Round Rock Edition | April 2025

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 8 APRIL 5 MAY 6, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Round Rock enacts new conservation strategies

a February update to zoning rules guiding land- scaping for new developments. “We’re just making a few tweaks here and there to help further our reputation as a water-wise com- munity,” Director of Planning and Development Services Bradley Dushkin said.

commercial water customers to conserve water as the city grows. By reducing overall water use, the city can plan for growth while preserving the integrity of its water sources. Lakes Georgetown, Stillhouse Hol- low and Travis are the primary sources of potable water for the city. The most recent of these conservation eorts is

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

In recent years, Round Rock has deployed new initiatives to make water sources more resilient during times of drought and high demand. By expanding reuse systems, promoting year-round reductions in lawn watering and oering rebates for water-conserving appliances, city ocials hope to encourage residential and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Lake Georgetown is one of three primary sources of potable water for Round Rock.

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LAKE GEORGETOWN

CEDAR BREAKS PARK

BROOKE SJOBERGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Learn about a new Indian pizza restaurant planned for Round Rock (Page 7)

Business: Read about what 3rd Level Brewing has to oer in Round Rock (Page 41)

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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. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

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

Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Austin Market President Travis Baker Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS | CREATING SMILES

Beautiful State of the Art Office (all digital) Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry (whitening, veneers, smile makeovers) CEREC (same day crowns and bridges) Prosthodontics (partials and dentures) Treatment of Periodontal Disease

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts Round Rock

Chau said the business oers nail designs, fresh tips, natural ombre and more for manicures. • Opened Feb. 1 • 2800 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.zaranail.com

July, according to project information led with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The supermarket sells produce, meat, canned goods and pastries. It will occupy a space formerly home to The Exchange Church in the Renaissance Square retail center.

Round Rock 1431

UNIVERSITY OAKS BLVD.

• 1604 N. I-35, Ste. 305, Round Rock • www.pocolocosupermercado.com

Coming soon

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

CHISHOLM TRAIL RD.

7 The Bar Method A new barre studio is set to open in The Market at Round Rock shopping center, per project information led with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Bar Method oers classes that provide low-impact resistance training incorporating elements of Pilates, yoga and strength training. • 110 N. I-35 Ste. 125, Round Rock • www.barmethod.com

3 Austin Regional Clinic The new facility is planned as a multispecialty clinic as well as an outpatient surgery center and, at 22,000 square feet, will double the clinic’s footprint within the city. On the rst oor will be an outpatient surgery center, and the second oor will include ENT, general surgery, orthopedics, podiatry and endoscopy. • Opening this fall • 3207 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock • www.austinregionalclinic.com 4 IT’SUGAR The specialty candy retailer will open a store in the Round Rock Premium Outlets later this spring. The new location will be next door to The Children’s Place within the shopping mall. • Opening spring 2025 • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.itsugar.com 5 Salons on Chisholm The salon will oer private suites for rent where hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, massage therapists and estheticians can serve clients out of the location. According to its website, the business will provide complimentary high-speed internet, 24/7 access and security surveillance, complimentary washer and dryer access, exible lease agreements and more. • Opening in March • 1307 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock • www.salonsonchisholm.com 130 TOLL

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ROUND ROCK AVE.

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Relocations

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8 Shamrock Acupuncture Owned by Wanjun Shamrock Xu, the business relocated from Georgetown and oers acupuncture to help people with pain management, insomnia, anxiety and other issues. • Relocated March 1

GREENLAWN BLVD.

MOPAC

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 1850 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.shamrock-acupuncture.com

Now open

In the news

1 Sherwin-Williams Commercial Paint Store The paint retailer opened a location catering to contractors and professional customers. While not intended for individual customers, the commercial version of the paint store oers paint, coatings and equipment. • Opened in February • 3581 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock • www.sherwin-williams.com 2 Zara Nails Bar The nail salon opened its doors in early February and is now oering nail and beauty services. Customers can partake in a number of services including manicures using acrylic, SNS dip, pedicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, permanent makeup and head spas. Owner Ellise

9 Chili’s The restaurant, which features American and Tex-Mex cuisine including burgers, chicken, fajitas, pasta and seafood, celebrated 50 years of operation in March. The franchise was founded in Dallas in March 1975 and has now expanded to over 1,600 locations in 28 counties. • 2711 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.chilis.com 10 Golden Goat Tattoo Company The tattoo shop is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in Round Rock since opening in March 2015. The tattoo shop oers piercings and a wide range of tattoo styles including traditional, neo-traditional, watercolor, ne

