Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | October 2024

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 OCT. 15NOV. 13, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

“[The city charter] really promotes true democracy [and] transparency for the community.” PAUL BRANDENBURG, LIBERTY HILL CITY MANAGER

Liberty Hill City Manager Paul Brandenburg describes what changes the home rule charter will bring to Liberty Hill, including how his position will be at the helm of operations.

MATTHEW BROOKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT Liberty Hill calls election to adopt rst home rule charter

of 15 Liberty Hill citizens who met once a month and were led by commission Chair Bryan Rivera. The commission found inspiration in neighboring city charters along with a model charter published by the Texas Municipal League, Rivera said.

Once a Texas city reaches a population of 5,000, residents can vote to implement a home rule charter, operating like a city’s constitution, Liberty Hill City Manager Paul Brandenburg said. Planning began in June 2023 when the city formed a home rule charter commission, composed

BY ANNA MANESS

Liberty Hill is calling a special election this November during which eligible residents can vote on adopting its rst charter that, if approved, will transform Liberty Hill into a self-governing home rule city.

CONTINUED ON 21

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Indoor cricket facility 22Yards Austin to open in Leander in November—learn more about the business’s amenities (Page 6)

Election: Early voting for the Nov. 5 election starts Oct. 21—learn more about what’s on the ballot and read Q&As with local candidates (Pages 1427)

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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

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Impacts

2 Soccer Pups The indoor soccer franchise opened its third training facility. The business provides children’s soccer classes, training, youth soccer leagues and birthday parties. • Opened Sept. 28 • 706 Leander Drive, Leander • www.soccerpups.com 3 SpiderSmart Learning Center The academic-based learning center began offering various programs for kindergarten through 12th grade students this fall. Students can receive instruction in reading and writing, current events, and public speaking and debate as well as test preparation. Tutoring is available in person and online. • Opened Sept. 1 • 12001 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.spidersmart.com

14B

Leander

KAUFFMAN LP.

183

LEANDER DR.

183A TOLL

Cedar Park

Coming soon

SCOTTSDALE DR.

14A

4 Fifty/50 Pilates The Pilates studio will specialize in reformer Pilates using machines that provide a low-impact workout experience. The studio will offer in-person and virtual classes as well as private instruction. The business was founded by Cedar Park residents Brett Eaton and Sharon Arellano alongside Melinda Hattan, who is a certified Pilates and yoga instructor. • Opening mid-to-late November • 2015 Little Elm Trail, Ste. 500, Cedar Park • www.fifty50pilates.com 5 22Yards Austin The 24,000-square-foot indoor cricket facility will feature cricket fields, practice lanes, a pro shop and a mezzanine for hosting events. Players can rent lanes and participate in leagues or tournaments. Super Kings Academy, an international cricket coaching company, will provide training for ages 6-24. Owner Kalyan Jarajapu opened 22Yards Dallas in Lewisville in February. • Opening in November • 15901 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Bldg. 1, Leander • www.22yardsaustin.com

183

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

MONACO DR.

183

4 8

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

LAKELINE BLVD.

LITTLE ELM TRAIL

PECAN PARK BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

new location said. The seasonal store sells Halloween costumes for all ages, props, decorations, animatronics and more. New costume themes include Five Nights at Freddy’s, Beetlejuice and Fortnite. The store will close Nov. 3, the employee said. • Opened Sept. 9 • 651 N. US 183, Ste. 370, Leander • www.spirithalloween.com 45 TOLL LAKELINE MALL DR.

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6 Kebab7 The restaurant will specialize in beef and chicken Turkish kebab wraps as well as homemade falafel. It will feature seven menu options served seven days a week with a special discount offered on the seventh day of each month. Co-owner Sefa Kara said the company is looking to become a franchise. • Opening Nov. 7 • 920 N. Vista Ridge Blvd., Cedar Park • www.kebab7.com 7 The Texas Girls School The new charter school will open to sixth through ninth grade girls in its first year and expand to serve grades 10-12. The school will focus on science, technology, engineering and math curriculum as well as project-based learning and regular field trips. The school opened applications for enrollment in October and will select students through a lottery system in March. • Opening in August 2025 • 1615 Scottsdale Drive, Leander (expected location) • www.texasgirlsschool.org 8 Milestones Learning Center Owner Dee Rivera said the building is still under construction and will be located near the Shoppes at Lakeline Village. The day care facility will offer child care services for children ranging from newborns to age 5. • Opening in January • 2015 Little Elm Trail, Ste. 100, Cedar Park • 737-268-1916

