Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | October 2023

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Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME19, ISSUE 2 OCT. 12NOV. 7, 2023

Pillars of planning

If Williamson County’s upcoming bond election passes, more funding would go to the construction of East WilCo Highway, a future alternative to I35.

GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Williamson County asks voters to authorize $844M in November bond election for roads, parks projects

Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said the county can’t control the growth of neighborhoods, but it can try to plan for it with mobility projects. “The way we fund new roads is through bond proposals,” Boles said. “So that’s what we’re doing. We’re planning, and we’re trying to keep up with the growth as it occurs.”

eectively connect the northern and southern por- tions of the county is one of many projects William- son County ocials have planned to improve the region’s infrastructure. If voters approve an $884 million bond election Nov. 7, they will have secured more funding to go to the highway. In total, the bond would go to 38 road projects and 14 parks projects. Ocials say these would help address increases in population and industry.

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & CLAIRE SHOOP

Just as drivers traveling east along Hwy. 79 outside of Hutto begin to see the dozens of cranes crowded around Samsung’s $17 billion semiconduc- tor plant going up, they’ll pass a string of concrete columns on either side of the roadway. The construction site is one of several segments to create the East WilCo Highway. The roadway to

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s coming to Hutto (Page 11)

Election: PfISDto hold tax rate election (Page 16)

Development: Over 1,000 units planned for Pugerville (Page 20)

Education: Hutto ISD signs on to TEA lawsuit (Page 21)

For more information, visit: WilCoBonds2023.com

FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY

On Nov 7, vote YES

for faster travel, safer connections, and new and improved parks with NO TAX INCREASES. and improved parks

PROPOSITION A � $825M Vote YES to improve roads! Roads all across the county would get safety and mobility improvements to improve connections and ease congestion.

PROPOSITION B � $59M Vote YES for something the whole family can enjoy! Parks will continue to get the attention they deserve and create new parklands.

23 Year Proven Track Record of Delivering County Transportation and Park Projects On Time and On Budget

ON NOV 7 YES!

VOTE

Early Voting Oct 23-Nov 3

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Zara Flores Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

Oct. 27 Morning Edition 8-9 a.m. Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 18616 Hill Top Commercial Dr., Pflugerville Nov. 14 Monthly Luncheon 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Speaker: Amy Madison, Executive Director, Pflugerville Community Development Corp. Spare Time Texas, 1724 FM 685, Pflugerville Join the Pflugerville Chamber Board of Directors! Applications accepted Oct. 9 - Nov. 1 Various weekly Ribbon Cuttings and Groundbreaking Events

Join us! Events Calendar

101 South 3rd Street | Pflugerville, Texas 78660 | 512.251.7799 | info@pfchamber.com

PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

Now open

ROUND ROCK

1431

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

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4 Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice opened in Round Rock, offering a variety of its signature recipes. The business, which began as a small shop in Lahaina, Maui, makes its own syrups using pure sugar cane, purified water, natural fruit juices and premium concentrates. • Opened Aug. 26 • 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 116, Round Rock • www.ululanishawaiianshaveice.com

ROUND ROCK AVE.

BRYANT DR.

45 TOLL

620

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DEER RIDGE DR.

LA FRONTERA BLVD.

MOPAC

GREAT OAKS DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Round Rock

2 HairWeavon Local resident Ariel Rawlings opened the first U.S. location of HairWeavon, an Ireland-based wig and topper shop founded by Yinka Martin that aims to provide products for people experiencing hair loss. • Opened Aug. 25 • 2711 La Frontera Blvd., Ste. 110, Room 406, Round Rock • www.hairweavon.com 3 MOD Pizza MOD Pizza, a fast-casual restaurant offering pizzas sized for individual customers as well as tossed salads, opened in Round Rock in August. The restaurant opened in a newly built section of the Round Rock Crossing shopping center in front of Target.

