Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | October 2024

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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 OCT. 19NOV. 19, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

The West Austin Business Park is located o Hwy. 71 within the Sweetwater neighborhood.

FALCON SKY PHOTOGRAPHYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bee Cave les lawsuit to demolish industrial park

dark” about the industrial nature of the project, but developers tell another story. Now, a lawsuit against the developers, brought by the city of Bee Cave, could determine the fate of the facility and reveal how it came to be.

noticed the concrete walls of a 270,000-square-foot distribution center rising in her backyard. Soon, nearby residents packed the Lakeway and Bee Cave city halls, sharing concerns of the poten- tial noise, trac and property value impacts. In response, current leaders claim they were “left in the

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

Seeking escape from Houston’s constant construc- tion and congestion, Humeira Akbar uprooted her life to build a dream home in West Austin’s scenic hills. However, within months of purchasing land within the luxury Madrone Canyon development, she

CONTINUED ON 32

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Looking to celebrate? Nothing Bundt Cakes is now open in Bee Cave (Page 8)

Nonprofit: Check out a local organization seeking to support police ocers (Page 37)

Fall in love with your heart again.

With cardiologist Nandu Gourineni, MD, by your side, you have the power to keep your heart happy. Whether it’s preventive screenings or more comprehensive cardiac care, he’ll work with you to create a plan you—and your heart—will love.

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. 8507 CHALK KNOLL DRIVE WOODS II | Golf course & views

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Taylor Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Product Manager Haley Grace Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Publisher Travis Baker

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

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16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1 Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

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STATE OF THE ART TENNIS FACILITY WITH COVERED COURTS OPENING SPRING 2025

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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

183

Impacts

2769

dermatology services through in-person and virtual appointments. The practice is led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adam Swigost. • Opened Sept. 6 • 3801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. J225, Austin • www.dapperdermatology.com 3 The Barrel Room Billiards and Games Oasis Texas Brewing Co. transformed its second floor into a games center with a full-service bar and restaurant. The all-ages, dog-friendly spot has pool tables, darts, video games, corn hole, board games, skeeball and basketball. • Opened July 5 • 6550 Comanche Trail, Ste. 201, Austin • www.otxbc.com 4 Yuki Handroll Bar The sushi restaurant is known for its Omakase-style handrolls, sashimi and nigiri rolls, and appetizers. The restaurant also has a to-go sushi menu. • Opened Aug. 7 • 7900 RM 620, Ste. 100, Austin • www.yukihandroll.com 5 Smoothie King The chain smoothie shop sells a variety of fruit and veggie-based smoothies, smoothie bowls, refreshers, caffeine drinks and protein shakes. • Opened in August • 7710 RM 620, Bldg. 10, Austin • www.smoothieking.com 6 Hotworx The fitness studio offers infrared-sauna workouts, yoga, pilates, barre and cycling classes. • Opened July 9 • 10815 RM 2222, Ste. 208, Austin • www.hotworx.net 7 Anytime Fitness Spicewood Owned by Lake Travis-area residents Stephen and Ashlea Cummings, the 24-hour fitness studio offers cardio and strength-training equipment alongside personalized coaching services. MOPAC

COMANCHE TRAIL

620

LAKE TRAVIS

2222

STEINER RANCH BLVD.

620

N. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

Lakeway

LOHMANS CROSSING RD.

360

WESTLAKE DR.

EMMA LONG PARK

COMMONS FORD RANCH

N. CUERNAVACA DR.

West Lake Hills

360

HAMILTON POOL RD.

SHOPS PKWY.

BARTON CREEK HABITAT PRESERVE

Bee Cave

Rollingwood

CRUMLEY RANCH RD.

