Georgetown Edition | May 2025

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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 9 MAY 24JUNE 25, 2025 Special district plans grow in Georgetown

MUDs fund development, come with higher tax rate

Rockblu MUD

KB Homes MUD

A growing number of special districts are rapidly reshaping development in Georgetown, which could impact future residents who move into the district boundaries. In the last ve years, seven special districts have been approved in the Georgetown area, Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery said. At a special-called April 1 City Council meeting, elected ocials and city sta discussed several potential special districts in various stages in or around the city, including public improvement districts, or PIDs. An extraterritorial jurisdiction is an unincorporated area located outside a city’s boundaries. Municipal utility districts are a type of special district used within or outside of an ETJ to create developments and provide utilities for residents in the area. “Pretty much every larger master-planned development is using MUDs,” Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder said. BY JACQUELYN BURRER & ANNA MANNESS Chloe Young contributed to this article.

Yearwood MUD

195

Heirloom PID

Serenity Ranch MUD

Pinnacle MUD

Lakeside Estates MUD

Georgetown

INSIDE

Hughes PID

Key

Georgetown city limits Extraterritorial jurisdiction ETJ disannexations Existing MUDs Proposed special districts

Parkside MUD expansion

130 TOLL

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: THE MAP IS UP TO DATE AS OF PRESS TIME.

Impacts

Page 6

Government

Page 9

Development

Page 19

Check out new food options in Georgetown

Learn about the city’s $1.98B water and wastewater plan

Read about the city's possible $45M San Gabriel Park renovation

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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.

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Impacts

abuse and related psychiatric conditions. • Opened April 21 • 101 FM 971, Georgetown • www.veredwr.com

SERENADA DR.

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LAKE GEORGETOWN

11B 7 1

Coming soon

LAKEWAY DR.

110 8 Juniper Cocktails & Kitchen This upscale cocktail and tapas bar will open in downtown Georgetown, owner Andrew Newport said via email. • Opening summer 2025 • 200 W. Sixth St., Ste. 100, Georgetown • Instagram: @junipergtx 9 McDonald’s The store is undergoing inspections and is targeting a May opening, a spokesperson for the franchise said. • Opening TBD • 1304 W. University Ave., Georgetown • www.mcdonalds.com 10 Petco The new Petco location will include a grooming salon, training park and veterinary hospital. • Opening May 19 • 4610 Williams Dr., Ste. 101, Georgetown • www.petco.com 11 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Two locations are planned to open in Georgetown this 110 29 6 Bojangles Bojangles offers biscuits, bone-in and boneless chicken, sandwiches, sides and more. • Opening early 2026 • 4804 Williams Dr., Georgetown • www.bojangles.com 7 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy’s is in the permitting phase for its new location, according to Public Relations Manager Kim Huynh. • Opening September • 4620 Williams Dr., Ste. 101A, Georgetown • www.freddys.com

2 3

6THST.

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8THST.

9THST.

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RAILROAD AVE.

175

1460

11A

1431

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 OsteoStrong OsteoStrong uses robotic musculoskeletal treatment devices designed to strengthen the skeletal system. • Opened April 22 • 900 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 301, Georgetown • www.osteostrongatx.com/georgetown

Now open

1431 2 Happy Chicks Diners can enjoy original, spicy, grilled and vegan chicken in a variety of dishes, including tenders, nuggets, wraps, sandwiches and salads. • Opened April 16 • 900 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 410, Georgetown • www.happychicks.com 1 Crust Pizza Co. Franchise owner Armando Cordova said his team opened Crust Pizza Co.’s Georgetown location. • Opened May 5 • 4620 Williams Dr., Ste. 107, Georgetown • www.crustpizzaco.com

1460

4 Residence Inn by Marriott The hotel offers rooms and suites with amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast and a fitness center. • Opened March 27 • 934 W. University Ave., Georgetown • www.marriott.com 5 Vered at San Gabriel Wellness & Recovery Center Formerly known as Affinity at San Gabriel, Vered is a recovery center for adults struggling with substance