• Opened Aug. 31 • 119 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. 101, Round Rock • www.modpizza.com 5 Hunan Lion Chinese Restaurant Hunan Lion Chinese Restaurant reopened in Round Rock with a soft opening, two years after a fire forced the restaurant to close. The Chinese restaurant offers a variety of chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes; appetizers; soup; fried rice; and noodles. • Reopened Aug. 26 • 1208 N. I-35, Ste. 500, Round Rock • www.hunanlionroundrock.com

Now open

1 Anytime Fitness Steve Hudson opened a new Anytime Fitness location at Teravista Crossing in Round Rock. The fitness center offers 24-hour access to its facility, which includes a wide range of strength and cardio equipment. The business also offers free fitness consultations with a coach and members have access to any of Anytime’s 5,100 locations worldwide. • Opened Sept. 1 • 5290 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock • www.anytimefitness.com

PflugervilleHomeSales.com HuttoHomeSales.com

APPOINTMENTS TO APPRAISAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE WILLIAMSON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT Applications are being accepted for Williamson County residents interested in serving on the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB hears property owner appeals and determines protests for ad valorem tax purposes. ARB members are not employees of the WCAD. To be eligible for appointment, an applicant must have been a Williamson county resident for two (2) years, along with other eligibility restrictions provided in Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.412. For full appointment details and applications, please visit the ARB page at WWW.WCAD.ORG/ABOUT-THE-ARB

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Now open

Coming soon

6 Crumbl Cookies A Crumbl Cookies location in the Round Rock Crossing shopping center offers a variety of cookies in a rotating menu for pickup and delivery. • Opened Sept. 15 • 3021 S. I-35, Ste. 140, Round Rock • www.crumblcookies.com

8 Shake Shack Shake Shack opened its first drive-thru location in Central Texas. The New York-based restaurant is known for its hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and frozen custard. The company also has locations in Austin and San Marcos. • Opening by end of September • 1402 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.shakeshack.com

10 Dutch Bros Coffee A fourth Round Rock Dutch Bros Coffee location is in the works. The coffee chain offers hot and cold beverages, such as cold-brew and frozen coffee, as well as its own energy drink and muffins. • Opening in spring 2024 • 111 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.dutchbros.com

Assisted Living Locators A new Assisted Living Locators franchise is offering its services to seniors and their families in the Round Rock area. The business, owned by Round Rock native Laura Langley, offers no-cost assistance in finding senior living options, including home care, independent living, assisted living and other care. • Opened Sept. 12 • www.assistedlivinglocators.com/care-advisor/ round-rock-texas

In The News

Round Rock location at Rock Creek Plaza. • Opening in first quarter of 2024 • 2132 N. Mays St., Ste. 800, Round Rock • www.tylerstx.com

11 St. David's Round Rock Medical Center The hospital celebrated its 40th anniversary in September. A $53.1 million expansion project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, will add 70,606 square feet to the hospital and bring the total capacity to over 200 beds with the addition of two floors, a 34-bed patient care unit, four operating rooms and support spaces. • 2400 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.stdavids.com

Expansions

9 Bluebonnet Beer Co. Bluebonnet Beer Co., which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in September, opened a new indoor beer hall. The beer hall is the latest addition to the taproom offering local craft brews, including ales, seltzers and lagers. • Expanded Aug. 24 • 1700 Bryant Drive, Ste. 107, Round Rock • www.bluebonnetbeerco.com

Coming soon

7 Tyler’s Clothing and footwear retailer Tyler’s will open a

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

Pflugerville

45 TOLL

138

Now open

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

RED BUD LN.

1 Which Wich Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, inside of Food Box, offers a menu of signature sandwiches, including the Philly cheesesteak, the Reubenwich and the Ultimate BLT. • Opened Sept. 4 • 16212 Impact Way, Pflugerville • www.whichwich.com 2 The Merc A new collective of local artists, artisans and curators called The Merc opened in Pflugerville’s downtown where Wink Boutique was previously located. The shop was created by the Texas-based owners of OEH Supply and

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LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.

GREENLAWN BLVD.

130 TOLL

VISION DR.