SOUTHWEST PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

party favors like candles, balloons, and decorations. • Opened in August • 13011 Shops Parkway, Ste. 500, Bee Cave • www.nothingbundtcakes.com 2 Dapper Dermatology The new practice offers medical, surgical and cosmetic

Now open

1 Nothing Bundt Cakes Founded in Las Vegas, the bakery chain has a variety of bundt cakes in different sizes and flavors, plus wedding cakes and seasonal offerings. The company also offers

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opened July 10 • 18217 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. 300, Austin • www.anytimefitness.com

Now open

Coming soon

8 Roll Shack ATX The locally-owned ice cream shop will serve homemade, cream-based, dairy-free and vegan rolled ice cream made with locally-sourced ingredients. • Opening in 2025 • 8701 Hwy. 71, Ste. 100, Austin • www.rollshackatx.com 9 Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave Owned by Lindsey and Jason Gauci, the business provides opportunities to buy, sell and trade Legos, from new and retired sets to bulk Lego pieces. The location also hosts birthday parties. • Opening in December • 11905 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 105, Bee Cave • www.bricksandminifigs.com/beecave-tx 10 BarkSuds The locally-owned business offers a dog grooming membership starting at $45 a month for unlimited grooming services. • Opening this winter • 18101 Hwy. 71, Ste. 140, Austin • www.barksuds.com 11 Dumont Creamery & Cafe Founded by two brothers in India, the space-themed shop will serve ice cream, coffee and bubble tea. The locally-owned business serves shade-grown Karafa coffee alongside a number of ice cream flavors. • Opening in February • 2125 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 402, Lakeway • www.dumont.us

13 OneTaco The Texas-based taqueria serves traditional Mexican street tacos, as well as sides and margaritas. • Opened Sept. 19 • 3944 RM 620, Bldg. 3, Ste. 130, Bee Cave • www.onetaco.com

15 Peaches Coffee Owned by locals Carli Oster and David Abdulhadi, the shop will offer drip coffee, specialty coffees and teas, breakfast tacos and sandwiches, and locally-sourced pastries. • Opening this winter • 16614 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin, Texas • www.peachescoffee.com

16 Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods The Bee Cave location is celebrating its 15th anniversary Oct. 20. Spec’s offers wine, spirits, beer, seltzer and more. The store also sells small bites such as cheeses,

and dessert options such as soft serve and Blizzards. The location was confirmed at the Lakeway Zoning and Planning meeting Oct. 2. An opening date was not

provided as of press time. • 219 S. RM 620, Lakeway • www.dairyqueen.com

meats, sweets, nuts and more. • 13015 Shops Parkway, Bee Cave • www.specsonline.com

14 Slade Fit Club The personalized group fitness and training business will celebrate its 10th anniversary in November. The business specializes in training adults over 40, offering small group classes and personal training with a focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation. • 1927 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 100A, Lakeway • www.sladefitclub.com

H-E-B The Texas grocery chain launched tap-to-pay services across all its stores Oct. 7, allowing customers to make quick, contactless payments using digital wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay at registers, self-checkout lanes, H-E-B restaurants and pharmacies. • www.heb.com

In the news

12 Dairy Queen The fast food chain’s menu will feature burgers, tacos

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY GRACE DICKENS

Cities in Lake Travis, Westlake pass budgets for upcoming year

General fund expenses, FY 2024-25

Bee Cave

Lakeway

City Council: $81.6K Information technology: $381.5K

Court: $659.8K Human Resources, finance: $1.2M

The new FY 2024-25 city tax rate of $0.1598 is a 10.97% increase year over year.

The city’s tax rate for fiscal year 2024-25 of $0.02 remains unchanged from the previous year. Some budget highlights include: • The city is projecting $13.96 million in sales tax revenue in FY 2024-25, a decrease from $14.17 million in FY 2023-24. • The FY 2024-25 budget accounts for a 49.45% increase in legal fees, largely due to elections. • There is a 10.69% increase in money allocated to parks in the FY 2024-25 budget.

Parks and Recreation, public works: $3.6M Building Development Services: $2M City amenities: $2M Information Technology, general services: $1,4M Administration, communicationss: $1.6M

Non-departmental and communications: $528.4K Facilities and Parks: $926.6K

• City officials increased the homestead exemption for

individuals over 65 from $25,000 to $50,000, resulting in $79.90 in savings for eligible households and an additional yearly tax burden of $21.61 on ineligible commercial and residential properties. • The city plans to receive roughly $577,000 less, or a 21% decline, in building and development services revenue in FY 2024-25.

