Georgetown Edition | August 2023

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

GEORGETOWN EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 AUG. 16SEPT. 13, 2023

Warlock Garage oers car restoration, maintenance EDUCATION EDITION 2023

District data

Devin Padavil becomes next GISD superintendent

Georgetown ISD bus driver Steve Ledbetter has worked with the district for nine years. (Grant Crawford/Community Impact)

Owner names new pub after rescued horse

Georgetown ISD navigates bus driver shortage While teachers have been in short supply throughout Texas in recent years, area school districts are facing shortages in bus driv- ers, custodial sta, maintenance workers and child nutritionists— the behind-the-scenes positions needed to keep campuses aoat. In Georgetown ISD, worker shortages have forced the district to adapt and make do with the sta it has so programs and services are not interrupted. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, the district was actively looking to ll vacant auxiliary positions in several departments. It’s vacancies in the transporta- tion department, though, that are “Everybody notices when their kids are unable to be picked up on a bus route and driven to the school,” he said. Out of 100 budgeted bus driver positions at GISD, the district was short 12 drivers as CONTINUED ON 32 BY GRANT CRAWFORD often noticed rst, GISD bus driver Steve Ledbetter said.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTER Grant Crawford

FROM DENISE: As we gear up for students to head back to school, we wanted to take a look into not only the teacher shortages the districts are facing but take it a step further to address other areas in schools that are experiencing sta shortages. In this annual Education Edition, you will read about how districts are lacking in behind-the-scenes employees and what they are doing to address these issues. Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dana Smyth METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES geonews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING geoads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

FROM CLAIRE: This paper contains Community Impact ’s annual Education Edition, which focuses on public education. Our front-page story talks about how Georgetown ISD is navigating stang shortages in departments such as transportation, child nutrition and custodial services. We also have stories about a new law that requires an armed security guard to be located on every campus (see Page 19) and the recently revised Texas Education Agency A-F rating system (see Pages 26-27). Wishing students and families the best as they head back to school! Claire Shoop, EDITOR

CORRECTION: Volume 16, Issue 11, Page 35 Clare Losey joined the Austin Board of Realtors as its housing economist in March.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

DEL WEBB BLVD.

SERENADA DR.

NORTHWEST BLVD.

LAKE GEORGETOWN

130 TOLL

Warlock Garage

COURTESY WARLOCK GARAGE

tion of conventional medicine and alterna- tive therapies. Services include compre- hensive medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy. 512-240-4456. www.primewellnessandlongevity.com 5 Amar Beauty Salon opened June 20 at 2030 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. Owned by Claudia Salas and Paola Henry, the salon oers a variety of hair services including cuts, coloring, highlights, balayages, extensions, keratin smoothing and blow- dries as well as makeup. 512-765-3644. www.amarbeautysalon.com 6 Lovesac opened a new location July 14 at 1013 W. University Ave., Ste. 101, Georgetown, in the Wolf Ranch Town Center. The furniture store oers a variety of couches, chairs, bean bags, pillows and other home accessories. The company also has locations in Austin and Cedar Park. 737-245-7759. www.lovesac.com 7 Kingsview Partners opened a new oce April 14 at 1821 Westinghouse Road, Ste. 1170, Georgetown. An independent nancial management and advisory rm, the new location is led by Christo- pher Cantu. His areas of focus are small business owners, women in transition, and families and individuals within ve to seven years of retirement. 512-686-7398. www.kingsview.com Aaron Towns opened Premier Pressure Washing in Georgetown in late April, oering a range of services to improve the appearance of area homes and businesses. The home-based business provides con- crete cleaning, pressure washing and soft washing services. Soft washing is a process using low-pressure water with detergent to break down dirt, grime, mildew stains and other contaminants found on wall surfaces. 110 110 29 130 TOLL

RIVERY BLVD.

WOLF RANCH PKWY.

CROSS CREEK RD.

CREEK CROSSING RD.

7TH ST.

17TH ST.

