Government
Round Rock approves Dell Diamond renovation Round Rock City Council approved a $4.3 million renovation project to the Dell Diamond ballpark at its Nov. 16 council meeting. The backstory As part of Major League Baseball’s Professional Development League, a new model MLB adopted in 2021, PDL licenses were extended to 120 minor league clubs, including the Round Rock Express. Along with licenses to operate in the PDL, clubs must adhere to new facility requirements. “The biggest part of it really just comes down to square footage,” said Brian Stillman, Round Rock sports facilities and operations manager. The largest improvements include a new visitors clubhouse, female-specific locker rooms, coach offices and storage—totaling 8,500 additional square feet, according to construction permits.
WilCo commissioners approve new rate for health care program Williamson County hospitals will have a slightly lower rate as part of a program providing health care for those who are uninsured or on Medicaid. What’s happened? Williamson County Commissioners Court approved Oct. 24 a rate of 1.96% of net patient revenue to be paid by local hospitals to the state’s Comprehensive Hospital Increase Reimbursement Program. The pro- gram allows hospitals to be compensated for financial deficits associated with providing care for uninsured individuals and patients on Medicaid.
New MLB requirements
Improved working conditions and amenities for players and staff
Facility standards better suited for professional athletes
Player salary increases
Reduced in-season travel for the team
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Looking ahead Funding for the Dell Diamond expansion and improvements comes from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax fund. “It’s not coming out of our citizens’ pockets; it’s coming out of the [pockets] of people who stay in [Round Rock] hotels,” Mayor Craig Morgan said. Though noted as not likely, the MLB could potentially hold the minor league team from the city if these new requirements are not met. Renovations are expected to be complete by opening day 2025.
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