Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | October 2023

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 OCT. 18NOV. 13, 2023

County bond would fund parks, roads

BY GRACE DICKENS & CLAIRE SHOOP

On any given summer day, over 700 children frequent the Twin Lakes Family YMCA. Its climbing and zip line adventure course made of wood and telephone poles, considered cutting edge at the time of its creation 20 years ago, can support up to four individuals at once. If Williamson County’s $59 million parks bond is approved by voters in November, a modernized adventure facility allowing up to 100 individuals to participate simultane- ously could be on the horizon. “It’s a tremendous step up from our existing adventure course,” said Je Andresen, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Texas. “It’s a beautiful example of county funding in joint eort with nonprot fund- raising to get a community amenity expanded.” But the bond doesn’t just propose a new adventure course: Proposition B would fund a variety of trail, mobility and connectivity projects countywide, while the county’s $825 million Proposition A would fund more than 38 transportation projects countywide to better serve its growing population, ocials said.

The Twin Lakes Family YMCA adventure course could be upgraded if Proposition B passes.

CONTINUED ON 20

COURTESY TWIN LAKES FAMILY YMCA, YMCA OF CENTRAL TEXAS

Also in this issue

Impacts: New Mediterranean restaurant now open (Page 6)

Development: Pecan Gardens project progresses (Page 26)

Business: FUSE Workspace plans Cedar Park expansion (Page 35)

Dining: Rosati’s serves up Chicago- style pizza and more (Page 36)

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When your child needs care, it’s good to know our doctors and nurses are close by and ready to listen. Don’t delay care. Reach out to one of our pediatricians with Dell Children’s Medical Group Pediatrics Cedar Park, and start a conversation about:

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Impacts

2 Soccer Pups The indoor soccer training facility for children opened in Cedar Park in August. The company offers soccer classes, an academy, training, youth soccer leagues and private birthday parties. The programs aim to progress alongside a child’s development from learning basic motor skills to training for club-level competition, Soccer Pups founder

Leander

Noel Rubert said. • Opened Aug. 1 • 115 S. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park • www.soccerpups.com

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3 Valor Leander A tuition-free charter school, the school offers students an education rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition from fine arts to advanced math and science, said Erin Fonner, director of marketing and communications. The application period for the 2024-25 school year opened Sept. 18. The new Leander school serves kindergarten through eighth grade students and will add a grade each year until it is a full K-12 school, Fonner said. • Opened Aug. 16 • 906 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander • www.valoreducation.org

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Coming soon

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

Cedar Park

4 Gideon Math & Reading Center The academic center takes a step-by-step approach to progressing students through curriculum from where they are to mastery of a subject so they can achieve results beyond their grade level. The Leander franchise is locally owned by Chandrakumar Jayakeerthy and Sri Ranjani Anandan. • Opening in December • 1320 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 208, Leander • www.gideonmathandreading.com 5 Jamba and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels A dual-brand Jamba/Auntie Anne’s Pretzels location will open later this year. Owned by locals Bradley Davis and Amanda Lorimer, the location will offer smoothies, various pretzels, pretzel nuggets and pretzel dogs. • Opening in November • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.jamba.com, www.auntieannes.com

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ANDERSON MILL RD.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

45 TOLL washing services with a self-service washing option for pet owners. Various membership plans are available. The franchise opened in Dallas in 2015 and has locations

across the country. • Opened Sept. 18

Now open

LAKELINE MALL DR.

• 406 W. Whitestone Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 204, Cedar Park • www.petbarinc.com/locations/austin-cedar-park

1 PetBar The luxury pet boutique provides pet grooming and

620

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Now Open

6 Nervous Charlie’s The shop makes New York-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches, cream cheese, and bagels in-house using dough shipped from New York City. Popular menu items include the bacon, egg and cheese or sausage, egg and cheese classic sandwich; the pastrami hash sandwich; and the Longhorn Sandwich. • Opened Oct. 9 • 410 W. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park • www.nervouscharlies.com

9 The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill The fast-casual restaurant opened in Cedar Park. It features a modern take on traditional Mediterranean dishes, serving gyros, souvlaki plates, feta fries, salads, housemade dips and desserts. The Cedar Park location offers indoor and outdoor seating; pickup,

delivery and catering options; and free Wi-Fi. • Opened Sept. 11 • 3101 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. G100, Cedar Park • www.thegreatgreekgrill.com

