Round Rock Edition | March 2023

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 7 MARCH 4APRIL 10, 2023

UNPRECEDENTED DEBRIS

Nail salon oers services for adults and kids

WilCo orchestra brings Spanish air to Round Rock CAMP GUIDE 2023 SPONSORED BY

Crews drop o brush and debris at the East Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Round Rock. City ocials estimate Winter Storm Mara created about 1 million cubic yards of brush and tree branches. Normally, the city averages about 30,000 per year.

BRIAN RASHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Round Rock continues massive cleanup after February ice storm

BY BRIAN RASH

coming. Ocials and sta said they cannot yet estimate the total cost to the city but continue to emphasize the event is unprecedented. “We are now undergoing what is easily the larg- est cleanup eort our community has ever seen, and from our experience so far in the neighbor- hoods, we believe this operation will [last at least CONTINUED ON 30

Round Rock Sports Center & Multipurpose Complex

In Round Rock, Winter Storm Mara resulted in more than 1 million cubic yards of loose brush and debris from Jan. 31-Feb. 3, according to estimates from city sta. During a normal year, the city collects around 30,000. Round Rock City Council has already approved sev- eral million dollars toward a massive debris removal eort, and ocials said more allocations are likely

Local summer camps

Need for skilled jobs reshapes workforce

INDUSTRY GROWTH | Central Texas will add 20,000 manufacturing jobs over the next two years.

Local pub serves authentic British fare

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

The Central Texas region is pro- jected to add about 20,000 manu- facturing jobs in the coming years, and local opportunities to learn new skills and trades are emerging along- side the trend. As global semiconductor and other tech manufacturers, including Sam- sung, Applied Materials and Valex, continue to build large facilities in

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

The Texas State Technical College East Williamson County campus in Hutto is one of several entities updating curricula. (Courtesy Texas State Technical College)

CONTINUED ON 32

SOURCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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What is the WilCo MRC? The Williamson County Medical Reserve Corps are medical and non-medical volunteers who help make our community stronger and healthier during disasters and every day to improve local emergency response capabilities, reduce potential public health risk and vulnerabilities, and build community preparedness and resilience. Who volunteers with the WilCo MRC? WilCo MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals as well as other community members without medical or healthcare backgrounds who wish to donate their time and experience. Volunteer hours can depend on individual’s availability. What will WilCo MRC Volunteers do? The specific roles that WilCo MRC volunteers play, and activities they participate in, will depend upon the volunteer’s background, experience, interest, and skills. These activities can include:

• Community education and outreach • Community vaccination clinics • Mass dispensing efforts • And much more…

• Support services to disaster call centers, Family Assistance Centers, and Reception Centers • Emergency Operation Center • Disaster clean-up and recovery support

• Emergency Preparedness and Response trainings and exercises

• Emergency Shelter Operations • Emergency Mass Care response

Call now for more information on volunteering in your community! 512-248-3215 • WilcoMRC@wilco.org

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Leonard Bryant SENIOR EDITOR Brian Rash REPORTERS Carson Ganong, Brooke Sjoberg GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gloria Gonzalez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Steanie Bartlett METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITORS Beth Marshall, Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES rrknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING rrkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM AMY: It was surreal to drive around and see all the broken trees laying on people’s cars and rooftops as a result of Winter Storm Mara. Even though many lost power for multiple days from downed power lines, I was thankful to learn there was no loss of life. The massive debris cleanup eorts are underway and will hopefully be complete soon. Thank you to those who are working long hours to clean up our community. Amy Leonard Bryant , GENERAL MANAGER

FROM BRIAN: More than 20,000 manufacturing jobs are coming to the Central Texas area in the next two years, according to data from the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association. Many of those jobs will be in Round Rock, Pugerville and Hutto. However, that is not the only local industry that is growing. In this edition, we examine the local job market, how it is changing and how it is projected to change in the coming years. Brian Rash, SENIOR EDITOR

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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS | CREATING SMILES