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NOW OPEN 1 Warlock Garage , a new auto shop specializing in classic cars, opened July 10 at 6504 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. B, Georgetown. Owner Jonathan Mason said he provides repair, maintenance and restoration services, including brake rebuilds or upgrades, engine swaps, electrical work and more. He also plans to service motorcycles in the future. 512-733-9034. www.warlockgarage.com

2 Sabino’s Pizza opened a new location July 5 at 5731 Williams Drive, Georgetown. The restaurant oers a variety of tra- ditional and specialty pizzas, including Chicago-style deep dish as well as pan pizzas. The menu also features wings, sandwiches, beef and pepperoni rolls, and a selection of appetizers and sides. 512-379-8690. www.sabinospizza.com 3 Black Sugar Ca e opened a new loca- tion June 17 at 7401 S. I-35, Georgetown, inside of Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown. 35

Customers at the new cafe will nd coee, frappes, kolaches, muns and burritos. Kat Carvente, Black Sugar Cae public re- lations director, said the business is making plans for a new lunch menu to be featured only at the Mercedes-Benz location. www.blacksugarcae.com 4 A new medical clinic, Prime Wellness and Longevity , opened Aug. 1 at 4871-2 Williams Drive, Ste. 207, George- town. Owned by Dr. Gregory Patterson, the health care practice oers a combina- 1460

Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certied (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 64 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)

1431

Call for an appointment 512-868-5999 Advanced Technology CEREC (one day all ceramic crowns) Endodontic Microscopes Digital radiography/photography CBCT (3-D) scans Oral/nitrous sedation www.Torres-Dental-Specialties.com

431

• Restorative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Full mouth reconstruction

(severe wear/malocclusions) • Complex esthetic and functional cases • Dental implants • Dentures / partial dentures

4402 Williams Drive, Suite 104 • Georgetown, TX • Hours M-F 8-5 • Most insurance accepted

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COMPILED BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Sabino’s Pizza

Amar Beauty Salon

COURTESY SABINO’S PIZZA

COURTESY AMAR BEAUTY SALON

Premier Pressure Washing oers its services through appointments. 245-366-2270. www.premierpressurewashpros.com COMING SOON 8 The Grumpy George , a new pub com- ing to Georgetown, plans to open in late September at 114 E. Seventh St., Ste. 112. The British pub and grub concept will oer traditional British food with a modern twist as well as British beers on tap and a full liquor bar. www.thegrumpygeorge.com RELOCATION 9 The Williamson County and Cities Health District relocated its George- town Women, Infants and Children and Community Nutrition program oce from 100 W. Third St., Georgetown, to the Carver Center for Families at

1200 W. 17th St., Georgetown. The new location, which started seeing patients July 28, is meant to serve as a one-stop hub for assisting the community, bring- ing multiple services under one roof. The WCCHD also has WIC services available in Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Round Rock and Taylor. 512-943-3680. www.wcchd.org ANNIVERSARIES 10 Totally You Salon marked its 25th anniversary of serving the Georgetown community in early July. The salon, which provides family hair care, rst opened on July 6, 1998, at 314 E. Sixth St., Georgetown. In February 2005, it relocated to a private six-suite salon space at 110 Lakeway Drive, Georgetown. Owner Anita Carpenter has been a practicing stylist in Georgetown for 35 years. 512-863-3805

The mangonada at Fruity Mas is a blend of fresh mangos, sugar and chamoy topped with a chamoy, tajin and tamarind candy.

COURTESY FRUITY MAS

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Fruity Mas opened at 1911 N. Austin Ave., Ste 102, Georgetown, on May 8. Owned by sisters Sheira and Valeria Argote, the fruteria oers horchatas, paletas, fruit- lled pastries, fresas con crema and other desserts and beverages. Sheira said the sisters wanted to put a modern twist on traditional Mexican treats and snacks. “What sets us apart is we’re from a younger generation and we wanted

to play around with the recipes,” she said. “It’s a lot of sugar and sweets,

and everything is fresh.” www.fruteriaymas.com

WISHING YOUR FAMILY A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR!

