BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, ELISABETH JIMENEZ & SIENNA WIGHT
Hays County approves weather hazard plan Hays County Commissioners approved the 2025 Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mit- igation Plan during a July 8 meeting, as the area continues to grapple with severe
County plans tax hike after overturned bond Hays County residents may see an increase in their property taxes as the county works to nd alternative funds for 30 road projects, defunded after a Travis County Court case overturned a 2024 road bond election. The tax rate would be the same rate that was approved by voters as part of the November 2024 road bond election. The details Hays County Commissioners unanimously voted July 29 to publish a notice of intent to increase the tax rate by $0.02 per $100 assessed home value to fund most of the road projects included in the 2024 road bond, according to agenda documents. In November 2024, 55% of Hays County residents voted in support of the $440 million road bond, which also included a $0.02 increase to the tax rate. The court approved issuing $240 million in
"We’re upholding voters’ decision by their vote [on the bond]. They have asked us to
move forward with those critical improvements." DEBBIE GONZALES INGALSBE, COMMISSIONER
weather events. The breakdown
The plan aims to reduce the impacts of weather hazards on people and property through priority actions for the county, area cities and school districts to incorporate, such as structural reinforcement and install- ing additional weather monitoring systems. Population growth and more frequent, violent weather events demonstrate a need to brace for impacts on people and property, the plan states. Judge Ruben Becerra said recent Central Texas oods highlighted the importance of hazard mitigation.
certi cates of obligation—a separate funding mechanism from a bond that funds projects with- out voter approval—to fund the projects approved by voters in the 2024 bond. The background The Hays County road bond was overturned after a Travis County judge voided the election, ruling that Hays County failed to meet public notice requirements under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Hays County, City of Kyle weigh surveillance options
“I see both sides. I see the side of how it could help our o cers in real time in the event of a major emergency,
voiced opposition over potential use by other government agencies, speci cally Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. However, some commissioners and HCSO o cials said the cameras would be useful for crime-solving needs. Kyle council members discussed similar con- cerns after approving the purchase of surveillance towers, which would be used for large events.
Hays County Commissioners paused the purchase of additional automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, from security hardware company Flock Safety after mixed community
but also at the same time understand how residents may feel about Big Brother watching over them.” MICHAEL TOBIAS, KYLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER DISTRICT 6
feedback on July 29. What’s happening?
Commissioners requested more time to consider public feedback. During public comment, speakers
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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