ROUND ROCK EDITION • MARCH 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

ROUND ROCK

1431

3 9

E. PALM VALLEY BLVD.

Saigon 512

The World Nails Bar

BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BRIAN RASH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

6 Whitewater Express Car Wash opened in December at 651 University Blvd., Round Rock. In addition to standard car washes, the drive-thru chain offers customers high-intensity polishes, wheel cleanings, and rain-repellent treat- ments. The company also offers monthly memberships and free vacuum services that vary by location. 346-367-2500. www.whitewatercw.com COMING SOON 7 A third Round Rock location of fitness studio Hotworx is scheduled to open in March, according to a compa- ny representative. The new location will be at 17420 RM 620, Ste. 120, Round Rock, behind the Chase Bank. As a virtually instructed fitness studio,

Jeremias Cardoso Jr., F45 offers a variety of 45-minute classes that combine circuit training with high-intensity interval train- ing. 512-621-8406. www.f45training.com 4 Saigon 512 opened in early February at 105 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. 104, Round Rock, in a tenant space formerly occupied by Oh-Ho Chinese. The Vietnamese-Chi- nese fusion menu includes items such as a variety of banh mi and pho, a noodle soup. 512-608-4040. www.saigon512.com 5 The World Nails Bar , a full-service nail salon, opened Jan. 28 at 3100 RM 1431, Ste. 200, Round Rock. The World Nails bar offers a selection of services for adults and children, including manicures, pedicures and waxing. 512-291-7198. www.theworldnailsbar.com

620

7 8

G A T T I S S C H

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 The Round Rock location of Aqua- Tots Swim Schools held a grand re- opening Feb. 25 after being closed for more than a year due to a fire from a neighboring restaurant in September 2021. Located at 1208 N. I-35, Ste. 400, Round Rock, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools offers year-round swim lessons for children of all ages. 512-336-8687. www.aqua-tots.com/round-rock 3 Fitness studio F45 Training opened a second Round Rock location Dec. 17 at 2000 N. Mays St., Ste. 115. Owned by

NOW OPEN 1 All Seasons Dentistry opened Jan. 11 at 4450 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. B102, Round Rock. The practice, owned by dentists Sam Arava and Chakradhar Beerpur, offers preventive dentistry, such as dental cleanings and exams; cosmetic dentistry, including compos- ite fillings, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. The clinic also offers peri- odontal disease treatment. 737-243-1111. www.allseasonsdentistry.com

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COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG

White Water Express Car Wash

Citizens National Bank

BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Pharmacist Gilbert Sarmiento co-owns Quick Pharmacy with his wife, pharmacist Randi Sarmiento. They took over ownership Jan. 1.

Hotworx offers yoga, Pilates, core and cycle fitness class options, among others, that are all carried out within an infrared sauna. Hotworx offers unlimited access 24/7 to members. 512-309-1475. www.hotworx.net 8 A Pet Supplies Plus location is expected to open this summer in June or July at 17420 N. RM 620, Ste. 150, Round Rock. Pet Supplies Plus offers a variety of products for dogs, cats, birds, fish and reptiles, including pet food, accessories, grooming tools and baked treats. The company also offers services such as prescription fulfillment and dog washing. www.petsuppliesplus.com 9 Tso Chinese is planning an April opening at 2000 N. Mays St., Ste. 108, Round Rock. It will be the Austin-based Chinese takeout and delivery restaurant’s

fourth location. When the expansion was announced in April 2022, Tso CEO and co-founder Min Choe said the expansion had been long requested. Tso Chinese serves customers through a self-reliant delivery service with its own fleet of vehicles, and third-party food delivery services are never used. 10 Citizens National Bank opened in its new building at 110 S. Mays St., Round Rock, on Jan. 17. The bank broke ground on the new home of its Round Rock location in April 2022, relocating from its former address at 201 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. Among the bank’s offerings are business and personal banking and loans, as well as merchant card services. 512-218-5100. www.cnbanktexas.com www.tsodelivery.com RELOCATIONS

BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FEATURED IMPACT NEW OWNERSHIP Quick Pharmacy, which has operated in Round Rock for over 100 years, is under new ownership as of Jan. 1. Pharmacists Gilbert and Randi Sarmiento purchased the pharmacy from Nacogdoches-based ARK Pharmacies, which owned Quick Pharmacy since 2017. In the coming months, the Sarmientos plan to expand the pharmacy’s services. Quick Pharmacy, located at 701 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, oers compounding, which allows for prescriptions to be tailored to patients,

as well as typical over-the-counter medicines. 512-255-2422 www.quickrx.com

YOUR LOCAL HEARING EXPERTS Accepting New Patients

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ROUND ROCK EDITION • MARCH 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

45 TOLL

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PFLUGERVILLE

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Three Legged Goat

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BRIAN RASH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

3 4

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

to open in early March at 208 E. Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 240, Pflugerville. Hotworx offers 15- to 30-minute workout programs that take place in an infrared sauna, and services are available to mem- bers 24/7. www.hotworx.net RELOCATIONS 3 The Book Burrow relocated March 1 to local wine bar Three Legged Goat, 200 E. Pecan St., Pflugerville. The independent bookstore operated at the Pflugerville Pflea Market and Outdoor Pop-Ups since August. 512-670-8441. www.thebookburrowbookstore.com EXPANSIONS 4 The Three Legged Goat , a wine bar located at 200 E. Pecan St., Stes. 5-7,

Pflugerville, will expand its indoor space from 600 to 2,200 square feet. Co-owner Jim McDonald said the expansion should be complete by summer, and the business will remain open in the meantime. The indoor expansion will include a commer- cial kitchen that can be rented out to other

businesses. 512-968-0386. www.threeleggedgoattx.com CLOSINGS 5 The Best Buy electronics and

PFLUGERVILLE NOW OPEN

Lake Pflugerville Pediatric House Calls opened March 1 in Pflugerville. Owner Brandi Torres said the clinic serves Pflugerville residents and in-home pediatric services include home visits for sick children, rapid testing for COVID-19, flu, strep, respiratory syncytial virus and sports physicals. 512-673-7661. www.lakepflugervillepediatric housecalls.com COMING SOON 2 Fitness studio Hotworx is scheduled

1 Family dental practice Meadows Spring Dental Care opened Feb. 24 at 2424 FM 685, Ste. 400, Pflugerville. Drs. Stella Lee and Dalena Huynh offer dental services that include cleanings and fillings. The practice also offers in-depth cosmetic and restorative procedures. 512-759-0529. www.meadowsspringdentalcare.com

appliance store located in the Stone Hill Town Center at 19000 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 600, Pflugerville, closed permanently March 4. A Best Buy representative said sales were slowing at the store, but nearby locations in Round Rock and North Austin will remain open. 512-990-4699. www.bestbuy.com

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TRADESMENS PARK DR.

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COURTESY TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

BRIAN RASH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CHRIS KELLEY BLVD.

GATTIS SCHOOL RD.

ing event March 25, 6-8 p.m. The shop is appointment only but will be open to the public during the grand opening event. 512-592-0808. www.upside.tattoo COMING SOON 4 Texas barbecue chain Smokey Mo’s will open a new location on Chris Kelley Boulevard in Hutto in the same strip as Take 5 Oil Change and Dutch Bros Coffee. Representative Sarah Wilson confirmed the location is expected to open in 2023 but could not provide a precise opening date. www.smokeymosbbq.com RELOCATIONS 5 Texas AllStar Cheer & Dance began operations Feb. 7 at its new 14,000-square-foot gym located at

325 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto. The cheer and dance studio teaches competitive all-star cheerleading to athletes ages 3-17 offers after-school training and summer camp programs. Texas AllStar Cheer & Dance moved from 4674 Priem Lane, Ste. 200, Pflugerville. 512-251-0034. www.texasallstarcheer.com ANNIVERSARIES 6 G&S Mechanical , an Austin-based heating and air conditioning service company, will celebrate 10 years in business at its Hutto location, 204 Tradesmens Park Drive, on March 15. The company provides service for all makes and models and offers assistance with warranty issues. 512-642-3400. www.austingsmechanical.com

HUTTO

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MUIRFIELD BEND DR.