What's next

6 Poco Loco Supermercado The rst Round Rock location of the neighborhood supermarket is expected to nish renovations in

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Coming soon

Coming Soon

11 Curry Pizza House Owner Mahendra Kakarla said the location is expected to open in July. The company is an Indian pizza establishment that oers classic pizza, curry-inspired pizza, wings, salads, vegan pizzas and build-your-own pizza options. The franchise operates locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington with locations opening in Delaware, Georgia and Indiana. • Opening in July

13 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt This will be the rst Menchie’s in Round Rock with the closest current location in Pugerville at 2324 Dessau Road, Ste. 204. The business oers a range of avors, which vary by location, such as banana pudding, blue raspberry tart and orange cream bar. • Opening May 2025 • 3107 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 753, Round Rock • www.menchies.com

16 Buddy’s Burger Zain, Isha and Saad Fidai are on track to open their third restaurant later this month, per the city. The burger joint oers hand-formed, 100% Angus beef burgers, milkshakes and seasoned fries. The business has two other locations in Austin and San Marcos. • Opening later this year • 1551 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock • www.buddysburger.com

• 1300 S. Mays St., Round Rock • www.currypizzahouse.com

14 Joann The craft retailer announced Feb. 23 that the company would be sold as a result of bankruptcy and all store locations will “conduct going-out-of-business sales.” The rst location opened in 1943 and expanded to an estimated 850 stores in 49 states, as stated on its website. The business sold crafting and home supplies. • Closing TBD • 201 University Oaks Blvd., Round Rock • www.joann.com 15 Delizioso Delicatessen & Charcuterie The deli closed its doors in Round Rock at the end of February to relocate to Taylor, the business announced via social media. It will reopen as Main Street Deli & Diner in April, expanding menu oerings. The business operated in the space next door to Lonestar Kolaches

for three years and stated that the relocation is timed with the end of their lease on the space. • Closed in February • 1207. E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • Facebook: Main Street Deli & Diner 17 Furia Western Wear The Round Rock location posted a note on its front doors stating, “We are closed. If you like please visit us at our other locations.” The business has four remaining locations throughout the Austin area. The western shop oers boots, hats, accessories and clothing with brands such as Estampida, Ariat, Wrangler, Cuadra and Stetson. Customers can nd a range of boots including cowboy, exotic, platinum and work, as well as felt hats, straw hats and kids hats. • Closed in January • 1601 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 360, Round Rock • www.furiawesternwear.com

line, geometric, tebori and more. • 2021 N. Mays St., Unit 600, Round Rock • www.goldengoattattooco.com

Closings

12 Chicken Express A note posted to the restaurant’s door in February stated that the location had been sold. The business oered a menu centered on fried chicken, with sides like french fries, fried okra, mashed potatoes and biscuits. • Closed Feb. 28 • 3220 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.chickene.com

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts Pugerville

3 Ike's Love & Sandwiches The sandwich shop will open this summer in the Cornerstone at Kelly Lane, according to signage outside the building. Customers can order from over 800 sandwich combinations, including vegetarian

Now open

138

G A

1 Lucky Eagle The social club oers sweepstakes machines and other arcade games that donate proceeds to local charities. The business also operates Lucky Hippo in Hutto and Lucky Lion in Round Rock. • Opened Feb. 21 • 1300 Pflugerville Parkway, Ste. 360, Pflugerville • www.facebook.com/myluckyeagle 137

MARTIN LN.

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

137

options and a kids menu. • Opening summer 2025 • 18725 FM 685, Ste. 120, Pflugerville • www.ikessandwich.com

45 TOLL

4 Lucky Claw Mania The entertainment business will have a large selection of claw machines and other games, according to a Facebook post. Once open, customers can host parties and celebrations any day of the week. • Opening spring 2025 • 18900 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 610, Pflugerville • Facebook: Lucky Claw Mania 5 US Med-Equip A medical equipment supply company leased space in Martin Lane Biz Park in Pugerville, according to commercial real estate rm RESOLUT RE. The company partners with local hospitals to supply equipment for patients in their care, including movable medical equipment, beds and therapeutic surfaces. • Opening TBD

4 9 7

LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.