Relocations

Coming soon

10 Art Direct The new 9,000-square-foot design center offers custom framing, fine art reproduction services, galleries, T-shirt printing and more. Since the business’s relocation from Anderson Lane, all departments, including framing, e-commerce and galleries, are now under one roof. • Relocated in July • 720 S. Bell Blvd., Bldg. 9A, Cedar Park • www.artdirect.com 11 St. Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church The Episcopal church relocated after outgrowing its original space in Round Rock. The church holds services at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Sundays with Christian education available between services. It also offers ministries for youth, children, men and women. • Relocated Sept. 1 • 3823 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.stjuliansaustin.org

14 Celebree Schools Two Celebree Schools will open in the Crystal Falls and Bryson areas next year. Owned by Jacob and Viviane Skok and Ran Varada, respectively, the franchise locations will offer programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. • Opening in summer 2025 (Crystal Falls location); Opening in fall 2025 (Bryson location) • 14A 1890 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander; 14B 11330-11340 183A Toll, Leander • www.celebree.com

In the news

12 SmileOn Orthodontics The business will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Oct. 29. The office is led by Dr. Akash “Doc Ak” Pandya and offers metal braces, clear braces and clear aligners to children, teens and adults. • 1785 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 200, Cedar Park • www.smileonortho.com 13 Saint Mary Orthodox Church After 20 years of service, the church is rebuilding its community center, with plans for it to open in October or November 2025. According to the church’s website, the new building will have a church with an altar, three children’s classrooms, a playground and a library as well as an event hall separate from the church building. Project coordinator and parish member Andrew Guiette said the new community center will have a food pantry in collaboration with Central Texas Food Bank. • 200 Monaco Drive, Cedar Park • www.saintmaryaustin.org

Closings

9 Hao-Hao Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant

15 Office Depot Assistant Store Manager Mei Liu said the store is closing due to rent increases. Liu said Burlington will move into the space after the business closes. The business offers print and copying services, design services, and a variety of office products, including electronics and furniture. • Closing Nov. 16 • 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 307, Cedar Park • www.officedepot.com

The Round Rock-based restaurant is opening a second location in Bar W Marketplace. The new location will have a larger dining area and offer a more high-end dining experience. The menu includes calamari, pho, vermicelli bowls, and a variety of other Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. • Opening in late December or early January • 19392 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 500, Georgetown • www.haohaoroundrock.com

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

mortar location. The company offers services to help individuals evaluate their Medicare options. The agency specializes in Medicare Advantage plans, prescription coverage, supplemental plans, dental and vision plans, and hospital indemnity plans. • Opened Oct. 14 • 13985 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.hansonfirst.com 2 Pinnacle Essentials The wellness-oriented shop sells CBD and THC products designed to support sleep, reduce stress and more. Derived from hemp, its products include breathables, drinks, edibles, topicals and tinctures. The store is owned by Kate and Dennis Cerasoli and the Pinnacle Essentials Group. • Opened Aug. 19 • 104 Brown Bridge Road, Ste. A, Liberty Hill • https://pinnacle-essentials.com Blingle of Central Texas The Liberty Hill-based mobile business offers landscape, patio, event and holiday lighting for homes and commercial businesses. It also provides installation, takedown and maintenance services. Franchised by Chelsea Turner and Kelli Katzman, the business serves Travis and Williamson counties.

Now open

214

Liberty Hill

BROWN BRIDGE RD.

