Georgetown Edition | October 2023

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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 OCT. 18NOV. 13, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

City’s $130M bond could fund facility space

Yoga instructor Winnie Marcus said the recreation center would benet from more multipurpose rooms, which are in the bond.

ZACHARIA WASHINGTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

In all, the bond totals $130 million and aims to address the city’s growing population and add facilities to accommodate it. Georgetown’s estimated population grew to 86,507 as of July 1, 2022—a 14.4% year-over-year increase, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released in May.

Marcus said. “I feel a little constrained, or it’s a little restrictive. If they actually had more space like this, … we could oer more.” The city of Georgetown will have a bond package on the Nov. 7 ballot that includes an expansion of the recreation center. If approved by voters, it could add additional multipurpose rooms, addressing Marcus’ space constraints.

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Often when Winnie Marcus, a yoga instructor at the Georgetown Recreation Center, is teaching, the room has to be shared, limiting the amount of functional space available. “If they had some more of these [multipurpose] rooms, there would be just less issues like that,”

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Juliet Italian Kitchen coming to the Square (Page 6)

Election: Learnabout the propositions on the ballot (Page 11)

Transportation: Austin Avenue bridge designs unveiled (Page 23)

Dining: Hardtails Bar and Grill oers comfort food (Page 35)

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

BETTER

Build a Better Tomorrow

Prop A

Prop B

Prop C Animal Shelter improvements

Prop D

Customer Service Center

Georgetown Recreation Center expansion

YMCA Partnership and discounted memberships

NO Tax Increase!

EARLY VOTING Oct 23 - Nov 3

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Zara Flores Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Impacts

SERENADA DR.

• Opened Sept. 7 • 19380 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 400, Georgetown • www.orangetheory.com Assisted Living Locators The home-based business, owned by Georgetown resident Laura Langley, offers no-cost assistance in finding senior living options, including home care, independent living, assisted living and other care. • Opened Sept. 12 • www.assistedlivinglocators.com

SHELL RD.

LAKE GEORGETOWN

130 TOLL

CEDAR BREAKS PARK

LAKEWAY DR.

Coming soon

RIVERY BLVD.

SAN GABRIEL VILLAGE BLVD.

4 Amazing Explorers Academy The business offers programming for learners 6 weeks old to 12 years old, including classrooms for infants, toddlers and preschool-age children as well as before- and after-school activities and summer camps for school-age students. The school uses STEAM-based curriculum, Director Mackenzie Green said. • Opening Jan. 8 • 4509 Williams Drive, Georgetown • www.aexplorers.com 130 TOLL 5 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 foods, and desserts such as milkshakes and apple pies. • Opening in fall 2024 • Southeast corner of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Hwy. 29 • www.whataburger.com 6 Starbucks The coffee chain has leased space in a future development called Teravista Crossing coming to southeast Georgetown. Starbucks serves iced and hot espresso beverages, cold brew, teas, Frappuccinos and refreshers. Sandwiches, baked pastries and other snacks are also available. • Opening in mid-2024 • 2960 FM 1460, Georgetown • www.starbucks.com 110 110 29

WOLF RANCH PKWY.

1460

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Torchy’s Tacos The Bar W Marketplace restaurant serves casual Mexican food, including breakfast and lunch tacos as well as green chili queso, margaritas and churros. • Opened Sept. 6 • 19392 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 530, Georgetown • www.torchystacos.com 3 Orangetheory Fitness The international gym is now offering workouts— including rowing, cardio and strength training—at a new location in Bar W Marketplace. 1460

Now open 1 Williamson County Art Guild Gallery The nonprofit organization’s new gallery in downtown Georgetown will exhibit artwork from established and emerging Central Texas artists. Robin Lynn, the 2023-24 WCAG board president, said the gallery plans to offer low- to no-cost art classes and programs for the public out of the space. Members can also rent out classroom space at the gallery. • Opened Oct. 6 • 708 Rock St., Georgetown • www.wcagtx.org

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

7 University Federal Credit Union At the new location—the credit union’s first in Georgetown—staff will provide members with assistance on a variety of banking needs. • Opening in late November • 4409 Williams Drive, Georgetown • www.ufcu.org

in the community for over 10 years, offering nondenominational Christian worship services. Iglesia Biblica Grace holds services every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. • Expanded July 16 • 2100 Shell Road, Georgetown • www.gbcgt.org/iglesia-biblica-grace

