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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 MAY 18JUNE 17, 2025
MUDs take o in Leander and Liberty Hill
12 new districts created in the last 5 years
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Liberty Hill
BY JACQUELYN BURRER & CHLOE YOUNG
183
While only a few Williamson and Travis County voters had the opportunity to vote on municipal utility district-related ballot items in the May 3 election, the decisions made will impact future residents who move into the district boundaries. This includes Hero Way West MUD—a new 296-acre district west of Leander and south of Liberty Hill. These entities join a growing number of MUDs rapidly reshaping development in the area. An extraterritorial jurisdiction is an unincorporated area located outside a city’s boundaries. Special- purpose districts like MUDs are used within or outside of an ETJ to create developments and provide utilities for residents in the area.
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Key:
Hero Way West MUD • Created: 10/24/2024
Liberty Hill city limits
Liberty Hill extraterritorial jurisdiction
Leander city limits
Leander extraterritorial jurisdiction
Existing MUDs
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83 active MUDs in Williamson County 21 new MUDs have set tax rates in Williamson County since 2020
Leander
Williamson
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Travis
67 active MUDs in Travis County
SOURCE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY WILLIAMSON COUNTY
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Impacts
Page 6
Education
Page 12
State Read an exclusive interview with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Page 33
Check out new restaurants, sporting facilities and medical providers in the area.
See how area schools stacked up in TEA’s delayed AF school ratings
2
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Impacts
Leander
• Opened March 1 • 2500 CR 279, Ste. D, Leander • www.mashlab.com
SILVER CREEK DR.
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4 Pro Ice The business sells a variety of boot and blade brands, apparel and accessories. Customers can nd additional services including boot ttings, mounting and skate sharpening. • Opened April 14 • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 102, Leander • www.instagram.com/pro_ice_ 5 SmileCraft Dental Led by Dr. Sheel Patel, the practice oers general dentistry services, including root canals, as well as dental implants and oral surgery. Cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and dental veneers are also available. • Opened March 10 • 1513 E. New Hope Drive, Ste. A1, Leander • www.smilecraftdentalclinic.com 6 Southside Market BBQ Southside has both a restaurant and a meat market. The restaurant oers dine-in, drive-thru, takeout and online ordering and oers a variety of BBQ dishes. The market specializes in smoked meats and sausages perfect for barbecuing. • Opened April 10 7 Spike Frog The Crossover stated in an email exchange with Community Impact that Spike Frog oers recreational youth training and leagues for volleyball with a focus on learning and fun. • Opened March 1 • The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.spikefrog.org 8 Paris Baguette The international bakery cafe chain serves dozens of varieties of French-inspired cakes and pastries. Breakfast entrees and coee beverages are available alongside a lunch menu featuring sandwiches and • 1420 Shimmering Lane, Leander • https://southsidemarket.com/
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W. BROADE ST.
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. with a menu featuring hot specialty subs, cold subs, salads, sides, desserts and build-you-own sub options. • Opened April 30 • 128 South Brook Drive, Ste. 140, Leander • www.irehousesubs.com 3 Mashlab Mashlab, a batting-oriented baseball training facility in Liberty Hill, has opened a location in Leander in response to the need for local little league teams to rent practice space. The new location expands resources available to members, including: outdoor turf practice space, two batting cages, a weight lifting area, pitching machines and more.