As your kids start back to school this month, we know you have a lot on your mind. But one thing you don’ have to stress about is dental care—we have that covered with exceptional pediatric dental care and orthodontic solutions for your whole family in one convenient location.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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TODO LIST AUGUST 24 READ A BOOK

COMPILED BY BIANCA MORENOPAZ

28 THROUGH NOV. 18 STUDY SOMETHING NEW The Georgetown Palace Theatre will begin its fall session classes. It will oer classes in acting, dance, voice, improvisation, sketch comedy, playwriting, stage combat and musical theater. Times vary with weekly classes ranging from 45-90 minutes. $215-$295 (12-week session). 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. www.georgetownpalace.com SEPTEMBER 07 LEARN ABOUT BIRDS AND GARDENING Georgetown Environmental Services will host a discussion about native plants that attract birds and other wildlife to gardens as well as how to build and maintain a sustainable backyard habitat. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Friends Room at Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. Eventbrite: Gardening for Birds and Wildlife 08 FUNDRAISE FOR CHARITY Reset Mentoring, a local nonprot that mentors teenagers in juvenile detention or on probation, will host its sixth annual charity fundraiser at the Georgetown Community Center. Each ticket includes dinner, two drinks and chips to play at casino tables to win ra¢e

tickets. 6:30 p.m. (doors open), 7 p.m. (event starts). $60-$400. 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. www.resetmentoring.org 12 EXPLORE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department will host its third Rec on the Go event at Stillwater Park. The event will feature obstacle courses, hula hoops, bubbles, sports games, relays and more. 4-6 p.m. Free. 1703 Coldwater Ave., Georgetown. https://parks.georgetown.org 13 HEAR ABOUT A HISTORIC TRIAL To commemorate the 100th anniversary of a series of trials held against the Ku Klux Klan in Williamson County, “Daytripper” writer and producer Emily Treadway will give a presentation about the making of the documentary “Klan on Trial.” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free (admission). Wildre, 812 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-943-1670. www.williamsonmuseum.org 16 PARTY AT THE POOL The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual K9 Kerplunk at the Georgetown Recreation Center. The event is limited to 100 dogs per hourlong time slot. All participating dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination. 10 a.m.-noon. Free (for humans), $5 (per dog). 1003 N. Austin Ave, Georgetown. https://parks.georgetown.org

Lark & Owl Booksellers is hosting a one-time book club to discuss the newly released bestselling novel “Clytemnestra” by Texan Italian author Costanza Casati. The event will feature drink samples from Meridian Hive and food from Alouette Bistro. 6:30-8 p.m. $5. 205 Sixth St., Ste. 101, Georgetown. 512-688-5582. Eventbrite: Mythology Book Club 25 WATCH A MOVIE OUTDOORS Crosspoint Church will conclude its outdoor summer movie series with a viewing of “Inside Out.” Prior to the screening, participants can play checkers, cornhole and Jenga with food truck K.O. Barbeque on-site. 6-10:15 p.m. Free. 3800 Shell Road, Georgetown. 512-869-7729. www.crosspointgtx.com 26 SPEND A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM The Williamson Museum is inviting families from around the county to solve the mystery of the missing gem. The event will include a variety of crafts and other activities. 6-9 p.m. $5 (children members), $8 (children nonmembers), $10 (adult members), $12 (adult nonmembers). 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-943-1670. www.williamsonmuseum.org

Irreverent Warriors is hosting a hike to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

COURTESY IRREVERENT WARRIORS

FEATURED EVENT Hike with fellow veterans Irreverent Warriors, a nationwide nonprot that fosters community among veterans, will host a Silkies Hike in Georgetown on Sept. 9. Silkies Hikes are for veterans, active-duty military and National Guard members only. They aim to prevent veteran suicide by using humor and camaraderie to better mental health. Hikes put on by the organization are not athletic events and range from 4-10 miles each with frequent stops for breaks. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $5. VFW Post 8587, 1000 N. College St., Georgetown 931-572-7436 Eventbrite: Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike - Georgetown, TX

Find more or submit Georgetown events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES City unveils trail extension

COMPILED BY GRANT CRAWFORD

ONGOING PROJECTS

MILES OF TRAILS The South San Gabriel Trail extension, which opened June 22, adds to the city’s existing network of nearly 13 miles of trails.

SYCAMORE ST.