HUTTO NOW OPEN

days from noon to 1 p.m. 512-759-5900. Facebook: TSTC Level 3 2 Self-defense school Premier Martial Arts opened a new location in early February at 4810 Gattis School Road, Ste. 115, Hutto. Premier Martial Arts offers classes on mixed martial arts, krav maga and weapons self-defense. 737-205-4306. www.premiermartialarts.com 3 Upside Tattoo , located at 571 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, had a soft opening in November and will hold a grand open-

1 After a three-year pause, Level 3 , the student-run restaurant on the third floor of The Texas State Technical College East Williamson County Higher Education Cen- ter campus, 1600 Innovation Blvd., Hutto, reopened Feb. 16. At Level 3, students prepare the menu and seat and serve guests. Level 3 is open to the public Thurs-

Immediate openings for 0-5 years old. Research proves bilingual kids have supercharged brains. Real Spanish Immersion STEAM Curriculum High Tech Tools for Parents

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TODO LIST

March & April events

COMPILED BY BRIAN RASH

MARCH 10

CATCH A FREE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE ROUND ROCK FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

APRIL 08

ENJOY SEAFOOD AT A CRAWFISH FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN HUTTO

The Williamson County Symphony Orchestra will play a concert at the Round Rock First United Methodist Church with a theme of “Spanish Flair.” The family-friendly concert will feature pieces composed by Bizet and Massenet among others. 7:30-8:50 p.m. Free. Round Rock First United Methodist Church, 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock. https://wilcosymphony.org

Downtown Hutto will host more than 100 booths with arts and crafts, food vendors and local organizations during the city’s annual Crawsh Festival. Attendees to the festival can check out the oerings, participate in games and have a plate of crawsh. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Hutto. 512-759-4400. www.huttochamber.com

MARCH 12 SEE A LIVE WRESTLING EVENT Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling is coming to Pugerville. Attendees will watch Los Mini Enmascardos, or “mini masked wrestlers,” perform the cultural art form known as lucha libre. Wrestlers will battle in a winner-take-all match for the championship. 6-8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 685 Backyard, 19903 FM 685, Ste. B, Pugerville. 737-222-5007. Facebook: 685 Backyard 18 HAVE FUN AT AN AFRO CARIBBEAN JAMBOREE Blur Boutique and Kings n Queens Jamaican Cuisine will host a large outdoor market event near downtown Pugerville called Spring Market Thing at Afro Caribbean Jamboree. The event will feature more than 30 vendors and live music from DJ Soul Rebel. Festivities start at 11 a.m. Free admission. Old Gin Pfood Court, 310 E. Pecan St., Pugerville. 512-508-8186. www.blurboutique.com 18 SWAP YOUR PLANTS AND GARDENING GEAR The public is invited to bring their unwanted plants, pots, seeds, or other gardening items to swap with other plant

enthusiasts. The Travis County Master Gardeners Association will host a plant clinic at the all-ages event, and the rst 75 attendees will receive a set of gardening tools. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Pugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Puger St.,

Scholarship Fish Fry will take place in Round Rock. The menu includes fried sh, hush puppies, fries, coleslaw and potato salad, and the price of admission includes live music performances. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for local students. Noon-4 p.m. $12 per plate. The American Legion George Johns Post 447, 1000 N. Georgetown St., Round Rock. 512-244-0480. www.txlegion447.org 25 HAVE FUN AT A FIESTA Local nonprot United Partners- Pugerville will host a Fiesta It UP! celebration event that will feature a happy hour, live music performances, a photobooth, food, drinks and a silent auction. United Partners-Pugerville will use proceeds to help adults with disabilities. 5 p.m. $75. Pugerville Lions Club, 500 N. Railroad Ave., Pugerville. 512-791-2292. www.unitedpartnerspf.org 26 RUN TO HELP ROUND ROCK STUDENTS The local chapter of national college sorority Sigma Gamma Rho will host a 5K charity run to benet continuing college students in Round Rock and the Greater Austin area. Called Prancing with the Poodles, the family-friendly event includes health screenings, vendor booths and local community organizations. There will