Coming soon

In the news

Relocations

10 VeinSolutions The business celebrated 20 years of providing cosmetic and therapeutic vein care in the Austin metro area Aug. 20. The organization’s vascular surgeons and vein specialists treat spider veins, varicose veins and other deep venous disorders. • 3201 S. Austin Ave., Ste. 255, Georgetown • www.veinsolutionsaustin.com 11 Hat Creek Burger Co. The restaurant, which started as a food truck in Austin, celebrated its 15-year anniversary in September. The company serves burgers, chicken nuggets, salads and milkshakes and is known for its family-friendly environment. • 201 San Gabriel Village Blvd., Georgetown • www.hatcreekburgers.com

8 The Christi Center The nonprofit moved its Georgetown location to the Georgetown Health Foundation’s community rooms. The organization, which provides free grief support services, was created by Susan and Don Cox in 1987 after the loss of their daughter, Christi Lanahan. • Relocated Aug. 7 • 2411 Williams Drive, Ste. 101, Georgetown • www.christicenter.org

12 Juliet Italian Kitchen The Italian restaurant will open its third Austin-area location on the Square in downtown Georgetown. Menu items include a variety of Italian staples, including pasta and pizza, as well as entrees such as wild boar ravioli, slow-braised lamb ragu and double bone-in pork chop. Juliet’s other locations are on Barton Springs Road and in the Arboretum.

Expansions

9 Iglesia Biblica Grace Grace Bible Church launched a Spanish-speaking congregation led by pastor Andres Garcia over the summer. The Georgetown church has been

• Opening in early November • 701 S. Main St., Georgetown • www.juliet-austin.com

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

Williamson County commissioners consider future of justice center At a meeting to discuss capital improvements Oct. 3, Williamson County Commissioners Court debated whether to fund improvements to the county’s justice center and jailhouse as officials are considering a potential relocation for both facilities in the coming years. What’s happening? Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey cited the necessity for greater capac- ity in the center in downtown Georgetown. She also said the long-range plan for the justice center involves connecting the justice center and jail. Commissioners discussed whether downtown provides enough space for an expansion. The alternative to a downtown expansion entails combining the justice center and jailhouse

Tax exemption OK’d for historic homes Some homes throughout Georgetown’s downtown area may be eligible for tax exemptions after council passed the Historic Tax Exemption Program on Sept. 26. What residents should know The program—set to launch in January— aims to preserve historical homes and pro- mote investments in them. Some eligibility requirements include: • Property must be one of the 1,123 sin- gle-family residential properties listed in the 2016 Historic Resource Survey • Must be owner’s primary residence • Owner must complete a project costing $10,000 or more • Projects must emphasize exterior restoration

“If the goal is to move somewhere else, I don’t know that we need to pour a whole lot of money into the jail and justice [center]. So

that might be something that we consider holding off on.” VALERIE COVEY, WILLIAMSON COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER

into one building on a 150-acre property outside of the downtown area but still within city limits. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell ques- tioned the future of the county headquarters being tied to the city of Georgetown. “I love Georgetown, you know. As a kid, I grew up coming here, but also don’t know that it’s the highest and best use of the county to build in this area,” Gravell said. Regardless of current space, plans for renova- tions or a potential new site are not projected to begin for at least three years.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Georgetown’s west side moves back to Stage 2 water restrictions Water customers in the western portion of Georgetown—defined as the area west of DB Wood Road and southwest of Williams Drive—moved from Stage 3 water restrictions to Stage 2 starting Sept. 29. The overview Officials announced Sept. 28 that all Georgetown utility customers would return to the assigned, once-per-week watering schedule in addition to other restrictions under Stage 2. The Stage 3 restrictions were lifted due to cooling temperatures and declining usage, per the Sept. 28 news release. The city of Leander is also now providing more water to Georgetown. Put in perspective The western side of Georgetown has been under

Waste rates may rise Georgetown residents and commercial customers may see higher rates on their solid waste bills starting Nov. 1, if given final approval by City Council. What you need to know The potential rate increases come from the city’s cost-of-service study that has been in progress over the past year, Assistant Public Works Director Jack Daly said at the Sept. 26 City Council meeting. Revenues generated by Georgetown’s current rates can’t support the cost of the solid waste system, per city documents.

Drought contingency plan Stage Description

Outdoor watering is allowed once a week on designated day.

No outdoor watering with an irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler is allowed.

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Stage 3 water restrictions since mid-July, and officials had planned to lift them by Sept. 4. However, restrictions were extended due to a drawn-out drought period and continued issues with water supply. On Sept. 1, Georgetown officials installed a temporary pump to pull additional water from the city’s connection with the city of Leander, according to the release. The Southside Water Treatment Plant also passed initial regulatory testing Sept. 22, giving the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 60 days to clear the plant for water delivery.