Grace and Charm. • Opened Sept. 30 • 403 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.facebook.com/shopthemerctx

685

IMPACT WAY

130 TOLL

3 Pigtails & Crewcuts The children’s salon chain opened a new location in Pflugerville on Sept. 25. The kid-friendly business features unique salon chairs, bright decor, movies, toys and video games for patrons. The salon offers ear

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piercings, haircuts, nail painting, accessories, gifts and birthday parties. • Opened Sept. 25 • 19101 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • book.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

Now open

Coming soon

4 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods has leased a 30,000-square-foot retail space previously occupied by Best Buy in Pflugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center. The liquor store chain offers wine, beer, liquor, meats, snacks, condiments and other food to go. The new location of the business will be next to Office Depot and nearby Petco, Dick's Sporting Goods, Ulta and Target. • Opening TBD • 19000 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.specsonline.com 5 Childcare Quest Childcare Quest plans to open a full-time preschool for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. The school will focus on social emotional well-being, play and academics. • Opening this winter

6 Image Auto Body Family-owned auto repair shop Image Auto Body will host a grand opening celebration Oct. 14 in Pflugerville. The Pflugerville shop is already open, but renovations delayed the grand opening event. The celebration will begin at 8 a.m. with a car show,

a pickleball tournament, a bounce house and food trucks. • Opened in May • 407 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.imageautobodytexas.com

• 204 10th St., Pflugerville • www.childcarequest.com

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

Hutto

CHANDLERR

Now open

3 2

1 Einstein Bros. Bagels Einstein Bros. Bagels is now open in Hutto, serving bagels as well as bagel-based breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Customers will also find desserts, drinks and a variety of spreads. • Opened Sept. 13 • 720 Hwy. 79, Ste. 200, Hutto • www.einsteinbros.com 2 Next Salon Gallery Next Salon Gallery is a professionally equipped salon to help beauty professionals serve their clientele. Barbers, stylists, braiders and makeup artists have a variety of spaces to choose to rent, including chairs or entire suites. • Opened Aug. 31 3 Krawltex Off-road vehicle shop Krawltex offers custom restorations and fabrication, specializing in off-road vehicles. The business originally operated out of Cedar Park before owner Cameron Chin and his family moved to Las Vegas in 2012. After moving back to Texas, the • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 1, Hutto • www.nextsalongallery.com

119

1660

ALLIANCE BLVD.

7 6

110

1660

130 TOLL

Hutto

1660

PARK CENTRAL DR.

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50,000-square-foot facility located within Townwest Commons. The location will be the national sports retailer’s first-ever “green build,” featuring solar panels on the roof to supplement the store’s energy during the day.

Now open

• Opening in mid-November • 250 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.academy.com

4 B. Sweet Lash Wax and Med-Spa A second location of B. Sweet Lash Wax and Med-Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services, including lash, Botox, wax and laser treatments. The business’s Pflugerville location has been open since 2017. • Opened Aug. 25 • 111 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto • www.bsweet.shop 5 Youngblood Automotive & Tire Youngblood Automotive & Tire opened its eighth location in Hutto. The business, which has one location in Austin, provides automotive repairs and tire services for both commercial and noncommercial vehicles. • Opened in early August • 171 Park Central Drive, Hutto • www.youngbloodtx.com

7 Chuy’s The Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chuy’s is expected to open a location in Hutto, the city announced Sept. 21. The restaurant, which has locations in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park, has a menu featuring burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. • Opening TBD • 250 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.chuys.com 8 The Hutto Wine Bar Located in historic downtown Hutto, the wine bar plans to have a grand opening in November. It will offer wine flights, snacks and charcuterie. Owner Meg Hiney plans to eventually add pop-up shops featuring local small- business owners. • Opening in early November • 105 East St., Hutto • www.instagram.com/thehuttowinebar

9 Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes The Austin-based restaurant opened its new Hutto location, making it the sixth brick-and-mortar location. The menu at Mighty Fine includes classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, fried avocado sandwiches, chili cheese griddle dogs and a country-fried burger. Patrons will also find crinkle fries, onion rings, housemade chips and hand-

dipped milkshakes. • Opened Sept. 21

Coming soon

• 310 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.mightyfineburgers.com

6 Academy Sports + Outdoors Academy Sports + Outdoors store is set to open in a

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Government

Pugerville adopts tax rate increase Average homesteads in Pugerville will see a 24% increase in city property tax bills after City Council adopted a new tax rate and budget for scal year 2023-24. Overview Council approved Sept. 12 the new rate of $0.5362 per $100 valuation, an increase from the previous $0.4813 per $100 valuation. The rate increase means homeowners will pay around $536.20 per $100,000 valuation of their home. This comes after a nearly 12% increase on tax bills last year. Much of the increase is due to bonds the city has issued stemming from a $191 million bond election in 2020, funding from which will go to parks, roads, a recreation center, a municipal complex, a public parking structure and a new public works facility.

