San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | July 2025

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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3 JULY 23AUG. 21, 2025

2025 Home Edition

Road bond hits roadblock Hays County community left in limbo amidst voided bond election as commissioners gear up for an appeal

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

A $440 million Hays County road bond is at a standstill after a Travis County judge ruled it void due to procedural violations by Hays County related to public notice. Approved by voters in November 2024, the bond was intended to fund more than 35 trans- portation projects aimed at easing trac and supporting growth. One project, the SH 45 Southwest Extension, involved a $7.09 million design for a possible four- lane divided highway to improve access to I-35, according to the project details. It would have connected the 3.7-mile gap between SH 45, from FM 1626 to I-35. After hearing about the plans, Travis County Commissioners Court sent a letter urging Hays County to halt the project, citing “vigorous opposition” and concerns about environmental harm to the Edwards Aquifer, lack of coordination with Travis ocials and other regional stakehold- ers, and potential increases in sprawl and trac impacts on Austin. Ocials also claried they had not endorsed the project. CONTINUED ON 18

A proposed SH 45 extension that involved Hays and Travis counties is now derailed amid legal and regional concerns, including environmental and coordination issues. XORIN AERONAUTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Impacts

San Marcos

• 4015 I-35 S. frontage road, Ste. 210, San Marcos • www.gautierdresses.com

THORPE LN.

N. EDWARD GARY ST.

Coming soon

W. HOLLAND ST.

ACADEMY ST.

5 Ollie’s Market Owners Eli and Natalie Zablosky will offer locally sourced, health-conscious produce, pantry staples, dairy, meat and more. Ollie’s Market will also have an in-house deli offering freshly prepared food like sandwiches and salads on a rotating seasonal menu. • Opens in mid- to late-August 6 Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe • Owners Lexie Leinneweber, Cole Leinneweber and Mark Parmerlee will open the Mediterranean Cafe in San Marcos. The cafe offers gyros, salad bowls, soups, homemade dips and more. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe also has locations in New Braunfels and San Antonio. • Opens Aug. 5 • 1101 Thorpe Lane, Ste. 107, San Marcos • www.tazikis.com • 314 N. Edward Gary St., San Marcos • www.shopolliesmarket.com/launch

W. SAN ANTONIO ST.

San Marcos

SAN MARCOS RIVER

123

MCCARTY LN.

1979

MAP NOT TO SCALE

What's next

• Opened July 1 • 2810 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.allymedical.com

Now open

7 TXST Recreation Center Market A filing with TDLR indicates a 980-square-foot market is planned for the Texas State University Recreation Center. The $550,000 project involves converting an existing office space and will include new finishes, ceiling and lighting upgrades, refrigeration, and a double-door storefront.

1 IKEA The furniture store opened in the former Conn’s Home Plus within San Mar Plaza. IKEA’s small-scale store offers more than 2,000 products and a selection of Swedish Food Market items. • Opened July 16 • 917 Hwy. 80 N., San Marcos • www.ikea.com 2 Ally Medical Emergency Room Ally Medical Emergency Room is now providing care at what was previously My Emergency Room 24/7. The ER is equipped to treat both minor and major medical emergencies for children and adults, according to the business’s website. This is Ally Medical’s third location in Hays County.

3 Skip’s Beer Wine & Liquor The Texas-based liquor chain opened its third San Marcos location within the Aquarena Crossing development near Chipotle. The store sells a variety of beer, wine, liquor and mixers. • Opened July 8 • 1430 N. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 104, San Marcos • www.skipsliquor.com 4 Gautier Outlet The second location of San Antonio’s high-end dress store is now open in the San Marcos Tanger Outlets. Gautier sells formal dresses, including ones for prom, quinceañeras, pageants, and weddings. • Opened June 13

• 1011 Academy St., San Marcos • www.campusrecreation.txst.edu

In the news

8 Gil’s Broiler & Manske Roll Bakery The longtime downtown San Marcos restaurant temporarily closed for renovations in June and reopened July 1. Owner Cristian Becerra said they added more indoor games, like pool tables and dart boards, to the space.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, KATLYNN FOX & SARAH HERNANDEZ