South San Gabriel Trail extension South San Gabriel Trail Katy Crossing Loop Trail

Randy Morrow Trail San Gabriel Park Loop Pickett Trail San Gabriel River Trail

The South San Gabriel Trail in Georgetown grew a little longer this summer after the city of George- town opened a new section June 22, connecting University Avenue to Wolf Ranch Crossing. The new 0.7-mile trail is a 10-foot- wide concrete path. It also connects to a 0.8-mile regional trail in Wolf Ranch, making the entire San Gabriel Trail over 2.5 miles long. Construction on the $1.2 million project, funded by a 2008 vot-

Shell road improvements The design phase of a project to widen 1.1 miles of Shell Road from Williams Drive to Sycamore Street is 30% complete, Georgetown ocials said. Once completed, the section of road will be four lanes, have a divid- er, and include a shared-use path for pedestrians and bikes. Timeline: 2024-26 Cost: $12.5 million Funding source: city of Georgetown

RIVERY BLVD.

WOLF RANCH PKWY.

er-approved parks bond, began in February 2022. Originally scheduled for completion in January, the project was delayed due to supply chain issues. The new section is part of the city’s overall master plan to connect the trail to Garey Park. Hwy. 29, DB Wood Road intersection undergoes upgrades 29 SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT N

BOOTYS CROSSING RD.

OAK RIDGE RD.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 3. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT GEONEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Timeline: 2024-27 Cost: $19 million Funding source: city of Georgetown DB Wood Road construction Engineering rm Kimley Horn and Georgetown ocials are about a year into the design phase of a project that will widen a 2.3-mile portion of DB Wood Road to four lanes. The project boundaries are from Oak Ridge Road to the Public Safety Operations and Training Center near Williams Drive.

Drivers traveling through the intersection of Hwy. 29 and DB Wood Road will notice improvements to the area after Williamson County and the Texas Department of Trans- portation partnered on a $10.7 million project to enhance safety. Completed in June, the construction project added left- and right-turn lanes going both east- and westbound on Hwy. 29,

eliminating the continuous left-turn lane. It also widened DB Wood, creating two southbound left-turn lanes, installing a raised median and adding travel lanes in each direction. With continued growth in the region, the intersec- tion is meant to mitigate the buildup of trac along the corridor, according to Williamson County. In 2021, Hwy. 29 between

US 183 and I-35 averaged around 25,850 vehicles per day, according to TxDOT. Now, nearly 35,000 vehicles travel along Hwy. 29 daily. Williamson County contributed $5.19 million to the project, using voter-approved road bonds to pay for the design, utility coordination and right of way acquisition. TxDOT funded the construction to the tune of $5.54 million.

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DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS

Projects underway in the Georgetown area

New development company behind Williams Drive project

First 3D-printed homes hit market

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Wolf Ranch's first 3D-printed model home opened July 22.

Savvy Development is developing a 24-acre site along Williams Drive.

The rst model in a community of 100 homes being built with 3D-printer technology in the Wolf Ranch area opened July 22. What’s happening? Construction technology com- pany ICON, in partnership with homebuilder Lennar, architecture rm Bjarke Ingles Group and developer Hillwood Communities, has been steadily printing walls since the project was announced in November. With the rst model home complete, the group has begun selling its tech-forward houses with the rst residents set to move in this September. A closer look The 3D-printed homes are made out of ICON’s proprietary cementitious mix, Lavacrete. The high-strength mixture is meant to

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

GRANT CRAWFORD COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY SAVVY DEVELOPMENT

Savvy Development, a new William- son County development company, is spearheading its rst project on Williams Drive in Georgetown. The 24-acre site located at 4775 and 4795 Williams Drive will include multifamily housing, restau- rant, retail and o ce space, said Travis Wilkes, Savvy Development co-founder and chief operating o cer. Diving in deeper Wilkes said Savvy has owned the Williams Drive property for about a year and half. During that time, the company sold 9 of its 24 acres to Georgetown real estate company Novak Brothers, which plans to build a 216-unit apartment community on the site, he said. Novak is scheduled to begin construction Oct. 28.

