Government
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & SIERRA MARTIN
Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson resigns, e ective immediately Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson announced his resig- nation, eective immediately, on the afternoon of Jan. 14 at City Hall during a press conference. Two-minute impact During the conference, Nelson said the treat- ment he received from some council members has prevented him from serving in his full capacity as mayor. Nelson said that in an attempt to end the “witch hunt” against him, he “extended an olive branch on multiple occasions to no avail.” “I will no longer be a focal point,” Nelson said during the conference. “I will no longer be a part of a group that chooses to bring embarrassment to our community for their selective indignation.” Nelson said he hopes his resignation moves the city forward. A special meeting on Jan. 17 was held for City Council members to ocially accept Nelson’s resignation. What’s next? Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland will serve in Nelson’s stead until a new mayor is elected in the upcoming May 3 elections. Those interested in running for Bastrop’s next mayor have until Feb. 14 to submit their applications, which can be picked up at City Hall, 1311 Chestnut St., Bastrop.
Bastrop EDC relocates The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation moved from 301 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 214, to the former utilities oce inside Bastrop City Hall at 1311 Chestnut St., in late December. Some context The utilities department moved last fall to Spring Street, between the Bastrop Public Library and the United States Post Oce. Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the city plans to enhance the site and make it compliant with the Americans with
2023
Aug. 31: Investigation into Nelson’s alleged misconduct begins August: Visit Bastrop employees le complaints about nancial misconduct June 20: Nelson begins his mayoral position Dec. 20: Investigator says she found no evidence of Nelson having knowledge of the misuse of public funds, sharing condential information, or having a conict of interest
2024
Jan. 18: Ethics complaint is led by Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland April 10: Bastrop Ethics Commission issues a letter of reprimand against Nelson April 29: Council members pass a resolution placing eight limitations on Nelson July 25: The recall petition is submitted Aug. 13: City Secretary Irma Parker says she needs more time to review the recall petition Aug. 24: Parker noties petition organizers of the rejection Sept. 3: Petition organizers submit the updated petition Sept. 15: Parker noties petitioners that the petition is sucient Sept. 17: Parker announces her ndings Sept. 23: Nelson les the writ of mandamus Sept. 24: The Visit Bastrop Investigation was no-billed by a grand jury
Disabilities Act. What they o er
Bastrop EDC facilitates economic growth by recruiting industries to the area, includ- ing hospitality, manufacturing and more.
The Bastrop EDC oces moved to the city hall building in late December.
New location
Previous location
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B
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COLORADO RIVER
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May 3: Election day Feb. 14: Deadline for those interested in applying for the vacant mayor position Jan. 14: Nelson announces his resignation at a press conference
HOSPITAL DR.
150
MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.
B
21
N
New data shows Bastrop County’s growth in population The latest data release from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Bastrop County has experienced population growth. The big picture
Bastrop County population growth from 20192023
A closer look The city of Bastrop is also anticipated to see more population growth, according to the city’s comprehensive plan. “We currently sit at about a 14,000 resident population, but we’re expected to have 20,000 by [2029]. That’s a 42% percent population growth in just four short years,” City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said during a presentation at the Bastrop Regional Business Summit on Nov. 13.
102,370
105K
98,435
100K
94,887
95K
According to the bureau’s 2023 American Com- munity Survey ve-year estimates, the county’s total population has grown from 84,522 in 2019 to 102,370 in 2023, a 21.12% increase. According to the bureau, Bastrop County’s pop- ulation grew 13.9% between 2020 and 2023—mak- ing it the 13th fastest-growing county in Texas.
90K
85K
86,839
84,522
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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