• 328 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • www.manskeroll.com

Now open

In the news

9 Pluckers Wing Bar The Austin-founded sports bar is celebrating 30 years in July. Co-founders and co-owners Mark Greenberg and Dave Paul were recent graduates of The University of Texas at Austin when they opened the first Pluckers

near the school’s campus in 1995. • 105 Purple Heart Trail, San Marcos • www.pluckers.com

Worth the trip

Rush A social club and nature reserve spanning more than seven acres is set to open in South Austin, offering racquet sports, food and drinks, entertainment and community events. Amenities will include a clubhouse with locker rooms, showers, saunas, cold plunges and a kitchen. The site will also feature a three-acre nature reserve with trails, an urban garden and lookout spots. • Opening in mid-2026 • 10037 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.rush.club

10 Tumble 22 The chicken restaurant’s menu features items like the O.G. Chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, and deviled eggs, plus salads, milkshakes, and monthly sandwich specials. Tumble 22 also offers a full bar. • Opened June 23 • 1104 Thorpe Lane, San Marcos • www.tumble22.com

11 Tantra SMTX Tantra, a cafe with coffee, cocktails and live music seven days a week, announced that its kitchen is now closed. The spot still offers live events, drinks and grab-and-go food from El Taco Feliz and Ollie’s Market. • 217 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.tantrasanmarcos.com

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Impacts

Buda & Kyle

to open a second shop in the upcoming Roundabout in Buda development. Trianon Coffee serves a variety of organic, microlot, single-origin, specialty blends and decaf coffee. The couple said they also hope to offer more food options, including all-day breakfast, salads, sandwiches and pastries.

967

45 TOLL

• Opening in 2027 • 1141 FM 967, Buda • www.trianoncoffee.com

Buda

5 Chick-fil-A According to a statement from Chick-fil-A Inc., officials are in the early stages of development and hope to serve new guests in the future. Popular menu items from the fast-food chain include the spicy chicken sandwich, the Chick-fil-A cool wrap, and macaroni and cheese. • Opening TBD • FM 1626 between Starbucks and Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, Buda • www.chick-fil-a.com

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WINDY HILL RD.

BENNER RD.

KOHLERS CROSSING

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Closings

6 Z’Tejas The Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant closed all its locations, including one in Arizona, Kyle, Avery Ranch and the original Sixth Street spot. Company officials cited challenges in the market. • Closed June 30 • 18920 S. I-35 frontage road, Kyle • www.ztejas.com 7 Factory Mattress The mattress retailer will close all of its Austin-area locations following the company’s filing for bankruptcy in June. Factory Mattress was founded in 1977 and has locations across the San Antonio and Austin areas. Stores are holding sales with discounts of up to 80% off products. • Closing TBD • 18840 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 100, Kyle • www.factorymattresstexas.com

Kyle

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened May 12 • 645 FM 967, Bldg. 1, Ste. 103, Buda • www.360mdaustin.com

Now open

1 Budaful Dental The dental practice provides dental imaging and X-rays, comprehensive exams, teeth whitening, Invisalign and emergency dental care. • Opened June 25 • 3361 FM 967, Buda • www.budafuldentalcare.com 2 MD Integrative Primary Care Owner and physician Dr. Carol Ann Linebarger and Delta Gonzales, a family nurse practitioner, exclusively provide personalized weight loss care at this location.

3 Visionworks The optical retail store offers eye exams and sells prescription lenses, sunglasses and contact lenses. • Opened July 18 • 5200 FM 1626, Ste. 100-A, Kyle • www.visionworks.com

Coming soon

4 Trianon Coffee Owners Charles Emile Lauriat and Stacy Lauriat plan

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BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, KATLYNN FOX & SARAH HERNANDEZ

Now open

Coming soon

In the news

8 Alliance Cheer Elite - South Owned by Camille Marie, the gym features a full spring floor and mats. Coaches offer tumbling classes for all levels, stunt classes, mommy-and- me classes, open gyms and more. Marie said she is currently in the process of building competitive teams, as well. • Opened June 14 • 2610 Main St., Buda • Facebook: Alliance Cheer Elite - South