Additionally, Savvy sold one other piece of the site to Culver’s, which will break ground on its restaurant and frozen custard concept in December, Wilkes said. The development company has completed 40% of a road extension to Verde Vista. The project, which started at the end of May and is projected to be nished by early September, will connect the existing road to Williams Drive.

provide a variety of benets to the homeowner including: • Increased weather resistance • Energy e ciency • Greater insulation • Resistance to mold, termites, re damage and rot What to expect With around 80 lots still under construction, the homes are being put up for sale in waves.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

ENVIRONMENT Community responds as temperatures soar

HEAT-RELATED CALLS ON THE RISE

The number of heat-related 911 calls Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services has responded to has increased consistently over the past three years. Williamson County Emergency Medical Services also responded to more heat-related calls this June versus June 2022.

Record-breaking heat has taken over Central Texas this summer, and weather experts predict this will continue through at least Septem- ber. As a result, ocials are oering to help residents beat the heat. The National Weather Service issued the rst heat advisory of the year for Central Texas on June 13, and the area has been under a heat advisory most days since then. The region reached a record heat index value of 118 degrees June 21, and experts suggested the future will be lled with an increasing number of heat waves. John Moore, a meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmo- spheric Administration, conrmed Central Texas has a 50%-60% proba- bility of experiencing above-average temperatures well into September. Mike Knipstein, Williamson County Emergency Medical Services director, also conrmed the hotter-than-normal temperatures in Central Texas. BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & CHLOE YOUNG

“It looks like July is going to be our record-breaking [month] related to heat emergencies,” said Knipstein, explaining Williamson County EMS had responded to 33 heat-related calls as of July 18. The previous record for heat-related calls received by Williamson County EMS in one month was 49 calls, set in July 2022. The department passed that number in July 2023 with a record-setting 50 calls. Additionally, Knipstein said the county has also seen more heat stroke calls in recent years, respond- ing to ve heat stroke-related emergencies in July 2022 and three in July 2023. Anna Madrigal, program manager for Family Eldercare—an organiza- tion that gives free fans to those in need—said nearly 5,000 fans had been distributed this year as of July 21, assisting nearly 200 families in Williamson County. The organiza- tion distributed 7,200 fans in 2022.

Williamson County EMS 911 calls

15 30 45 60 0

June 2021

June 2022

June 2023

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin-Travis County EMS 911 calls

50 100 150 200 0

June 2021

June 2022

June 2023

SOURCE: AUSTINTRAVIS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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MERRITT HERITAGE SENIOR VILLAGE 4700 Williams Drive, Georgetown 512-969-3205 • Like us on Facebook @Merrittheritage

www.merrittcommunities.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

ECONOMY

While gas prices are well below levels seen last summer, Austin-area motorists may have noticed some daily variety and a steady climb through the summer so far. SUMMER STEPUP

SOURCE: AAA TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Weekly Austin-area gas prices

$5.00

$4.50

Prices have held relatively steady through the summer, but began climbing in late July.

$4.00

$3.50

$3.00

Gas prices hit their highest levels in the past decade in June 2022.

$2.50

Global, seasonal trends spur summer gas price swings for Texans Central Texas consumers are contending with a hot summer at the gas pump with prices gradually rising—although costs have yet to reach the highs of last year’s spike. BY BEN THOMPSON events are contributing to recent price uctuations. Some of those trends include: • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year

motorist activity. • Armbruster said the 2023 summer travel season may be a big one as AAA tracked more Texans getting out and about following the end of most pandemic-era precautions. That activity is also coming with the slightly higher seasonal cost attached to summer blend gasoline. • De Haan said summer heat has caused some issues for Southern re¡neries, which may also contribute to some increases at the gas pump. Looking ahead Before any price drop that typically comes in fall or winter, De Haan said he’s not optimistic that drivers are in line for immediate relief at the pump thanks to those global oil production trends and a potentially active hurricane season. “The next few weeks as we close summer I think there may be some upward pressure, and then I’m hopeful that sometime this fall we might start to see some downward pressure because of the seasonal changes,” he said. For now, De Haan said variances that motorists might notice at their local pumps are likely due to pricing strategies or competition in the area rather than market-level happenings. Armbruster said he doesn’t expect any major pricing changes as the summer travel season slows down—while noting that unexpected national or global events can always leave an impact. “After Labor Day we see demand fall and we have to switch over to winter blend gasoline, which is a little cheaper to produce. … You would expect that the prices will come down after Labor Day, if not earlier,” he said. “But of course with gas prices, as we’ve seen in the last year or so, things can change at a moment’s notice.”