County budget to fund new safety positions Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted a $560.1 million budget for scal year 2023-24 and set a new tax rate Aug. 29. Overview The total budget is made up of three funds: • $318.1 million general fund • $72.3 million road and bridge fund • $169.6 million debt service fund The budget includes funding for 45 new posi- tions, including six deputy sheri ocers. What residents should know The adopted tax rate, which went into eect Oct. 1, is $0.377445 per $100 valuation, compared to the FY 2022-23 rate of $0.375608 per $100 valu- ation. The average county homeowner is expected to pay $130 more in property taxes for FY 2023-24,

“Budgets are the end product of much compromise and anguish. In the end, our combined

goals are to provide for the future needs of both our residents and our county departments.” TERRY COOK, PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER

according to a Williamson County news release. Also of note Commissioners approved a 4% merit increase in the budget to help retain and recruit employees. Meanwhile, increases of 2% and 2.5% were worked into the salary charts for law enforcement and corrections ocers. In addition, commissioners approved a midyear increase for law enforcement based on a salary study at a cost of $5 million.

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Hutto nds middle ground on tax rates

Travis County adopts budget, tax rate Travis County commissioners approved the scal year 2023-24 budget for $1.69 billion, an eective 9.8% increase year over year. The overview The court adopted the FY 2023-24 tax rate at $0.304655 per $100 valuation Sept. 19, which will increase taxes for an owner of an average-valued home by $86.18 annually. The county also approved a $14,000 increase to homestead exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities. “The court recognizes that many people above 65 or older are on xed income, and they’ve increased the exemption in the last few years to make it more aordable,” Travis County Budget Director Travis Gatlin said.

Hutto City Council adopted a property tax rate of $0.422114 per $100 valuation for scal year 2023-24, nding a balance between two previously approved maximum rates. How we got here Council began its tax rate discussions in August, adopting the city’s maximum proposed rate at $0.402114 per $100 valuation—the no-new revenue rate. At the time, council members had discussed charging property owners a street maintenance fee to help fund road improvements. After scrapping the plan to raise funds through a street maintenance fee, council then voted to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order and repeal the previous maximum rate, raising it to $0.45 per $100 valuation. In later conversations, council members decided to increase its street mainte- nance budget to $1.2 million, funding it through

Hutto residents voiced concern over a potential property tax increase during a City Council meeting Sept. 21.

HALEY MCLEODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

the nal tax rate, which was less than the maxi- mum but $0.02 higher than the no-new-revenue rate. With the new rate, owners of the average taxable value home will see an 11.6% increase in taxes, paying $1,314 in 2023. What they’re saying “I now could no longer stay at no-new-revenue and ... get the roads done,” Place 3 council member Randal Clark said. “I was trying to do it through a fee; that failed.”

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Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Voter Guide

2023

Travis County Tax Office 15822 Foothill Farms Loop, Pflugerville All Nations Church 16804 Radholme Court, Pflugerville Bible Baptist Church of Pflugerville 14400 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville Boulder Ridge Clubhouse 3300 Killingsworth Lane, Pflugerville Hutto ISD Human Resources Building 200 College St., Hutto St. Patrick Catholic Church 2500 Limmer Loop, Hutto Williamson County Jester Annex 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock

or for the benefit of county parks; and the levying of the tax in payment thereof.

Dates to know

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Williamson County Proposition A

The issuance of $825 million of bonds for roads and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Proposition B The issuance of $59 million of bonds for park and recreational purposes and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Read more about the Williamson County bonds on Pages 18-19. Pflugerville ISD Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.1092 per $100 valuation in Pflugerville ISD for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of -5.55% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional -$12,140,454. Taxing entities are statutorily required to use ballot language including the word “increase,” regardless of actual impact to the tax rate or revenue. Read more about Pflugerville ISD’s Proposition A on Page 16.

Where to vote

Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections and www.countyclerk. traviscountytx.gov for a complete list of polling locations. Early voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide.