7 The Little Gym of Cedar Park A gym geared toward children between 4 months to 12 years old will open in Cedar Park in October. The Little Gym of Cedar Park will offer classes such as gymnastics, dance, sports skills and karate. This marks the third gym in the Austin area. • Opening Oct. 30 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. T-160, Cedar Park • www.thelittlegym.com 8 Whataburger The Texas-based fast-food restaurant chain is bringing a location to the Bar W Marketplace retail center. Menu items include burgers; chicken sandwiches; breakfast food; salads; milkshakes; and desserts, such as brownies

and apple pies. This location will be the second in Leander. • Opening in fall 2024 • Southeast corner of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Hwy. 29 • www.whataburger.com

Appointments are available to book online. • 15906 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. A-150, Leander • www.wiredorthodontics.com

Closings

11 Crystal Falls Animal Hospital The animal hospital opened in 2015 and provided 24-hour emergency care for pets. A reason for closing has not been announced and there are no plans for relocation, according to staff. • Closed Sept. 29 • 2906 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 290, Leander

In the news

10 Wired Orthodontics Smile Doctors in Leander became Wired Orthodontics in mid-July. Led by Dr. Giancarlo Santos, the new spot provides orthodontic treatment options, such as braces, Invisalign aligners, retainers and more. Other area locations include Lake Creek and Four Points.

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

CEDAR PARK

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

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620

Cedar Park

Now open

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

1 Cookie Co. A new gourmet cookie shop opened in October. The locally-owned location offers classic and seasonal cookies, such as its chocolate chip cookie and frosted sugar cookie with Halloween sprinkles. • Opened Oct. 7 • 10900 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. 300, Austin • www.cookieco.com 2 Lakeline Mall Play Area The mall redesigned its play area to include interactive equipment, located near Dillard’s Men & Children. • Opened July 28 • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park • www.lakelinemall.com 3 Pin Seeker’s Golf Lounge The family-friendly entertainment spot is veteran owned by Ed Amadis and provides an indoor golf lounge with multisport virtual game simulators. Amadis is also a high

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LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

ANDERSON MILL RD.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

620

LAKELINE BLVD.

Austin

45 TOLL

183

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

620

2222

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BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & GRACE DICKENS

7 Lake Creek North Austin OBGYN and Aesthetics Clinic A new clinic dedicated to offering women’s services is set to open later this year in North Austin, offering OB- GYN care and medical aesthetic services. • Opening in December

• 6001 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 230, Austin • www.pinseekersgolflounge.com

Now open

4 Texas Original The Austin-based medical cannabis company opened its fourth location in Central Texas to serve as a prescription pickup location in Cedar Park. • Opened Sept. 27 • 10222 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park • www.texasoriginal.com

• 9817 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin • www.women.texaschildrens.org

8 Beacon Hospice A free-standing hospital for hospice patients in crisis will open next year in Northwest Austin. The location will offer 18 private rooms for patients, round-the-clock care from physicians and 24-hour visitation hours.

Coming soon

5 Dirty Dough Cookies A new cookie shop on Parmer Lane will offer “super- stuffed cookie bombs” that feature various combinations of layers, mix-ins and fillings baked into the dough. • Opening in December • 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 503, Austin • https://dirtydoughcookies.com 6 Dr. Golf Studio The indoor golf facility offers a studio for all skill levels that has six bays with advanced golf technology. • Opening in late October • 13776 N. US 183, Ste. 107-A, Austin • Instagram: dr.golfstudio

• Opening in spring 2024 • 16165 RM 620, Austin • www.beacon.life

10 Fairy Freeze Owners Angie and Josh Skrobarczyk opened a new shaved ice truck in late August. Fairy Freeze offers sugar- and dye-free, all-natural syrups in classic flavors with various flavor combinations available as well. Customers can also order toppings for their shaved ice, including candies, coconut flakes and more. • Opened Aug. 25 • 12233 N. RM 620, Austin • www.fairyfreeze.com

9 Unity Rec Center Resident Amir Maknojia will open a new sports recreation center with sports amenities such as pickleball courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts and more. • Opening in May 2024 • 802 Old Mill Road, Cedar Park

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For more information, visit: WilCoBonds2023.com

FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY

On Nov 7, vote YES

for faster travel, safer connections, and new and improved parks with NO TAX INCREASES. and improved parks

PROPOSITION A � $825M Vote YES to improve roads! Roads all across the county would get safety and mobility improvements to improve connections and ease congestion.