Library: $1.3M

Planning and Development, Municipal court: $1.3M

Administration and Legal: $2.3M

Police $3.7M

Police Department, Emergency Management: $8.1M

General fund revenues, FY 2024-25

Other: $10.5K

Activity Center and Swim Center: $715.1K Franchise fees: $824.7K Parks and recreation: $16.3K Donations/grants: $20.4K Permits, fines and fees: $2.9M Interest income, misc.: $1M

Tax rate

Mixed beverage tax: $170K Municipal court: $411.8K Franchise, building and development fees: $1M Interest income: $1.1M

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

Average taxable home value Tax rate per $100 home valuation

$683,567 $743,897

$779,247 $826,808

Sales tax: $10.5M

Sales and mixed beverage tax: $6.1M Property taxes: $9M

$0.02 $0.02

$0.144 $0.1598

Tax bill

$136.71 $148.78

$1,122

$1,321

SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

General fund expenses, FY 2024-25

Rollingwood

West Lake Hills

Public works: $79.4K

Facilities maintenance and operations: $35.8K

Court: $96.7K

The city adopted the no-new-revenue rate of $0.2058 for FY 2024-25, a 3.8% increase from FY 2023-24. Some budget highlights include: • The new tax rate is expected to generate $270,139 more for the city, a 9.09% increase. • The city more than tripled the transfer from its street maintenance fund from $150,000 in FY 2023-24 to $494,311 in FY 2024-25. • Personnel expenses increased 62.24% from initial FY 2023-24 projections.

The city maintained its tax rate of $0.1786 per $100 valuation for FY 2024-25 but still anticipates raising $101,916 more in property tax revenue. Some budget highlights include: • The city general fund budget anticipates total revenues to rise to $8.34 million, a 4.62% increase over initial FY 2023-24 projections of $7.97 million. • The city expects to spend 65.73% more on capital outlay expenses in FY 2024-25 compared to the previous year, totaling $298,248.

Park Department: $126.8K Utility billing: $132.2K

Municipal court: $373.2K Planning and development: $1.1M Public Works: $1.3M Administration: $1.4M

Streets: $494.3K Administrative costs: $771.1K Sanitation: $179K Development services: $284.8K

Police: $3.4M

Police: $1.6M

General fund revenues, FY 2024-25

Police: $2,250

Court fees and fines: $152K

Tax rate

Parks Department: $40.2K

Permits: $332K

Courts: $57.8K Development services: $107.8K Utility billing and sanitation: $128.3K

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

Development and Franchise fees: $568K

Average taxable home value Tax rate per $100 home valuation

$1,856,906 $2,016,587

$2,031,341 $2,204,741

Interest and Misc.: $671.9K

Services fees, other: $238.8K

Sales tax: $ 2.7M

$0.1786 $0.1786

$0.1983 $0.2058

Other taxes: $325K Streets: $494.3K Sales tax: $700K Property tax: $1.7M

Property tax: $3.9M

Tax bill

$3,316.43 $3,601.62

Tax bill

$4,028.14 $4,537.35

SOURCE: CITY OF ROLLINGWOOD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CITY OF WEST LAKE HILLS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Government

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

Lakeway debates cell tower near Serene Hills Elementary School

Stay tuned

During the meeting, several residents voiced concerns about the proximity of the cell tower to the school. “All I’m hearing tonight is a lot about the revenue to the city and better cell service, which I don’t think outweigh the detriment to our school, our children [and] our teachers,” said Cristin Woodruff, Serene Hills Elementary PTO board president, at the meeting. Kampen clarified that KGI Wireless would conduct a third party radio frequency emissions test upon installation to guarantee levels are at or below proven safe levels. The council moved to postpone the decision for 30 days to assess the feasibility of finding alternative locations for the tower.

At a Sept. 16 meeting, Lakeway City Council members considered a special use permit to place a cellular tower on Serene Hills Drive, within 500 feet of Serene Hills Elementary School. KGI Wireless representative Jeremy Kampen said the 220-foot tower location was chosen for its harmony with other nearby infrastructure, including Lakeway Municipal Utility District facilities and Lower Colorado River Authority towers. He also said the proposed cell tower would provide additional data capacity and wireless coverage options to address dead spots in Lakeway, Rough Hollow and off Flint Rock Road. Lakeway Police Chief Glen Koen confirmed that the poor

Serene Hills Elementary School

Proposed cell tower location

SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

coverage area from existing towers has affected communication among first responders.