Now open
1431 1 Austin Velocity Volleyball Club Austin Velocity Volleyball Club is a competitive club volleyball program focused on athlete growth, team excellence and strong values for players ages 11-18, the company stated in an email. • Opened March 1 • The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.austinvelocity.com 2 Firehouse Subs The sub chain has opened its Southbrook Station location Cedar Park
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1407 N. Bell Blvd. (Hwy 183) Cedar Park H illCountryWaterGardens.com 512-260-5050
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
wraps, including the bualo chicken wrap and turkey avocado sandwich. • Opened April 28 • 128 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 160, Leander • www.parisbaguette.com GreenPal GreenPal, an app that connects homeowners with local vetted landscapers, began oering services in Liberty Hill, Leander and Cedar Park on April 25. People can list their lawns and requested services and dates, and then various landscapers will bid on the projects, according to a release from the company. • Launched in area April 25 • www.yourgreenpal.com/local/lawn-care-austin-tx
business has locations in Round Rock and Georgetown which sell running shoes and gear. • 651 N. Hwy. 183, Ste. 170, Leander • www.fleetfeet.com 12 Jersey Mike’s Subs A new location for the chain sub shop is expected to begin construction in late May 2025 and be completed early July 2025, according to a permit listed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The company has over 3,000 locations in the U.S. • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 160, Leander • www.jerseymikes.com 13 Pollos Primos & Steaks The restaurant began construction in April 2025 and is set to be nished by late June 2025, as stated on a permit led with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Bldg. 4, Ste. 401, Leander 14 Smiling Donuts According to a permit listing on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website, the donut shop began construction in July 2025 and will be completed by September 2025. The shop has a location in Hutto which serves donuts, croissants, kolaches, biscuits, coee and drinks. • 18145 Ronald Reagan, Ste. 120, Leander 15 Tropical Smoothie Cafe The popular smoothie chain is expected to complete the construction of its upcoming Leander location in June 2025, as stated in a permit listed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. In addition to smoothies, the eatery oers breakfast, atbreads, wraps, bowls, quesadillas, sandwiches and salads. • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 120, Leander • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com
Now open
16 Cava Cava opened its rst Leander location at the new Southbrook Station shopping center in April. The fast-casual Mediterranean chain serves customizable bowls and pitas. Various protein options are available, including steak, lamb and chicken, alongside a range of toppings, spreads and dressings. • Opened April 11 • 128 South Brook Drive, Ste. 100, Leander • www.cava.com
Coming soon
9 Pizza Twist & Taco Twist Pizza Twist oers a wide variety of pizza, pasta, wings, salads and desserts, and features signature pizza avors such as lamb kabob and chicken tikka masala. Taco Twist oers a selection of tacos, burritos and burrito bowls, and like Pizza Twist the restaurant fuses traditional tacos with Indian avors. • Opening late May • 13920 Ronald W. Reagan Blvd., Ste. 205, Leander • www.pizzatwist.com 10 TPH Academy TPH Academy is now accepting applications for student- athletes for the 2025-2026 academic year. Student- athletes study, train and play at their highest potential at the academy, The Crossover stated in an email. • Opening in August • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 100E, Leander • www.tphacademy.com/austin
in a program called PAC(K) training, which stands for power, aerobics, circuit training and keep moving. The business still operates a location in Houston’s Oak Forest neighborhood. • Closed March 31
• 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.packtraining.com/contact
18 Ziggy’s Kielbasa House The business’ market sells house-made meats, frozen foods, pickles and kraut, condiments and sauces, sh and canned meats, cookies, snacks, jams, honey and soup mixes and seasonings. On weekends, the business sells hot food for pick-up including pierogi and kielbasa. • Closing in June • 2403 S. Hwy. 183, Ste. 104, Leander • www.ziggyskielbasa.com
What’s next
Closings
11 Fleet Feet According to a permit listing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the locally-owned and operated running business completed the construction for its new Leander location in late April 2025. The
17 The League The tness program, which was originally founded in 2013, oered 45-minute group classes and specialized
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Impacts Liberty Hill
2 F3 Coee & Tea The reghter-owned coee cart opened in Liberty Hill this May. The business will operate in a custom trailer with a built-in bar that will allow customers to sit and enjoy their drinks. The food truck will serve coee, tea, refreshers and energy drinks. • Opening in May
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• 14251 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • Instagram: @f3_coffee_co
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Whats next
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KAUFFMAN LP.