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DACIA GARCIA & ANNA MANESS

summer, franchise owner Matt Cohen said via email. • Opening summer • A 2058 Westinghouse Road, Ste. 101, Georgetown B 4620 Williams Dr., Ste. 101-B, Georgetown • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 12 White Blossom Pediatric Dentistry The dental office, initially expected to open in fall 2024, was delayed and is now set to open in August, according to owner Dr. Michelle Zin. • Opening August • 3200 FM 1460, Ste. 305, Georgetown • www.whiteblossomdental.com

from Round Rock owner Karen Santiago said. • Relocated January • www.glamorousfaces.online

Now open

In the news

14 Cedar Rock Railroad After nearly five months of renovations, Cedar Rock

Railroad reopened. • Reopened May 3 • 3005 County Road 175, Leander • www.cedarrockrailroad.com

15 Office Lounge Following a fire on Oct. 16, the Office Lounge bar plans to reopen in late 2025, owner Bill Fischer said. • Reopening late 2025 • 1207 Leander Road, Georgetown • Facebook: Office Lounge 16 The Caring Place The Caring Place, which has served the Georgetown community for 40 years, supports families in crisis. • Founded 1985 • 2000 Railroad Ave., Georgetown • www.caringplacetx.org

Relocations

17 The Vera Gallery The gallery features thousands of original artworks by American artist Vera Neumann, created between 1942 and 1993, owner Gregory Sharp said via email. The gallery also offers custom framing and a variety of art styles. • Opened April 25 • 110 W. Eighth St., Georgetown • www.veraneumann.com

13 All Things New Florals and Design by Debra Owner Debra Hobbs said the business will relocate from 817 S. Austin Ave., Ste. 101, to Austin Lampworks. • Relocating June 2 • 3010 Williams Dr., Ste. 180, Georgetown • www.allthingsnewgtx.com Glamorous Faces Luxury bridal beauty studio Glamorous Faces relocated

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

In their own words

Snell said his top three priorities as county judge are safety, transportation and economic growth. “I want our families ... to get to work quickly and get home safely to their families quickly,” Snell said. “Williamson County will remain friendly to business, both small business and large corporations.”

Steven Snell was sworn in as the next Williamson County judge by U.S. Rep. John Carter during an April 21 ceremony.

PHOTOS BY ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Steven Snell inducted as WilCo judge

Steven Snell was sworn in as the next Williamson County judge during an April 21 ceremony inside the Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown at 3:30 p.m. Snell was sworn into oce by U.S. Rep. John Carter. During his remarks, Snell announced he plans on running to keep the county judge position once his term ends in

November 2026. “When I heard the position of county judge was open, I looked at it as a way to extend my reach of community service,” Snell said. “I look forward to serving the four corners of Williamson County.” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said Snell will be Williamson County’s 32nd judge.

The induction ceremony took place in the 26th District Courtroom in the county courthouse.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

City’s $1.96B utilities plan

The details

Systems Engineering Director Wesley Wright said the last three fiscal year estimates are “light.” He said there will likely be increases to impact fees, or a payment property developers make, going forward. A future $343 million Three Forks water recla- mation facility—similar to a wastewater treatment plant—near FM 971 is under design, according to city documents. Its first phase should supply the city with wastewater services through 2030 with its capacity to treat 7 million gallons per day, Wright said. Additional phases could take the Three Forks facility to 17 MGD by 2040, and it’s ultimately permitted for 22 MGD, according to Wright’s presentation. Construction for a package plant is set to begin this year. An anticipated $94 million Northlands water reclamation facility near Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Sun City Boulevard is also under design. The Northlands facility is set to begin construc- tion in FY 2026-27, according to the presentation. Wright said staff is considering whether the Northlands facility should begin as a 1.5 MGD plant or a 3 MGD plant.

195

On April 22, Georgetown officials discussed a $1.96 billion five-year capital improvement plan, or CIP, for water and wastewater projects during a workshop meeting. Proposed water and wastewater projects for fiscal year 2025-26 alone could reach $483.1 million, and other future expenses will go toward operations, designing and constructing new plants, and replacing old infrastructure. City Manager David Morgan said projects, though costly, will have a large impact over the next several decades on the city’s water and wastewater systems.