PROPOSITION B � $59M Vote YES for something the whole family can enjoy! Parks will continue to get the attention they deserve and create new parklands.

23 Year Proven Track Record of Delivering County Transportation and Park Projects On Time and On Budget

ON NOV 7 YES!

VOTE

Early Voting Oct 23-Nov 3

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Request for residential development halted off New Hope Drive Cedar Park City Council made a unanimous decision to postpone its vote on a proposed devel- opment that would add more residential options to a property currently zoned for commercial. The gist Developer Milestone Community Builders is requesting to rezone the proposed property— located at the northwest corner of east New Hope Drive and Ronald Reagan Boulevard—to add single-family homes and townhomes. The proposed 31-acre property is zoned for local office, retail and commercial space in Cedar Park’s future land use plan. A closer look Called Crestwood Park, the proposed develop- ment is aimed to create “a true town center,” a project representative said. The following is what the developer plans for the property: • 19.5 acres of single-family residential, or 73 lots • 6.2 acres of townhomes, or 50 units • A coffee shop • A gas station and a convenience store What’s next Council voted to table the decision and rec- ommended that the developer come back with a different plan including more commercial options. The developer is slated to return to council with an updated plan in November.

Williamson County Unify project reducing response times Uniting first responder efforts for multiple agencies within the area, the Williamson County-funded Unify system by Central Square aims to create a safer community. The overview The county’s information and technology department presented an update on the implementation of the software at a Sept. 26 Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting. The Unify project is a system that links dif- ferent public safety agencies via 911 dispatch calls, allowing them to talk to each other through a data-sharing network. This enables agencies to dispatch the most suitable, near- est or ideal team to any emergency without being restricted by jurisdictional boundaries. It allows responders to arrive quicker and have the latest info they need to address the emergency. Planning ahead The Unify system serves fire departments in Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park and Austin.

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CRESTWOOD PARK

S. OLD COUNTRY RD.

What they're saying

“I see the cool shops; I see the destination commercial that’s going to support all these visitors in that area, and I think adding residential right there isn’t helpful with the traffic. It’s a tough a residential plan right there on the major corridor that we have designated as a major retail corridor to help us with alleviating property taxes.” HEATHER JEFTS, COUNCIL MEMBER “I am very supportive of denser housing; I’m not interested in

Future improvements:

Integrating panic buttons into the emergency communications network Adding fellow emergency service agencies to the network

deal; it’s a tough call for us.” KEVIN HARRIS, COUNCIL MEMBER

WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

City Council OKs $195.4M budget, lower tax rate Cedar Park’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year will focus on the city’s existing workforce, infrastructure, public safety and debt service. In a nutshell Council approved a $195.4 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24 at its Sept. 14 meeting.

Tax breakdown

FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24

In other news Council also approved a tax rate of $0.37 for the upcoming fiscal year, which is 5.1% lower than the FY 2022-23 rate of $0.39. The new rate is expected to generate $3.3 million more in taxes for the city, or a 6.4% increase from last fiscal year. With the new tax rate, Cedar Park homeowners in Williamson County will see about a $98 increase on average to their annual property tax bills, according to the city. FY 2023-24 began Oct. 1.

Average taxable home value

$417,359 $466,391

Tax rate

$0.39*

$0.37*

City tax bill

$1,627.7

$1,725.64

The overall budget includes $76.3 million for the general fund; $43.3 million for the utility fund; and $75.9 million for specific purposes, such as debt service and capital projects.

Annual bill increase

$97.94

*PER $100 HOME VALUATION

SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Crisis response revision underway A consultant’s recent review of lessons learned from Winter Storm Mara advised Austin and Travis County to fix communi- cation breakdowns with residents, address planning and operational shortfalls, and dedicate more resources to resilience and infrastructure. The details The after-action report released Oct. 3 dove into city and county emergency plan- ning around the storm from late January into February, highlighting how govern- ments can better ready for weather events. Austin leaders said multiple departments will now lay out a citywide corrective action plan by the end of the year—especially after similar emergency preparedness propos- als weren’t fully addressed in the past.