SOUTH FORK SAN GABRIEL RIVER
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3 Gold Medal Gymnastics The children’s gym began operating out of a new location on April 28. The business has classes for children beginning at 18 months through 16 years old. There are beginner and intermediate classes, and there
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is a competitive team. • Relocated April 28 • 281 CR 214, Liberty Hill • www.goldmedalgymnasticstx.com
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
MAP NOT TO SCALE TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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cleaning solution, and in addition to dry cleaning and wash and fold services, it oers pick up and delivery, leather cleaning, wedding gown cleaning, shoe repair and more. • Opened May 3 • 14241 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.martinizing.com/liberty-hill
Now open
4 Whataburger The burger chain is expected to set up shop in Liberty Hill after construction of its restaurant facility wraps up in November. The $2.6 million project is expected to break ground in July, according to a ling with the Texas
1 Martinizing Cleaners of Liberty Hill The business, which oers dry cleaning, wash and fold services and more, opened its door in Liberty Hill at the beginning of May. The business uses an eco-friendly
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SAM SCHAFFER
Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 12925 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.whataburger.com
• 1487 US 183, Liberty Hill • www.foodiescorner.com/services/
Now open
8 The Grove The Liberty Hill based church is expanding its facilities, according to a ling with the TDLR. The $10.5 million year-long project kicked o March 1 and will add to an
5 Take 5 Oil Change The auto shop is expected to open in Liberty Hill after construction of its facility wraps up in late September. The $900,000 project is set to start construction May 1, according to a ling with TDLR. • 11730 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.take5.com 6 Montessori Kids Universe The Montessori school oers child care, day care, preschool and kindergarten, and it is in the process of building a new facility. The $490,000 construction project kicked o in March and is expected to nish at the end of June, according to a TDLR ling. • 9025 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.montessorikidsuniverse.com/mku-liberty-hill/ 7 Foodie’s The gas station and convenience store is under construction in Liberty Hill, according to a ling with the TDLR. The year-long $1.3 million construction project kicked o May 5. The food-oriented convenience store carries fresh snacks, beverages, deli products and more, according to its website.
existing building, according to the ling. • 23911 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Liberty Hill • www.explorethegrove.org
Closings
9 123 Playroom The business’s last day of operations in Liberty Hill was April 26. It held open play times, mommy and me classes, gymnastics classes and more. • Closed April 26 • 13750 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.123playroom.com
GreenPal The app that connects homeowners with local vetted landscapers began oering services in Liberty Hill, Leander and Cedar Park on April 25. People can list their lawns and requested services and dates, and then various landscapers will bid on the projects, according to a release from the company. • Launched in area April 25 • www.yourgreenpal.com/local/ lawn-care-austin-tx
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Government
BY SAM SCHAFFER
Liberty Hill initiates Phase 1 of City Park improvements
Leander applies for $800K command bus Leander City Council on April 3 autho- rized the re department to apply for an $800,000 command bus grant from the 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program. The City of Leander Oce of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was in the process of applying for the grant on April 3, according to agenda documents. Two-minute impact If the grant is approved, the bus would enhance regional and local eorts in preventing and responding to large-scale situations, according to the documents. The grant would cover the entire cost of the command bus. City Council’s approval for the application process took eect on April 3.
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Liberty Hill City Council made progress toward paving the parking lot and making other improve- ments to City Park at its April 9 meeting. Council voted to approve an engineering contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $148,000. Two-minute Impact The vote initiated the engineering process for Phase 1 of improvement projects at the park. According to agenda documents, Phase 1 was the phase of improvements most-desired by residents. The contract approved April 9 includes engineering services that will guide the paving of the parking lot and the addition of lights and landscaping. The project will make the parking lot “a lot
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Phase 1 improvements:
Parking lot paving
Landscaping Improved lighting
SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILLCOMMUNITY IMPACT