Early Voting Hutto ISD Human Resources Building 200 College St., Hutto Williamson County Jester Annex 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock

Sample ballot

Travis County Proposition A

The issuance of $233,060,000 of road bonds for the purpose of the construction, maintenance, and operation of macadamized, graveled, or paved roads and turnpikes; or in aid thereof, including acquiring land and rights-of-way therefor, road drainage, bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared use paths; and replacement and improvement of road bridges and culverts; and the levying of the tax in payment thereof. Proposition B The issuance of $276,440,000 of bonds for the purposes of constructing and improving county parks and the acquisition of land and interests in land in connection therewith, including the acquisition of open space park land and the acquisition of conservation easements for authorized purposes in connection with

Election Day Voting Pflugerville ISD Rock Gym 702 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville

Pflugerville Public Library 1008 Pfluger St., Pflugerville Crosslife Christian Academy 4109 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive, Pflugerville

SOURCES: PFLUGERVILLE ISD, TRAVIS COUNTY, WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Seeking a solution to budgetary restrictions limiting the district’s ability to adequately increase teacher pay, Pflugerville ISD will hold a voter-approval tax ratification election, also known as a VATRE, on Nov. 7. The tax rate election represents a localized solution to a widespread problem: recapture payments due to the state alongside other budgetary pressures reduce the amount of local tax revenue available to school districts. In PfISD, recapture payments were reduced from $17.68 million in 2022-23 to $9.8 million in 2023-24 due to state funding shifts, but rising costs of operation are limiting the school district’s ability to provide raises to teachers that keep pace with inflation. PFISD to hold tax rate election

Changing taxes

What’s next

The overall tax rate is lower due to state- mandated compression. The district does not expect the new rate to generate more revenue.

School districts are funded primarily through local property taxes, with some additional funding from the state. Regardless of whether the VATRE passes or fails, PfISD taxpayers will have a lower tax rate. Approving the new tax rate would result in: $6.4M in new tax revenue for the district An additional 3% compensation increase for staff Not approving the new tax rate would result in: A $2.94M budget deficit A tax rate decrease from $1.2646 to $1.0392 , instead of $1.1092

$1.2646 * FY 2022-23 tax rate

Proposed FY 2023-24 tax rate

$1.1092 *

For a home worth $500,000, the total annual impact is expected to cost voters $777 less than the previous year, if the VATRE passes.

Terms to know Voter-approval tax ratification election: An election must be held if district officials want to raise the tax rate beyond the voter-approval rate. Recapture: Tax revenue raised locally exceeding what the district is allowed to keep, based on a formula, is sent back to the state.

*PER $100 HOME VALUATION

SOURCE: PFLUGERVILLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Travis County voters to decide on $509.5M bond

A closer look

Travis County Commissioners approved a list of projects for the bond after over 6 months of community input. The most expensive item is $200 million set aside for land acquisition in an eort to preserve land before it's used for development or prices inate. See a list of bond projects below:

130 TOLL

Rowe Lane

Roads

45 TOLL

Pyramid Drive and O’Reilly Drive

Travis County voters will weigh in on a half billion dollar bond aimed at improving roads and parks this November.

Prop A includes improvements to a slew of roads, many of which are in eastern Travis County. Every project includes adding or improving sidewalks, bike lanes or shared-use paths. The county will implement a "Safe2" Roadway Design to Bee Creek Road and Rowe Lane. Safe2 Design adds shoulders, sidewalks and center turn lanes to two-lane roads that don't have them. The county may also add water quality protections, ood mitigation, and shade options.

183

Arterial A

Cameron Road

620

290

$509.5M

MOPAC

Bee Creek Road

360

183 TOLL

973

for road and safety projects Prop A: $233.06M for parks and green- space projects Prop B: $276.44M

Blake Manor Road

290

South Pleasant Valley Road

130 TOLL

Austin

45 TOLL

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

130 TOLL

Parks

Arkansas Bend Park

45 TOLL

Gilleland Creek Greenway

Prop B includes funding for new trails, parks improvements, a new building at Arkansas Bend Park and sports elds at Bee Creek Sports Complex and Southeast Metro Park. It would also fund land acquisition near the following areas: • Cow Creek • Gilleland Creek • Lake Travis • Onion Creek • Pedernales River • Post Oak Savannah and Springs • Wilbarger Creek

183

What's next

620

290 TOLL

MOPAC

Bee Creek Sports Complex

If both propositions were approved by voters, it would cost the average Travis County homeowner an additional $4.78 in taxes per month. Residents can learn more about each project at www.traviscountytx.gov.