9 Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Locally owned by Laurie Levano, the children’s hair salon will provide haircuts in a fun environment for ages zero to 14, as well as “minicures” or mini manicures and hairstyling services. The salon will also offer entertainment options, such as themed car seats, video games, movies, lollipops and balloons. • Opening this fall • 4211 Benner Road, Ste. 210, Kyle • Facebook: Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids - Kyle, TX

10 Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant Owner Curtis Garcia reopened his restaurant July 17 after a 13-month closure for renovations. The family-owned eatery offers authentic Mexican food based on family recipes, including fajitas, quesadillas, carne guisada and more. The first Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant opened in San Marcos in 1988. • 104 S. Main St., Buda • www.garciasmexicanrestaurantcentraltexas.com

Located in one of the fastest growing suburbs South of Austin , Crosswinds in Kyle is centered around Windy Point Amenity Center, where neighbors gather for Pickle Ball , Swimming or just relaxing in the Covered Pavilion . Younger residents can let out their energy at the Play- ground while furry friends run in the Dog Park! MASTER-PLANNED LIVING FROM THE $300s Breeze Life’s a

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Education

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & ELISABETH JIMENEZ

Hays, San Marcos school districts OK budgets as funding changes loom

Legislative impact

Neither district’s budget included detailed information about staff compensation plans due to House Bill 2, as districts are still awaiting full guidance and funding clarity. According to officials with the Texas Education Agency, further guidance is expected to be released later this summer or in early fall. When in place, HB2 will provide teachers with the following annual salary increases based on their years of experience: • $2,500 salary increase for teachers with 3-4 years of experience • $5,000 for teachers with 5 or more years of experience The bill also includes raising the basic allotment, or the per-student funding amount school districts receive, by $55, increasing the current basic allotment to $6,215. Additional funding includes money for school safety, special education, other non-administrative staff and more.

The HCISD board approved a budget of over $377.50 million, funded by local, state and federal sources. The district used $11.46 million of its fund balance reserves to close a projected shortfall. The SMCISD board approved a budget of $88.06 million based on revenues, but anticipates a $6.59 million shortfall due to an estimated $94.64 million in expenditures. Reserve funds are expected to cover the gap. Both HCISD and SMCISD officials said they expect to amend their budgets later this summer, noting that they are awaiting additional guidance from state agencies on tax rates, property values and the impacts of the 89th Texas Legislature.

Budget breakdown

HCISD SMCISD

See how each district’s budget stacks up—from student count to spending and reserve use.

Student population 24,036 students

8,093 students

Projected revenues

$377.50 million

$88.06 million

Projected expenditures

$377.5 million

$94.65 million

Reserves used/shortfall

$11.46 million

$6.59 million

SOURCE: HAYS CISD, SAN MARCOS CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Government

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & BROOKE SJOBERG

San Marcos eyes tax hike amid budget gap In its final workshop before an official budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year is brought forward in August, San Marcos city officials are considering a property tax rate increase for the 2026 fiscal year to address a projected $3.1 million budget shortfall. The shortfall is attributed to anticipated declines in both property values and sales tax revenues, which are expected to be lower than in 2023. The big picture In a June 26 budget workshop, Finance Director Jonathan Locke presented options to balance the budget without making significant reductions. One proposed solution is to raise the city’s property tax rate to $0.6403 per $100 of valuation, slightly below the no-new-reve- nue rate of $0.6496. The city’s property tax rate is $0.6030 per $100 of valuation. With a $40,000 proposed increase to the homestead exemption heading to voters in November, Locke emphasized that the impact of $3.1 million in cuts to the city’s budget would likely be personnel reductions. “That is a very large budget cut for the general fund,” he said. “Seventy-two percent of the general fund is personnel...It takes people to provide the types of services that the general fund provides.” What’s next? The city will seek public input ahead of a vote on its approval in September.

