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
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Austin
County discusses road bond as a “miscellaneous” agenda item Aug. 6, 2024 Commissioners order bond for November ballot Aug. 13, 2024 Open houses o ered 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 plainti s 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 o cials 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 con dent 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 di erent 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.
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Following the June 23 ruling, Hays County o cials and local landowners shared a range of reactions to the voided bond—expressing both support for and opposition to the court’s decision.
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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 plainti s 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
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35
165
Buda
12
32
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
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County les expedited bond suit; later merged with plainti s’ suit Travis County District judge rules bond election void Hays County judge says he is “not inclined to appeal”
March 2025
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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 COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
SAN MARCOS 510 Barnes Dr (512) 392-0366
CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969 NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434
SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 S I-35 Frontage Rd (512) 280-7400
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