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

130

971

B Three Forks Wastewater Treatment Plant A Northlands water reclamation facility

“The cost is significant,” Wright said. “That’s a $100 million decision, but we’re trying to stay ahead of it.” Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Pitts said he’s concerned about the city’s utility and infrastructure capabilities in north Georgetown as development proposals rise due to the amount of undeveloped land in the area. “We’re just going to see more and more pressure for development over there, and we’re not going to have the utilities,” Pitts said.

The nearly $2 billion current five-year water and wastewater CIP can be broken down as follows:

$1.2B

$1B

$600M $400M $200M $800M

$35M $30M $25M $15M $20M $10M

What else

$5M $0

MGD of additional treated water capacity. Phase 2 will open in September and with 22 MGD online, Wright said.

Mayor Josh Schroeder said having wastewater services gives the city more leverage in negotiations with developers. The South Lake Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 will come online June 2, with 22

*ESTIMATES DO NOT INCLUDE ALL COSTS AND WILL LIKELY INCREASE

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Election

BY ANNA MANNESS

Garland, Butler win Georgetown City Council seats

Ocial, canvassed results for the May 3 election show Georgetown voters have cho- sen to elect Ben Butler as the next District 3 Georgetown City Council member and re-elect Ron Garland as the District 4 Georgetown City Council member. What they’re saying Garland said he’s excited to continue serving his community and working with the mayor and city manager. Garland said his No. 1 priority in his second term is taking action on local and regional water opportunities.

fruition,” Garland said. Butler said top priorities for his rst term include staying ahead of growth, solving trac problems and standing behind police and rst responders. “I am very thankful for all the people that have supported me, and I’m looking forward to being able to see what I can do to serve our community and nd a reasonable solution to a lot of the problems that are facing us,” Butler said. Georgetown City Council consists of seven council members who each serve three-year terms, according to the city charter. Something of note Garland and Butler were sworn into oce during a May 13 City Council meeting alongside District 7 council member Ben Stewart, who ran unopposed. Council members also opted to re-elect District 5 council member Kevin Pitts as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Results breakdown

Incumbent

Winner

Georgetown City Council

Ben Butler

Place 3

33.28% Joe Orsak

66.32% Ben Butler

Place 4

34.13% Dave Richardson

Ron Garland

65.53% Ron Garland

“We’ve now got to nish and follow through and make sure that the things we’ve started come to

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY ANNA MANESS

County prepares for FY 202526 budget

Deannexed site brought back into ETJ After two years of failed development applications, a 43-acre mixed use devel- opment o Shell Road could be coming to Georgetown. What we know On April 22, City Council members approved annexing the Shell Spur devel- opment back into the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. City documents show plans for bringing 434 multifamily units to the area.

Discussions for Williamson County’s scal year 2025-26 budget began as elected ocials and department heads gathered to discuss personnel and funding needs at an April 11 budget workshop. The gist Department heads listed close to 100 new positions for commissioners to consider in the FY 2025-26 budget. Some employees cited under- stang issues, while others requested funding for equipment, maintenance or new county vehicles. The largest personnel requests came from Emer- gency Services and the Sheri’s Oce, as ocials said they’ll be asking for 23 and 37 new positions, respectively. Williamson County Sheri Matthew Lindemann said the morning of April 11, the county’s jail popula- tion reached 678. “When that hits 700, we have to open up an

Precinct 3 County Commissioner Valerie Covey speaks during an April 11 budget workshop.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

additional pod, which requires ... sta to man that pod,” Lindemann said. From January to March, deputies have answered almost 31,000 calls for service and arrested close to 506 people, he said. What to expect Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said commissioners are shooting to nalize the county’s budget in late August. The FY 2024-25 county budget was $635.13 million.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Georgetown ISD is expecting to adopt a balanced budget next fiscal year after making $3.73 million in proposed budget cuts. In April, GISD anticipated a budget shortfall for FY 2025-26. Now, the district is projecting an about $40,700 surplus after “working very hard on consolidating and cutting” its budget, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hanna said at a May 5 board workshop. The district expects to reduce contracted services by $3.4 million next fiscal year, according to documents. GISD will instead begin employing its own custodians next school year, Hanna said. Another change includes a $1.4 million increase in property tax collections due to property value growth. The proposed budget is based on an average daily attendance rate of 93%. GISD could gain an added $450,000 in revenue if that rate increased to 93.5%, Hanna said. Georgetown ISD 2025-26 fiscal year projected budget GISD eyes tax- rate election

What else?