Kyle invests $1.14M in long-term water storage A two-phase water project in Kyle aims to confirm the city’s potential for underground aquifer storage—a method of storing and retrieving water from natural underground formations—as a long- term solution to support the community’s growing population and future water needs. The big picture Kyle City Council approved a $1.14 million contract with STV Infrastructure Inc. for an Aquifer Storage and Recovery, or ASR, project in June. “The Aquifer Storage and Recovery system is an essential part of our long-term water management strategy,” said Kyle Water Utilities Director Mike Murphy. “It will help us meet future water needs efficiently while ensuring we stay within the limits of our existing water agreements. Officials said the Water Master Plan, adopted on April 15, determined ASR to be a viable strategy in the vicinity of Kyle; however, test wells need to be completed to confirm production capacity and water quality. How it works ASR is a forward-looking water management sys- tem that functions like an underground water bank, storing surplus water in aquifers during periods of low demand and retrieving it during high-demand months, such as during peak summer usage. Officials emphasized this approach will allow Kyle to make better use of its existing water resources without increasing annual water allocations. Stay tuned Phase one of the project, estimated to be

Feb. 20, 2024 Council initiates Water Master Plan Kyle’s path to Aquifer Storage and Recovery

Kyle City Council awards STV Engineering a task order to begin developing the city’s long- term Water Master Plan. Sept. 17, 2024 Drought and conservation planning added Council issues a follow-up task order to STV to update the city’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan.

March 29, 2025 Master Plan draft delivered

STV presents the final draft of the Water Master Plan to City Council, outlining water supply strategies including ASR. April 15, 2025 Water Master Plan adopted City Council formally approves the Water Master Plan, identifying ASR as a key strategy to meet future water demand.

June 3, 2025 ASR project funding approved

Council approves a $1.14 million contract with STV to begin the first two phases of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery project.

SOURCE: CITY OF KYLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

completed by January, involves detailed site evalua- tions, a feasibility study and permitting. Phase 2, estimated to be completed within 11 months following completion of the draft ASR evaluation and feasibility study, will include core drilling, installation of monitoring wells and concept development.

Buda delays decision on disc golf course location Buda City Council postponed selecting a loca- tion for a proposed disc golf course after residents raised concerns about the recommended Garlic Creek Greenbelt site. The overview The course, included in the city’s 2021 Parks

Proposed golf course location

967

What else? Some council members suggested referring the issue back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for more public input, including from nearby homeowners. Other possible sites under consideration include Stagecoach Park, Garrison Park, and the future Eastside Park. City staff said they will explore alternatives and present updated recommendations at a future meeting.

GARLIC CREEK PARK

Master Plan, is slated for development in fiscal year 2025-26. A city survey showed 50% support for Gar- lic Creek, but council members questioned timing, maintenance, and neighborhood impact.

967

O Y S T

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Government

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

San Marcos veterans’ advocates seek city help Members of San Marcos’ Veteran Affairs Advi- sory Committee presented a list of recommenda- tions aimed at improving services for veterans to City Council on July 1. The details Last March, the VAAC began identifying recommendations to make to City Council regarding veteran issues such as homelessness, rental assistance, transportation, health care and improvements to Hays County Veterans Memorial. No funding has been identified, but the com- mittee is considering a fundraising campaign for Veterans Memorial improvements. What else? A transit study with the Texas Department of Transportation is also underway, which Director of Public Works Sabas Avila said can include travel to care for veterans specifically within the study.

The VAAC made the following recommendations:

N. GUADALUPE ST.

Allocate funds to hire at least one trained case worker specializing in veteran issues to serve as a central point of contact and address critical needs Implement solutions to ensure transportation for veterans traveling to and from Veterans Affairs health care appointments Establish a dedicated budget for improvements and maintenance at Veterans Memorial Seek financial support from the county to enhance efforts to meet the needs of veterans

Hotel pitched for Texas State campus A new hotel proposed on Texas State University property could bring jobs, events and more to the area. In a nutshell On July 1, San Marcos City Council approved the first of two readings to green- light “Project Cat Tree.” Plans for the 130-room hotel include a restaurant and bar, and an event lawn with an amphitheater.

SOURCE: VETERAN AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

The transit study is expected to be complete by fall, but Avila said that could be delayed by TxDOT. “I’d imagine those results will end up affecting our decisions fiscally,” council member Amanda Rodriguez said.

Hays, Haskell ink 2-year, $4.2M contract to return inmates to Hays County Jail Two-hundred Hays County inmates temporarily housed in Haskell County will be brought back to the Hays County jail by 2027. Hays County Commissioners approved an Hays County inmates to return $932,750

at the Rolling Plains Detention Center in Haskell, managed by LaSalle Corrections West. The facility, which also operates as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, is almost five hours away from Hays County. Haskell corrections officials will transport inmates to the Hays County Jail in increments over the course of a year and a half beginning Oct. 1.