2 3

Coming soon

685

2 Frost Bank This location is a part of a broader expansion program to double Frost’s Austin-region locations and is Frost’s 200th location, Bill Day, senior vice president of Frost’s corporate communications, said. The bank oers a full range of banking, investment and insurance products, for both personal and business nances. • Opening May 19 • 18725 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.frostbank.com

130 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY RICK COFER

RICKCOFER.COM PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 602 W. 11 TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRACIE WARHURST

• 21415 Martin Lane, Pflugerville • usme.com

Now open

What's next

6 Branchview Apartments A new apartment complex is coming to Pugerville in 2027, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Branchview Apartments will consist of 12 residential buildings totaling 330 units, two clubhouse buildings and a maintenance building. • 14709 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville • www.journeymangroup.com/jci-residential

In the news

8 Greensleeves Nursery Greensleeves Nursery took over the storefront of the recently closed Green ‘n Growing. William Glenn owns the local plant nursery, which is now open to the public. Greensleeves has an outdoor plant section, as well as a greenhouse, with vegetables, owers and succulents for sale. • Opened March 1

9 Chicken Salad Chick The rst Chicken Salad Chick in the greater Austin area will open in Pugerville in March. Made from scratch daily, the restaurant sells a variety of southern-inspired meals, including chicken salad sandwiches, soups and salads. Troy Morrison owns and operates the Pugerville Chicken Salad Chick and plans to open 14 new locations across Austin. • Opened March 25 • 18900 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.chickensaladchick.com

7 Crumbl Cookies Crumbl Cookies, an on-demand cookie-delivery company, celebrated ve years in Pugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center in February. The dessert franchise oers a weekly rotating menu of freshly made cookies in over 200 avors. • 18817 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.crumblcookies.com

• 601 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.greensleevesnursery.com

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Impacts Hutto

be located outside of the new Hooky entertainment venue. Diep also owns Broth & Basil in the Stone Hill Town Center in Pugerville. • Opening this fall • 180 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • No website available 4 Happy Core Pilates The Pilates business is expected to open a brick-and- mortar location in Hutto soon. The business, owned by Rebecca Rogers, o ers group classes and private sessions on the Pilates Reformer. • Opening April 2025

Now open

Hutto

1 Clearly Eye Care The practice, owned by Dr. Tina To, o ers eye exams, contact lens tting, LASIK consultation, cataract evaluations and other eye care. Dr. To also owns a Round Rock location of Clearly Eye Care. • Opened March 3 • 201 E. Wilco Highway, Ste. 102, Hutto • www.clearlyeyecare.com 2 Grapes & Rye The curated cocktail and mobile tap trailer business opened a physical location in Hutto. The new space is designed to host a variety of events and classes that celebrate the art of mixology. The business is owned by Rachel Green-Williams and Lawrence Williams. • Opened March 29 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 28, Hutto • www.grapesandrye.com

2 4 7

COOP BLVD.

119

118

130 TOLL

1660

108

• 3333 CR 119, Ste. 34, Hutto • www.happy-core-pilates.com

In the news

5 Hooky A family entertainment center in Hutto, formerly being built as EVO Entertainment, will now open in May as Hooky, Es Vedra Cinema’s new brand. Hooky will o er a game room, bowling alley, grab-and-go concession stations, eight movie theaters and an event room. The theater o erings will include one IMAX and two Dolby Atmos auditoriums. Es Vedra Cinema also owns Violet Crown Cinemas and ShowBiz Cinemas. • 180 Alliance Blvd., Hutto

3 5

Coming soon

130 TOLL

3 Basil & Bites The restaurant, owned by Phen T. Diep, will o er Vietnamese cuisine with a Texas twist. The business will

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST

Now open

Relocations

6 No. 1 Boba Tea The shop o ers a variety of classic milk, avored and slush teas. Flavors for the milk tea include matcha, coconut, earl grey, to ee, vanilla chai and more. The business also sells pastries, such as mu¦ns, brownies and danishes. The business has another location in Cedar Park and several

7 Hippo Beauty Supply The store o ers a variety of supplies for beauty, cosmetic and personal care. The shop sells hair products, barber supplies and makeup, and the business also provides hair braiding by appointment. • Opened January 2025 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 21, Hutto • Facebook: Hippo Beauty Supply

