expanded Aug. 24 • 1700 Bryant Drive, Ste. 107, Round Rock • www.bluebonnetbeerco.com

Coming soon

7 Tyler’s Clothing and footwear retailer Tyler’s will open a

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Impacts

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1 Which Wich Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, inside of Food Box, offers a menu of signature sandwiches, including the Philly cheesesteak, the Reubenwich and the Ultimate BLT. • Opened Sept. 4 • 16212 Impact Way, Pflugerville • www.whichwich.com 2 The Merc A new collective of local artists, artisans and curators called The Merc opened in Pflugerville’s downtown where Wink Boutique was previously located. The shop was created by the Texas-based owners of OEH Supply and

45 TOLL

137

130 TOLL

LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.

GREENLAWN BLVD.

130 TOLL

VISION DR.

Grace and Charm. • Opened Sept. 30 • 403 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.facebook.com/shopthemerctx

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3 Pigtails & Crewcuts The children’s salon chain opened a new location in Pflugerville on Sept. 25. The kid-friendly business features unique salon chairs, bright decor, movies, toys and video games for patrons. The salon offers ear

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piercings, haircuts, nail painting, accessories, gifts and birthday parties. • Opened Sept. 25 • 19101 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • book.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

Now open

Coming soon

4 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods has leased a 30,000-square-foot retail space previously occupied by Best Buy in Pflugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center. The liquor store chain offers wine, beer, liquor, meats, snacks, condiments and other food to go. The new location of the business will be next to Office Depot and nearby Petco, Dick's Sporting Goods, Ulta and Target. • Opening TBD • 19000 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.specsonline.com 5 Childcare Quest Childcare Quest plans to open a full-time preschool for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. The school will focus on social emotional well-being, play and academics. • Opening this winter

6 Image Auto Body Family-owned auto repair shop Image Auto Body will host a grand opening celebration Oct. 14 in Pflugerville. The Pflugerville shop is already open, but renovations delayed the grand opening event. The celebration will begin at 8 a.m. with a car show,

a pickleball tournament, a bounce house and food trucks. • Opened in May • 407 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.imageautobodytexas.com

• 204 10th St., Pflugerville • www.childcarequest.com

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Impacts

Hutto

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1 Einstein Bros. Bagels Einstein Bros. Bagels is now open in Hutto, serving bagels as well as bagel-based breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Customers will also find desserts, drinks and a variety of spreads. • Opened Sept. 13 • 720 Hwy. 79, Ste. 200, Hutto • www.einsteinbros.com 2 Next Salon Gallery Next Salon Gallery is a professionally equipped salon to help beauty professionals serve their clientele. Barbers, stylists, braiders and makeup artists have a variety of spaces to choose to rent, including chairs or entire suites. • Opened Aug. 31 3 Krawltex Off-road vehicle shop Krawltex offers custom restorations and fabrication, specializing in off-road vehicles. The business originally operated out of Cedar Park before owner Cameron Chin and his family moved to Las Vegas in 2012. After moving back to Texas, the • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 1, Hutto • www.nextsalongallery.com

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family chose Hutto as its new location. • Opened Sept. 9 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 46, Hutto • www.facebook.com/krawltex

50,000-square-foot facility located within Townwest Commons. The location will be the national sports retailer’s first-ever “green build,” featuring solar panels on the roof to supplement the store’s energy during the day.

Now open

• Opening in mid-November • 250 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.academy.com

4 B. Sweet Lash Wax and Med-Spa A second location of B. Sweet Lash Wax and Med-Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services, including lash, Botox, wax and laser treatments. The business’s Pflugerville location has been open since 2017. • Opened Aug. 25 • 111 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto • www.bsweet.shop 5 Youngblood Automotive & Tire Youngblood Automotive & Tire opened its eighth location in Hutto. The business, which has one location in Austin, provides automotive repairs and tire services for both commercial and noncommercial vehicles. • Opened in early August • 171 Park Central Drive, Hutto • www.youngbloodtx.com

7 Chuy’s The Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chuy’s is expected to open a location in Hutto, the city announced Sept. 21. The restaurant, which has locations in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park, has a menu featuring burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. • Opening TBD • 250 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.chuys.com 8 The Hutto Wine Bar Located in historic downtown Hutto, the wine bar plans to have a grand opening in November. It will offer wine flights, snacks and charcuterie. Owner Meg Hiney plans to eventually add pop-up shops featuring local small- business owners. • Opening in early November • 105 East St., Hutto • www.instagram.com/thehuttowinebar