1869

3 Republic Tint Owned by Carter Hewlett, the business provides installation services for automotive, residential and commercial window films. The company’s Cedar Park location remains open for business. • Opened Aug. 5

Liberty Hill

• 217 CR 214, Ste. 120, Liberty Hill • www.facebook.com/republictint

Now open

1 Hanson Insurance The insurance agency is opening its first brick-and-

• Opened Sept. 16 • www.blingle.com

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

Leander clears way for affordable housing units Leander City Council approved two agreements to allow an affordable housing development in the city at its Oct. 3 meeting. The agreements enabled the Texas Housing Foundation and Embrey Partners to operate the development without paying property taxes and stated there is a need for affordable housing in the area. “We hear this from the school district over and over again that they have a hard time hiring teachers because they can’t afford to live here, so this is gonna be really fantastic,” Mayor Christine DeLisle said. A closer look The THF, a Texas regional housing authority, and Embrey Partners are looking to build a roughly 15.3-acre multifamily housing development in the city, according to agenda documents.

City maintains tax rate for FY 2024-25 Leander residents can expect to pay slightly more in property taxes to the city next year, after council approved a budget and tax rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year Sept. 5. The details The $0.417282 per $100 valuation tax rate will raise more tax revenue due to an increase in total property in the city and an uptick in property values, city documents show. The $337.98 million FY 2024-25 budget is 6.6% larger than last year’s. Annual expected increase in property tax bill Williamson County $156 Travis County $272

Leander affordable housing development

288

Half of the development’s units will be available to “lower income persons”—or those making, at most, 80% of area median income—and senior citizens as long as the THF remains a partner in operations. The THF is exempt from taxes since it is a hous- ing authority, according to Texas local government code. Though Embrey would be entitled to that same exemption as partners in the development, the agreement provided the company would begin paying fees to the city after 16 years.

NOTE: THIS INCREASE IS BASED ON THE AVERAGE TAXABLE HOMESTEAD VALUE IN LEANDER.

SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Online passport renewal available

WilCo approves funds for 3 child welfare positions Williamson County will add three additional Child Protective Services positions in an effort to improve functionality and meet the county’s needs. In a 3-2 vote Sept. 17, the majority of county com- missioners voted to add the roles, which will cost $240,200 combined and will last for the next year, with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. How we got here CPS is struggling to fill positions throughout Texas to keep up with case demands, about 200 of which are in Williamson County, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said. She said the county previously approved $200,000 to help with legal costs and outside attorneys. Covey said she hopes the new positions cut down the number of hours billed to the county. In five to six years, the state might privatize aspects of CPS, and some staff additions would be

Adding positions Williamson County commissioners voted 3-2 to add the following CPS positions: Legal Assistant II, $78,200 annually Improve functionality by assisting case workers with paperwork Two care coordinators, $81,000 annually each Contracted through Bluebonnet Trails Community Services

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the U.S. Department of State’s roll out of an online passport renewal system in a Sept. 18 news release. The process is meant to save time and effort. It is only available for routine services estimated at six to eight weeks processing time, according to the department’s website. The conditions Online renewal is only available for adults age 25 and older living within a U.S. state or territory, according to the website. The passport must be a regular or tourist passport. It isn’t available for those who have travel scheduled within eight weeks of the application request or if any details of the passport are changing, including name, gender, or birth date or place.

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

part of the privatization process, Covey said. On the other hand County Judge Bill Gravell and Precinct 1 Com- missioner Terry Cook voted against adding the positions. Gravell said he didn’t recall any ARPA positions previously added that weren’t eventually full-time positions coming out of the county’s fund, and he questioned where to pull the money from when ARPA funds run out. Covey said commissioners can discuss more permanent funding options when the time comes.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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Government

BY SAM SCHAFFER

New Liberty Hill police chief to prioritize outreach

Liberty Hill raises tax rate by almost $0.03 Liberty Hill’s property tax rate is set to increase by $0.02847 per $100 of taxable home value. City Council approved the scal year 2024- 25 property tax rate of $0.483029 per $100 valuation during its Sept. 25 meeting. Zooming in Of the money collected, $0.317978 per $100 valuation will go toward operations and maintenance, while the rest of the money collected by the city, $0.165049 per $100 valuation, will go toward servicing the city’s debts, according to the agenda item. City documents state the two portions of the tax rate may not equal the sum due to fractional dierences in rounding. The rate change comes after council passed a $12.32 million 2024-25 budget.

