Government
Buda council talks bonds amid state bill threat With a proposed state law threatening to limit local borrowing, the Buda City Council on May 6 reviewed the city’s debt portfolio and the time- line for spending voter-approved bond funds, discussing the possibility of accelerating bond sales in the future. The overview Buda’s current funding portfolio includes remaining funds from its 2021 general obligation bonds, along with planned funding for capital improvement projects. In November 2021, voters approved two bond propositions totaling $89.66 million for citywide upgrades, including road reconstruction, trail expansion and park improvements. Digging deeper HB 19, would cap cities’ annual debt payments
2 bills could impact Hays’ water use if OK’d Two bills in the Texas Legislature can impact groundwater resources in Hays County, with one bill providing more parameters for groundwater use and another decreasing regulation. The overview Senate Bill 2660, introduced by Sen. Charles Perry, R Lubbock, would grant the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, or HTGCD, the authority to charge fees to water suppliers and nonexempt users based on how much groundwater they withdraw. House Bill 2812, introduced by Republican Rep. Carrie Isaac, who represents parts of Hays and Comal counties, would exempt public water supply wells from regulation, permitting and metering by the HTGCD.
“I really hope that the doomsday scenario that I’m thinking of doesn’t come to fruition, but I do think that it should energize us somewhat to do what we can through our
channels and our means to oppose the measure.” MATT SMITH, BUDA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
at 20% of their average property tax revenue from the past three years. For Buda, that cap would restrict borrowing to about $27 million—preventing the city from issuing the remaining $38.5 million in bonds. If passed, the bill could delay or halt several projects until Buda’s tax base grows. To avoid restrictions under HB 19, the city would need to issue the remaining bonds before Sept. 1, according to Ritter.
Appeals court halts San Marcos marijuana ordinance
San Marcos residents' 2022 votes on marijuana decriminalization ordinance For Against
arguing it violated the Texas Local Government Code, which bars cities from limiting the enforce- ment of state drug laws. A Hays County judge dismissed the case in July 2024, but Paxton appealed. On April 17, the appeals court sided with Paxton, saying the ordi- nance is likely preempted by state law and ordered a temporary injunction.
A state appeals court has temporarily blocked San Marcos’ voter-approved marijuana ordinance, meaning residents may again face citations for low-level possession. Litigation on the ordinance is ongoing as of press time. The overview After voters approved the ordinance in 2022, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the city,
18.16% 81.84%
SOURCE:HAYS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
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