be prizes for early nishers. 7 a.m.-noon. $30. Old Settlers Park Virgil Rabb Pavilion, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-218-5540. www.roundrockgrhos.org APRIL 01 THROUGH 02 ATTEND A SUGAR ART SHOW A show called That Takes the Cake is coming to Round Rock. The multifaceted event features entrants from all over the world who will compete for the best cake or sugar art sculpture. Instructors will also teach classes for students interested in learning new techniques. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (April 1), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (April 2). Tickets start at $15. Round Rock Sports Center, 2400 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock. 512-341-3125. www.rrsportscenter.com 02 TAKE THE KIDS TO AN EASTER EGG HUNT The city of Hutto will host a traditional Easter egg hunt for children ages 3 and older. The event features 15,000 eggs lled with candy and other treats. Children will also have an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. 3-5 p.m. Free. Adam Orgain Park, 400 Park St., Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov

Pugerville. 512-990-6375. www.library.plugervilletx.gov 28 TEST YOUR TRIVIA KNOWLEDGE

Attendees can participate in a free trivia competition that pits teams against each other to see who knows the most about a wide variety of topics. Gift certicates will be awarded for rst, second and third place. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. The Anchor Bar, 2702 Parker Drive, Ste. B, Round Rock. 512-494-6727. www.anchorbar.com 24 ENJOY SOME LIVE COMEDY The Distillery Comedy Tour is making a stop in Pugerville. The program features more than a dozen standup comics whose credits include festival, TV and major club appearances. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Spirit of Texas Brewstillery, 1715 Dalshank St., Pugerville. 512-989-9292. www.spiritoftx.com 25 ENJOY A FISH FRY FOR A GOOD CAUSE The annual Shaylah Dame Artistic

Find more or submit Round Rock events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES RM 620 improvements expected to be complete this fall

COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG

ONGOING PROJECTS

DELL DIAMOND

The multiyear project to widen and improve a section of RM 620 in Round Rock could be complete this fall, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Project components include frontage road lanes and two overpasses—an eastbound and a westbound—over the railroad crossing at Chisholm Trail Road as well as a roundabout underneath the bridge. Bradley Wheelis, TxDOT public information officer, said to accommodate ongoing construction of the west- bound overpass at Lake Creek Drive, crews in February shifted the traffic pattern between Briarwood Street and Brentwood Street to the new westbound frontage road. TxDOT first sought bids for construction of the project in August 2020. Certain parts of the improvement project are already complete, including the eastbound overpass and the westbound and eastbound frontage roads. TxDOT opened the eastbound overpass Jan. 6, allowing drivers to bypass any conflicts with the Union Pacific Corp. railroad line that runs perpendicular to RM 620.

175

MCNEIL RD.

CHISHOLM TRAIL RD.

BRUSHY CREEK PLANT RD.

BURNET RD.

Railroad quiet zone Phase 2 A new traffic signal at the intersec- tion of Brushy Creek Plant Road and Hwy. 79 began operating in early February. The railroad crossings from Burnet Road to Red Bud Lane will be compliant with federal regulations and quiet-zone mandates due to the up- grade. City documents state the project fulfills a requirement to establish a second quiet zone, pending action from the Union Pacific Corp. railroad. Timeline: June 2022-late 2023 Cost: $4.25 million Funding source: city of Round Rock

620

BRENTWOOD ST.

BRIARWOOD ST.