Liberty Hill’s new police chief was sworn in during City Council’s Sept. 25 meeting. Chief Je Ringsta said his goal is to build strong bonds between his police force and the community it serves. Royce Graeter held the role previously, according to a city news release, but he left around two months ago. “Chief Ringsta is an experienced and proven leader that will be able to take the department to a new level of service and professionalism, while protecting and serving the Liberty Hill community,” City Manager Paul Brandenburg said in a news release. “We are honored that he will be leading the department.” Career history Ringsta said he started with the Liberty Hill Police Department as an unpaid reserve ocer in 2006, months after the department itself had formed. He was hired as a full-time patrol ocer the next year.

“If the public’s comfortable talking to the ocers, they’re going to give a lot more information about things that we need to know about to help protect the community.” JEFF RINGSTAFF, LIBERTY HILL POLICE CHIEF

The plan Ringsta said proactive policing, where ocers are present and building relationships in the community, is important for eective policing. Ringsta said providing resources to the community and being available for people who need assistance, even if it’s not necessarily related to policing, is important to the department. Keeping up with technology is another priority for the department, he said.

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL 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)

Voters in both Travis County and Williamson County can cast a ballot at any polling location in the county in which they are registered to vote. See a noncomprehensive list of polling locations in the far Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill area on Page 17. Visit https://elections.traviscountytx.gov and www.wilcotx.gov/elections for a complete list.

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

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

State elections Texas railroad commissioner

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam State Board of Education, District 10 R Tom Maynard* D Raquel Saenz Ortiz State senator, District 25 R Donna Campbell* D Merrie Fox State representative, District 19

Sample ballot

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 L J. David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor

Federal elections President

R Donald Trump D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver

G Jill Stein U.S. senator R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. representative, District 10 R Michael T. McCaul* D Theresa Boisseau L Jeff Miller U.S. representative, District 31 R John Carter* D Stuart Whitlow

R Ellen Troxclair* D Dwain Handley I Kodi Sawin State representative, District 20 R Terry M. Wilson* D Stephen M. Wyman

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BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 3 Jim Sneeringer Nekosi Nelson Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 4 Brandi Burkman Anna Smith* Zach Zayner Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 5 Sade Fashokun* Gerald Prater Liberty Hill ISD, Proposition A

State representative, District 47 R Scott Firsing D Vikki Goodwin* State representative, District 52 R Caroline Harris Davila* D Jennie Birkholz 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2 R John Messinger D Maggie Ellis 53rd Judicial District, district attorney R Daniel W. Betts D José Garza*

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. Williamson County attorney R Dee Hobbs* D Amy Lyn Lefkowitz

Williamson County sheriff R Matthew Lindemann D Mike Gleason* Williamson County commissioner, Precinct 3

Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.226900 per $100 valuation in the Liberty Hill Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 21 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $13,334,196. Liberty Hill ISD, Proposition B Authorizing the Board of Trustees of the Liberty Hill Independent School District to purchase attendance

Local elections Austin Community College trustee, Place 7 Sherri Lynn Taylor Cole Wilson Austin Community College trustee, Place 9 Joe Sefton Julie Ann Nitsch* City of Liberty Hill, Proposition A The City of Liberty Hill, Texas shall adopt the proposed Home Rule Charter.

R Valerie Covey* L Wes Benedict

credits with local tax revenues. Travis County, Proposition A

Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $ 0.344445 per $100 valuation in County of Travis for the current year,

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Pat Bryson Municipal Hall 201 N. Brushy St., Leander Pinballz Lake Creek 13729 Research Blvd., Austin Randalls*

Courtyard Austin Northwest/Lakeline 12833 N. RM 620, Austin Danielson Middle School 1061 Collaborative Way, Leander First Baptist Church Leander 10000 RM 2243, Leander Gateway Church 7104 McNeil Drive, Austin Harmony School of Endeavor 13415 N. RM 620, Austin Hyatt Place Austin/Cedar Park 1315 E. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park Islamic Center of Brushy Creek 1950 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park

Polling locations

Travis County Central City Austin 9023 Old Lampasas Trail, Austin Christ Episcopal Church* 3520 Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park Deer Creek Elementary School 2420 Zeppelin Drive, Cedar Park Grandview Hills Elementary School 12024 Vista Parke Drive, Austin

1400 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Rattan Creek Park Community Center 7617 Elkhorn Mountain Trail, Austin

Reagan Elementary School 1700 E. Park St., Cedar Park Round Rock ISD Hartfield Performing Arts Center*