8 Haute Boutique & Beauty Bar A locally owned boutique o ering clothing and cosmetic services in downtown Round Rock since 2022 moved to Hutto. Owned by Amy Kerley, the business will focus more heavily on beauty services and reduce in-store shopping to Saturdays to better serve customers who book beauty-related services. Customers can still shop the boutique brand using the Haute Boutique app, Kerley said. • Relocated March 15 • 5947 Chandler Road, Ste. 101, Hutto • www.linktr.ee/Hautellc

throughout Nevada. • Opened March 14 • 111 Co-Op Blvd., Ste. 101, Hutto • www.no1bobatea.us

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Government

BY ANNA MANESS, BEN THOMPSON & GRACIE WARHURST

Austin metro 25th most populous in US The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area became the 25th largest in the country last year after continuing to rise in national rankings, boosted by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of new residents since the start of the decade. Overview Entering the 2020s, the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area ranked as the 28th most populated in the U.S. with 2.3 million residents. Following years of steady population increases, the region ranked 25th with about 2.55 million residents as of July 2024, a nearly 11% increase, according to new census estimates released in March. The Austin metro totals include Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.

Round Rock moves forward with Hwy. 79 engineer work Round Rock City Council began the process of collaborating with the Texas Department of Trans- portation on a project to improve Hwy. 79. A $1.3 million contract was approved for the preliminary engineer work at its meeting Feb. 27. The details The Hwy. 79 project will create a six-lane divided roadway with a raised median and shared- use paths from I-35 to A.W. Grimes Boulevard. An overpass over A.W. Grimes will be installed, with at-grade intersections everywhere else. Because it is a state roadway, TxDOT will be responsible for at least 90% of right-of-way acqui- sition and dry utility relocations, with Round Rock responsible for the remaining 10%. TxDOT will also be responsible for all construction costs.

After HDR creates the initial design plans, the city will begin public outreach for the project. “There will be disruption not only to the trac for our citizens, but for the businesses you see along this route,” Thane said. “This project’s not going to happen quickly. It’s going to take several years.” The city will come back to council in the summer of 2026 for a nal engineering contract for work that will last into 2027. “In the meantime we will be having continuous discussions with TxDOT,” Thane said.

New WilCo subdivision rules address trac, water Williamson County commissioners approved amendments to the county’s subdivision regula- tions at a March 4 meeting. Changes went into eect immediately. The subdivision regulations were last revised Dec. 7, 2021, according to county documents. In a nutshell “The fastest growing ‘city’ in Williamson County is Williamson County. We are putting

AVERY NELSON PKWY.

Verona tract

110

more homes on the ground in the county than in the cities.” RUSS BOLES, PRECINCT 4 WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER

112

TOSCANA TRACE

72-acre Verona tract approved for single- family homes Round Rock City Council moved to rezone the Verona tract at its meeting Feb. 27. Located in east Round Rock, the land can now be used for a traditional single-family residential development. The details City Council originally annexed the land as a Planned Unit Development in May 2023. The new proposal includes detached homes in a range of lot sizes, as well as an amenity center.

A new subdivision rule relates to turn lane and trac impact analyses, and will mostly be triggered for larger developments. Development crews will be required to provide necessary safety improvements to address any impacts to their development. Additional water and wastewater infrastruc- ture requirements are also a part of the new regulations. Prior to the approval of a nal plot for o-site and major infrastructure, any necessary permits for creating a water system or wastewater permits must be in place. Additionally, the infrastructure’s construction or bonding must take place prior to nal plot approval. “As water continues to be a challenge around the county, we are asking for rm, written commit- ments from the water providers to these proposed subdivisions,” Williamson County Engineer Adam

Boatright said. Developers can utilize data from the county’s Atlas 14 ¡oodplain study, which is close to being nalized, Boatright said. One more thing Transportation corridors that have been studied around the county will be documented within the subdivision regulations, as the county entered into a corridor agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation. The updated regulations also clarify the county’s position on new municipal utility districts and MUD road maintenance, and addresses recent legislative changes.

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Your Vote Matters! Joint General and Special Elections: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9

Know your registration deadlines, polling locations, and key ballot measures. Stay informed about the Williamson County Sales Tax Proposition and how it affects you.

Make your voice count—

Visit the Wilco Elections Page

Learn About the Sales Tax Proposition

get all the facts before you vote!