What they’re saying

“There’s nothing about right now in the school district that indicates that we’re calling for an election next month or the month after that,” Superintendent Devin Padavil said about calling a VATRE. “However, as we talk about looking three, four years out at our financial landscape, is this something the board of trustees wants to consider?” While discussing calling a VATRE, district officials said they wanted to inform community members about how the increased revenue would be spent. GISD would need to survey community members on whether they would support the VATRE, Padavil said. “We need to really reinforce that this problem that we’re in has nothing to do with our own inefficiencies,” trustee Stephanie Blanck said. Further action from the state Legislature, which is set to adjourn June 2, could impact the GISD budget, Hanna said. House Bill 2 would raise the state’s basic allotment of funding per student by $395. The $7.7 billion proposal was passed by the House and received by the Senate in late April. “It’s a shame that school districts have to consider going to taxpayers and asking for an election instead of being appropriately funded just to stay financially healthy,” Padavil said. The GISD board will review the FY 2025-26 budget June 2 before voting to approve the budget and compensation plan June 16, according to district information.

District officials discussed whether to call a voter-approval tax rate election. Districts must hold a VATRE to adopt a tax rate that is higher than its maximum tax rate set by the state. Amid rising property values, the district’s maintenance and operations tax rate is projected to be compressed by around $0.04 from $0.6969 per $100 valuation to $0.6549 per 100 valuation, Hanna said. Additional revenue from a potential VATRE could be used for teacher and staff salaries, maintaining programs and reducing budget deficits, Hanna said. The district’s proposed budget does not include a pay raise for staff. Providing a 1% raise would cost the district $1.9 million, Hanna said. The district would need to decide whether to call a VATRE by Aug. 18 to hold the election in Novem- ber, she said. GISD is considering calling a VATRE to raise its tax rate by one to four copper pennies to gain additional revenue. Copper pennies are any tax effort above a district’s compressed M&O tax rate plus six cents. Estimated yield per penny

Tax rate increase

Revenue gained

Recapture Net revenue

Revenues

Expenditures

1 copper penny

$748,436

$1,712,778 -$964,342

$170,265,474

$170,224,749

2 copper pennies

$3,425,556 -$1,928,684 $1,496,872

3 copper pennies

$5,138,334 -$2,893,026 $2,245,744

4 copper pennies

$6,851,112 -$3,857,368 $2,993,744

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan issues a proclamation of Texas Baptist Children’s Home Day. AzulOx Visuals

Aerial shot of TBCH in 2025 showing 17 cottages, the chapel (built in 1955), a rec center, counseling center and offices. TBCH plans to expand on the northeast quadrant of the campus off Bowman.

Rep. John Carter and wife, Erika Carter enjoyed honoring the legacy of TBCH at the 75 th Anniversary.

AzulOx Visuals

Bronze busts made in honor of Billie Sue and Louis Henna, Sr. unveiled at the 75 th Anniversary.

Aerial shot of TBCH in 1950. The original campus included 5 cottages on what used to be the edge of Round Rock, but is now the center of town.

Texas Baptist Children’s Home Celebrates 75 Years

A Legacy of Changed Lives Since that first act of faith, TBCH has walked alongside families, offering a path forward. The ministry has helped families experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace for generations. At the 75th Anniversary Celebration, alumni shared powerful testimonies of how their lives had been changed through the ministry. One mother spoke of how the Family Care program gave her the support to rebuild her family. TBCH is expanding capacity, ensuring greater safety and security for those served, and offering community services where new dreams can grow. With God’s guidance and the unwavering support of dedicated staff, donors, friends, and the community, the work Mr. and Mrs. Henna began will live on for generations to come.

Texas Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH) gathered with the Children At Heart family of ministries along with supporters, alumni, and community leaders to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 75 years of service to children and families in need. The anniversary dinner was more than just an event. It was a tribute to the countless lives transformed through decades of compassionate ministry. It all began in 1950 with the founding of Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock, Texas. Louis and Billie Sue Henna stepped out in faith, daring to dream of a refuge for children. From 112 acres and five buildings, a legacy was born. One that has brought home, hope, and healing to thousands. Their simple yes became a ripple of transformation that continues to grow today.