9 Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes The Austin-based restaurant opened its new Hutto location, making it the sixth brick-and-mortar location. The menu at Mighty Fine includes classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, fried avocado sandwiches, chili cheese griddle dogs and a country-fried burger. Patrons will also find crinkle fries, onion rings, housemade chips and hand-

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Government

WilCo group in talks with Korean industries A group of 16 Williamson County officials traveled to South Korea Sept. 10-16 in an effort to attract businesses to the area. The gist Included were Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles and officials from six Williamson County cities. In Seoul, South Korea, they attended a seminar and held 32 additional meetings with prospective companies. After the trip, the group reported a pool of 100-200 new businesses it can now recruit from. “You want the business in Round Rock, and I want the business in Williamson County, but it benefits us all,” Boles said. “If a business goes to Georgetown, there’s still going to be [Round Rock] businesses that use that business.”

County budget to fund new safety positions Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted a $560.1 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and set a new tax rate Aug. 29. Overview The total budget, roughly $53 million more than last year’s, is made up of three funds: a $318.1 mil- lion general fund, a $72.3 million road and bridge fund, and a $169.6 million debt service fund. The budget includes funding for 45 new posi- tions, including six deputy sheriff officers. What residents should know The adopted tax rate, which went into effect Oct. 1, is $0.377445 per $100 valuation, compared to the FY 2022-23 rate of $0.375608 per $100 valu- ation. The average county homeowner is expected to pay $130 more in property taxes for FY 2023-24, according to a Williamson County news release.

"If we funded what the sheri’s deputies association is asking for, we would have

to set a tax rate that would be so oensive that it would anger our citizens." BILL GRAVELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE

Also of note On Aug. 29, Charles Duvall, Williamson County Deputies Association president, said in a news conference he disagreed with the Commissioners Court’s budget decisions regarding staffing, claiming the county does not have enough law officers to serve the region’s growing population and residential development. Duvall said an additional 445 deputy officers are needed to meet the national average of 2.8 deputies per 1,000 county residents, according to data from the FBI.

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City allocates $236M to community investment Round Rock City Council approved a $543.9 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24 on Sept. 14, in addition to adopting a new property tax rate of $0.342 per $100 valuation. Overview The budget includes a $161.6 million general fund, $236.5 million in the city’s Community Investment Program and $146.3 million in other expenditures. The city allocated funding for 43 new staff positions within the budget, including six new firefighters, a fire reduction technician, five civilian positions providing police support, and four parks and recreation positions. Funding from the CIP budget will go to the city’s roads, utility infrastructure, trail system connections and wastewater treatment plant expansions. The property tax rate is $0.026 higher than the

Budget expenditures Round Rock’s FY 2023-24 budget includes:

$81 MILLION for police and fire services, including the Crisis Response Unit

$38 MILLION for quality water and wastewater services as well as stormwater drainage $37 MILLION to operate and expand parks and recreation program/sports tourism programs/library

Former library to receive renovations Round Rock City Council approved the final portion of funding for the Paseo and Griffith Building Downtown Improvements Project on Sept. 28. The overview Council signed off on $10.7 million to reno- vate the city’s old public library to house the Round Rock Chamber. For a total cost of $19.5 million, the project includes a paseo from City Hall to the Round Rock Public Library.

SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

city’s no-new-revenue rate, which is the rate that would collect the same amount of revenue as last year. At this rate, the owner of a median taxable value home of $363,396 will pay $104 per month in property taxes—an $8 increase per month. Accord- ing to the city, the additional tax revenue will pay for the new public safety positions as well as staff- ing for the parks, library and other departments.

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Election

BY AMY DENNEY

Voter Guide

2023

Round Rock ISD Proposition A

Round Rock Randalls 2051 Gattis School Road, Round Rock Williamson County Jester Annex 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock

Dates to know

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $0.9190 per $100 valuation in Round Rock Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 0% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year. Read more about RRISD’s tax rate election on Page 17 . Texas Statewide constitutional amendments There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 21 .

Sample ballot

Williamson County Proposition A

Where to vote

The issuance of $825 million of bonds for roads and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Proposition B The issuance of $59 million of bonds for park and recreational purposes and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Read more about the Williamson County bonds on Pages 18-19 .

Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections for a complete list of polling locations. Early voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. Baca Senior Center

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SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Seeking a solution to budgetary restrictions limiting its ability to adequately increase teacher pay, Round Rock ISD will hold a voter-approval tax ratification election, also known as a VATRE, on Nov. 7. The tax rate election represents a localized solution to a widespread problem: increases in recapture payments due to the state alongside other budgetary pressures. These issues limit school districts’ abilities to provide raises to teachers that keep pace with inflation. This is the first VATRE called by RRISD. While school districts did receive some additional funding under House Bill 100, it is not enough to cover the cost of giving the additional compensation increases. RRISD to hold tax rate election

Changing taxes

What’s next

While the overall tax rate is lower due to state- mandated compression, the district is expecting the new rate to generate more tax revenue.

Approving the new tax rate would result in: • $19 million in new tax revenue for Round Rock ISD • An additional 3% compensation increase for staff Not approving the new tax rate would result in: • Budget cuts for district programs, such as fine arts and electives • Elimination of some support staff positions to retain teaching positions $19M Amount new tax rate would generate $33M Deficit should VATRE fail $77M+ Recapture payment to the state

$1.0626 * FY 2022-23 tax rate

Proposed FY 2023-24 tax rate

$0.919 *

For a home worth $500,000, the total annual impact is expected to cost voters $752 less than the previous year.

Terms to know Voter-approval tax ratification election: An election must be held if district officials want to raise the tax rate beyond the voter-approved rate. Recapture: Tax revenue raised locally exceeding what the district is allowed to keep based on a formula is sent back to the state.

*PER $100 HOME VALUATION

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Election

On Nov. 7, voters will decide on two Williamson County bond propositions totaling $884 million. $884M WilCo bond on ballot • Proposition A: $825 million for road projects • Proposition B: $59 million for parks projects The bond amount was whittled down from more than $6 billion in projects submitted by local city governments, county staff and other regional partners. David Hays chaired the Williamson County Citizens Bond Committee, which met with local stakeholders to consider each project. The committee brought $1.69 billion in road and $78.96 million in parks projects to Commissioners Court, which then determined the final bond amounts. If it passes, the bond would not impact the debt service portion of the tax rate, according to county documents. Hays said commissioners want to put forward a bond package voters will view favorably. “I think it’s smart, and I think it’s a good number,” Hays said. “It fits within their budget knowing they’ll need to come back, but it gives them the ability to do things.”

Zooming in

would cover the cost of design and construction for most projects, which vary in scope from intersection improvements to completely new roadways. Additionally, many of the road projects are joint ventures with local city governments. Because of this, funding for them will be split between the county and local cities as well as regional or statewide transportation organizations.

Bob Daigh, senior director of infrastructure for Williamson County, said a bond is the only mecha- nism the county has to fund road projects that add capacity and make major safety improvements— meaning the annual road and bridge fund only pays for maintenance and operations of existing roads. Barring extreme inflation or an unpredictable economic event, Daigh said the funding in the bond

NOTE: THIS MAP INCLUDES BOND PROJECTS WITHIN ROUND ROCK, PFLUGERVILLE AND HUTTO. DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS.

1 Chandler Road • $20M

• Improvements, new overpass

2 CR 123

• $9.5M • Bridge reconstruction

3 CR 138

971

• $4M • Roadway improvements

4 Deepwood Drive • $11M • Extension 5 Eagles Nest Street • $22M • Extension 6 East WilCo Highway • $176.5M • New construction 7 Kenney Fort Boulevard • $9M • Extension 8 Red Bud Lane • $8M

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

CHANDLER RD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

KENNEY FORT BLVD.

101

175

WYOMING SPRINGS DR.

1660

130 TOLL

RED BUD LN.

1431

EAGLES NEST ST.

3349

123

DEEPWOOD DR.

road projects, including right of way acquisition, design and

construction projects 38 future parkland acquisition 14

OOL RD.

138

620

45 TOLL

• Widening, reconstruction

137

park projects related to shared-use paths, facility improvements and

SCHULTZ LN.

9 Schultz Lane • $3M

620

• Widening, reconstruction

10 Wyoming Springs Drive • $20M • Extension

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

For the full Williamson County map, visit communityimpact.com.

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What they’re saying

A closer look

Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck categorized the projects in the parks proposition into three groups: shared-use paths, facilities and land acquisition.