prettier and safer,” said Katie Amsler, director of community engagement and communications. What else? According to a draft of the contract, the engi- neering process will take about nine months.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY STEVE GUNTLI
Leander and Liberty Hill voters elect new council members
IT’S YOUR TIME Find Your Future With ACC austincc.edu In the race for Liberty Hill City Council Place 4, challenger Elisabeth Brown overtook incumbent Amanda Young. Brown won the seat with 54.55% of the vote while 45.45% supported Young. Logan Yarborough and Tim Hennessy faced o for the newly established City Council Place 6. The seat was created when Liberty Hill shifted Naudin and Donnie Mahan threw their hats in the ring to replace outgoing council member Chris Czernek. On election night, Naudin won the seat, earning 51.31% of the vote compared to Mahan’s 48.69%. Liberty Hill City Council Incumbent Mayor Crystal Mancilla defended her seat against challenger Devin Vyner. Man- cilla showed 58.86% of the vote in early results compared to Vyner’s 41.14%. Residents in Leander and Liberty Hill cast their ballots in the May 3 election. The race determined several city council seats in the area, as well as seats for the Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees. Leander City Council Stephen Chang won a tight race for Place 1 against challenger Natomi Blair. In one of the closest races of the night, Chang won the seat with 50.79% to Blair’s 49.21%. Incumbent Place 3 council member David McDonald withstood a challenge from Annette Sponseller. McDonald took 57.23% of the vote to Sponseller’s 42.77%. ”I am honored to be re-elected and to continue to serve my community,” McDonald said in a state- ment to Community Impact . “Thank you, Leander, for your overwhelming support.” In the race for council seat Place 5, Andrew
Results breakdown
Incumbent
Winner
Leander Place 1
Liberty Hill Place 4
50.79% Stephen Chang 49.21% Natomi Blair
54.55% Elisabeth Brown 45.45% Amanda Young
Liberty Hill Place 6
Leander Place 3
60.51% Timothy Hennessy 39.49% Logan Yarborough
57.23% David McDonald 42.77% Annette Sponseller
Leander Place 5
LHISD Place 7
51.31% Andrew Naudin 48.69% Donnie Mahan
68.77% Megan Parsons 31.23% Cyndi Hauser
Liberty Hill Mayor
58.86% Crystal Mancilla 41.14% Devin Vyner
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON AND TRAVIS COUNTY ELECTIONS COMMUNITY IMPACT
to a home rule charter in 2024. Hennessy will now be the rst councilmember in the position, winning the vote with 60.51% to Yarborough’s 39.49%.”I walked between 900 and 1,000 houses in two months,” Hennessy said. “I liked Liberty Hill when we moved here, and I think I fell in love with Liberty Hill in the last couple months walking around.” Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees Voters also decided on new board members for Liberty Hill ISD. Place 7 board member Megan Parsons faced a challenge from local business
owner Cyndi Hauser. Parsons retained her seat, taking 68.77% of the vote to Hauser’s 31.23%. What else? Williamson County reported a 5.1% turnout for the election, with roughly 14,271 votes counted. The county has 280,581 registered voters. Note: All results are uno cial until canvassed. Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide/elec- tion-results to see results from all local elections in your community.
Pamela O.
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education
On April 24, nearly two years after they were due, the Texas Education Agency released public school accountability ratings for the 2022-23 school year. This is the rst time since 2019 that schools have received complete ratings, due to LISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said doing so was an expression of the district’s dedication to ensure the accountability ratings are based on a system that provides “clear signalizing of improvement and success.” Liberty Hill and Leander ISDs 2022 23 TEA ratings released the COVID-19 pandemic and two lawsuits. The TEA has provided a “what if” score for 2021- 22, which is the grade the district would have received using the 2023 model, for year-over-year comparison. After joining the lawsuit in 2023,
Liberty Hill ISD
District score The “What-if” rating scores the 2021-22 data using the 2022-23 methodology as a comparison point. 2022-23 2021-22 “what if”
Percent of students per rating
Reading This shows how well a district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. Closing the gaps Math
14%
A
61% 37% African American 69% 55% Two or More Races
54% 42% Hispanic
70% 58% White
80%
B
6%
C
64% 40% American Indian 44% 0% Pacic Islander
45% 36% High Focus* 67% 55% All Students
B
C
0% D
0%
F
86% 86% Asian
85/100
79/100
School scores
*HIGH FOCUS INCLUDES ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND THOSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES
School
2021-22 “what if”
2022-23
Burden Elementary
A
A
Percentage of students approaching grade level or above on STAAR tests
Four-Year Graduation Rate
Liberty Hill Elementary
B
B
Liberty Hill High School
C
B
State
District
State
District
Liberty Hill Middle School
C
B
Louine Noble Elementary
C
B
Rancho Sienna Elementary
A
B
Santa Rita Elementary