• Oil production cuts by Organization of the Petro- leum Exporting Countries members and allies The context Ed Hirs, a University of Houston Energy Fellow and energy economist, said OPEC production cutbacks—thousands of barrels daily, led by Russia and Saudi Arabia—appear to be having the most noticeable impact on crude oil prices, and costs at the pump right now. “We’ve seen OPEC+ and the Saudis in particular do their best to withdraw production, and by withdrawing production we mean withdrawing the sale of oil to the global market,” he said. “Apparently at this point, they’ve actually made some cuts of substance.” University of Texas ¡nance professor Ehud Ronn said the steadily climbing price of oil through July, an almost 20% increase in the past month, is also a key contributor. The American Petroleum Institute said crude oil accounts for roughly half the cost of consumer gasoline. “There are many factors that go into retail prices, but an important one is the wholesale price,” he said. “That has of course been impacting retail prices.” Asking the experts Looking ahead, experts point to several compli- cating factors for gas prices. • Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said he believes lessened global fuel supply will hike prices in the near term. • He said changing economic conditions are also a reason behind recent shifts in pricing and

Over the past year, the Austin area and the US as a whole experienced one of the biggest gas price swings of the past decade, according to data from GasBuddy, a company that tracks gas prices. So far this summer, prices have seen less varia- tion—but motorists may be seeing more day-to-day adjustments thanks to a heat wave, seasonal travel activity and some higher-level market disruptions. Zooming in After dipping to extreme lows at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, gas prices steadily rose through 2020 and 2021 before peaking in late spring 2022, hitting a high of around $5 per gallon nation- ally by mid-June 2022. The Austin area reached about $4.60, according to GasBuddy data. Since then, gas prices declined, according to the data. This spring and summer, local prices hovered above $3 but are now climbing toward $3.50 per gallon. What they’re saying “We started o the summer a little bit cheaper than where we are now,” said Daniel Armbruster, a public aairs specialist with AAA Texas. “In the last month, it’s bounced back and forth a little bit which is kind of what’s happened everywhere.” Zooming out Analysts said seasonal trends—gas prices tra- ditionally rise in the summer, in part thanks to travel—combined with recent national and global

GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

GOVERNMENT New ETJ law lets residents leave city jurisdiction

BEYOND BOUNDARIES Many cities in the greater Austin area have extraterritorial jurisdictions, or areas outside of ocial city limits they have control over.

City limits

ETJs

GEORGETOWN ETJ population: City does not track, but includes several large neighborhoods Size: 77,075.2 acres

BY CHLOE YOUNG

A new state law going into eect in September could largely impact the ability of cities to expand and regulate the land neighboring their city limits. Local leaders have expressed con- cerns that a lack of city control might negatively impact development and place more weight on the county. Zooming out: Senate Bill 2038, which passed in the state legislature in May, allows residents of an extraterritorial jurisdiction to leave the city’s ETJ through a petition or election. The law also prevents city ETJs from expand- ing as cities annex new territories. Bennett Sandlin, executive director of the Texas Municipal League, said ETJs allow cities to regulate the following outside of city limits: • Development standards • Subdivisions • Billboards • Nuances, noise and odors State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the bill's author, said he wanted it to be an exit path for ETJ residents who are displeased with regulations from city leaders they can’t vote for. Under the law, those who leave an ETJ would only be subject to county rules or could create their own incorporation. “The purpose is to get people out of what eectively is no representation,” Bettencourt said.