Eastbound traffic will now use the overpass to travel between Briarwood Street and the I-35 intersection of RM 620. Timeline: February 2020-fall 2023 Cost: $27.4 million Funding sources: city of Round Rock, TxDOT, Williamson County

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I-35 improvement project to be completed by summer 2023 A project to alleviate heavy traffic on a portion of I-35 in Round Rock could be complete by summer, Texas Department of Transportation officials said. TxDOT crews began work in mid-June on a project to address southbound I-35 main lanes. That section of I-35 will also receive new high-mast lighting similar to other stretches of I-35. TxDOT Austin District Engineer 175 35 620 79

1460

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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 23. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT RRKNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Funding sources: Capital Area Metro- politan Planning Organization, city of Round Rock, Williamson County University Boulevard extension The two-lane section of University Boulevard spanning from A.W. Grimes Boulevard/FM 1460 to SH 130 will be widened to a four-lane roadway with a median. Construction began in April 2021 and is expected to be completed by the spring. Timeline: April 2021-spring 2023 Cost: approximately $11.3 million

Tucker Ferguson said that segment of I-35 is one of the most congested stretches of roadway in the state. TxDOT awarded the construction contract to JD Abrams L.P. for $8.4 million. It is part of the Texas Clear Lanes project, which seeks to address and resolve traffic conges- tion at pain points across the state. Timeline: June 2022-summer 2023 Cost: $8.4 million Funding source: TxDOT

congestion on the southbound lanes of I-35 between Hwy. 79 and SH 45 N in Round Rock. Bradley Wheelis, TxDOT public information officer, said crews are removing the existing concrete bar- rier in the median of I-35 between Hwy. 79 and SH 45 N. The old barrier will be replaced with a new median barrier that will allow for the widening of the

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DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS

Projects underway in your community

First Sabey Data Center building nears completion The rst of two Sabey Data Center buildings planned for a nearly 40-acre tract o SH 45 is expected to be complete by December. construction on the second building until a propor- tion of the rst building is leased out. BY BROOKE SJOBERG

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The 535,000-square-foot facility’s operation will bring 20 jobs to the area. In return, as part of an economic development agreement approved by Round Rock City Council in February, the city will pay $1 million in incentives that will reimburse Sabey for half of its demolition costs. The data company will also invest a total of $185 million in real property improvements and $5 million in business personal property as part of the agreement.

Mark Noonan, Sabey’s Austin-based senior vice president of product development, said the facility, which broke ground last July, is about one-third of the way through construction, and a start date is not yet set for the second building. “Typically, what providers like us do is we’ll sell the rst building up to a certain percentage,” he said. Noonan added that Sabey will wait to begin

When complete, the Sabey Data Center will have two buildings. (Brooke Sjoberg/Community Impact)

Legal hold nearly cleared on former Perfect Game site in Hutto

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BY CARSON GANONG

property from its owner, Cottonwood Development Corp. Council also approved a $6 million sales tax agreement with the Hutto EDC to help fund the purchase. The HEDC will take out loans to fund the remaining $15 million cost, according to a city release. The land was previously intended to

be the site of an $800 million develop- ment from baseball scouting company Perfect Game, but the company announced in September 2021 that it would build in Cedar Park instead. City documents state while some legal steps are still pending, the purchase frees up the tract for future development by the city.

After legal disputes with a previous developer, the 250-acre site north of Hwy. 79 in eastern Hutto called Cottonwood Properties is nearly free for future development. At a Feb. 2 meeting, Hutto City Council approved the Hutto Economic Development Corp.’s purchase of the

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

25 acres near Red Bud Lane rezoned for industrial use

E. PFLUGERVILLE PKWY.

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Ocials rezoned a 25-acre parcel of land near East Old Settlers Boulevard and Red Bud Lane as a light-industrial planned unit development Feb. 9. Brad Wiseman, the director of the Round Rock Planning and Development Services Department, said the request to zone the property for indus- trial use came from the property owner. The rezoning will allow the property owner to build a warehouse or other type of industrial property to be leased by a future tenant, according to city documents. Development specs will not be available until the owner requests a permit to build, according to city documents.