Affordable development rules challenged in court A push to roll back city land use programs aimed at creating affordable housing is progressing following the successful challenge to a wholesale rewrite of Austin’s zoning guidelines last year. What’s happening? City lawyers and attorneys for a property own- ers’ coalition seeking to overturn multiple updates to the land development code—the rules governing the location and size of new construction through- out Austin—argued their cases before District Court Judge Jessica Mangrum on Sept. 26. The opposed Austinites said action is needed to keep city officials from repeatedly violating the rights of property owners by sidestepping civic engagement rules amid the passage of housing policies. Mangrum said she’ll take time to study both sides’ arguments before deciding on the issue. No decision was made before press time. Austin tackles sexual assault prevention Nearly $1 million has been set aside for audits of the Austin Police Department’s work with sex crimes, victim counseling services and a sexual assault prevention initiative, a notable step in ongoing reform efforts in response to the city’s history of failures in properly responding to such cases and survivors.

ROLLING BACK BONUSES Residents are calling for the cancellation of the following development bonus programs due to insufficient notice or protest opportunities. Affordability Unlocked , one of Austin’s most prolific development bonus programs that has created thousands of income-restricted housing units since its passage in 2019 VMU2 , an expansion of the vertical mixed- use bonus program that produced hundreds of income-restricted units, approved in spring 2022 “ Residential in commercial ,” an incentive program that allows housing development in commercially zoned areas if affordable units are included, approved in 2022

“ Compatibility on corridors ,” a zoning overlay that waives development restrictions, such as height limits, for new construction along specific roadways and transit routes

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The funding from the Sept. 21 meeting also comes as a new city- and community-led collabora- tive project is underway to advance more than 100 proposals for structural change in Austin’s sexual assault response system. What else? A new collaborative, the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model project, has been formed to see the improvements through. The project team will provide quarterly check-ins with the city’s Commis- sion for Women and Public Safety Commission.

FUNDING BREAKDOWN The nearly $1 million investment includes:

for five new staff positions for counseling and victim services a contract with End Violence Against Women for an APD audit a team of experienced investigators to monitor high-risk areas a contract with EVAW for a randomized review of APD cases

$507,510

$237,500

$106,063

$100,000

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY RACHEL LELAND

Vehicle inspection to no longer be required in Texas by 2025 the program requirement in 1976. According to the professionals

Beginning in 2025, Texas drivers will no longer need to get their vehicles inspected. The framework On Aug. 5, Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3297 into law, which eliminates mandatory vehicle safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles. Drivers must still pay the annual inspection fee of $7.50 but will no longer need to take their vehicle in for inspection prior to registering it. If a vehicle was not previously registered, drivers will pay $16.75 instead and won’t be required to pay the $7.50 fee for the next registration year for the same vehicle. The 17 Texas counties that require annual emissions tests—including Dallas, Harris and Travis counties, along with several counties around Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston—will continue to do so. Only 13 other states have mandatory vehicle inspections since the federal government ended

Inspection program replacement fee The $7.50 fee supports the following funds:

While proponents—such as state Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, who filed the bill—have argued mandatory vehicle inspections are unnecessary, one vehicle inspector said he worries doing away with the requirement could put driver safety at risk and threaten the survival of his business. “I just think it defies logic,” said Larry Harris, owner of Larry’s Auto Inspection in Houston. “If nobody is making sure the vehicles are safe, there’s going to be some unsafe vehicles on the street.” Larry Harris said he was particularly concerned about people being able to drive without their steering wheel, brakes or tires up to standard. Community Impact reached out to several state representatives from its coverage areas, but they declined to comment.

Texas mobility fund ($3.50) : Finances the construction, reconstruction, acquisition and expansion of state highways

General revenue fund ($2) : Serves as Texas’ primary operating fund

Clean air account ($2) : Safeguards Texas’ air resources, recovers the costs of permitting new or modified emission sources and recovers the costs of permit reviews and renewals

SOURCES: TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TXDOT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY GRACE DICKENS

Voter Guide

2023

Read more about RRISD’s tax rate election on Page 19. Statewide constitutional amendments There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 17.

