Summer Heat, Calendar Contest, Taxes and Much More!

Here we are - another week of Summer behind us.  The high this week was 101.5 and the low was 72.5.  No measurable rain, we had one measurable rain this month (.01 inch) the yard are starting to look really dry.  Here's a link to current conditions.  Looks like it's going to be hot and dry again next week - stay hydrated and be careful with our Texas heat!

Tomorrow, I'm going to ask a favor of my friends on Facebook. I have entered our bulldog Bella in a calendar contest with Ortiz Portrait Studios.  I will furnish a link and instructions - basically I would appreciate a "like" on Bella's picture.  More tomorrow.  I'm hoping to get her on the 2020 Pet Calendar, it is a fundraiser to support area animals - all proceeds are donated to local rescue groups.  More tomorrow!  Thanks in advance!

Expect normal trash service if your pickup day is Monday - these guys work hard don't they?  Get your cans out by 8:00 a.m. and barring unusual happenings it will be collected.

*****Taxes*****

You probably received the Lakeway Newsletter this week.  It was accurate, the council voted to retain the tax rate from last year.  That means if your house increased in value (almost all did) you will be paying more this year.  The average value continues to increase year over year.  Generally over the last 10 years, the council would accept the "Effective" tax rate to keep your tax bill the same.  The "Effective Rate" is about 15.8¢ per $100.  This is a small increase - but remember, it is cumulative.  That means next year it will be built in.  Remember, many of the other taxing entities will be going up to their rollback (8% increase) rate - Travis County for one.  It's better than the "Rollback" rate but they can do better!

One of the reasons given for maintaining the current rate was the cost of the Police Station and the increased operating expenses.  The Police Station was built under budget and on time - a great success.  About $600,000 was returned to the city, part from contingency funds and part from a bond refund.  This money is "restricted" because it was proceeds from the bond, but can be used on the Police Station.  I'm not a lawyer, but I'm told it can be used to maintain and can be utilized for facility expenses.  This was a real win for the community and unlike the City Hall, Court Facility and other city facilities, it will never need to be enlarged or expanded.  The bond rate was outstanding and Spaw Glass did a great job as was demonstrated by the recent audit.  

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Lot's going on at the Activity Center - here's a link to the latest information.  Viewpoints tickets are on sale, the Free Heritage Bus Tour is coming up Sept. 20th and the Community Blood Drive are a few of the events - check it out!

Lakeway Church's construction is continuing.  Here's a picture from Friday, August 30th that shows the parking lot and area to the left where the new sanctuary will be built.  I'm told the building area will start to be cleared next week.  If you're doing construction or know someone who is, aerial pictures can really help with keeping up with the project.  Email me and lets get a progressive shoot scheduled - it's not expensive!

The Lake Travis Regional Re-Use and Recycling Center will be open on Wednesday, September 4th from 9:00 a.m. until noon.  Here is a link to all the pertinent information!

I met with TxDOT and consultants Tuesday about the RR 620 improvement project.  They are meeting with landowners / stakeholders about the new Right of Way (ROW) requirements on the project.  Lots of data!  Here is a link of one of their schematics that shows new ROW and elevations.  You can zoom in to specific areas to see more.   Appraisals are expected to be available to landowners in January.  Start is still a couple of years off.  

I see a lot of complaints on social media about speeding and traffic interactions in Lakeway.  The problem is US.  We used to have a reputation (still do kind of) about tickets going 5 mph above the speed limit.   That is really not the case.  I don't have the current statistics but last I had was of all the traffic stops made, 70% were warnings.  The problem is, police don't check to see if you've had a previous warning - that needs to change.  A driver could get 3 warnings from different officers - what behavior does this contribute to?  I personally think it should be 30% warnings and 70% tickets, but then the other side would complain.  Make your choice and let the city know, but don't complain if you get a ticket. 

There will be an "ACEing Autism" event September 21st at 2 p.m.  Put it on your calendar and support this group.  Here is a link to their web page and I'll have more info closer to the event.  Thanks Tim for reminding me of this event!

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend - but be safe out there!  It's HOT and there will be a LOT of folks on the Lake - by the way, it's still at 676.27, just 4.73 ft. below full - significant for this time of year!

Stay hydrated and be careful.  If you want to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added.  Thanks in advance for your support for Bella - I'll send a note out tomorrow as a reminder!

Joe Bain

Lakeway@bain.us