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Government

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER & HALEY MCLEOD

TravCo officials approve increased tax rate Following weeks of scrutiny and several discus- sions regarding the county’s local hospital district, Travis County commissioners authorized an $888.7 million budget for Central Health’s 2024-25 fiscal year—which includes a tax rate increase. What you need to know Beginning Oct. 1, residents will see a 6.5% increase in their Central Health property tax rate. For the average Travis County homeowner, the new tax rate of $0.107969 per $100 valuation will result in an estimated annual tax increase of $66. Homeowners can expect to pay around $544 in property taxes to Central Health. In recent years, the district launched its seven-year Healthcare Equity Plan—a nearly $700 million initiative to invest in more direct care methods and clinics. With the approved new tax rate, this year’s budget saw a $58.2 million increase in funding,

Lakeway updates solicitation rules

Tax changes The updated FY 2024-25 tax rate means the average homeowner will pay $65.60 more annually in taxes.

At a Sept. 16 meeting, Lakeway City Coun- cil passed an ordinance revising its solici- tation rules following an influx of resident complaints about door-to-door peddlers. Some context Currently, solicitors are required to obtain a license from the city that is worn at all times during visits. A license is not required for school-related, political or religious can- vassers, unless they are soliciting donations or fundraising. The most significant change is the elimi- nation of the city’s “no visit” list, a 40-page record of over 2,000 addresses that licensed solicitors may not visit, according to a staff report. Other changes limit visits to 9 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. and change the license renewal period from every 90 days to yearly.

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

Average taxable home value

$475,286

$504,003

Tax rate

$0.100692

$0.107969

Average tax bill

$478.57

$544.17

SOURCE: AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

totaling $353.5 million, outlined for these direct health care services for FY 2024-25 such as specialty services, mental health support services, care coordination and more. The district also budgeted for about 386 full- time employees in the coming year; however, staff needs will increase exponentially in coming years as new Central Health facilities open, according to Central Health documents.

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Travis County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting; however, Election Day locations are by precinct. Visit www.votetravis.gov for a full list of polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Bee Cave Proposition A “Shall sections of the city charter be amended to consolidate provisions regarding altering the boundaries of the city of Bee Cave through annexation and disannexation?” Bee Cave Proposition B “Shall sections of the city charter be amended to allow adjustments to compensation of mayor and council by ordinance only submitted to voters?” Bee Cave Proposition C “Shall sections of the city charter pertaining to during and responsibilities of specific officers be amended and to authorize the mayor to signally specific contracts unless otherwise directed by counsel and other signatory obligations if the city manager is unable; clarifying mayor’s authority during emergency or disaster; providing for election of mayor by plurality; authorize the city manager to appoint interim officers until council confirmation, conduction financial and operational audits, assign subordinates to assist mayor and council with official schedules and official city communications only; prevent interference with city manager performance; establish city secretary as a city manager subordinate except for agenda formation and elections; establish municipal court as a court of record to clarify jurisdiction with state law; provide for associate judges, and all judicial terms; and clarify the city attorney as the prosecutor, require reporting from other legal counsel, and authorize city attorney to designate special counsel and special prosecutors?” Bee Cave Proposition D “Shall sections of the city charter regarding finances be amended to clarify auditor obligations and repeal provisions pertaining to failure to adopt a budget to be consistent with state law?” Bee Cave Proposition E “Shall sections of the city charter pertaining to certain administrative provisions be amended to allow additional media for notices and to clarify notices and liability limits for claims against the city?” Bee Cave Proposition F “Shall sections of the city charter pertaining to petitions and charter amendments be amended to

L J. David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 7 D Nancy Mulder R Gina Parker Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 8 D Chika Anyiam R Lee Finley State Representative —District 19

Sample ballot

Federal elections President

R Donald Trump D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. House of Representatives — District 10 R Michael T. McCaul* D Theresa Boisseau L Jeff Miller U.S. House of Representatives — District 37 R Jenny Garcia Sharon D Lloyd Doggett* L Girish Altekar

R Ellen Troxclair* D Dwain Handley State Representative —District 47 R Scott Firsing D Vikki Goodwin* State Representative —District 48 D Donna Howard*

