Hot!, Driver License Rules, Taxes and MORE!

Panorama Shot From Lot in Briarcliff - Actually 3
Shots Stitched Together - Click to See Larger View

Nature is Beautiful!

Still HOT!  Another 100° day yesterday - the weatherman is promising some relief this weekend, maybe a shower.  We can always hope.  Lake Travis is starting its downward trend.  Dropping about a foot a week right now.  A good soaking rain would really help.  This morning it was at 678.98 - full pool is 681.  It really is a beautiful lake though!  While I was waiting for the realtor, I found this little guy working hard!

Driver's License expiring?  If you can't renew online there are some new things you should be aware of.  The rules have changed.  They require a passport or certified birth certificate, your social security card and your old license.  Really?  Yup.  Look at your license - is there a gold star on the top right?  Texas is becoming Federal Real ID compliant (link).  What does that mean?  After October 1, 2020 you will no longer be able to use your TDL for ID to get on a plane unless it has the gold star on it.  Still good to use for driving...

So, no big deal right?  Well, it means everyone will be going to DPS Drivers License offices to get their license renewed to comply with the new rules.  I went to Marble Falls Thursday, no wait, small place, right?  Took me two and a half hours - nearly forever.  So, be ready for a wait.  No one was really happy and most didn't have all the requisite documents and many left because of the wait.  I'm told Thursday is the worst day - one of the workers goes to Llano to work on that day.  Effectively there was only one person working (breaks, lunch, etc.) and it takes 15-30 minutes per applicant.

Still a lot going on at the Activity Center.  Here's a link to the current list.
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So, what do you think about tax increases?  Council will be looking at budgets and tax rates soon - they have already had a couple of budget sessions. 
Lakeway's current tax rate is $0.1645 per $100 evaluation. 

Travis County has already made their intentions known.  Voted themselves a $30K+ raise (Commissioner Daugherty voted NO) and Judge Eckhardt has stated her intent to raise the county tax rate the maximum 8%.  The current County Tax rate is .3542 per $100 evaluation.

The Lake Travis ISD tax rate is $1.4075 per $100 evaluation.
The Travis County ESD #6 is $0.10 per $100 evaluation.
Lakeway MUD is $0.1158
Travis County Healthcare District is $0.105221

It all adds up - the total tax rate for my home is $2.247221 - yours may be different because of different MUD rates.  for instance, Flintrock Falls is $2.563321.

All up for grabs.  The maximum entities can raise the rate is 8% without a vote - this is the last year for 8%.  The State Legislature have passed a new "Rollback Rate" that will be effective next year of 3.5%.  It's my understanding that Lakeway is in a "carve out" that does not limit them - I have asked for clarification on that.  So, right now all the taxing entities are considering going to the rollback rate because of the new restrictions next year.  Of course, it gets even more complex because some entities have a maximum tax rate - ESD's and Schools for instance.

That is further exasperated by the fact that our property values generally increase year over year.  Mine went up about 5% - so take the 5% increase in value times the increased tax rate and open your check book.  

That's why the City for many years has tried to use the "Effective Tax Rate" for city taxes.  Our current (not certified) rate is $0.1582.  The rollback rate is $0.1684.  The City income has increased about $245,000 because of the increase of the new property since last year.  No conclusions - just data for you to think about!
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Mayor Cox held the State of Lakeway Town Hall Thursday evening - here's a link to the video.  I counted about 26 in attendance.

The City is having a Luau party at the Swim Center Sunday - here's a link to more info - no roasted pig....

Looks like the Parks and Rec meeting is cancelled Tuesday, and CBC and the Wildlife Advisory Committee meeting are cancelled Thursday.

ZAPCO will meet in regular session Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.  Here is their agenda  Looks like several signs and a couple of Special Use Permits.

The Public Engagement Advisory Committee also meets on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Here's their agenda.
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Springhill July 10, 2019

Hotels?  The new hotel near the hospital, Springhill Suites is nearing completion.  They are going to ZAPCO to get sign permits.  The La Quinta, although it looks far along on the outside - seems to have stalled.  If you look through the windows, the inside is just framed - no walls or finishing done.  There's got to be a story there.

That's all for right now - keep you fingers crossed and maybe we'll get a shower.  If you have a question, email me and I'll try to answer it.  If you would like to be added to my email list - send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added.

Enjoy the weekend!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us