Billie Sue and Louis Henna, Sr. read books to children in a cottage at TBCH. To learn more about the legacy of the Henna Family and

transformational impact happening at TBCH, scan the QR code.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY DARCY SPRAGUE

In a letter to GISD families, Superintendent Devin Padavil said the district is proud of the daily work occurring in its classrooms. GISD is improving its curriculum and resources to “support the hard work” of teachers and staff, he said. community. We are guided by a vision of inspiring and empowering every learner to lead, grow and serve. That means creating learning experiences that are meaningful, inclusive and driven by a commitment to excellence.” GISD receives C accountability rating for 2022-23 school year “In Georgetown ISD, we embrace accountability in the sense that we have high expectations for the learning of our students,” Padavil said. “We want the results to reflect the incredible quality of educators who serve the children of this

Georgetown ISD District score The “What-if” rating scores the 2021-22 data using the 2022-23 methodology as a comparison point.

Reading Math This shows how well a district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. Closing the gaps

2021-22 “what if”

2022-23

52% 35% Two or More Races 38% 18% African American

36% 23% Hispanic

65% 48% White

75/100

72/100

45% 24% American Indian 42% 18% Pacific Islander

31% 20% High Focus* 50% 35% All Students

School scores

School

2021-22 “what if”

2022-23

Annie Purl Elementary

F B C B B C B F B B C B C C C C B

F C B A B C D D B F D B F C C D C

68% 62% Asian

Carver Elementary

Charles A Forbes Middle School Chip Richarte High School Douglas Benold Middle School

*HIGH FOCUS INCLUDES ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND THOSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES

East View High School

Percentage of students approaching grade level or above on STAAR tests

Four-Year Graduation Rate

Frost Elementary

George Wagner Middle School Georgetown High School James E Mitchell Elem James Tippit Middle School Jo Ann Ford Elementary

State

District

State

District

Pat Cooper Elementary Raye McCoy Elementary Village Elementary Williams Elementary Wolf Ranch Elementary

Reading

Math

Science

Social Studies

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Percent of students by achievement level

Neighboring Districts

Leander ISD: B

31%

Liberty Hill ISD: B

Round Rock ISD: B

130 TOLL

47%

183

Georgetown ISD: C

10%

45 TOLL

14%

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Education

GISD launches literacy intervention program Georgetown ISD is looking to expand a new literacy intervention program aimed at helping more students read at grade level. The impact to GISD information. How it works

District could pause opening enrollment Georgetown ISD’s Long-Range Planning Committee is not recommending opening enrollment to students outside of the dis- trict or expanding its inter-district transfer policy, Assistant Superintendent Heather Stoner said at a May 5 board workshop. The background The committee has been exploring ways to fully utilize existing facilities, offer innovative programs at certain schools, and update its transfer policy for students. Looking ahead The district may wait until after rezoning students and opening new buildings before changing its transfer policy, Stoner said.

The district launched the Literacy First Early Reading Intervention program in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin Charles A. Dana Center. The program provides daily interventions and support for kindergarten through third grade stu- dents in phonics, decoding and reading fluency. Teachers and paraprofessionals assisting students receive additional support and training.

The district has seen positive results since it began piloting the program at Cooper and Frost elementaries in February, Chief Academic Officer Sonja Howard said at an April 22 board meeting. This school year, the percentage of kindergar- ten through fifth grade students reading at grade level has increased from 49% to 57%, according

Program participation Thirty K-3 students have participated in Georgetown ISD’s new literacy intervention program.

Campus

Tutors

Students served

Students graduated

Cooper ES

1 bilingual tutor, 1 English tutor

20 students 10 students

4 graduated 5 graduated

Frost ES

1 English tutor

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CHLOE YOUNG

GISD works to build bond-funded campuses Georgetown ISD is making progress on several bond projects, including High School No. 4, Elementary School No. 12, Middle School No. 3 and the new Frost Elementary. Why it matters The four facilities will make space for an additional 4,400 students, with 6,000 students projected to enroll at GISD in the new decade, according to a presentation from a May 5 board workshop. Also of note The district is building a new performing arts center for East View High School that will open in January 2028. Cooper Elementary will receive new playground equipment this summer. Forbes Middle School will receive fine arts and weight rooms additions and renovations by fall 2026.