Dates to know

Sample ballot

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Williamson County, Proposition A The issuance of $825 million of bonds for roads and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Williamson County, Proposition B The issuance of $59 million of bonds for park and recreational purposes and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Read more about Williamson County’s bond on Pages 20-21. Round Rock ISD, Proposition A Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $0.9190 per $100 valuation in Round Rock Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 0% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year.

Polling locations

Election Day voting hours at polling locations statewide are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Election Day voting locations Anderson Mill Limited District 1500 El Salido Parkway, Austin Randalls 1400 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Cedar Park Recreation Center, Community Room 1435 Main St., Cedar Park

Where to vote

Residents in Williamson County can vote at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/185/Elections for a complete list of polling locations.

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Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. ballot

Texas voters will find 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state affairs, Rottinghaus said.

Proposition 10

Proposition 5

SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. Officials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.

HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.

Proposition 11

Proposition 6

SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.

SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.

Proposition 2

Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to offer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.

Proposition 7

Proposition 12

SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.

HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s Office. If approved, other county officials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes effect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.

Proposition 3

HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.

Proposition 8

Proposition 13

HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.

HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.

Proposition 4

HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.

Proposition 9

Proposition 14

HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat inflation, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.

SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.

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Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Seeking a solution to budgetary restrictions limiting their ability to adequately increase teacher pay, Round Rock ISD will hold a voter-approval tax ratification election, also known as a VATRE, on Nov. 7. The tax rate election represents a localized solution to a widespread problem: increases in recapture payments due to the state alongside other budgetary pressures. These issues limit school districts’ abilities to provide raises to teachers that keep pace with inflation. This is the first VATRE called by RRISD. While school districts did receive some additional funding under House Bill 100, it is not enough to cover the cost of providing additional teacher compensation increases. RRISD to hold tax rate election

Changing taxes

What’s next

While the overall tax rate is lower due to state- mandated compression, the district is expecting the new rate to generate more tax revenue.

Approving the new tax rate would result in: • $19 million in new tax revenue for the district • An additional 3% compensation increase for staff Not approving the new tax rate would result in: • Budget cuts for district programs, such as fine arts and electives • Elimination of some support staff positions to retain teaching positions $19M Amount new tax rate would generate $33M Deficit should VATRE fail $77M+ Recapture payment

$1.0626 * FY 2022-23 tax rate

Proposed FY 2023-24 tax rate

$0.919 *

For a home worth $500,000, the total annual impact is expected to cost voters $752 less than the previous year.

Terms to know Voter-approval tax ratification election: An election must be held if district officials want to raise the tax rate beyond the voter-approval rate. Recapture: Tax revenue raised locally exceeding what the district is allowed to keep based on a formula is sent back to the state.

*PER $100 HOME VALUATION

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

From the cover

County bond would fund parks, roads

Zooming in

The overview

195 would cover the cost of design and construction for most projects, which vary in scope from intersection improvements to completely new roadways. Additionally, many of the road projects are joint ventures with local city governments. Because of this, funding for them will be split between the county and local cities as well as regional or statewide transportation organizations.

183 Bob Daigh, senior director of infrastructure for Williamson County, said a bond is the only mecha- nism the county has to fund road projects that add capacity and make major safety improvements— meaning the annual road and bridge fund only pays for maintenance and operations of existing roads. Barring extreme inflation or an unpredictable economic event, Daigh said the funding in the bond

On Nov. 7, voters will decide on two Williamson County bond propositions totaling $884 million. • Proposition A: $825 million for road projects • Proposition B: $59 million for parks projects The bond amount was whittled down from more than $6 billion in projects submitted by local city governments, county staff and other regional partners. David Hays chaired the Williamson County Citizens Bond Committee, which met with local stakeholders to consider each project. The committee brought more than $1.69 billion in roads and $78.96 million in park projects to the Commissioners Court, which then determined the final bond amounts based on budget constraints. If it passes, the bond would not impact the tax rate. Hays said commissioners want to put forward a bond package voters will view favorably. “I think it’s smart, and I think it’s a good number,” Hays said. “It fits within their budget ... but it gives [county officials] the ability to do things.”