B
B
Reading
Math
Science
Social Studies
Santa Rita Middle School
B
B
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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BY STEVE GUNTLI
Leander ISD District score
School scores
School
2021-22 “what if”
2022-23
Percent of students per rating
Akin Elementary
A
A
The “What-if” rating scores the 2021-22 data using the 2022-23 methodology as a comparison point. 2022-23 2021-22 “what if”
55%
A
Bagdad Elementary
C
D
36%
B
Block House Creek Elementary
C
B
Camacho Elementary
D
D
5%
C
B B
Danielson Middle School
B
B
3%
D
Early College High School
N/A
A
1%
F
86/100
88/100
Giddens Elementary
D
D
Reading Math This shows how well a district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. Closing the gaps
Glenn High School
C
C
Knowles Elementary
C
C
70% 55% Two or More Races 49% 33% African American
57% 43% Hispanic
73% 60% White
Larkspur Elementary
C
B
Leander High School
B
B
Leander Middle School
B
B
57% 47% American Indian 77% 65% Pacic Islander
47% 38% High Focus* 70% 57% All Students
Mason Elementary
B
B
New Hope High School
A
A
87% 84% Asian
North Elementary
N/A
B
Parkside Elementary
A
A
Plain Elementary
B
B
*HIGH FOCUS INCLUDES ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND THOSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES
Pleasant Hill Elementary
B
C
Percentage of students approaching grade level or above on STAAR tests
Four-Year Graduation Rate
Rouse High School
B
B
Running Brushy Middle School
B
B
State
District
State
District
Stiles Middle School
A
A
Tarvin Elementary
A
A
Whitestone Elementary
A
A
Wiley Middle School
C
B
Reading
Math
Science
Social Studies
Winkley Elementary
A
B
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Some Santa Rita Middle School students in Liberty Hill ISD may attend class in portables. The LHISD board of trustees approved moving three vacant portables from other campuses to Santa Rita Middle School at an April 21 meeting. What’s happening Santa Rita Middle School has an “immediate need for additional classroom space,” Director of Construction Dustin Akin said. The campus is projected to enroll 1,450 students next school year, Akin said. The middle school, which was built for a capacity of 1,200 students, enrolled around 1,254 students as of February, district ocials said. LHISD to add portables as enrollment grows
Growth projection LHISD’s enrollment is projected to nearly double by 2034 Enrollment Projected enrollment Current capacity: 1,200
20K
15K
10K
5K
0
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The board approved spending nearly $109,000 from the district’s general fund to relocate two por- tables from Liberty Hill Elementary and a portable from Liberty Hill Middle School. The three portables will provide six new class- rooms for Santa Rita students and are expected to arrive before school begins in August, Akin said.
The discussion School board President Megan Parsons said the portables would be temporary and hopefully no longer needed after the district opens more schools. ”I hate having to put kids in portables,” trustee Chris Neighbors added. “But unfortunately it’s a necessary evil.”
Saturday
Old Town Leander June 7th 2025 Leander, TEXAS 5
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
LISD OKs $4M toward Early Childhood Center O cials are preparing to break ground on Leander ISD’s rst prekindergarten Early Child- hood Center, but a recent funding gap identied more funds are needed to complete the project. The board of trustees approved 4-1 to reallo- cate $4 million in bond funds toward the ECC during the regular board meeting April 10. The 2023 bond allocated $161 million toward repurposing underutilized campuses, $60 million of which has been allocated for building an early childhood center at Halsey Drive. What’s changed A $4 million funding gap was identied following a rened design scope and additional site work, Chief Operating O cer Jeremy Trimble said. The ECC diers from a traditional elemen- tary campus, which is where the cost dierences lie, Trimble said.
Leander ISD updates budget assumptions The Leander ISD board of trustees adopted updated budget assumptions to be considered in creating the 2025-26 scal year budget at its March 27 meeting. LISD Chief Financial O cer Peter Pape said the board asked administration to increase the decit threshold to 4.5% and increase the attendance assumption to 94.125%. Dig deeper The new budget assumptions are param- eters that will guide decision-making in crafting the 2025-26 proposed budget, which the board will vote on. The increased attendance assumption, up from 94%, could increase state funding, which is based on average daily attendance, according to the state.
The Early Childhood Center is expected to have:
A capacity of about 600 prekindergarten students
Five learning pods with literacy areas, free play stations and meals
Outdoor play areas with covered porches, gardens, trike tracks and free play areas
A gym, media center, administrative oces and community resource spaces
Space for the Parents as Teachers program
SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
With the reallocation of funds toward the ECC, there is now $97 million in bond funds remaining for other campus repurposing projects.