GISD custodial services now in-house In June, Georgetown ISD will begin employing its own custodians at elementary campuses. The district is now hiring for around 50 custodial positions, said Clint Pruett, executive director of support services, at an April 22 board meeting. The backstory The district began outsourcing its custodial operations through constructed services in October 2022. GISD experienced significant staffing shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic but has intended to reinstate its custodial positions when feasible, Pruett said.

Bond projects underway

Scheduled open

Square feet

Student capacity

High School No. 4

Fall 2028

530,231

2,250

Middle School No. 3

Fall 2026

181,574

950

Elementary School No. 12

Fall 2026

124,744

850

New Frost Elementary

Fall 2025

127,540

1,300

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD

A place worth Protect in

Welcome to Georgetown’s legislative advocacy.

Several bills filed in the ongoing 89th Texas Legislative Session could affect the City’s ability to plan for and regulate growth at the local level. According to recent FlashVote polls, we know that is not what our residents want. While City leaders continue to meet with our state elected officials, they need to hear from our residents, too. Help us fight for what we love about our community. Reach out to your representatives today. For more information, visit georgetowntexas.gov/txlege.

#LoveWhereYouLive |

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Transportation

BY ANNA MANESS

Georgetown launches ride-hail voucher program On May 6, the city of Georgetown announced the launch of rideGTX, a ride-hail voucher program for residents and visitors to commute around the city. The program allows users to access transpor- tation 24/7 through a partnership with Uber and zTrip, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle provider, according to a city news release. What we know City Council members approved a three-year contract with TRIPPP Consulting, a public transit consulting company at a Feb. 11 meeting, accord- ing to previous Community Impact reporting. The estimated total cost of the program is $858,600, according to city documents. How it works Through rideGTX, riders can get up to 10 discounted rides each month. Riders pay the rst

TxDOT repaves I35 strip in April, May The Texas Department of Transportation performed pavement repairs to a small strip of I-35 in Georgetown in late April. What’s dierent? TxDOT crews also repaired the south- bound I-35 main lanes between Chisholm Parkway and the exit for RM 620 in May.

“Our residents and visitors now have another convenient way to get around Georgetown with rideGTX.” JOSH SCHROEDER, MAYOR OF GEORGETOWN

$4, and the city subsidizes up to $10 per ride. Riders pay any remaining balance over $14. Those requiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle may call 512-337-9796 to schedule a ride, and will only pay $4 per trip, per the release. The service area extends to the Baylor Scott & White and Ascension Seton Williamson hospitals

in Round Rock. One more thing

WESTINGHOUSE RD.

Riders can access their monthly vouchers at www.georgetowntexas.gov/rideGTX. Riders without smartphones can call 1-833-873-8237 to schedule a ride.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY ANNA MANESS

Ocials consider $79M San Gabriel Park renovation San Gabriel Park is in its fourth and nal phase of renovations, which will primarily repurpose several athletic elds in the northeast corner of the park. In a nutshell of Landscape Architecture Chad Davis at an April 8 City Council meeting.

$20M Garey Park upgrades underway Changes are coming to Garey Park by spring 2026 after ocials broke ground on $20 million Phase 2 improvements March 6. The big picture Parks & Recreation Director Kimberly Gar- rett said improvements include removing second growth cedars and constructing: • Three group cabins • An amphitheater

Council members weighed the pros and cons of installing natural grass or synthetic turf on some or all of the park’s soccer and baseball elds. Looking ahead The nal Phase 4 Master Plan will include options discussed at the meeting, City Manager David Morgan said.

Depending on a construction start date and nal council decisions, estimates show Phase 4 could cost anywhere from $45.32 million-$79.24 million, according to a presentation from Parkhill Director

San Gabriel Park Phase 4 construction cost estimates 2026-30 Choosing synthetic turf over natural grass will bump up the cost to construct Phase 4 renovations. Due to ination, costs will also increase over the next ve years.