WILDFIRE SEASON IS HERE ARE YOU READY? Defend Your Home. Protect Your Community. Create Defensible Space — Clear dry leaves, brush, and flammable debris within 30 feet of your home. Fire-Resistant Landscaping — Choose drought-tolerant,

non-flammable plants and keep trees trimmed. Stay Informed on Burn Bans — Check local fire regulations and restrictions before burning.

Visit the Wilco Fire Marshal’s Office for Updates

Visit www.wilcoesd9.org to learn more, access valuable resources, and get involved today.

402 A West Palm Valley Blvd. Suite 360 Round Rock (512) 479-9267

CONTENT PROVIDED BY WILCO ESD

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

County Judge Bill Gravell resigns, commissioners appoint Steven Snell

What happens next?

After about four hours of interviews in executive session, county commissioners named Steven Snell as the next county judge during a special-called March 27 meeting. Commissioners voted to appoint Snell in a split 3-1 vote, with Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles voting against the motion. Snell is the superintendent at Liberty Hill ISD, according to the district’s website. According to local government code, a county judge appointed by commissioners to ll a vacancy will hold oce until the next general election—or November 2026. The decision was made after commissioners interviewed Snell and three other candidates the afternoon of March 27, including: • Andrew Webb • Matt Powell • Elvis Lossa

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell resigned as county judge during a March 11 Commissioners Court meeting. Gravell accepted a role in President Donald Trump’s administration with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the O ce of Advocacy as the Region 6 advocate. In the role, he’ll represent New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. “It’s a great honor to serve and be the voice for 4.5 million small businesses that make the south central region of the United States our home,” Gravell said. 425th District Court Judge Betsy Lambeth swore him into o ce for his new role at the same meeting.

Former Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell served in the position from 20192025.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ELECTION DAY: MAY 3RD, 2025

ROUND ROCK EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

COMPILED BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 3: Voter deadline registration April 22: First day of early voting April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election Day

Williamson County and Travis County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Williamson County voters can nd wait time estimates at www.wilcotx.gov/election, and Travis County voters can nd wait time estimates at www.votetravis.gov/current-election.

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

Sample ballot Round Rock City Council, Place 6 Hilda Montgomery* Emran Rouf Williamson County Emergency Service District No. 2 Proposition A The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 2 at a rate not to exceed two percent in any location in the district.

Voters are required to bring one of seven forms of identication with them when they cast their ballot in person. Forms of identication may be expired no more than four years. For voters 70 and older, identication may be expired for any length of time.

TX ELEC ID

MILITARY

Texas Election Identication Certicate

U.S. Military Identication Card

TEXAS DRIVER

PASSPORT

Texas Driver License

U.S. Passport

TX PER ID

TEXAS HL

US CITIZEN

Texas Personal Identication Card

Texas Handgun License

U.S. Citizenship Certicate

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Discover why Regency at Santa Rita Ranch was awarded Best 55+ Community by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. This active adult community oers home designs to choose from and master-plan amenities plus an exclusive 55+ clubhouse with a resort style pool, fitness center, pickleball and bocce courts, and more. LUXUY LIVING FOR 55+ ACTIVE ADULTS IN LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS LUXU

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WOMEN OF WILCO AWARDS RECOGNITION CONGRATULATIONS! International Women’s Day

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Award Winners

TANYA CLAWSON

STEPHANIE GEORGE

E ER

TARA LEDAY DIANA PHILLIPS ARA LEDAY DIANA PHILLIPS

JEN HENDERSON JENHENDE RSON

TA BREND

MICHELE JAROSZEWSKI-WEBB

BRENDA EIVENS DA EIVENS

KERRIE STANNELL KERRIE ST TANNELL

Award Finalists

Stephanie Ac SummerBai Angela Bake Nicci Bontrag

cker ley er ger ht ey io Clark stelman

Susan Faykus Deanna Ferguson Cynthia Flores Kelley Hernandez-Host

Brenna Kuhn Julie Lessiter Tammy Lindenberg Michelle Ly Monica McKitterick

Karah Powell SuzyPukys SusanRock

A Anna Rogers Jayne Serna a’Cole Thompson Stephanie Tyler Lori VanRoo Angela Williams