The sixth re station for Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 is scheduled to be complete by September. (Brian Rash/Community Impact)

Fire station work delayed several months The timeline for Fire Station No. 6 in Pugerville has been extended and is now scheduled to be complete by September. BY BRIAN RASH as two years. Perkins said while building material costs have come down slightly, permitting delays with the city of Pugerville are the main reason for the extended timeline.

It could be operational by November or Decem- ber, according to Nicholas Perkins, chief of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2. Perkins initially said at a Feb. 22 groundbreaking event for the new re station, located at 17221 Weiss Lane, Pugerville, that it could be complete by June but added due to ongoing global supply chain issues, that timeline could stretch to as long

Perkins said once complete, the new sta- tion will have three bays and house an aerial apparatus, or ladder truck, as well as a pickup truck that can provide more maneuverability for certain calls. The construction cost estimate for the new station is about $7.4 million.

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NEWS BRIEFS

News from Round Rock & Williamson County

County seeks to fill remaining vacancies for 911 dispatchers

Local schools can now apply for career program funding

DISPATCHER STATS Williamson County Emergency

Communications is working to fill empty positions. Some key stats for WCEC include:

BY HANNAH NORTON

$57,291 starting salary for WCEC telecom officer 60 total dispatchers in WCEC 38 agencies for which WCEC dispatches aid

Texas schools and colleges, including in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto, can now apply for the Jobs and Education for Texans grant. The program helps educational institutions purchase and install the equipment for career and technical education courses. A Texas Workforce Commission news release states approximately $8.6 million in JET funding is available during fiscal year 2022-23, which began Sept. 1. The JET program applications are due March 14, according to the release. PROGRAM COVERAGE The Jobs and Education for Texans program helps Texas school districts fund programs for career and technical education. Pays for: Purchase and installation of career and technical education equipment. Does not pay for: Consumable items or equipment repairs.

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

WILLIAMSON COUNTY While emergency call centers throughout the country face staffing shortages, Williamson County Emergency Com- munications staff have made a concerted effort to fill vacancies in recent years. Department heads updated officials on recent progress of the hiring initiative during a Feb. 7 Wil- liamson County Commissioners Court meeting. Chris Connealy, senior director of emergency services, said the No. 1 challenge facing dis- patchers in the U.S., including in Williamson County, is filling empty positions. However, Connealy said the department has filled all but five of its vacancies—the lowest number of empty roles since Connealy joined the county nearly five years ago. “As of 2022, our dispatchers are the highest paid in the state,” Connealy said. “Even with that, that didn’t fix all of our challenges.” Connealy said the “organizational culture”

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

within the department was previously “not healthy” and is working toward having no vacancies in his department by early 2023. “We’re a complex operation,” he said. “We dispatch 38 different agencies. Certainly [during] the ice storm, we got all types of entities that we’re interacting with on an emergency basis. So we need to have people on top of their game." The department also saw a change in lead- ership Feb. 5. Kate Wolf, former professional standards division manager, took over the director position. Wolf replaced Thomas Piche, who took a new job with the Williamson County Wireless Communications department.

SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

School choice, property taxes top issues

ABBOTT'S EMERGENCY ITEMS

NUMBER TO KNOW The amount Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to spend on lowering property taxes for Texans in the 2024-25 biennial state budget. $15 Billion EFFORTS TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE, GROW THE ENERGY SECTOR, IMPROVE JOB TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND ENSURE HEALTH CARE ACCESS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT DURING THE FEB. 16 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS “WE MUST CONTINUE THE STATE’S UNRELENTING

BY HANNAH NORTON

COVID-19 restrictions by preventing local governments from creating mask mandates or requiring people to be vaccinated against the virus. Govern- ments would also not be allowed to close schools or businesses due to the coronavirus. On school choice, Abbott said he wants to give Texas parents more power to choose where their children go to school through a state-funded Education Savings Accounts. “To be clear, under this school choice program, all public schools will be fully funded for every student,” Abbott said. Abbott’s other top issues include making schools safer; ending the “revolving door” bail policies and creating stronger restrictions; increasing border security; and tack- ling the fentanyl crisis by pushing for state funding for Narcan, a medica- tion used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

During his Feb. 16 State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled seven emergency action items lawmakers could immediately work on prior to the 60th day of the session, or March 10, that they are usually limited to.