L Daniel Jerome McCarthy State Senator — District 25 R Donna Campbell* D Merrie Fox Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District — Place 2 R John Messinger D Maggie Ellis

State elections Texas Railroad Commissioner

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein

Local elections Austin Mayor Carmen D. Llanes Pulido Jeffery L. Bowen Doug Greco Kirk Watson* Kathie Tovo Austin City Council — District 10 Marc Duchen Ashika Ganguly

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BY GRACE DICKENS

Travis County Proposition A “Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $ 0.344445 per $100 valuation in County of Travis for the current year, a rate that is $0.025 higher per $100 valuation than the voter-approval tax rate of County of Travis, for the purpose of increasing access to affordable and high- quality child care and afterschool/summer programming and related services for low-income families and developing and administering related workforce and economic development programs. Last year, the ad valorem tax rate in County of Travis was $0.304655 per $100 valuation.” Village of The Hills Mayor Karthik Naralasetty Kevin Proud Village of The Hills City Council — 2 seats

allow additional time for certification, clarify applicable state law, permit non-substantive organizational and corrective revisions to the charter by ordinance and provide procedures for charter amendments by petition?” Bee Cave Proposition G “An amendment to the Bee Cave city charter requiring voter approval for the city to take any action or pass any ordinance addressing subdivision, significant physical change or alteration, able, purchase, donation, exchange or certain leasing of city real property; requiring all deliberation of such action by the city council or city board and commissions be done in public, disclosing all conditions and specifics of such proposal; not requiring voter approval of the city purchase of real property but requiring all conditions and specifics of such purchase be disclosed in an open meeting?” City of Rollingwood Council Member — 2 Places Kevin Glasheen* Sara Hutson* Wendi Hundley Amy Pattillo Travis County District Attorney, 53rd Judicial District R Daniel W. Betts D José Garza*

Polling locations

Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. This list is not comprehensive. Bee Cave City Hall

4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave Briarcliff POA Community Center 22801 Briarcliff Drive, Spicewood

Lakeway Activity Center 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway Laura Bush Community Library 9411 Bee Caves Road, Austin Oak Hill Fire Department No. 302 4111 Barton Creek Blvd. Austin Randalls Flagship West Lake Hills 3300 Bee Caves Road, Austin Randalls Steiner Ranch 5145 N. RM 620, Austin Riverbend Centre 4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

Sarah Carroll Marty Khait Matt Marietta

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

In November, Bee Cave voters will consider seven city charter amendments, with one proposing major changes to how the city discusses and handles land transactions. Proposition G is on the ballot following a petition by the group Bee Cave Vote to Amend. It was authored by resident Carrell Killebrew, who said the aim is to increase transparency around land transactions. Killebrew said the impetus came from recent land deliberations that took place in closed session. “As a taxpayer, I would like to know why we’re spending money before we’re spending money, and if that’s a piece of land, I’d love to know why we’re selling it and who we’re selling it to,” Killebrew said. “In a closed session, there’s absolutely no public visibility.” Charter changes on local ballot

The other side

Currently, the Texas Open Meetings Act dictates how and when a governing body conducts busi- ness in public or closed meetings. Austin-based attorney Bill Aleshire, who helped craft the Proposition G ballot language, said he believes the requirements of the amendment would not run contrary to the TOMA because of its provision allowing local governments to require open meetings in their charters. Due to the upcoming election, the city of Bee Cave declined to comment on the feasibility or potential outcomes of Proposition G’s passage. In a statement, City Attorney Ryan Henry said the city currently “follows and complies” with the TOMA, and “all decisions regarding land transac- tions are performed in open session.”

Sara Marie Ridley, a community member and consultant for the political action committee A Better Bee Cave, said the city may lose the power to effectively negotiate by requiring land transactions to take place in the public’s view, and the voter-approval requirement could slow land transactions by necessitating organized elections. Jennifer Richter, a resident who lives off Ham- ilton Pool Road, said she is especially concerned the proposition would impede the city’s ability to create an access road from Hwy. 71 to HPR. “I am a burn survivor and had first responders in my kitchen on the day of my accident contem- plating if they needed to Life Flight me because of the traffic at that intersection,” Richter said in a statement.