Potential bill increases Old rate

New rate

Residential Commercial

$21.71

$22.69

$174.50

$191.08

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Voter Guide

2023

the City, which may include a joint arrangement with other local governmental entities to expand the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and/or new or renovated city facilities and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. Proposition D The issuance of $10,000,000 bonds by the City of Georgetown, Texas, for a jointly owned YMCA Recreation Center operated by the YMCA of Central Texas, expected to be located at or near 6200 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 8 Proposition A The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 8 at the rate of two percent.

Dates to know

Polling locations

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)

All early voting locations listed also serve as Election Day polling places. Early voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. This list is noncomprehensive. Early voting Georgetown Annex 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown Georgetown City Hall 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Georgetown Georgetown ISD Technology Building 603 Lakeway Drive, Georgetown The Oaks Community Center-Sun City 301 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown Election Day Carver Center for Families 1200 W. 17th St., Georgetown The Delaney at Georgetown Village 359 Village Commons Blvd., Georgetown

Where to vote

Williamson County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections for a full list of polling locations.

Sample ballot

City of Georgetown Proposition A

Williamson County Proposition A

The issuance of $56,000,000 bonds by the City of Georgetown, Texas, for a city facility which includes a customer service center as well as other city services and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. Proposition B The issuance of $49,000,000 bonds by the City of Georgetown, Texas, for park and recreational projects for renovation and expansion of the Georgetown Recreation Center on Austin Avenue and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. Proposition C The issuance of $15,000,000 bonds by the City of Georgetown, Texas for animal shelter facilities to provide animal sheltering and control services to

The issuance of $825,000,000 of bonds for roads and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Proposition B The issuance of $59,000,000 of bonds for park and recreational purposes and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. State of Texas There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 15.

Emmaus Church of Georgetown 5060 E. Hwy. 29, Georgetown First Baptist Church 1333 W. University Ave., Georgetown Heritage Baptist Church 1601 FM 971, Georgetown Randalls 5721 Williams Drive, Georgetown Southwestern University, Howry Center 1001 Southwestern Blvd., Georgetown The Worship Place 811 Sun City Blvd., Georgetown

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

On Nov. 7, voters will decide on two Williamson County bond propositions totaling $884 million. $884M WilCo bond on ballot • 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 $1.69 billion in road and $78.96 million in parks projects to Commissioners Court, which then determined the final bond amounts. If it passes, the bond would not impact the debt service portion of the tax rate, according to county documents. 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 knowing they’ll need to come back, but it gives them the ability to do things.”

Zooming in

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.

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

1 CR 110

• Extension • $9 million 2 East WilCo Highway • New construction (various segments) • $176.5 million

195

2338

Georgetown

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

3405

3 FM 971

• Reconstruction • $4 million

971

4 Hwy. 195 at

Ronald Reagan Boulevard • Add entrance ramps • $13.5 million

SE INNER LOOP

5 I-35 at SE Inner Loop

• Intersection improvements • $17.5 million 6 Ronald Reagan Boulevard • Widening, add second frontage road • $106.5 million 7 SE Inner Loop • Reconstruction • $20 million

101

130 TOLL

1660

WESTINGHOUSE RD.

1460

110

road projects, including right-of-way acquisition, design

and construction projects 38 future parkland acquisition 14

3349

park projects related to shared-use paths, facility improvements and

137

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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

NOTE: DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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)

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next

Additionally, county officials 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. • It comes four years after the county’s last $447 million 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.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

As inflation and increases in the cost of daily life further shrink the budgets of those on a fixed income, some retired Texas teachers could receive a cost-of-living adjustment based on the outcome of the Nov. 7 election. Senate Bill 10 was passed by both the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in May, but part of it will not go into effect unless it is approved by voters. Appearing as Proposition 9, the ballot measure would see educators receive either a 2%, 4% or 6% cost-of-living increase, dependent on when the recipient retired. SB 10 also included a one-time stipend for some retired teachers dependent on their age. This portion of the legislation went into effect in May and does not need voter approval. Voters to weigh ex-teacher pay

COMBATING INFLATION

What's next

Cost-of-living adjustment for retired teachers

Requires voter approval

Cost-of-living adjustment

Retirement date

Tim Lee, executive director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, said at a Sept. 8 meeting of the Williamson County Retired Teachers Association that the cost-of-living increase leaves out educators who retired after Aug. 31, 2020. Still, if it passes, it would be a message to legislators that teacher pay is a priority for Texas voters, he said. “I think the state of Texas realizes that they really cannot expect people to live on the same retirement benefits that they had 20 years ago.” TIM LEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TEXAS RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

on or before Aug. 31, 2001

Sept. 1, 2001-Aug. 31, 2013

Sept. 1, 2013-Aug. 31, 2020

One-time stipend for retired teachers

Went into effect in May

Age

One-time stipend

70-74

$2,400

75 or older

$7,500

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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.