ROUND ROCK ETJ population: 60,994 Size: 18,451.86 acres

CEDAR PARK ETJ population: 20,116 Size: 4,881.82 acres SOURCES: CITIES OF CEDAR PARK, GEORGETOWN & ROUND ROCKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

130

183

183A TOLL

and Williamson County expressed concern about the following: • Long-term impact on ability for cities to grow • Future requirements of the county to provide emergency and law Long-term impact on Future requirements of

MOPAC

620

enforcement services • Unregulated growth • The ability for cities to plan for and deliver utilities • Challenges for future residents in the ETJ wishing to annex into cities In their own words: Williamson County Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said she’s concerned about the county’s ability to take over platting, law enforcement and emergency services for new areas. “[The county] will end up having Unregulated growth

to take over, and we don’t currently have the sta, so we’ll have to increase our sta and it’ll drive county costs up,” Long said. Additionally, Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder said unregulated development could mean that an area that would usually allow for 300 mobile homes could be built up to 1,000 units. “I think it’s going to just allow

for unregulated, very fast paced growth. It’s a huge impact,” Schroeder said. What’s next: As city and county leaders remain uncertain of what the bill’s full impact will be, Bettencourt said the state legisla- ture would be keeping an eye on the bill’s implications once it goes into eect in September.

The outlook: Leaders in Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY & COUNTY WilCo opens economic development oce in Korea

Georgetown City Council will meet Aug. 22 and Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at 510 W. Ninth St., Georgetown. 512-930-3652. www.georgetown.org Williamson County Commissioners Court will meet Aug. 22 and 29, and Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilcotx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER exploring a possible partnership as ocials continue to weigh a potential November bond. The YMCA already plans to use around $13.5 million to build a facility on Williams Drive, ranging from 35,000-40,000 square feet. However, the scope of that facility could expand to 50,000-60,000 square feet with a contribution from Georgetown. The estimated cost for the city’s portion of the project would be $9 million-$10 million. The YMCA would cover 100% of operating costs. HIGHLIGHTS GEORGETOWN The city is projecting general fund revenues of $97.6 million for scal year 2023-24, which would be a 10.2% decrease from FY 2022-23. Meanwhile, planning sta is expected to propose $101.3 million in general fund expenditures for FY 2023-24. The decrease in revenue is largely due to the fact that solid waste will no longer be accounted for in the general fund. City Council reviewed the city manager’s proposed budget during an Aug. 8 meeting and set a maximum tax rate of $0.374698 per $100 valuation. WILLIAMSON COUNTY River Ranch County Park opened to the public July 22, after several years of planning, preparation and construction. Located at 194 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill, the park spans about 1,354 acres and oers amenities including camp sites, an equestrian area, an interpretive center, hiking trails and restrooms. GEORGETOWN The city and YMCA of Central Texas are

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “We have placed a sign in the sky that says, ‘Williamson County is open for business.’ This oce gives us boots on the ground locally so that when companies come to [the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency] wanting to do business in the U.S., they

WILLIAMSON COUNTY O cials with the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership announced the opening of its oce in Seoul, South Korea, on July 1. In a nutshell: The main purpose of the WilCo EDP’s new oce in South Korea is to pinpoint South Korean companies looking to expand in the United States, and help and encourage them to locate in Williamson County. With construction on the new Samsung semiconductor manufactur- ing facility underway in Taylor, there is a demand for suppliers to locate in Central Texas, WilCo EDP Executive Director Dave Porter said at the July 25 Commissioners Court meeting. The new oce will target industry sectors, such as research, life sciences, automotive and software, in addition to semiconductor suppliers. Some Georgetown water customers under Stage 3 limits

can walk them down the hall to our oces.” BILL GRAVELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE

A closer look: The new oce in South Korea is colocated with the headquar- ters of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, or KOTRA, which is a South Korean state-funded trade and investment promotion organiza- tion, according to the news release. Through a partnership with Global Business Partners for stang, the South Korean oce has already produced two leads for the WilCo EDP in the short time it’s been open. One of the WilCo EDP’s South

Korean oce’s rst projects includes hosting a half-day seminar Sept. 12 focusing on how to conduct business in Williamson County. Economic development leaders, city man- agers and others from Williamson County will be in attendance, and they are anticipating meeting with 100-150 companies. Movement on this project began in April when the county began visiting South Korea and approved its partner- ship with KOTRA.