Officials will spend about $4.2 million on the transfer.

agreement between the counties and a private, for-profit correctional facility at a July 8 meeting. Zooming in The Hays County inmates are currently housed

$3,270,000

2025-26 2026-27

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Health care

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

It’s been three years since St. David’s HealthCare announced nearly $1 billion worth of Austin-area health care infrastructure projects, including a new hospital in Kyle, and hospital officials said plans are progressing. St. David’s officially acquired land for the Kyle hospital in 2024, and the project will cost upwards of $300 million, St. David’s President and CEO David Huffstutler told Community Impact. The system has faced some delays in its various projects, including the future Leander hospital, but Huffstutler said New St. David’s Hospital in Kyle sees progress

What to expect

St. David’s Hospital services Once fully operational, the Kyle hospital will offer services such as:

St. David’s could open a freestanding emergency center in Kyle before hospital construction begins, depending on when work starts on the Leander facility, Huffstutler said. If Kyle is prioritized first, a full-service hospital with an emergency center would likely be built instead. Huffstutler said he anticipates a decision to be made within the next six months.

A 24/7 emergency department

Inpatient and outpatient surgery

Women’s, maternity and newborn services Lab areas for specializations, such as cardiac catheterization

SOURCE: ST. DAVID’S HEALTHCARE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

development of the Kyle hospital is likely to occur “much more rapidly” than has been the case in Leander. “We anticipate—because of demand and where that market is—that it would be a much shorter time frame,” Huffstutler said.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & SARAH HERNANDEZ

July

“Stream of Consciousness” Artist Christopher Powell, winner of the 2025 Buda Art Brawl, will display his paintings depicting scenes inspired by real-world and imaginary subjects. The exhibit will be closed on Sundays. • Now through Aug. 9, 1-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St., Buda • www.inspiredminds.art/gallery Welcome Mat for Backyard Birds The local nonprofit organization, Travis Audubon Society, will teach guests how to attract backyard birds using native plants, water features, supplemental

feeders and nest boxes. • July 26, 11 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott St., Kyle • www.cityofkyle.com/calendar

Buda Summer Concert Series Buda will present the third installment of its Summer Concert Series with a performance from rock and country artist Bubba Westly. Attendees can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this free live show.

• Aug. 16, 8 p.m. • Free (admission) • Buda City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda • www.budaamphitheater.com

Movies in Your Park The San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department will host a screening of the 1994 movie “The Lion King.” Concessions will be available for purchase. • July 29, 8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 N. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos • www.sanmarcostx.gov/3792/Movies-in-Your-Park

Growing Fall Vegetables Hays County Master Gardener Jennifer Boley will present a class on growing vegetables at the Kyle Garden Club’s monthly meeting. Open to the public, the meeting will begin with light refreshments at 9:30 a.m., followed by an hour-long presentation at 10 a.m. • August 5, 9:30 a.m. (refreshments), 10 a.m. (presentation) • Free (admission) • Kyle United Methodist Church, 408 W. Lockhart St., Kyle • Facebook: Kyle Garden Club Firefly Watch Watch and learn about fireflies with Wimberley Parks and Recreation at its Firefly Watch event. Attendees should wear closed-toed shoes for an

easy-to-moderate half-mile hike. • Aug. 15, 8:30-9:30 pm • $5 (admission); free for children under 10 • Blue Hole Regional Park Amphitheater, 333 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley • ww.wimberleyparksandrec.com Future Careers Expo The regional job fair, organized by the Economic Development Corporations of Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Lockhart and Luling, will feature career opportunities in a variety of fields, including health care, manufacturing, finance, retail, technology and more. • Aug. 21, 12-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Buda City Hall, 405 E. Loop St., Bldg. 100, Buda • www.budatx.gov

August

Back to School Health Fair The Hays County Health Department will host this event for children covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid, offering free screenings and vaccines, as well as backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food and games. • Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Hays County Health Department, 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos • www.hayscountytx.gov/back-to-school-health-fair

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

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Find a specialist at ascension.org/DellOrtho

HEAT SAFETY ON THE GO

Never leave a child or pet in a parked car.

