September 5, 2024
An update on Rise Broadband Fiber installation, a discussion on the Raftelis Water and Wastewater Rate study, a zoning change on S. Commerce St, and the approval of the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget with a tax rate of $0.5093 per $100 of valuation, and proposed design standards for the gateway corridor were discussed at the September 3 City Council Meeting.
Back row (L-R): Councilmember at-large Brad Westmoreland, District 1 Councilmember Juan Mendoza, District 4 Councilmember Jeffry Michelson, District 2 Councilmember John Castillo
Front row (L-R): Mayor Pro-Tem Angie Gonzales-Sanchez, Mayor Lew White, Councilmember District 3 John Lairsen
Upcoming Meetings
September 11 – Planning & Zoning Commission
Rise Broadband Fiber Installation Update
Rise Broadband is currently working in three sections around the city. Rise is coordinating efforts to connect the near completed sections to existing fiber lines south of Lockhart.
Between July 8 and August 30, there have been various utility issues and disruptions that resulted due to installment errors. During this period, there were four (4) water main breaks reported, five (5) water service breaks, four (4) sewer service breaks, three (3) gas leaks, and eight (8) various type of customer complaints reported.
Moving forward, Rise will reinforce efforts to verify utility locations and prioritize safety along with maintaining communication between the City and contractors, and promptly identifying issues with contractors so they can be corrected.
Raftelis Water and Wastewater Rate Study
City Council members received an update from Raftelis, the city’s utility rate consultants, on its water and wastewater rate study. The consultant highlighted that the City’s rates and fees must fund operations and capital projects, maintain reserves and debt service coverage, fund growth, and ensure customer rate equity.
The City is reevaluating its water and sewer rates primarily due to the new Carrizo Groundwater Project water supply coming online, as well as increases in the maintenance and operations costs and debt service requirements for the city’s treated wholesale water supply. The City entered into a contract with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority in 2018. This groundwater development project will generate 15,000 acre-feet per year of groundwater which will be distributed to participating utilities like Lockhart. The City is responsible for its proportional share of the project’s debt service and operational expenses.
Raftelis’ recommendation to the City is to increase the current water rates by 35% for FY 2025, then by 20% for FY 2026 to account for the current increase in these costs.
Raftelis also recommended a 3% increase for wastewater rates in 2025 and 2026.
After the proposed increases in 2025, Lockhart’s rates would still be more economical than the combined water and sewer rates paid on average by customers in neighboring, similar-sized communities.
City Council will consider approval of the new water/wastewater rates at the September 17 meeting. If approved, the new rates will be implemented in the second billing cycle in November 2024.
Zoning Change on S. Commerce St.
City Council approved a request by the Marilyn Riddle Trust for a Zoning Change from AO Agricultural-Open Space District to CMB Commercial Medium Business, RMD Residential Medium Density, and RHD Residential High-Density Districts on 177.78 acres located in the 1500, 1600, and 1700 blocks of South Commerce Street.
Proposed City of Lockhart & LEDC FY 2024-2025 Budget
Council adopted the City of Lockhart’s operating budget for FY 2024-2025 and the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) FY 2024-2025 budget.
Property Tax Rate
Council adopted a reduction in the tax rate from $0.5348 per $100 property valuation to $0.5093 per $100 property valuation, a $0.0255 (4.7%) decrease for the 2024 tax year.
Design standards at Entrance Corridors
Mayor White placed an item on the agenda to initiate the discussion about creating zoning overlays to protect the appearance and character of the city’s state highway entrance corridors. These standards could regulate building design and styles, parking, outdoor lighting, tree preservation, and more. The Mayor and Council agreed to schedule a workshop with the Planning Department to discuss goals and standards. Future steps include public meetings with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
Public Hearing Set for Seawillow Public Improvement District
City Council approved an updated resolution regarding the Seawillow Public Improvement District. A public hearing was set for October 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, in the Dr. Eugene Clark Library Annex.
City Manager’s Report
Downtown Revitalization Project Update
Construction on the Downtown Revitalization Project began in the downtown area this week. Work will initially start in the areas north of San Antonio St, between 183 and S. Main, as well as some areas of Church St. Work will be performed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. City staff will receive biweekly status reports from the contractor. The information and future updates will be regularly posted on the city website and social media for the duration of the project.
Comprehensive Plan Update
The Comprehensive Plan, which aims to create a blueprint for the community’s vision on Lockhart’s future built environment, is on track. Staff expects to review a final draft of the plan by September 11. Once finalized, the plan will be presented to City Council on October 15 for review and adoption. Information on the plan is available on PlanLockhartTX.com.
Education Campaign: Illegal Discharge of Firearms
Due to a recent increase of calls reporting the illegal discharge of firearms, police and city staff are working on a public awareness campaign to remind the public of the safety risks caused by this activity. The information will be published in English and Spanish and will also inform residents about how they can report “celebratory gunfire” anonymously. Police officers will also take part in “knock and talks” with area residents.
The illegal discharge of firearms is a violation of city ordinance and Texas state law.
National Night Out 2024
National Night Out (NNO) will take place on Tuesday, October 1 this year. Lockhart Police, Fire, and EMS will attend block parties in neighborhoods throughout Lockhart to interact with residents.
NNO is an annual community-building campaign that takes place in communities across the country and promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Neighborhoods can register to host a block party by contacting Tina Ramsey at 512-398-4401 or tramsey@lockhart-tx.org. The deadline to register is September 27 at 12 p.m.
Splash pads and City Park Pool
City Park pool has officially closed for the summer. The city’s two splash pads will remain open until October 27. Residents can go to the splash pads Sunday through Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the September 3, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org). The Raftelis Water and Wastewater Rate Study portion of this Council Recap was editor for clarity.