$884M road, parks bond heads to voters

AFFECTED AREAS The west portion of Georgetown’s water service area, which remains under Stage 3 restrictions, includes: • the Parkside neighborhood • the Santa Rita Ranch neighborhood • the Parmer Ranch neighborhood • the Water Oak neighborhood • the Liberty Hill extraterritorial jurisdiction Under Stage 3, residents cannot: • use irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers • wash their vehicles at home • install turf or grass • ll outdoor spas and hot tubs

BY CHLOE YOUNG

WILLIAMSON COUNTY Commissioners Court voted to put an $884 million bond package before voters at its Aug. 8 meeting. The details: The bond will be made up of two propositions. Proposition A will be an $825 million road bond, while Proposition B will include $59 million for parks. The election will take place Nov. 7.

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

GEORGETOWN City ocials announced July 17 residents in the western portion of its water service area will remain under Stage 3 drought conditions through Sept. 4. This part of the service area is described in a city news release as being southwest of Williams Drive, west of DB Wood Road and west of the Southwest Bypass.

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN¡ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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*©Jet HomeLoans, LLCSM (“Jet”) NMLS ID# 1660135. Corporate Oice: 14701 Philips Highway, Suite 202, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | 833-270-7191. Jet is a partnership with FBC Mortgage, LLC NMLS ID# 152859 and Dream Finders Homes. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Programs, rates, program terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. This is not a commitment to lend. NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. 1) Scenario is an estimate only and is based on a 640 FICO score on a 30 year (360 months) VA fixed-rate mortgage at a sales price of $550,000, 100% LTV, loan amount of $550,000, rate of 4.99%, and APR of 5.230%, which would result in a principal and interest payment of $2,949. 4.99% rate is based on a builder paid forward commitment to buydown the market rate. 2) Scenario is an estimate only and is based on a 720 FICO score on a 30 year (360 months) Conventional fixed-rate mortgage at a sales price of $550,000, 80% LTV, loan amount of $440,000, rate of 5.49%, and APR of 5.543%, which would result in a principal and interest payment of $2,496. 5.49% rate is based on a builder paid forward commitment to buydown the market. Payment scenarios do not include taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, or HOA fees (if applicable) and the actual payment obligation may be greater. The forward commitment may not be available on all loan programs. Borrower is not required to finance through Jet but must use Jet to receive incentives. See a Coventry Homes representative for details. Only available in Coventry Homes communities for contracts written and closed by August 31, 2023, on specific homes. Subject to cancellation/change at any time.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

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Serving more than 13,000 students in the fastest-growing city in America. VISION: Home of the most inspired students, served by the most empowered leaders. MISSION: Inspiring and empowering every learner to lead, grow, and serve.

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DISTRICT DATA

Data and information from local school districts

COMPILED BY GRANT CRAWFORD & CLAIRE SHOOP

English learners Economically disadvantaged students STUDENT STATISTICS, 202223

SOURCES: GEORGETOWN ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

In the last four years as the Georgetown community has grown, so has the number of students attending GISD. In fact, district leaders are taking initial steps to consider calling another bond election in May 2024 to fund new construction projects and other improvements. GEORGETOWN ISD

Special education students

16.13%

15.65%

40.49%

Statewide

62%

23.02% 12.74%

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Percent change from 2020-21 +15.48%

TOTAL TEACHERS AND SALARIES

Total number of teachers*

+5.31%

1,000

950

900

850

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24*

800

*PROJECTED

REVENUE SOURCES

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

*TOTAL IS THE FULLTIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PARTTIME POSITIONS.

2020 21

2021 22

2022 23

2023 24

Starting teacher salary

+13.44%

$60,000

$174.6M TOTAL REVENUE:

$191.5M TOTAL REVENUE:

$237.9M TOTAL REVENUE:

$261.4M TOTAL REVENUE:

$55,000

$50,000

$176M LOCAL $10.5M STATE

$219M LOCAL $12.9M STATE

$241.1M LOCAL

$154M LOCAL $16M STATE

$45,000

$13.1M STATE

$40,000

$4.4M FEDERAL

$5M FEDERAL

$5.9M FEDERAL

$7.3M FEDERAL

2019-20 2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

NOTE: NUMBERS MAY NOT EQUAL TOTAL DUE TO ROUNDING

GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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