GEORGETOWN EDITION

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Honor in The place for

Georgetown has a long tradition of celebrating its veterans. The City is honored to recognize the more than 50 veterans working for the City, as well as other veterans at the Field of Honor at the Hammerlun Center for Leadership, 507 E. University Ave. Presented by the Rotary Club of Georgetown, the field will display more than 1,200 full-size U.S. flags Nov. 4-12. For more information, visit georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org.

#LoveWhereYouLive |

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas lawmakers passed multiple bills aimed at removing barriers for voters during the 88th regular legislative session, which ended in May. Ahead of the November election, several changes will go into effect that govern how mail-in voting works and provide more accessibility for people with disabilities. “In 2022, tens of thousands of mail-in ballots [were] rejected for no fault of the voter,” said Katya Ehresman, the voting rights program manager for Common Cause Texas, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization. Ehresman said many Texans were unaware of new information they needed to provide following the 2021 special session. Also in 2021, the secretary of state created an online tracking portal for voters’ ballots and applications to vote by mail. New laws passed ahead of election The following laws went into effect Sept. 1: • House Bill 357 changed online ballot trackers so voters no longer have to provide a registration address. • Senate Bill 1599 requires election workers to notify voters within two days of finding an issue on their mail-in ballot to give them more time to address it. • SB 1599 also allows counties to begin checking mailed ballots as soon as they receive them, no later than nine days before election day.

The context

voter registration address. Mistyping or entering an old address, or other common mistakes could prevent voters from accessing the portal. Under the new law, a voter registration address is no longer required.

Statewide, roughly 12.4% of all mail-in ballots submitted for the March 2022 primary election were rejected, according to state data. Texas rejected roughly 8,300, or about 0.8%, of the nearly 1 million mail-in ballots cast in the 2020 presidential election, according to a 2021 U.S. Election Assistance Commission report. SB 1599 gives election workers more time to review mail-in ballots and ensure voters can cor- rect mistakes on their applications or ballots. This will help guarantee “the voters that are eligible, are registered and already made the good faith attempt to cast their ballot can ensure [their] vote is counted,” Ehresman said. HB 357 will make it easier for voters to follow the process, as well. During past elections, voters logging into the portal had to provide their name, date of birth, the last four digits of their Social Security number, a state ID number and their exact

Statewide percent of mail-in ballots rejected

0% 3% 6% 9% 12% 15%

May 7, 2022 May 25, 2022 March 1, 2022

THE STATE BEGAN TRACKING MAIL-IN BALLOT DATA IN 2022, FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 1 WHICH INCREASED THE INFORMATION REQUIRED TO VOTE BY MAIL.

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Voters who are eligible to vote by mail include those who are:

What’s next

At least 65 years old

The deadline to register to vote in the November election was Oct. 10. For more information on key voting dates, where to vote and what’s on your ballot, see Page 11. Mail-in ballots must be requested at least 11 days before the election, must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day and must be received by the county election clerk by 5 p.m. the next mail delivery day.

Sick or disabled Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after election day Planning to be out of the country during in-person early voting and election day In jail but otherwise eligible to vote A civilly committed sexually violent predator, as defined by the state

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

From the cover

City’s $130M bond could fund facility space

The big picture

Proposition C Animal shelter: $15 million

Funding from this Proposition would be used to join and expand the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter or to expand the Georgetown Animal Shelter. • WCRAS member cities and the county would need to agree to allow Georgetown to join. • If the bond passes, but Georgetown, a member city or the county decide not to move forward with the partnership, the funds would be used to expand the current city shelter.

Georgetown’s bond package includes four propositions—all centered around building, expanding and renovating city buildings. City departments are in various leased oce buildings across Georgetown, and City Manager David Morgan said sta has outgrown the spaces. Proposition A would fund construction of a new customer service center. The Georgetown Recreation Center on Austin Avenue—last renovated in 2009—also cannot accommodate Georgetown’s increasing population. Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garret said in the past four years, the center’s waitlist for indoor athletic leagues has grown from seven kids to over 300. Proposition B would expand the center, creating more space for programs. Proposition D would help fund a new YMCA that would add indoor recreational options in west Georgetown, Morgan said. The bond funding would go toward construction costs, while the YMCA would pay for the remainder of construction and operations. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Animal Shelter has also been experiencing capacity issues, Animal Services Manager April Haughey said. To address these issues, the city of Georgetown aims to join the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. City ocials said if Proposition C passes, it would show stakeholders Georgetown has the funding to join and expand the regional shelter. However, the proposition is written in a way that also allows an expansion to the city shelter if the regional partnership falls through. The city’s last three bonds have all passed and have not impacted the tax rate. The 2023 bond also would not increase the city’s tax rate of $0.374 per $100 property valuation, Morgan said.