5800 McNeil Drive, Austin The Sanctuary of Cedar Park 3600 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park Santa Rita Ranch 175 Elizabeth Park Blvd., Liberty Hill Spicewood Springs Branch Library* 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin The Springs Healthcare & Rehabilitation 1500 Cottonwood Creek Trail, Cedar Park Staybridge Suites Cedar Park* 1110 Arrow Point Drive, Cedar Park Stiles Middle School 3250 Barley Road, Leander St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 9500 Neenah Ave., Austin Tarvin Elementary School 1280 Logan Del Way, Leander Treasure of the Hills Senior Center 408 Ridgewood Drive, Cedar Park

Peace Lutheran Church 10625 N. RM 620, Austin Round Mountain Baptist Church 14500 Round Mountain Road, Leander Round Rock ISD Hartfield Performing Arts Center*

Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex 10211 W. Parmer Lane, Austin Larkspur Elementary School 424 Rusk Bluff Ave., Leander

5800 McNeil Drive, Austin Volente Fire Department 15406 FM 2769, Volente

Leander ISD Child Nutrition Services 1900 Cougar Country Drive, Cedar Park Leander Public Library* 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander Legacy Ranch High School

Williamson County Anderson Mill Limited District* 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin Austin Community College Cypress Creek 1555 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Bethany United Methodist Church 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin Cedar Park Recreation Center* 1435 Main St., Cedar Park

450 CR 258, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill High School

16500 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill ISD Gym Annex* 301 Forrest St., Liberty Hill Park at Crystal Falls* 7860 183A Toll, Leander

Champions School of Real Estate 13801 N. RM 620, Ste. 100, Austin

SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT *EARLY VOTING LOCATION. ALL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS LISTED IN TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES ARE ALSO OPEN ON ELECTION DAY.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Election

Travis County tax hike proposed to help lower child care costs

several specific programs that would enhance access to affordable child care throughout the county, including: • increasing subsidy slots in early childhood day cares and creating incentives for providers to offer reduced-tuition spots; • increasing after-school and summer care slots; • expanding nontraditional child care hours— options outside the regular 9-to-5 workday for parents who work atypical hours; • covering gaps in state subsidy funding. A child care subsidy is financial assistance provided by the government to help families pay for child care services. Individuals apply for these through TWC and must satisfy low-income eligibility and employment requirements. These programs are expected to create an estimated 9,800 additional child care opportunities for kids countywide by both increasing subsidy slots, regular full-tuition after-school and nontraditional care slots, according to county documents.

Property owners across Travis County are being asked to support a $0.025 property tax increase in this November’s general election. Should the measure pass, the average homeowner would pay almost $126 in additional taxes annually. It would also generate over $75 million to expand child care services in the area. The Austin region has the most expensive child care in Texas, according to a recent Texas Workforce Commission report. TWC data reveals the average cost of child care for just one child in Travis County is an estimated $13,300 annually—comparable to the cost of in- state tuition at The University of Texas at Austin. “With tuition for early education being more expensive than rent and more expensive than college, low- and moderate-income families have to make really hard choices,” said Colin Swanson, the executive director of nonprofit early child care center Mainspring Schools. Staff working on the Creating Access for Resilient Families, or CARES, initiative have pinpointed

TravCo exceeds state averages

Capital area State

Licensed in-home providers cost Licensed child care centers cost

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

SOURCES: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

The why

The rocky state of child care is nothing new, said Cathy McHorse, an early childhood consultant and advocate with the Affordable Child Care Now coalition. The problem is multifaceted, she said, describ- ing a systemic breakdown since even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A lack of state investment is one reason for the long wait lists for child care financial assistance in Travis County, said Cody Summerville, chief executive officer of advocacy group Texas Associa- tion for the Education of Young Children. “One of the drivers of the waitlist, not just in Travis County but across the state, is that the state of Texas currently only invests what is the minimum requirement by the federal government into child care,” Summerville said. Federal relief dollars initially helped stave off the economic hits for child care providers, Sum- merville said; however, pandemic funding expired at the end of 2023. Today, state subsidy funding often does not cover the full cost of tuition, leaving providers or families responsible for the remaining balance. Just under half of providers, or 45.5%, offer subsidy enrollment in the capital area, according to TWC 2023 data.