Travel during cooler times of day when possible, and let your car cool down before driving long distances.

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Dining

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ

Pho Tran88 oers a variety of meat and vegetarian pho.

Pho Tran88 serves vermicelli bowls, a Vietnamese dish with rice noodles, vegetables, herbs, protein and dipping sauce.

PHOTOS COURTESY PHO TRAN88

Pho Tran88 serves Vietnamese cuisine in San Marcos Pho Tran88—named after the food they serve, the owner’s family name and a lucky number symbolizing prosperity—opened in downtown San Marcos in April 2021. Since then, the family-owned restaurant has built up a loyal customer base. The background

noodle soup, and serves vermicelli, banh mi, Vietnamese rice platters and Chinese food. Dao Tran said the pho broth is simmered overnight and comes straight from bones. She said Steven Tran puts his heart into the cooking, traveling between the San Marcos and New Braunfels spots each morning to check on the kitchen and ensure everything tastes right. “I think that’s what brings back a lot of custom- ers,” Dao Tran said. “We don’t take shortcuts.” Why they love it Dao Tran said everyone who walks through Pho Tran88’s doors is like family to them. “We love San Marcos,” she said. “We’re so happy...Everybody’s so supportive of us.”

Dao and Steven Tran opened Pho Tran88 in April 2021.

Husband-and-wife Steven and Dao Tran said they didn’t know much about San Marcos when they set out to open their own spot. “We never knew about The Square, we never [hung] around the downtown area, and when we went to see it, we really liked it,” Dao Tran said. On the menu Pho Tran88 specializes in pho, a Vietnamese

212 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos Facebook: Pho Tran88

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Road bond hits roadblock From the cover

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Hays County 2024 road bond milestones

What else?

What they’re saying

The overview

Breaking it down Approved by voters, the bond called for 35 projects throughout Hays County.

County discusses potential road bond as a “miscellaneous” item

July 2, 2024

281

Austin

County discusses road bond as a “miscellaneous” agenda item Aug. 6, 2024 Commissioners order bond for November ballot Aug. 13, 2024 Open houses oered to receive public input Oct. 8, 9, 15 & 17, 2024 Lawsuit led over meeting notice issues Oct. 21, 2024 Voters approve bond by 55.75% Nov. 5, 2024

Attorney Bill Aleshire said the plaintis initially led their case in Hays County, but it was moved to Travis County and consolidated with a related lawsuit led there by Hays County ocials to expedite the bond validation process. In response to the ruling, commissioners revisited the issue during their July 8 meeting, voting to appeal the decision—a move they said aims to preserve voter intent. Ramsey said she’s condent the appeal will fail, noting that “the law is clear.” “Judge Becerra was on the right track when he took responsibility, and said the court needed to learn the lessons and move forward,” she said. “I’m disappointed that the commissioners are choosing instead to try and throw more money at the process and hope for a dierent outcome.” Commissioners said they plan to explore alternatives, including debt nancing, to “keep the ball rolling” on the road bond projects as the appeals process begins.

290

Following the June 23 ruling, Hays County ocials and local landowners shared a range of reactions to the voided bond—expressing both support for and opposition to the court’s decision.

290

Voters approved the $440 million bond with more than 55% support, agreeing to a $0.02 increase to the county’s $0.35 per $100 valuation tax rate. County nancial advisers said that would mean about $80 more annually, or $7 monthly, for a $400,000 home. Court documents state the meeting agendas did not disclose the bond’s purpose, amount or proposed tax rate increase, and categorized it under the “miscellaneous” section, rather than “roads.” This led to a lawsuit led in October 2024 by four Hays County residents—Jim Camp, Les Carnes, Gabrielle Moore and Cathy Ramsey— alleging violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. On June 23, Travis County District Judge Catherine Mauzy ruled in favor of the plaintis and invalidated the election. “Because [the bond election] was never lawfully ordered by the Hays County Commissioners Court, the court declares the election void,” court

Precinct 3 6 projects Precinct 4 10 projects Precinct 1 11 projects Precinct 2 8 projects

290

165

Buda

Kyle

The Hays County road bond election results showed an east-west divide. For Against