“There’s going to be a great demand for open space, parkland [and] trail systems—places where people can go and get out of the urban environ- ment,” Hays said.

“The county is adding about 125 people a day, and people are driving here; they’re not walking, so there is signicant need.”

BOB DAIGH , WILLIAMSON COUNTY SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Facilities

Shared-use paths

NOTE: THIS IS A NONCOMPREHENSIVE LIST OF PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE PARKS PROPOSITION. DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS. • Connection from Southwest Williamson County Regional Park to RM 1431/Sam Bass Road ($2.5M) • Connection from Lakeline Park to Twin Lakes Park, including a pedestrian bridge over Bell Boulevard ($1.8M) • Connection from Georgetown’s Westside Park to Berry Springs Park ($2.9M) • Study a connection from River Ranch County Park to San Gabriel Park ($100K) • Brushy Creek Regional Trail connection from Cedar Park to Round Rock ($3M)

• Construct a visitors center at Berry Springs Park & Preserve ($2M) • Construct a cover over the Williamson County Expo Center’s western arena; add showers and restrooms; acquire land for parking and future expansions ($16.7M) • Construct a zip line and adventure course at Twin Lakes Family YMCA; add parking ($3.9M)

“We’re trying to provide linkages and connectivity to more places where people

need to get to and where they’re able to recreate.” RUSSELL FISHBECK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR

Land acquisition

• Acquire land for a future county park or assume responsibility and renovate park at Granger Lake ($25M)

What’s next

Additionally, the county said a 2016 law prevents governing bodies from issuing debt to fund projects included in a bond that was rejected by voters during the previous three years. “There was $6 billion of need identified of all good projects,” Daigh said. “I think that $6 billion number shows the magnitude of a problem that we would have if the bonds did not pass.”

Both Daigh and Fishbeck said if the bond passes, work on included projects will be underway shortly. Fishbeck said this is especially true of many of the trails projects because design for them is already in the works. However, he said if the parks proposition doesn’t pass, it means many of the projects would be delayed, and it may put some of the partner projects in jeopardy. Still, future planning would continue, he said.

Did you know? • The bond represents the largest package ever put before Williamson County voters by nearly double. • Additionally, it comes four years after the county’s last bond in 2019, while previous bonds were six to seven years apart. • Early voting runs from Oct. 23-Nov. 3, and Election Day is Nov. 7.

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Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. ballot

Texas voters will find 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state affairs, Rottinghaus said.

Proposition 10

Proposition 5

SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. Officials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.

HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.

Proposition 11

Proposition 6

SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.

SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.

Proposition 2

Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to offer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.

Proposition 7

Proposition 12

SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.

HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s Office. If approved, other county officials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes effect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.

Proposition 3

HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.

Proposition 8

Proposition 13

HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.

HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.

Proposition 4

HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.

Proposition 9

Proposition 14

HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat inflation, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.

SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Education

Grant funding to help expand health sciences Round Rock ISD will expand its health sciences program in the next school year, thanks to state grant funding. In a nutshell RRISD announced it received a $10,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to add a health sciences Pathways in Technology Early College High School program in early September. It is one of 10 districts in Texas to receive this grant, and the funds will be used to offset expenses for professional development, advisory council meetings and staff necessary to plan the program’s implementation. What else? The P-TECH program will be located at Cedar Ridge High School, and will provide opportu- nities for students to earn certifications and an associate degree.

RRISD to maintain B accountability score Round Rock ISD officials expect to main- tain a B in the Texas Education Agency’s annual A-F accountability rating system amid updates. New ratings are expected sometime in October. In a nutshell RRISD Chief of Schools and Innovation Natalie Nichols said Sept. 14 the district is projecting a score of 87, two points lower than the previous year.

Expanding health science options

Courses to be expanded:

Additional options: • New credentials • Dual-credit courses in partnership with ACC • Work-based component for all four years

• CPR Level I and II • Clinical medical assistant • Pharmacy technician • Certified nurse aid

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

About the program Through partnerships with Austin Community College and the private industry, the P-TECH health sciences program will allow students to pursue new credentials, dual-credit courses and a work-based component for all four years, said Sherri Bonds, RRISD’s director of career and technical education. Applications for the expanded program will open in either the fall 2023 or spring 2024 semes- ter, according to the district.

"Many districts will see where their score has been reduced, Round Rock included." NATALIE NICHOLS, RRISD'S CHIEF OF SCHOOLS AND INNOVATION

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