Proposition A Customer service center: $56 million This would fund a roughly 80,000-square-foot building that will serve as a “centralized city operations site.” The building would house: • A 311 call center • Departments such as planning, permitting, engineering and information technology

Proposition B Georgetown Recreation Center: $49 million

Proposition D Jointly owned YMCA recreation facility: $10 million The funding would contribute to the construction of an approximately 55,000-square-foot YMCA facility at or near 6200 Williams Drive. Amenities include: • Fitness and wellness areas • Multipurpose rooms • A pool with recreational options and lap lanes • A splash pad

It would fund a full renovation of the existing 65,000-square-foot facility on Austin Avenue as well as a 30,000-square-foot expansion. The expansion would include: • An additional gymnasium • More multipurpose rooms and new classrooms • A dedicated spin classroom • A larger child area with an indoor playground • Renovations to the indoor lap pool

Georgetown bond total: $130 million

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

What they're saying

What to expect

“Georgetown’s population has more than doubled in the last 15 years. Many of our facilities really aren’t designed to serve a resident population of that size.” DAVID MORGAN, CITY MANAGER

Animal shelter action plan If Proposition C passes, these are the next steps for Georgetown to join the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.

If all four propositions in the bond package pass, design work on the customer service center, the expansion and renovation of the recreation center, and the construction of the YMCA facility would begin as soon as possible. Construction on some of these projects could begin by 2025, ocials said. Morgan said if any of the propositions fail: • the city would need to lease additional space for operations • there would be increased pressure on the existing recreational center • the city would have to strive to keep its “no kill” status at the animal shelter The YMCA, however, would still be able to build a facility. It would just be smaller, he said.

Georgetown would seek approval to join the WCRAS from member cities.

Current member cities would then amend the WCRAS operating agreement to include Georgetown. The WCRAS would use the Georgetown Animal Shelter for extra space until the expansion at its property is completed. Once the expansion and the integration are complete, the Georgetown Animal Shelter facility would no longer operate as an animal shelter and be repurposed for another use.

“This is a unique opportunity to address projected growth, both for Georgetown and the [Williamson County] Regional Animal Shelter.” JACK DALY,

ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Education

Georgetown ISD lowers tax rate for FY 2023-24 Georgetown ISD trustees passed a lower tax rate for fiscal year 2023-24 on Sept. 18 in antici- pation of a property tax relief measure headed to voters Nov. 7. The breakdown GISD officials approved a tax rate $0.0869 less than the rate used to calculate its budget. This comes as the Texas Education Agency lowered the maximum compressed rate, or the maximum base rate for the district determined by the state, by $0.10 in the time since GISD approved its budget in June. Other factors contributing to the lowering of the district’s property tax rate include the proposed increase to the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 under Senate Bill 2 and the finalization of property values within the district’s bounds.

District maintains volunteer policy for chaplains

Rate details

Year-over-year difference

Tax rate

FY 2022-23

$1.2136

Original proposed FY 2023-24

$1.1336

$0.08

Chaplains will continue to have the option to apply for volunteer opportunities in Georgetown ISD after school officials chose to uphold the district’s policy amid a statewide legal update. The details GISD officials chose not to change its volunteer policy for chaplains who would like to assist the district during a Sept. 18 meeting. During a Sept. 5 workshop, GISD Director of Human Resources Sue Harrison said district staff recommend the district continue its policy of accepting chaplains as volunteers.

New proposed FY 2023-24

$1.0467

$0.1669

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying GISD Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hanna said under SB 2, the district would receive approximately $2.5 million in funds annually from the state for a period of five years. These funds will be used to offset reduced tax revenue caused by a larger homestead exemption. Should voters pass the property tax reduction measure in November, the district’s budget would not be majorly impacted, Hanna said.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

Late payment fees do apply

The Mobility Authority is not an electronic tag provider.

Electric tags from providers we accept:

However, we accept all interoperable tags as a form of payment, such as TxDOT’s TxTag, NTTA’s TollTag, HCTRA’s EZ TAG, Kansas Turnpike Authority’s K-Tag, Oklahoma Turnpike

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

There are payment options everywhere

Authority’s Pikepass, Florida’s Prepaid Toll Program SunPass, and BancPass/PlusPass.

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

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