K LaKissa Brig Kirstin Case Laura Ciacc Victoria (Tori) C Kay Dunning-Bos

Hope Hisle-Piper Tonesha Holland Kristen Huguley Stacy Johnson Kaitlyn Kennedy Kassi Kincaid

Elaine Mingus Lindsey Moore Jessica Mosman Ginna O'Connor Jodee O'Brien

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OUR CULINARY STORY

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Round Rock City Council, Place 6 KEY : *Incumbent

Hilda Montgomery* Occupation: retired/part-time project manager Relevant experience: sitting council member, community leader, CAPCOG member, Clean Air Coalition Member www.HildaforRoundRock.com

Emran Rouf Occupation: physician

Relevant experience: physician with 20-plus years of experience, nonprot board member, community organizer/wellness advocate www.vote4emran.com

What will be your top priorities if you are elected?

My top priority will be maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the area, while providing key service. Secondly, ensuring that Round Rock continues to be one of the safest cities in the country.

My top priorities will include the following: 1) funding of the law enforcement agencies, 2) planning for a sustainable growth of Round Rock where businesses and residential neighborhoods can thrive together, and 3) proactive engagement with the city residents to learn more about opportunities for improvement.

What uniquely quali es you for this position?

I’ve been a council member for the past seven-plus years. I’ve seen the growth and challenges. I’ve prioritized strategic investments to keep this city moving forward. We have one of the most scally sound cities in the state.

I believe my background as a physician and community organizer has shed some important light on the overall quality of living in Round Rock. During my voluntary clinical work, some patients shared their stories about living in Round Rock. Their stories motivated me to run for the city council.

Growth, but it presents tremendous opportunities. I will focus on the core services for our city. I will continue to push for investments in infrastructure and opportunities that will keep Round Rock as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family. What do you see as the greatest challenge for the city, and how will you improve it?

I think the greatest challenge is to balance the rapid business growth within city limits against the quality, suburban living that we all want. The city will continue to attract more businesses; the council needs to be thoughtful about the impacts of such growth on neighborhoods, tax structures, and trac.

I’ve been honored to serve the citizens of Round Rock in this position. I would like to continue as a council member and humbly ask for your support in this election. Early voting begins April 22–29. Election day is Saturday May 3rd. What is something you want Round Rock residents to know about you?

I am a soccer coach and a big fan of Austin FC. I have been attending World Cup Soccer tournaments since 2014 and can’t wait for the next World Cup here in the U.S. in 2026!

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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Education

A preliminary projection of a budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year in Round Rock ISD shows the district may face a $16 million shortfall, administrators said. This comes as legislators consider a potential increase to the basic allotment, and other factors that are currently undecided, said Dennis Covington, RRISD’s Chief Financial O cer. Covington and other administrators shared an initial budget scenario based on total enrollment of 47,000 students and a 92% attendance rate, in addition to a 2% increase in property values for the district’s tax base. To fund operations, the proposal includes plans for $461 million in revenues and $477.5 million in expenditures, without RRISD faces $16M shortfall

A closer look

Budget projections for RRISD To fund operations, the proposal includes plans for $461 million in revenues and $477.5 million in expenditures, leaving the district with a $16.5 million shortfall.

Several factors in ux that Covington said could change the projected budget, including legislation that would raise the basic allotment, a per-student funding amount factored into the tiered equation determining how much funding a school district can receive in Texas, by $220 from $6,160 to $6,380. As previously reported by Community Impact , the proposal is part of House Bill 2. Other factors highlighted by Covington include federal impacts to funding and tari s impacting the cost of goods, a reduction in the maximum compressed rate which, determines how much a district can tax property within its bounds, and a possible increase to the home- stead exemption for homeowners. Covington said current proposals, if not adjusted, to increase the homestead exemption could see the district lose an additional $19 million in funding.