San Marcos

“A Travis County judge chose to ignore over [100 thousand] of our citizens ... and nullify their votes ... letting them know their choice didn’t matter.” WALT SMITH, PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER “The judge didn't ignore the voters … the commissioners ignored the law. Another election can be proposed and held, within the bounds of TOMA regulations.” CATHY RAMSEY, HAYS COUNTY LANDOWNER

County les expedited bond suit; later merged with plaintis’ suit Travis County District judge rules bond election void Hays County judge says he is “not inclined to appeal”

March 2025

281

123

June 23, 2025

June 24, 2025

“Unfortunately, every chance I had to bring up transparency and input was shut down by the special interests on our court,” he said. Commissioners unanimously voted on July 8 to pursue an appeal.

documents state. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a statement following the decision, expressing his disappointment with the ordeal.

Final judgment signed June 26, 2025

July 8, 2025 Appeal deadline July 28, 2025

Commissioners vote to appeal

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTY, TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real estate

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

Home Edition

2025

This year's Home Edition is packed with information to help you navigate the ever-changing world of homeownership. We're covering everything from energy audits and state property tax cuts to new housing legislation and residential market trends. Plus, get to know a local home decor mercantile on Main Street and discover useful tips for a summertime home cleanout. Delivering this important content is a team eort. We're incredibly grateful to the home service professionals, remodelers, banks, insurance agents, realtors, and local businesses who advertise with us. Please support these community partners—they make it possible for us to keep San Marcos, Buda and Kyle informed, inspired, and connected.

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What's inside

Voters will have nal say on property tax cuts (Page 24)

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Summertime home cleanout and maintenance guide (Page 29)

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Locals turn to regenerative agriculture in times of drought

During rain events, water will rush through the swales and feed into the berms, hydrating the soil. Hays County resident and permaculturalist Annie Spade said incorporating native plant species can be benecial for the landscape. She encourages experimenting with dierent plants to see what works best for an individual’s home. “That’s the beautiful thing about native plants— they will naturalize,” she said. “They will just live in the places that work for them.” The bigger picture Despite recent rainfall , drought conditions are projected to persist for at least the next three months, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Topiwala said regenerative agriculture is one easy way to positively impact a stressed environment. “There’s things that we can do at home that will have amazing impacts on the microclimate of your local environment,” he said.

In the wake of prolonged drought, Central Texans are rehydrating their land through practices such as regenerative agriculture. The background Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring the environment by promoting biodiversity and rebuild- ing soil, said Kiran Topiwala, owner at Nurture Nature Regenerative Landscaping. Similar to xeriscaping—a landscaping approach focusing specically on water conservation through planting native, drought-tolerant species—regener- ative agriculture takes the practice a step further by “being proactive in the restoration of the environ- ment,” Topiwala said. How it works People can incorporate regenerative agriculture into their homes through low-tech systems such as berms—raised gardening mounds—and swales, the space between them, Topiwala said.

Berms and swales in gardens and backyards are just one example of utilizing regenerative agriculture.

Drought-tolerant plants

The following plants are perennial, drought- tolerant and deer-resistant. For sunlit areas For shaded areas

• Flame acanthus • Mistflower • Lantana • Skeleton leaf goldeneye

• Turks cap • Chili pequin • Beautyberry

SOURCE: PERMACULTURALIST ANNIE SPADECOMMUNITY IMPACT

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Real estate

With Texas temperatures heating up, residents may notice an increase to their monthly electricity bill, as air conditioning units work overtime to keep homes cool. However, homes with poor insulation, air leaks and clogged filters can drive those costs higher, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In order to identify these types of inefficiencies, homeowners can complete a home energy assessment, also known as an energy audit. Matthew Arndt, an auditor with 1st Choice Energy in Austin, said the assessment involves a visual inspection of key items in a home and typically results in recommendations for how to improve the home’s energy efficiency. Energy audits uncover waste

How it works

Since 2015, the average retail price of electricity for residential homes per kilowatt hour has increased. Average retail price of electricity for residential homes in March

Arndt said a home energy audit takes roughly an hour, depending on the size of the property, and involves a comprehensive checklist to determine how a home can become more efficient. Depend- ing on the features of a property, auditors can inspect the home’s air conditioning and heating systems, exterior walls for air leakage, and attics for amount of insulation. After the assessment, auditors provide a report and recommendations for upgrades to the homeowners. “You want to have a whole-home approach, because just replacing the AC unit will only solve so much of the problem if you don’t have any insulation, or ductwork has holes in it or deterio- rated,” Arndt said. Many businesses also offer free energy assess- ments. A list of certified ECAD energy profession- als can be found at www.austinenergy.com.