360

183 TOLL

Southeast Metropolitan Park

Onion Creek Greenway

290

130 TOLL

Austin

45 TOLL

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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

From the cover

WilCo asks voters to authorize $844M in November bond election for roads, parks projects

Zooming in

The overview

would cover the cost of design and construction for most projects, which vary in scope from intersection improvements to completely new roadways. Additionally, many of the road projects are joint ventures with local city governments. Because of this, funding for them will be split between the county and local cities as well as regional or statewide transportation organizations.

Bob Daigh, senior director of infrastructure for Williamson County, said a bond is the only mecha- nism the county has to fund road projects that add capacity and make major safety improvements— meaning the annual road and bridge fund only pays for maintenance and operations of existing roads. Barring extreme inflation or an unpredictable economic event, Daigh said the funding in the bond

On Nov. 7, voters will decide on two Williamson County bond propositions totaling $884 million. • Proposition A: $825 million for road projects • Proposition B: $59 million for parks projects The bond amount was whittled down from more than $6 billion in projects submitted by local city governments, county staff and other regional partners. David Hays chaired the Williamson County Citizens Bond Committee, which met with local stakeholders to consider each project. The committee brought $1.69 billion in road and $78.96 million in parks projects to Commissioners Court, which then determined the final bond amounts. If it passes, the bond would not impact the debt service portion of the tax rate, according to county documents. Hays said commissioners want to put forward a bond package voters will view favorably. “I think it’s smart, and I think it’s a good number,” Hays said. “It fits within their budget knowing they’ll need to come back, but it gives them the ability to do things.”

NOTE: THIS MAP INCLUDES BOND PROJECTS WITHIN ROUND ROCK, PFLUGERVILLE AND HUTTO. DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS.

1 Chandler Road • $20M

• Improvements, new overpass

2 CR 123

• $9.5M • Bridge reconstruction

3 CR 138

971

• $4M • Roadway improvements

4 Deepwood Drive • $11M • Extension 5 Eagles Nest Street • $22M • Extension 6 East WilCo Highway • $176.5M • New construction 7 Kenney Fort Boulevard • $9M • Extension 8 Red Bud Lane • $8M

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

CHANDLER RD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

KENNEY FORT BLVD.

101

175

WYOMING SPRINGS DR.

1660

130 TOLL

RED BUD LN.

1431

EAGLES NEST ST.

3349

123

DEEPWOOD DR.

road projects, including right of way acquisition, design and

OOL RD.

construction projects 38 future parkland acquisition 14

138

620

45 TOLL

• Widening, reconstruction

137

park projects related to shared-use paths, facility improvements and

SCHULTZ LN.

9 Schultz Lane • $3M

620

• Widening, reconstruction

10 Wyoming Springs Drive • $20M • Extension

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

For the full Williamson County map, visit communityimpact.com.

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What they’re saying

A closer look

Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck categorized the projects in the parks proposition into three groups: shared-use paths, facilities and land acquisition.

“There’s going to be a great demand for open space, parkland [and] trail systems—places where people can go and get out of the urban environ- ment,” Hays said.

“The county is adding about 125 people a day, and people are driving here; they’re not walking, so there is signicant need.”

BOB DAIGH , WILLIAMSON COUNTY SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Facilities

Shared-use paths

NOTE: THIS IS A NONCOMPREHENSIVE LIST OF PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE PARKS PROPOSITION. DOLLAR AMOUNTS LISTED ARE FUNDS FROM THE BOND AND DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CITY OR PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS. • Connection from Southwest Williamson County Regional Park to RM 1431/Sam Bass Road ($2.5M) • Connection from Lakeline Park to Twin Lakes Park, including a pedestrian bridge over Bell Boulevard ($1.8M) • Connection from Georgetown’s Westside Park to Berry Springs Park ($2.9M) • Study a connection from River Ranch County Park to San Gabriel Park ($100K) • Brushy Creek Regional Trail connection from Cedar Park to Round Rock ($3M)

• Construct a visitors center at Berry Springs Park & Preserve ($2M) • Construct a cover over the Williamson County Expo Center’s western arena; add showers and restrooms; acquire land for parking and future expansions ($16.7M) • Construct a zip line and adventure course at Twin Lakes Family YMCA; add parking ($3.9M)