Proposition A Consolidates provisions related to the process of changing the city’s boundaries

Stay tuned

Proposition B Changes process to adjust council member and mayor compensation

Alongside Proposition G, propositions A-F are city-proposed propositions, the majority of which are intended to make the city charter better conform with state laws and the current practices of the council, according to city staff. Discussions about increasing council compensation kicked off in February, as former City Manager Clint Garza introduced an ordinance to council that ultimately failed to pass. If the charter amendments are passed by voters in November, the city attorney will evaluate the legality and enforceability of the citizen-petition item, Henry said.

What’s on the ballot Per the ballot language, if passed, the Proposition G would:

Proposition C Clarifies and establishes duties of mayor, city manager and other city officers; establishes election of mayor by plurality

Require voter approval for the city to take any action related to city-owned real property Require all deliberation of such action to be done in a public, open session Not require voter approval of the city’s purchase of real property, but require all details to be disclosed publicly

Proposition D Adjusts city budget adoption compliance rules

Proposition E Adds other forms of media for official notices and clarifies liability limits for claims against the city

Proposition F Adjusts the standards and certification time for citizen petitions

SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Enhanced TxTag customer service is coming!

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Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

*INCUMBENT

Austin mayor

Why are you running for this oce and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin aordable for residents? I’d aim to budget more responsibly and transparently, looking for eciencies in outsourced contracting. I’d aim to stabilize home prices by preserving and producing deeply aordable housing, scaling community land trusts while incentivizing privately-owned, subsidized aordable housing. And I’d protect tenants and homeowners’ ability to negotiate redevelopment for maximum benet.

I am running to improve Austin’s quality of life with new, accountable and community-driven leadership, placing public interests over special interests. Austin is at a crossroads facing stark income inequality, strained infrastructure and frequent extreme weather. With transparency, inclusivity and creativity, we can create a thriving future for all Austinites.

Carmen Llanes Pulido Experience: Lifelong Austinite, 20-year community organizer, City commissioner (Planning, Quality of Life, Redistricting), Land use scholar www.carmen4mayor.com

Getting back to the basics of running a city. Provide clarity to the citizens regarding the out of control spending and the city budget.

Since taxes never go down, the city needs to operate with a budget that does not further burden the taxpayers.

Jeery L. Bowen Experience: 68 years of life experience are my best qualications and working with various personalities www.jeowenforaustinmayor.com

As a former Austin ISD teacher and community organizer, I am running to ght for working families, build a strong middle class in Austin, and to stand up to Greg Abbott and state leaders against their attacks on local decisions, school funding and our civil rights.

Investing in education, workforce, and living wage jobs and implementing the unspent $1.8 billion in voter-approved bond measures will give us our best return-on-investment and an economic stimulus to bring in increased tax revenues. Ending “sweetheart rates” for large industrial utility users will lighten the burden on residential ratepayers.

Doug Greco Experience: Over 25 years

experience as an organizer, non- prot leader, LGBTQ advocate and public school teacher www.grecoforaustin.com

I’m running for reelection because there’s more to do to make Austin aordable and address needs such as homelessness, public safety and trac. In just two years, we’ve passed the most ambitious land-use reforms in decades, made the Austin Infrastructure Academy to create more jobs and improved City Hall performance.

We need to build more housing, dierent types of housing, and housing around transit lines. We were hamstrung by segregation-era zoning restrictions and an outdated land development code, which is why we made reforms to make it easier to match the demand in housing from new and longtime residents alike.

Kirk Watson* Experience: Mayor, 1997-2001, 2023-present; State Senator (2007- 2020) www.kirkwatson.com

Austin needs an experienced leader committed to transparent government, with a track record of putting people rst; one who is a climate champion; and one committed to work with the community on Austin’s biggest challenges, from addressing issues of aordability to becoming more resilient in the face of climate change.

As your Mayor, I will approach this issue as I did on Council: requiring developers to pay the full costs of infrastructure and development; collaborating with partners to leverage city resources; trimming unnecessary expenses from the budget; analyzing utility rates and other fees to avoid increases that impact family budgets.

Kathie Tovo Experience: Mayor Pro Tem, 2015–2019; City Council Member 2011–2023; UT adjunct professor, 2023–24 www.kathieforaustin.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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