16¢

14¢

12¢

10¢

SOURCE: U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“The whole goal is to solve comfort issues, lower customers’ bills and then, ultimately, it helps the grid out,” he said.

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Diving deeper

Learn more

In the city of Austin, the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance, which was first implemented in 2009, requires home sellers to disclose an energy audit to potential buyers if the property is within the Austin Energy service area, lies within the Austin city limits and the home is 10 years old or older. While homes outside of Austin don’t meet these conditions and are not required to perform an ECAD, residents can still benefit by learning how to improve their home’s energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home owners can save 5%-30% on energy bills by mak- ing upgrades identified in the audit. Signs a home is in need of improvements include sudden spikes in energy bills, warm air leaks during the summer, uneven temperatures throughout the home and HVAC systems running nonstop.

Those who have an energy audit completed and make improvements to a home can earn money back through a variety of local rebates and tax credits. Austin Energy offers rebates and loan options for improvements made through its Home Energy Savings program. Oncor also offers a variety of financial incentives to homeowners and businesses through its energy efficiency programs, and those who make qualified energy-efficient improvements to a home may qualify for federal tax credits as well. According to the Department of Energy, other steps residents can take to improve their home’s efficiency include installing window coverings, raising the home’s temperature when away, using the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from the home, and vacuuming air intake vents.

Common home energy improvements

Seal air leaks around floors, walls, windows and doors

Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls

Install energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights

Install and set programmable thermostats

Seal air ducts

Install energy-efficient hot water heater

SOURCE: U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Real estate

BY HANNAH NORTON

This November, voters across Texas will be asked to approve larger property tax breaks for homeowners and businesses. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the three proposals into law June 16. But because the tax cuts would be enshrined in the state Constitution, voters will have the final say. If voters approve the constitutional amendments Nov. 4, homeowners will see increased exemptions from school district taxes, with the largest reduction for seniors and people with disabilities. Business owners would also see a reduction in the taxes paid on their inventory. “These exemptions, once you vote for them in November, will be there... for life,” Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said June 16. Voters will have final say on property tax cuts

Zooming in

How it works

In a June 11 interview, Abbott said that because the state does not levy property taxes, it also cannot make direct tax cuts. “I know Texans are frustrated about what’s going on. ... Local jurisdictions, in my opinion, have imposed too much property taxes on our fellow Texans,” he said June 11. To limit homeowners’ tax bills, Abbott has suggested requiring entities to receive two-thirds approval from local voters before they can raise tax rates.

The proposed tax cuts will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot as state propositions.

Senate Bill 4

By Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, would: • Raise the statewide tax exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000 • Apply only to taxes levied by public schools • Save the average homeowner about $484 annually

Senate Bill 23

By Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, would: • Give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption • Apply only to taxes levied by public schools • Save seniors and people with disabilities about $950 annually

Texas’ tax system

The state of Texas does not charge property taxes. Homeowners are taxed by over 3,700 local governments, including:

House Bill 9

By Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would: • Exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from taxation, up from $2,500 today • Save the average small-business owner about $2,500 annually

School districts

Cities and counties

Texas would spend:

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, SEN. PAUL BETTENCOURT’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$10B to ensure school districts do not lose revenue as a result of the proposed tax breaks

About 37% of Texans rent their homes, accord- ing to the progressive think tank Every Texan. Some lawmakers said they were concerned that the proposed tax cuts would not benefit renters. “A lot of renters indirectly pay a property tax by their monthly payments,” Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, said on the House floor May 20. “We need to continue to look at renters, those folks that are working shift jobs or may not have enough yet to save up for a home.”

Hospital districts

Junior college districts

$51B, or 15% of the 2026-27 budget , to maintain existing property tax relief and fund the expanded exemptions

SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Municipal utility districts

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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