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© 2025, Challenger Schools · Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
15
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
EXPRESS BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY, MAY 31
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 JURASSIC BALLPARK
Community First: Fire Safety & Home Protection with ESD9
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Stay Safe This Wildfire Season – Follow These Tips: Create Defensible Space: Clear flammable materials like dead leaves, branches, and debris around your home.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Use drought-tolerant, non-flammable plants and keep trees trimmed.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Stay Informed Before You Burn: Check local fire regulations and restrictions to avoid fines. For details, visit the Williamson County Fire Marshal’s website at www.wilcotx.gov/378/Fire-Marshal.
Be Prepared – Sign Up Today! Available to all residents within ESD9 boundaries. Scan to register for your fire blanket. Want to Learn More? Read about our Wildfire Safety & Preparedness efforts:
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY DACIA GARCIA
Glow Party with Lixbox The waterpark will stay open late and will be accompanied by hits ranging from the 60s to today performed by local band Lixbox. Waterpark slides will stay open until 8 p.m. and the pool will be open until 10 p.m. • May 25, 4-10:30 p.m. • $20 (all-day admission), $10 (general admission past 4 p.m.) • Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark, 16101 FM 2769, Ste. D. Leander • www.volentebeach.com/calendar Liberty Hill Public Library District Summer Reading Program Children and adults alike can sign up for the program starting May 5 and look forward to a range of events from seeing Mike the Reptile Guy and participating in a safari petting zoo. Children will have the opportunity to earn prizes and teens and adults can win ra¨e tickets and gift cards to local businesses. • May 27-June 24 • Free • Liberty Hill Public Library, 355 Main St., Liberty Hill • www.lhpl.org/home/summer-reading Adult Book Club Readers are welcome to join together and discuss Julia Heaberlin’s “Night Will Find You.” The novel follows the story of a scientist and reluctant psychic brought in to nd a missing girl. • May 28, 7-8:30 p.m. • Free • Liberty Hill Public Library, 355 Main St., Liberty Hill • www.lhpl.org/adults/book-club
May
Adult Writing Club Individuals interested in building their writing skills will have a space to give and receive feedback in a supportive environment. The monthly event will feature prompts and exercises to get them started in writing and journaling. • May 21, 6-7:30 p.m. • Free • Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.leandertx.gov/707/Adult-Programs Treat Yourself Tuesday Families can celebrate the last day of school by enjoying a shaved ice treat from Bahama Bucks where a percentage of the sales will benet Noble Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization. • May 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lion’s Foundation Park, 355 Main St., Liberty Hill • www.noblepto.org The Market LHTX The Market LHTX started its 2025 season on May 10. The community event oers a range of vendors featuring local food, crafts, jewelry, boutique items and more, in addition to live music and networking opportunities. The Market is held at dierent locations; refer to the website for dates and locations. • May 10-November 29 • Free • Various Liberty Hill locations • www.themarketlhtx.com Fish & Turtles Nature Learning Adventure Parents and children can learn about the sh and turtles at Lakewood and explore the sites where they hang out. Participants are advised to wear closed toed shoes, wear sunscreen and bring water. • May 24, June 7, 10-11 a.m. (18 months to three years old), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.(four to seven years old) • $45 • Lakewood Park, 2040 Artesian Springs Crossing, Leander • www.leandertx.gov/386/Summer-Camps-and- Activities
• Free (general admission), $35+ (VIP), $39 (5k registration) • Leander Chamber of Commerce, 100 N. Brushy St., Leander • www.oldtownleander.com Howl at the Moon 2025 Liberty Hill nonprot L4 Cares will host its annual fundraiser to support its various programs which empower individuals to respond to the unspoken needs of others. The fundraiser will have a dueling pianos performance, unlimited barbecue, a live auction and a cash bar. • June 7, 6-10 p.m. • $50 • Reunion Ranch, 850 CR 255, Georgetown • www.l4cares.org/howl-at-the-moo-2025 Juneteenth Block Party Community members can come together to celebrate the special event with music performances, food and craft vendors, bounce houses and a basketball tournament. Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used or new book donations. • June 14, 5-9 p.m. • Free • Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.leandertx.gov/746/Juneteenth-Block-Party
June
Old Town Street Festival The annual event will kick o with a family-friendly 5k throughout the heart of Old Town Leander where all participants will receive a race T-shirt and custom nisher medals. Other event attractions include music performances and a local vendor market with unique home or fashion goods, art and beverage and food- related products. • June 7, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
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17
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan issues a proclamation of Texas Baptist Children’s Home Day. AzulOx Visuals
Aerial shot of TBCH in 2025 showing 17 cottages, the chapel (built in 1955), a rec center, counseling center and oces. TBCH plans to expand on the northeast quadrant of the campus o Bowman.