1869 Of the 38 transportation projects, here are seven local to the area: 1 CR 175 • $27M • Widening/reconstruction 2 Crystal Falls Parkway • $7.5M • Extension/new construction 3 Parmer Lane at SH 45 N • $5M • Intersection improvements 4 RM 1431 at 183A Toll • $7.2M • Intersection improvements 5 Robinson Ranch Road • $57M • New construction 6 Toro Grande Boulevard • $10.1M • Extension/new construction 7 Whitestone Boulevard • $1.8M • Widening

2243

SOUTH ST.

175

183A TOLL

1431

183

135

CRYSTAL FALLS PKWY.

TORO GRANDE BLVD.

ROUND ROCK AVE.

WHITESTONE BLVD.

road projects, including right of way acquisition, design and construction projects park projects related to shared- use paths, facility improvements and future parkland acquisition

38 14

45 TOLL

ROBINSON RANCH RD.

For the full Williamson County map, visit communityimpact.com.

620

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NOTE: THIS MAP INCLUDES BOND PROJECTS WITHIN CEDAR PARK, LEANDER AND FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN. DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

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BY CLAIRE SHOOP

What they’re saying

A closer look

Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck categorized the projects in the parks proposition into three groups: shared-use paths, facilities and land acquisition.

“There’s going to be a great demand for open space, parkland [and] trail systems—places where people can go and get out of the urban environ- ment,” Hays said.

“The county is adding about 125 people a day, and people are driving here; they’re not walking, so there is signicant need.”

BOB DAIGH , WILLIAMSON COUNTY SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Facilities

Shared-use paths

NOTE: THIS IS A NONCOMPREHENSIVE LIST OF PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE PARKS PROPOSITION. DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS. • Connection from Southwest Williamson County Regional Park to RM 1431/Sam Bass Road ($2.5M) • Connection from Lakeline Park to Twin Lakes Park, including a pedestrian bridge over Bell Boulevard ($1.8M) • Connection from Georgetown’s Westside Park to Berry Springs Park ($2.9M) • Study a connection from River Ranch County Park to San Gabriel Park ($100K) • Brushy Creek Regional Trail connection from Cedar Park to Round Rock ($3M)

• Construct a visitors center at Berry Springs Park & Preserve ($2M) • Construct a cover over the Williamson County Expo Center’s western arena; add showers and restrooms; acquire land for parking and future expansions ($16.7M) • Construct a zip line and adventure course at Twin Lakes Family YMCA; add parking ($3.9M)

“We’re trying to provide linkages and connectivity to more places where people

need to get to and where they’re able to recreate.” RUSSELL FISHBECK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR

Land acquisition

• Acquire land for a future county park or assume responsibility and renovate park at Granger Lake ($25M)

What’s next

Additionally, the county said a 2016 law prevents governing bodies from issuing debt to fund projects included in a bond that was rejected by voters during the previous three years. “There was $6 billion of need identified of all good projects,” Daigh said. “I think that $6 billion number shows the magnitude of a problem that we would have if the bonds did not pass.”

Both Daigh and Fishbeck said if the bond passes, work on included projects will be underway shortly. Fishbeck said this is especially true of many of the trails projects because design for them is already in the works. However, he said if the parks proposition doesn’t pass, it means many of the projects would be delayed, and it may put some of the partner projects in jeopardy. Still, future planning would continue, he said.

Did you know? • The bond represents the largest package ever put before Williamson County voters by nearly double. • Additionally, it comes four years after the county’s last bond in 2019, while previous bonds were six to seven years apart. • Early voting runs from Oct. 23-Nov. 3, and Election Day is Nov. 7.

APPOINTMENTS TO APPRAISAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE WILLIAMSON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT Applications are being accepted for Williamson County residents interested in serving on the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB hears property owner appeals and determines protests for ad valorem tax purposes. ARB members are not employees of the WCAD. To be eligible for appointment, an applicant must have been a Williamson county resident for two (2) years, along with other eligibility restrictions provided in Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.412. For full appointment details and applications, please visit the ARB page at WWW.WCAD.ORG/ABOUT-THE-ARB

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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