Grass

Turf

• A Jack Garey memorial pavilion • A skate ranch with a pump track • Mountain bike trails

$79.24M

$61.8M

$58.11M

$45.32M

• An expanded Play Ranch • An 18-hole disc golf course • A retreat pavilion • An expanded Garey House event center

Spring 2030

Spring 2026

Spring 2030

Construction start date

SOURCE: PARKHILLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Southwestern University $1M closer to sports complex

after them, according to a news release. The new sports complex’s stadium will bring football back to SU’s campus for the rst time since 1950. Put in perspective To date, a total of $4 million has been raised for the construction of the new facility, which will begin once the full $9.2 million is secured, per the release.

Georgetown’s Southwestern University is closer to reaching its funding goal for a new $9.2 million sports complex after two alumni pledged a $1 million gift to the university. What happened After couple Kevin and Elizabeth Dice pledged their donation to the complex, university ocials decided to name the future eld at the complex

The multipurpose complex will include a grandstand, press box, synthetic turf and more.

RENDERING COURTESY SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

With askGTX, all you need to do is ask—your quickest connection to the City of Georgetown!

FIND an answer. REPORT an issue. CONNECT with City services.

How do I report a pothole? Is there a rebate if I replace turf with native plants? Are there bike trails or parks near me? Do I need a permit to install a fence?

georgetowntexas.gov/askGTX Or call 512-930-CITY (512-930-2489)

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Special district proposals grow in Georgetown From the cover

Terms to know

How do MUDs work?

Without MUDs, these projects would either:

A MUD is a type of special purpose district authorized by the state Legislature that functions as an independent limited government.

MUDs are special-purpose districts created by the state and used by developers to fund the upfront costs of building new communities in unincorporated areas—land outside city limits not governed by a municipal government—such as infrastructure for water, sewer, drainage and roads, according to the Texas Municipal League. Unlike city residents, MUD residents typically do not receive municipal trash pickup or police services, and instead rely on county resources or private services. Developers use other forms of special districts like PIDs, which can finance more than a MUD can and imposes an assessment instead of a tax, Woolery said. PIDs are typically created, governed and operated by the city, Schroeder said. MUDs can be created through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state Legislature and a consent agreement with the city if they’re in the ETJ, Schroeder said. Since 2023, Senate Bill 2038 has allowed landowners to leave—or deannex—from a city’s ETJ through petition or election, making way for the creation of more MUDs.

Cost more per property

Be smaller

How are MUDS created?

1. Petition

2. Review

TCEQ reviews public hearing requests from interested parties and the county court. If a requester is affected, there will be a hearing followed by a judge’s ruling. 3. Government

4. Annexation

Property owners within a proposed district must petition TCEQ to create the MUD. The developer must put up a letter of credit equal to 30% or more of the cost of subdivision utilities.

The TCEQ evaluates the petition, holds a public hearing and either grants or denies the requests.

New sites can be annexed into a MUD through a formal request to the MUD's attorney or engineer. The board votes to approve or deny the request.

To live in a MUD outside of the city

To live in the city

Higher property tax rates than city residents

Lower property tax rates than MUD residents

Fewer property regulations

City zoning and property regulations

More new housing options

High city impact fees for new developments

Typically more access to outdoor amenities

Parks and rec development funded by city

Vote for representatives of MUD boards

Residents can vote in city elections

SOURCE: TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, TEXAS WATER CODE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Diving in deeper

has been responsive to community requests and transparency improvements. “Smaller government programs like this that keep more decisions in the hands of the communities that they’re in is valuable,” Dunn said.

have set tax rates, according to county officials. Residents in MUDs often face higher tax rates than those within city limits. Schroeder said a homeowner’s monthly payment can be hundreds of dollars more if they have a MUD tax. Laurie Dunn lives in MUD 31 and said she’s willing to pay higher taxes, as the board of her MUD

MUDs are governed by locally elected boards, often chosen in low-turnout elections where only a few residents qualify to vote because the land is typically undeveloped at the time, according to previous Community Impact reporting. There are 83 active MUDs in Williamson County, according to the TCEQ. Since 2020, 21 new MUDs

Comparing tax rates

MUD bonds can be used to fund:

Water, sewer and drainage infrastructure

Road projects

$0.75

Waste services

Parks, trails and other recreational amenities

$0.5

When a resident buys a house in a district, they are notified of the following:

$0.25

Money voted on in past bonds that can be sold The number

Tax rate

The purpose of the district

of bonds to be funded to date

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JACQUELYN BURRER & ANNA MANESS

Why it matters

Major takeaways

248

Development company Columnar Investments is seeking PID approval from the city for Heirloom Georgetown, a roughly 620-acre community. While the property is currently in the ETJ, it would be annexed into city limits to become a PID, according to previous Community Impact reporting. One reason Columnar is making an investment in Georgetown is due to the city’s wherewithal to get water and build treatment plants, said Logan Kimble, vice president of Texas land operations at Columnar Investments. “Water is getting more scarce,” Kimble said. “It’s hard in Central Texas to get water if you aren’t getting it from a municipality.” Potential developments drive the city’s discus- sion on how big future treatment plants should be, Georgetown Communications Manager Keith Hutchinson said. Additionally, if properties request to come back into city limits, officials want the ability to offer them services, Woolery said. “The challenge with that is the wastewater

On April 8, City Council expressed concerns with wastewater plans for an Atkinson Ranch MUD proposal in north Georgetown. Although the developer, PulteGroup, has since removed their application with the city, Woolery said a future development at the 362-acre site is possible. “That doesn’t mean that a different developer won’t walk back in six months from now to try and develop that property,” Woolery said. Changes to state law bring uncertainty and complications to the process, Woolery said. To Schroeder, the pressure to accelerate housing development in Central Texas has caused the state and developers to remove guardrails in the process. “I’m just convinced that we are setting off a bunch of long-term problems to solve this immediate ‘crisis’ without thinking about the long-term impacts of the decisions we’re making,” Schroeder said.

Heirloom Georgetown

2238

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN /COMMUNITY IMPACT

treatment plants now are so expensive,” Woolery said. “If we build it too big, now all of our existing ratepayers here in the city are paying for something that’s not being used.” If city officials don’t approve a district’s proposal, Kimble said that’s when developers start consider- ing deannexation. “Unfortunately, the only hammer that we have in those negotiations … is to deannex from the ETJ,” Kimble said. “We don’t have a negotiation tool, because time kills all deals.”

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas education savings account program to take eect in 2026

The other side

Some opponents of ESAs have expressed con- cerns that the program will divert funding from public school districts facing nancial challenges and unfairly benet wealthy families. “These private schools are not required to accept your children,” Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos, DRichardson, said on the House oor April 16. “You give up the rights you had in public schools. The full cost of tuition, transportation and textbooks will almost never be covered fully by the voucher.” During the 2023-24 school year, the average cost of Texas private school tuition was $10,965 for kindergarten-eighth grade students and $14,986 for high school students, according to the Texas Private Schools Association.

savings accounts, which families can use to pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses, such as textbooks or transportation. Most participating students will receive 85% of the per-student funding public schools get from state and local sources— about $10,330 in the rst year of the program, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Budget Board. Texas Education Agency data shows the average Texas public school received $12,815 per student in state and local funds during the 2022-23 school year. Students with disabilities will qualify for up to $30,000 per year under SB 2, while families who homeschool their children can receive up to $2,000 annually .

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law May 3, putting Texas on track to become at least the 30th state to enact a program that uses public funds for private education. Speaking to over 1,000 attendees in front of the governor’s mansion, Abbott said he was signing “the largest day-one school choice program in the United States.” The program will launch at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. “Gone are the days that families are limited to only the school assigned to them by [the] government,” Abbott said. “Today has arrived and empowers parents to choose the school that is best for their child.” SB 2 will set aside $1 billion for education

Also of note

Legislative leaders have vowed to raise teacher salaries and public school funding in tandem with the ESA package. State senators unveiled an amended version of House Bill 2, a nearly $8 billion school nance package, on May 15. “We are going to make, through school choice, public schools even more competitive and better,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said during the May 3 event. “It’s not about us against them or them against us.”

Texas lawmakers, state leaders and private school students listen as Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about Senate Bill 2 during a May 3 event.

To read the full story, visit: communityimpact.com/texas-legislature

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