Rep. John Carter and wife, Erika Carter enjoyed honoring the legacy of TBCH at the 75 th Anniversary.
AzulOx Visuals
Bronze busts made in honor of Billie Sue and Louis Henna, Sr. unveiled at the 75 th Anniversary.
Aerial shot of TBCH in 1950. The original campus included 5 cottages on what used to be the edge of Round Rock, but is now the center of town.
Texas Baptist Children’s Home Celebrates 75 Years
A Legacy of Changed Lives Since that first act of faith, TBCH has walked alongside families, oering a path forward. The ministry has helped families experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace for generations. At the 75th Anniversary Celebration, alumni shared powerful testimonies of how their lives had been changed through the ministry. One mother spoke of how the Family Care program gave her the support to rebuild her family. TBCH is expanding capacity, ensuring greater safety and security for those served, and oering community services where new dreams can grow. With God’s guidance and the unwavering support of dedicated sta, donors, friends, and the community, the work Mr. and Mrs. Henna began will live on for generations to come.
Texas Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH) gathered with the Children At Heart family of ministries along with supporters, alumni, and community leaders to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 75 years of service to children and families in need. The anniversary dinner was more than just an event. It was a tribute to the countless lives transformed through decades of compassionate ministry. It all began in 1950 with the founding of Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock, Texas. Louis and Billie Sue Henna stepped out in faith, daring to dream of a refuge for children. From 112 acres and five buildings, a legacy was born. One that has brought home, hope, and healing to thousands. Their simple yes became a ripple of transformation that continues to grow today.
Billie Sue and Louis Henna, Sr. read books to children in a cottage at TBCH. To learn more about the legacy of the Henna Family and
transformational impact happening at TBCH, scan the QR code.
1101 N. Mays St., Round Rock, TX 78664 | 512-255-3682 | www.tbch.org
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY SAM SCHAFFER
Haute Spot 1501 E. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park www.hautespot.live/calendar • May 16: L.A. Guns with Sticks N Stones & Paul Lidel’s Scream Therapy, 6-11 p.m. • May 17: Lily Rose, 6-11 p.m. • May 23: Stoney LaRue, 6-11 p.m. • May 30: Dos Borrachos featuring Kevin Fowler & Roger Creager, 6-11 p.m. • May 31: Pat Green & Friends featuring Cory Morrow & Django Walker, 6-11 p.m. • June 6: Audic Empire with Good Karma, 6-11 p.m. • June 7: John Michael Montgomery, 6-11 p.m. • June 14: Suede ATX, 6-11 p.m. Rabbit Hole Neighborhood Bar Cedar Park 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 202, Cedar Park www.rabbitholetx.com/event-calendar/ • May 16: Fallon Franklin, 8-11 p.m. • May 17: Sam Pace, 8-11 p.m.
Live music
Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill www.agapebbq.com/upcoming-events • May 17: San Gabriel River Band, 6:30 p.m. • May 23: Kenn Renner, 6:30 p.m. • May 24: Stone Rollers, 6:30 p.m. • May 30: Kenneth Parker, 6:30 p.m. • May 31: Steel Belts, 6:30 p.m. • June 6: Aspen Crouch • June 7: Guns and Oil Band • June 13: Christine Renner • June 14: Boot Rock Band The Fieldhouse at The Crossover 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 160, Leander www.theeldhousetexas.com/the-stage-live-music • May 17: Dead Love Club, 7-10 p.m. • May 18: Sazon Latin Food Festival, 4-10 p.m.