Child care deserts A child care desert is a ZIP code where the number of children younger than 6 with working parents is at least three times greater than the capacity of licensed child care providers in that area.

620

290

MOPAC

183

360

130

290

Child care desert

SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

to operate at full capacity, which leads to lower enrollment and lower revenue for a business that has many fixed costs, such as rent and power. Operating at reduced capacity also leads to longer waiting lists for families looking for open spots. In Travis County, there are 14 ZIP codes that do not have enough child care providers or the capac- ity to service the children living there, something known as a child care desert. “The challenges of affordability are also making it difficult to recruit staff,” McHorse said.

Another significant barrier to affordable child care stems from staffing issues, Summerville explained. Child care is a “labor heavy” industry, where operators spend between 60%-80% of oper- ating costs on their workforce, he said. “The average wage of a child care teacher in the state of Texas is about $12 an hour,” Summerville said. “As you can imagine, $12 an hour just is not very competitive in today’s job market, and so it is tricky to retain your workforce with those low wages, and it’s also hard to replace your workforce as turnover occurs.” Without a full staff, child care centers are unable

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD

How it would work

Program Slots created Annual cost

Description

Ages served

Increase accessibility and availability of full-day, year-round care for income-eligible infant and toddler families Increase accessibility and availability for after-school and summer care Increase availability and accessibility to care during early mornings, evenings, overnight and weekends Cover funding gaps in the cost of tuition for a child and the amount paid by state and federal funding toward subsidy slots Incentivize businesses and employers to contribute to the child care cost of their employees by matching county funding to employer contributions

Expand early child care

Infants and toddlers

1,878

$34.8M

If voters approve the funding, county officials’ plans emphasize increasing financial-assisted spots, followed by expanding after-school and summer programs. “This is one of those situations where we really are building a plane as we’re flying it,” Korey Darling, planning manager at Travis County Health and Human Services, told commissioners June 25. Darling said there is still a lot of work needed for programs to be implemented by their projected timeline, starting as early as summer 2025 in a phased roll-out.

Expand after- school and summer care slots Expand nontraditional hours Fill subsidy spot funding gaps Offer cosubsidized slots, employer incentives

Pre-K through 12th grades

3,897

$11.4M

1,407

$6.4M

All ages

Infants and toddlers

1,476

$6.7M

Infants and toddlers

1,143

$4.9M

NOTE: THE REMAINING $12.48M FUNDING WILL BE USED FOR STAFF TRAINING AND EDUCATION, AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Put in perspective

The outlook

The impacts of unaffordable child care reach across both low- and high-income levels, Austin parent Geno Gargas said. “I personally wouldn’t support this tax increase. … My wife and I have already made a large sacrifice,” Gargas said. “The choice after our first son was born, based on her income level, was we either pay for daycare or she stops working. The cost was pretty much the same.” As a supporter of the tax rate increase, local North Austin parent Erin Gurak said this is an issue that impacts everyone. “I think it’s a really important issue that is not always talked about,” Gurak said. “[Child care has become] a choice that I think sometimes families might feel boxed into making. … Do we work and try to supplement and pay for multiple children in child care, or exit the workforce?”

Gurak said this election affects everyone, even those without children. “It’s a workforce issue, an economic development issue, a supporting your community issue,” Gurak said. “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Texas’ economy loses about $9.4 billion annually due to breakdowns in child care, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. However, it would also cause the average homeowner to pay an additional $126 annually on top of an estimated $162 increase to their property tax bill, which the Travis County Commissioners Court approved earlier this year.

Travis County tax rate breakdown

Proposed tax rate increase (per $100 of property value)

$0.025

Projected property tax revenue

$76.75M

Estimated annual impact to average Travis County homeowner

$125.98

Estimated monthly impact to average homeowner

$10.20

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

Liberty Hill calls election to adopt first home rule charter

BY ANNA MANESS

Why it matters

Two-minute impact

three-year staggered terms to give newly elected officials time to learn the ropes of city govern- ment, Brandenburg said. One change in the home rule charter’s proposal is a council-manager form of government that would give the city manager more responsibility than general law currently allows, Brandenburg said. “All day-to-day operations would fall under the city manager,” Brandenburg said. “City Council would set and make policy, and then hand it over to the city manager.”