Gov. Greg Abbott outlined seven emergency action items, which lawmakers can vote on immediately, during his biennial State of the State address Feb. 16. Lawmakers typically cannot vote on or pass legislation until the 60th day of the session—March 10. But when the governor designates an emergency legislative item, lawmakers can vote on related bills earlier, according to the Legislative Reference Library of Texas. “This session, we will ensure Texas remains the leader of this nation as an unflinching force in this world,” Abbott said. “Together, we will build a Texas for the next generation—the Texas of tomorrow.” One of Abbott’s top issues is ensuring lasting property tax relief by spending $15 billion in state funds, proposed in the preliminary budget bills filed in the House and Senate. Abbott also seeks to end all

Cut property taxes

End COVID-19 restrictions permanently

Expand school choice

Make schools safer

Tighten bail requirements

Increase border security

UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS

Address the fentanyl crisis

SOURCE: GOV. GREG ABBOTT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

STATE REP. JAMES TALARICO

District 50 Democrat Elected: 2018

Gov. details plans for tax relief, school safety

TOP PRIORITIES

On Feb. 13, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named his top priorities for the 2023 Legislature. These include:

HB 21 The bill relates to the powers and duties of the Texas Independent Redistricting Commission; how commission members are appointed; and fairness and integrity in drawing district lines.

Making voter fraud a felony offense Providing property tax relief Strengthening the power grid Expanding school choice Increasing pay for existing and retired teachers SOURCE: LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Improving school safety Creating a minimum sentence for illegal gun possession Expanding alternatives to abortion Tackling the state’s future water needs Banning local coronavirus restrictions

BY HANNAH NORTON

New details released Feb. 21 reveal Gov. Greg Abbott’s plans to spend $15 billion for property tax relief and nearly $750 million for school safety. In the largest use of funds, Abbott asked lawmakers to dedicate $15 billion to lowering property tax rates. He also proposed senior citizens be automatically enrolled in a $10,000 homestead exemption, pay reduced state fees and have their county property taxes frozen. A homestead exemption is a reduction to a portion of a home’s value for tax purposes. Abbott proposed spending nearly $750 million in state funds to improve school safety. He asked lawmakers to use at least $600 million to “make necessary school safety improvements,” including technology upgrades, “hardening” equipment and more mental health resources on campuses. Other proposed funding could support a telemedicine program that connects students with mental health resources.

STATE REP. CAROLINE HARRIS

District 52 Republican Elected: 2022

First filed bills reveal top state priorities

HB 2320 The bill seeks to exempt feminine hygiene products or other similar personal property

BY HANNAH NORTON

used for feminine hygiene from sales and use taxes.

priority bills to be filed so far. The budget, which determines how the state funds various programs for 2024-25, is the only bill lawmakers are required to pass during the legislative session. “I believe Texans support our priorities, because they largely reflect the policies supported by the conservative majority of Texans. Most will pass with bipartisan support,” Patrick said. As of Feb. 20, Texas state senators had filed nearly 1,300 prospective bills. Patrick expects lawmakers will pass over 600 bills before the session ends May 29.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his top 30 priorities for the 2023 legislative session Feb. 13. His top goals include cutting property taxes, improving Texas’ power grid, and expanding access to health care as well as school choice. Senate Bills 1-30 are typically reserved for legislation that is important to the lieutenant gover- nor. Similarly, House Bills 1-20 are reserved for House Speaker Dade Phelan’s priority bills. SB 1, the 1,033-page state budget, is the only one of Patrick’s 30

STATE REP. SHERYL COLE District 46 Democrat Elected: 2018

Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY HB 683 The bill seeks to exempt tuition and laboratory fees at public institutions of higher education for certain paramedics.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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