Revenue

Expenses

$461M

$16.5M shortfall

$477.5M

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

additional funds budgeted for compensation increases. Voters did pass nearly $1 billion in RRISD bonds in November, but bond funds cannot be used for regular operating expenditures, under state law. This comes as the district anticipates nishing the current 2024-25 budget year at $464 million in expected revenues and $472 million in planned expenses. In February, Covington said this will likely result in a $3.8 million shortfall, narrowed by a $9.3 million sale of property.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

What they’re saying

Going forward

It’s catastrophic what’s happening to public education in terms of funding, but I can no longer budget on hopes because it’s not fair to our community. It’s depressing. AMBER LANDRUM, RRISD BOARD SECRETARY

Covington said administrators identied multiple areas in which to reduce expenditures, including reducing all service calendars by one day, reducing central oce administration and support positions as well as school level support positions. Reductions to travel, funding for each department, elimination of phone stipends altogether and increasing the class size formula are also on the table. Despite including a proposed increase to the basic allotment, Board Secretary Amber Landrum highlighted that this early version of the district’s operating budget for the 2025-26 school year comes with a $16 million shortfall even before a compensation increase for employees. The school district has called on legislators to increase the basic allotment for the last several budget cycles, and say the $220 increase proposed will likely not be enough to meet current needs.

Regarding campus closures and stang cuts—implemented by districts across the state to make up the di erence in projected shortfalls—Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath said in February it is more a consequence of planning for enrollment growth that is no longer happening rather than a need for funds. Area budget hurdles RRISD is not alone in facing dicult budget decisions, as Georgetown and Leander ISDs have had similar conversations about budget outlooks for next year. $17M shortfall projected for LISDs 200+ LISD teacher positions to be eliminated $3.72M shortfall projected for GISD 44 potential GISD positions to be eliminated

She encouraged administrators to prepare for a worse-case scenario, and take a “harder look” at the budget. Covington said the human resources team will present a compensation plan outlining any poten- tial changes and RRISD will approve a budget for the next scal year by the end of June. The March meeting is just one step in the district’s budgetary process, and the district will hold additional meet- ings regarding the budget before nal approval.

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD, LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

5 Harrell Parkway Reconstruction Project: Along with a major renovation of Old Settlers Park, the project will reconstruct the rural roadway, add left turn lanes, upgrade low water crossings at McNutt Creek and improve lighting and landscaping. Update: The second phase of construction along Harrell Parkway began March 3. • Timeline: Completion in 2026 • Cost: TBD Project: The project will construct a new four-lane divided roadway with shared use paths, extending over Brushy Creek from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Bouelvard. Update: Construction began in December 2024 • Timeline: 2024-2026 • Cost: $25.9 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue 6 Wyoming Springs Segment 1 Project: The project includes expanding the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane divided road with updated pedestrian and bicycle facilities, turn lanes and other features. Update: Construction work began Aug. 28, 2024. • Timeline: 2024-2026 • Cost: $33 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue, Road CO bonds, Texas Department of Transportation loan • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue. 7 Gattis School Road Segment 3

110

Round Rock

112

1431

OLD SETTLERS PARK

CHISHOLM TRL.

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

130 TOLL

CREEK BEND BLVD.

HARRELL PKWY.

WYOMING SPRINGS DR.

N. KENNEY FORT BLVD.

620

45 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

3 Red Bud Lane North Project: The project will expand the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided road with intersection and pedestrian improvements. Update: Construction began March 6. • Timeline: 2024-2026 • Cost: $34.7 million • Funding source: Developer contributions, Type B sales tax revenue, road CO bonds 4 CR 112 West Project: The city is reconstructing the existing two-lane CR 112 to a six-lane divided roadway with pedestrian facilities. Update: Notice to proceed was issued in January. • Timeline: 2025-2026 • Cost: $13.1 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax, roadway impact fees

Ongoing projects

1 Chisholm Trail North Widening Project: The city is widening the remaining two-lane road section to match the existing ve-lane section from North Chisholm Trail to South I-35. Update: Construction has begun and is now in Phase 2. • Timeline: Completion in spring 2026 • Cost: $6.77 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue 2 Kenney Fort Boulevard Segments 5 & 6 Project: This segment will connect Old Settlers Boulevard to University Boulevard. Update: The city held a public input meeting and is nearing 60% design status. Right of way acquisition to begin in the next few months. • Timeline: 2024-2025 • Cost: $4.5 million for design • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue and CO bonds

Completed projects

8 Kenney Fort Boulevard Segment 4 Project: The most recently nished phase of the decades- long construction of a major arterial roadway system that will one day connect Georgetown to Round Rock to Pugerville. The project limits for Segment 4 are from Old Settlers Boulevard to Joe DiMaggio Boulevard. Update: Project is now complete. • Timeline: 2013-2024 • Cost: $23.4 million • Funding source: Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Williamson County, Type B sales tax revenue

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