There are a number of live music events coming up in Leander, Liberty Hill and Cedar Park.
COURTESY RABBIT HOLE CEDAR PARK
• May 28: Karaoke Night, 7-11 p.m. • June 4: Karaoke Night, 7-11 p.m. • June 11: Karaoke Night, 7-11 p.m.
• June 7th: Matt LeSeur - 7-10 p.m. • June 13th: Robert Mokry - 7-10 p.m. • June 14th: Aaron Gee - 7-10 p.m. • June 15th: Fathers Day Event w/ Hourglass - 12-3 p.m.
• Ju n e 6: Suede, 7-10 p.m. • June 7: Us & Her, 7-10 p.m. • June 13: Dueling Pianos, 7-10 p.m. • June 14: The Jams ATX, 7-10 p.m.
Volente Beach Waterpark and Resort 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander
• June 5th: Open Mic - 7-10 p.m. • June 6th: Karaoke - 7-10 p.m.
19
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
From the cover
MUDs take o in Leander and Liberty Hill
In a nutshell
How do MUDS work?
Without MUDs, these projects would either:
A MUD is a type of special-purpose district authorized by the state Legislature that functions as an independent limited government.
MUDs are special-purpose districts created by the state and used by developers to fund the upfront costs of building new communities in unincorporated areas—land outside city limits that isn’t governed by a municipal government— such as infrastructure for water, sewer, drainage and roads, according to the Texas Municipal League. Unlike city residents, MUD residents typically do not receive municipal trash pickup, parks access or police services, and instead rely on county resources or private services. MUDs are governed by locally elected boards, often chosen in low-turnout elections where only a few residents qualify to vote because the land is typically undeveloped at the time, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Developers also use other forms of special- purpose districts, such as water improvement districts, or WIDs, depending on the type of infrastructure available. Dozens of MUDs exist in the Leander and Liberty Hill area, many of which are located along US 183 and Hwy. 29 in or near Leander’s ETJ. Since 2023, new state legislation has allowed landowners to leave a city’s ETJ through petition or election, making way for the creation of more MUDs.
The cost of property within them would be much higher
Be much smaller
or
How are MUDS created?
1. Petition
2. Review
TCEQ reviews public hearing requests from interested parties and the county court. If a requester is aected, there will be a hearing followed by a judge’s ruling. 3. Government
4. Annexation
Property owners must petition Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The developer must put up a letter of credit equal to 30% or more of the cost of subdivision utilities.
The TCEQ evaluates the petition, holds a public hearing and either grants or denies the requests.
New sites can be annexed into a MUD through a formal request to the MUDs attorney or engineer. The board votes to approve or deny the request.
Living in a MUD outside of the city
To live in the city
Higher property tax rates than city residents
Lower property tax rates than MUD residents
Fewer property regulations
City zoning and property regulations
More new housing options
High city impact fees for new developments
Typically more access to outdoor amenities
Parks and rec development funded by city
Vote for representatives of MUD boards
Residents can vote in city elections
SOURCE: TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, TEXAS WATER CODECOMMUNITY IMPACT
The impact
community requests, including maintenance work and landscaping projects. “I think that smaller government programs like this that keep more decisions in the hands of the communities that they’re in is valuable,” Dunn said.
valuation, compared to $0.9226 in nearby MUDs like Williamson County MUD 31, according to the Williamson County information. Laurie Dunn, a resident of Williamson County MUD 31, said she’s willing to pay higher taxes as the board of her MUD has been very responsive to
Over the last decade, at least 16 MUDs have been formed in the Leander and Liberty Hill area, with 12 approved since 2020. Residents in MUDs often face higher tax rates than those within city limits. In 2024, Leander had a tax rate of $0.417282 per $100 of property
$1.20 $1 Comparing tax rates
MUD bonds can be used to fund:
Water, sewer and drainage infrastructure
Road projects
$0 $0.40 $0.20 $0.60 $0.80
Waste services
Parks, trails and other recreational amenities
When a resident buys a house in a district, they are notied of the following:
Money voted on in past bonds The number of bonds to be funded to date
Tax rate
The purpose of the district
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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