Turtles, Taxes, Events, Budget Session, Council and More

Welcome to July in Lakeway!  The weather folks were wondering when we would get the 100° temps, well they're here.  The good news is the forecast is for lower temperatures next week and possibly a little rain?  We've had a great Spring and Summer so far, let's hope it continues.

Laying Eggs

Dug Up, Ugh!

Have you seen any turtles around?  I've had two bury their eggs in our back yard in the last few days.  This one worked hard and laid her eggs yesterday.  Unfortunately, before I could protect them, a skunk came by last night and dug them up and had a feast on the eggs.  I'm going to get some hardware cloth so next time I can protect them and see what happens. 

Don't forget the Blood Drive tomorrow, Saturday, at the Activity Center,  July 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Activity Center.  To make a reservation, visit weareblood.org and search group code A197.  You can also send an email to LakewayCommunityBloodDrive@gmail.com 

It's time again for the Lakeway Heritage Trail Tours.  This is a free tour that can give you some insights into our heritage!  Here's a link to the information.

There's a lot going on at the Activity Center.  Here's a link to the latest information.

There was a budget work session Monday, here was their agenda.  There is also a video - here's that link.

The Dive in Movie tonight is "Incredibles 2".  Here's a link to more info.

Tonight is Bingo at the Activity Center put on by the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.  20% of the proceeds go to the Lakeway Police Foundation supporting our police.  Doors open at 6:30 and games begin at 7.  

Some take away's:  
Health Insurance may not go up as much as it has for the last few years although they have a continuing loss ratio of 114%. 

 They so far have a balanced budget - unfortunately it is at the "rollback rate" and does not include many of the additions contemplated.

Lakeway has consistently kept our taxes at the "Effective Rate" to keep a fair tax burden on their citizens.  

Maybe I should explain some terms.  "RollBack Rate" is the amount taxes can go up without an election.  Currently it is 8% above the current rate.  The "Effective Tax Rate" is the tax rate that an entity would charge to keep your taxes the same even though your appraisal goes up.  The "Rollback Rate" has been capped by the state legislature to go into effect next year in some cases.  Here is a link to a primer on the tax rates - maybe it would be a good place for some of our elected officials to learn about what they are voting on.  That being said, it is very complex and the final tax figures have not been provided to the city from the county.

The Capital Reserve Fund is at about 35.5% - that is a little more than need to maintain the 30% the city wants.  This is a good thing, it keeps our bond rates low if needed.

There was a significant discussion about Parks and Rec. especially the Activity Center and Pool.  The request from council to maintain a 50% payback rate is causing many rates to go up for clubs and meetings and is straining those entities.  There was also a discussion on what new facilities could be utilized and funded.

There was also a discussion on costs to continue and improve the fire safety of the community.  This includes the fuel management plan in the greenbelts and other fire prevention plans in the city.

There were no meeting packets available for this meeting so it is hard to follow some of the discussion of numbers.  Maybe that could be included in the future.

The attendance at this meeting was in my opinion dismal.  This is where they determine how to spend our tax dollars!  I hope many were watching on video!
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Council met in regular session at 6:30 - here was their agenda.  Here is a link to the video.

All members were present except Mr. Kumar who did a video conference.  Hopefully our elected officials will be able to schedule their time to attend meetings.  Although it is legal, it is disruptive and I think better communications are established in person.   I guess I'm just old school...

It appears the spikes have all been removed from city fences so we can take that off our list.....

Janet Wright gave a presentation on the Art's Committee vision and goals.  Council also voted to accept a donation from John and Judy Hogge of a Robert Holmes Bronze Sculpture - The Game.  

After some discussion, council agreed to allow the Mayor and City Manager to continue with negotiations for a Transportation Study.  There seems to be a rush on this to allow the study to move forward so the work identified can be included in a transportation bond next May.  They are going to need to do a bond for the $5M promised for the 620 project, a separate bond could be issued for any internal transportation projects - hopefully they will not combine them and they could be done later if necessary.

Next was  a resolution creating a Transportation Steering Committee - wouldn't it have been better to form that committee to work on getting information to the consultant doing the transportation study and negotiating prices? 

Significant time was spent on an ordinance update on the Fee Schedules.  Lots of changes in the way permit fees are figured and collected.  For more info go to the agenda link and click on that item number for the full schedule and changes.

Now is a GREAT time to get pictures of your home or property before the grass turns brown.  Email me at joe@skypict.com for a quote or more info!

Have a GREAT weekend and stay cool.  If you would like to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get it done!

Enjoy our GREAT community!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us