“We’re trying to provide linkages and connectivity to more places where people

need to get to and where they’re able to recreate.” RUSSELL FISHBECK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR

Land acquisition

• Acquire land for a future county park or assume responsibility and renovate park at Granger Lake ($25M)

What’s next

Additionally, the county said a 2016 law prevents governing bodies from issuing debt to fund projects included in a bond that was rejected by voters during the previous three years. “There was $6 billion of need identified of all good projects,” Daigh said. “I think that $6 billion number shows the magnitude of a problem that we would have if the bonds did not pass.”

Both Daigh and Fishbeck said if the bond passes, work on included projects will be underway shortly. Fishbeck said this is especially true of many of the trails projects because design for them is already in the works. However, he said if the parks proposition doesn’t pass, it means many of the projects would be delayed, and it may put some of the partner projects in jeopardy. Still, future planning would continue, he said.

Did you know? • The bond represents the largest package ever put before Williamson County voters by nearly double. • Additionally, it comes four years after the county’s last bond in 2019, while previous bonds were six to seven years apart. • Early voting runs from Oct. 23-Nov. 3, and Election Day is Nov. 7.

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Development

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & GRANT CRAWFORD

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

PfISD elding bids for career, tech center Pugerville ISD is taking some of the rst steps needed to construct its $76 million career and technical education center, funded with bonds approved by voters in November. What’s happening? District sta elded bids for construction managers to head a project to build the district facility through Sept. 19 with sta planning to bring options to the board at an October meeting, said Craig Pruett, PfISD’s executive director of procurement. Pruett said the district has also already selected a site located near Killingsworth Lane and Wells Branch Parkway in southeast Pugerville. Meanwhile, the district plans to partner with local industry leaders to develop the center’s programming.

Pugerville to get over 1,000 multifamily units A 60-acre residential community named Merle on Howard is set to bring over 1,000 multifamily units to south Pugerville in the next few years. The gist The project is being developed by High Street Residential, a subsidiary of Trammell Crow Co. According to a Trammell representative, the rst phase of construction has already begun. Rep- resentatives also added its joint venture partner CBRE Investment Management is providing capital for the project. Leasing is expected to begin in fall 2025. The details According to a news release from High Street Residential, the property will be built out in three phases. Phase 1, consisting of 17 acres of land, will deliver:

Developer starts work on $62M complex A multifamily housing development set on 30 acres of land in south Hutto is set to be completed in 2025. According to a news release from devel- oper Empire Group of Companies, Village at Hutto Station broke ground and began construction Aug. 28. The details A $62.4 million loan to fund the project was secured from Arbor Realty. The devel- opment will include: • 276 one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units, ranging from 680 to 1,300 square feet • Private backyards • Smart home technology packages • Community amenities, such as a pool, tness center, walking trails and dog park

Hutto ISD signs on to TEA accountability suit Hutto ISD has signed onto a lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency regarding accountability ratings, joining many school districts across the state. What happened HISD’s board of trustees, absent board President Billie Logiudice, voted unanimously to join the lawsuit Sept. 20, calling on the TEA to rectify what they and representatives of other Texas school districts have called an unfair change to how accountability ratings are calculated. It is one of several area districts to do so. What they’re saying Several trustees called the change to account- ability ratings that will be applied to data for the 2022-23 school year retroactively unfair, with trustee James Matlock calling it a “moving of

“Commissioner [Mike] Morath is on record stating that there will

be campuses or districts statewide that have done better in their exam, but

have the chance of a decrease in score.” HUTTO ISD TRUSTEE JAMES MATLOCK

Construction is underway for the new residential community Merle on Howard, located in Pugerville.

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• 444 units, including 15 garden-style apartments and ve townhomes • An 11,000-square-foot resident clubhouse with a work-from-home space, a tness center and a golf simulator • A resort-style pool • A 9,000-square-foot dog park with a splash pad and pet wash stations

The TEA began a refresh of its methodology for calculating these ratings in late 2021, sharing new benchmarks students must reach for schools to receive a certain grade. District ocials across the state have raised concerns about the impact of the changes to accountability ratings, as they are a metric used by school boards to address educational priorities year to year.

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