If the home rule charter passes, two of the most evident changes include incorporating an addi- tional council member and allowing the mayor to vote, which currently only happens when a tie-breaker is needed. “While I was mayor, I had some difficulties sometimes,” Branigan said. “It’s hard to moderate a meeting and present your views at the same time, so I felt that it would work better if the mayor had a vote.” Council members will continue to serve

Liberty Hill is currently a general law city, meaning the city is restricted by state statute, said Tad Cleaves, legal counsel for the Texas Municipal League, a nonprofit that provides assistance to cities. “Rather than looking to state law for specific authorization, home rule cities are somewhat authorized to do things unless they are prohibited,” Cleaves said. The trigger to begin the charter commission process arose about two years ago when a state demographer calculated the city’s population as 6,801, Brandenburg said. Former Mayor Liz Branigan witnessed the commission’s inception during her term, which lasted from 2020-24. While campaigning for the role, Branigan said she noticed how much her home had changed since she moved there in 1977. “The city was growing so very fast,” Branigan said. “It’s gotten so very much younger over time that I determined that we needed to change the city to be more inclusive and more forward-thinking.” Once the charter committee formed, Branigan said she was involved and provided encouragement, as some citizens experienced feeling disconnected from Liberty Hill. Teachers, accountants and religious leaders are just some examples of who made up the committee, she said. “I’m very impressed with the caliber of our citizens and particularly the charter committee,” Branigan said. “I was so, so very impressed by the quality of these people and their experience and the talents that they were willing to share so freely.”

Liberty Hill as a general law city (current)

Liberty Hill as a home rule city (proposed)

Mayor and five council members

Mayor and six council members

City council form of government

Council-manager form of government

Mayor only votes in the case of a tie

Mayor can vote

Mayoral candidates must be at least 18

Mayoral candidates must be at least 21

Cannot implement a city cemetery

Can implement city cemetery

Registered voters cannot petition for a recall election to remove elected officials Voters cannot petition for council to adopt or reconsider an ordinance

Registered voters can petition for a recall election to remove elected officials Voters can petition for council to adopt or reconsider an ordinance

SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying

Going forward

A copy of the charter proposal will be mailed to eligible, registered voters in the city of Liberty Hill within 30 days of the election, and it can also be found online. Given the higher voter turnout that comes with a presidential election, Brandenburg said it’s important to explain the charter to residents as they head to the polls. Cleaves said he’s never heard of a charter not passing. If voters approve the charter, the sixth council member will likely be voted in during the May election. The charter can be brought up for review every three years or any time through a public petition, Brandenburg said.

Liberty Hill population Texas cities can consider becoming a home rule city after reaching a population of 5,000.

“It’s a … big deal when a city adopts a home rule charter simply because it’s an expression of the local community’s interest in self- government and local control.”

12K

174.86%

TAD CLEAVES, LEGAL COUNSEL AT THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

“We’re in the USA, land of the free, and self-government was why we split off from England. Historically, it’s a value that people share, and it makes us different.” LIZ BRANIGAN, FORMER LIBERTY HILL MAYOR

2020 2021

2022 2023

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Election

Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 3

Why are you running for this position?

What are your major areas of concern for the district?

Education is extremely important to our students, so this is my way of giving back to the community that has done so much for me.

LISD is doing a good job. I want to keep the focus on parent involvement and achieving the highest levels of student learning.

Jim Sneeringer Occupation & experience: retired software developer, 18 years experience on LISD board from 1993-2011 www.jim4lisd.com

I’m running for the school board with three guiding commitments: servant leadership, a belief in the power of public education and helping Leander ISD set the standard for excellence. My focus is on improving student outcomes, supporting families, building community and empowering teachers to create personalized learning for every student.

Improving student outcomes and addressing the achievement gaps are paramount. I will advocate for whole-child, personalized learning; STEM integration; expanded access to innovative programs; and stronger family partnerships. Early childhood intervention and enhanced mental health services are also key to ensuring every student reaches their full potential.

Nekosi Nelson Occupation & experience: local business owner with 23 years of program management experience, including 12 years in education www.nekosiforlisd.vote

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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