Still HOT, Bella's in the Calendar!, Council and MORE!

Well, it's still HOT🔥!  The rain that some got last week helped a little but we need some more!  Here's a link to my weather station if you want to see how hot it is....  No rain in the forecast until next Wednesday, the good news is the temperatures are trending down a little - mid ninety's, ugh - it is September, right?  Got my electric bill - it was definitely HOT.

Some good news!  Bella placed 2nd in the Calendar Contest - thanks soooooo much for everyone's help.  It's a GREAT thing for the local rescues, Addicus' Legacy Dog Rescue and 365 Pet Connection - they will be getting some much needed funding to help area animals.  There will also be calendars for sale a little later in the year and you will have a chance to enjoy the winners every month next year!  Big thank you to Kim Ortiz Portrait Art for putting this together!

Council meets in Special Session Monday.  Here is a link to the agenda / packet.  

4)  First on the list is the proposed budget.  I have been critical of the current thought process - happy they voted to make the "not exceed" tax rate the same as last year, $0.1645 per $100 - I still believe they need to drop it to the "effective tax rate" that would mean residents would not experience a hike on city tax - they will be pounded on all the other entities.  

Let's look at the press release:

• Funds will help pay for additional city staff?  Do we really need that?
• Increased health insurance costs - I'm sure I heard the new insurance costs proposed were much lower than expected because the company wants the city business.
• Salary increases - ok, they probably need to give some folks a raise
• Computer equipment and software?  For the whole city?
• Operating costs for new Police Station?  They got a $600,000 return from the bond and contingency fund - it's restricted but can and will be used on the police facility.
• Police equipment - I'll give them that.
• Consulting fees - I guess that's the $150K to study internal and County roads.
• Outsourced inspection costs.  The permit fees are supposed to pay for ALL the inspection costs - they just had a permit fee increase.  

Remember, they are getting almost $250,000 from new tax payers on the rolls and a significant sales tax increase too.

It would be interesting to see how much our legal expenses are - maybe someone will tell us....

I have no doubt they can cut enough to lower the rate to the effective rate - lets see if they will do it.  

5)  Funding is being requested from the Lakeway Civic Corporation to fund a redesign of the Heritage Center, redesign of the Swim Center and some Aquatic fitness Boards.

6)  Looks like they are doing away with the Marshal - probably a good idea.  It paid for itself when implemented but collections have dropped off in the last couple of years.

7)  And of course the infamous "Executive Session".  Looks like the appeal is heating up on the Cherry Knoll case.  

8)  Interesting - they will deliberate the appointment, employment and duties of the City Manager.  Ordinance says the City Manager has to have their residence in the City limits after a time.

The "Consent Agenda" is pretty standard.
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Work is continuing at the Lakeway Church - here's the latest picture.  Click on it for a larger view.

Lots going on at the Activity Center - here is a link to that information.

National Night Out is starting to ramp up.  It will be on October 1st this year - why not attend or put together a neighborhood get together to support your neighborhood.

The Canyon Grill had an issue and the manager has been charged for using a concealed recording device in a dressing room.  Unfortunate, but there are bad folks all around - many more that you would think I bet.

The Lakeway Municipal court is now referring young drivers with traffic citations to enroll in RED - Reality Education for Drivers.  Here's a link for more information.

Bee Cave continues to put out a police blotter with info on area happenings - Lakeway is putting out statistics.  I always thought it was good to let folks know what was going on.

That's all for right now - keep checking, sometimes I correct or update....

If you want to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added.  Think about a aerial photo of your house or property - $75 special still available.  Email me for an appointment!  joe@skypcit.com

Thanks again for all the help on the Pet Calendar, it was really fun and Bella is worn out from campaigning.  As always, emails are appreciated and please forward the blog to those that you think might be interested.

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us