December 5, 2024

A donation from Evening with the Authors, the asset purchase and sale agreement with ESD No. 5, a targeted retail incentive policy, adoption of tax abatement guidelines, ARPA funding allocation, and the Lockhart Freedom Act were all discussed at the December 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

Planning and Zoning Commission – December 11

Donation from Evening with the Authors

Representatives of the Evening with the Authors program presented the City with a $10,000 check to be used for general library programs.

Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement with Caldwell County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5

City Council approved an agreement to sell City of Lockhart EMS equipment to Caldwell County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5. Under the agreement, the City will sell current Lockhart EMS apparatuses and equipment, including ambulance vehicles, ventilators, medical equipment, radios, computers, and more, to the ESD No. 5. The sale will become final no later than December 31, 2024.

Targeted Retail and Grocery Economic Development Policy

The Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDX) proposed a Targeted Retail and Grocery Economic Development Policy to predetermine incentive policies. The policy, approved by Council, will offer incentives to attract retailers to Lockhart. Incentives include infrastructure incentives, Sales and Use Tax Matching Grants, Real & Personal Property Investment Grants, and more.

The companies must not have another existing location within a ten-mile radius of Lockhart, must provide a new and different shopping experience, be a minimum of 3,000 square feet, and have $5 million in annual gross sales at the end of the first year, among other requirements.

Regarding grocery stores, eligibility for incentives requires a minimum of 20,000 square feet, must break ground within two years of signing an agreement, and employ a minimum of 50 people.

Chapter 312 Policy

Council also passed a Chapter 312 policy, which allows cities to offer full or partial tax exemption for new investments for a period not to exceed ten years. This type of tax abatement does not reduce existing local property taxes and does not cause a loss of revenue. Instead, it offers a temporary limit on future taxes for a facility not yet built.

City Council will need to revisit the Chapter 312 policy every two years, to renew or reject it.

Allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds

City Council took final action, and passed, the final obligation of ARPA funds. The City of Lockhart has $1.4 million of ARPA funds remaining to allocate towards future projects. In order to comply with the federal Treasury Department requirements, any remaining ARPA funds must be obligated by the end of December 2024 and fully expended by the end of 2026.

City Council approved the remaining ARPA funds to pay for the following projects:

• Library interior and exterior improvements
• Animal Shelter rehabilitation/improvements
• Fleet improvements for public safety, among others, including a brush truck for the Fire Department and new patrol units for the Police Department.

Lockhart Freedom Act Resolution

City Council approved a resolution acknowledging the passage of the Lockhart Freedom Act and its incorporation into the City Charter, while also acknowledging that state law prohibits cities from not fully enforcing drug laws, including those related to low-level cannabis enforcement.

Specifically, the approved resolution states the following:

• The City of Lockhart is legally prohibited from adopting and enforcing policies and laws that are in direct and irreconcilable conflict with state and federal law; including laws related to the enforcement and regulation of cannabis.
• Any provision of the Lockhart Freedom Act that purports to prohibit the full enforcement of laws relating to drug enforcement, including Chapters 481 and 483 of the Health and Safety Code and federal law is preempted by state law and is therefore unenforceable.
• The City of Lockhart, Texas calls on state and federal legislators to resolve the conflict between local and state/federal laws related to cannabis regulation.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has sued several Texas cities for their adoption and implementation of ordinances/charter amendments similar in purpose and scope to the Lockhart Freedom Act, which voters approved in the November 5, 2024 election. The Lockhart Freedom Act contains several provisions that prohibit Lockhart Police from investigating and charging certain misdemeanor marijuana offenses, except under limited circumstances. State law provides that cities may not adopt policies that do not fully enforce applicable state and federal cannabis laws.

Initially, the resolution failed to pass. After a discussion with the City Attorney during Executive Session to receive legal advice, Councilmembers reconvened into Open Session, reconsidered the initial vote and passed the resolution.

City Manager’s Report

Caldwell County Evacuation Groundbreaking

Caldwell County is breaking ground on its new evacuation center in Luling. It is taking place on Thursday, December 5 at 10 a.m.

The shelter will span 45,000 square feet, accommodate up to 350 people, and have amenities for evacuees.

Lockhart Dispatcher Honored

Jerome Wymore, of the Lockhart Police Dispatch Division, was recognized at the Texas EMS Conference. He was the first dispatcher to answer a 9-1-1 call reporting the fatal bus crash on the Bastrop-Caldwell County line in March of this year. Jerome was recognized for calmly but expeditiously assessing the situation and gathering critical information.

Finance Department Recognized by Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

The City of Lockhart’s Finance Department was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by GFOA for its annual comprehensive financial report for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

This is the fifth year that the City of Lockhart has received this recognition.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Mayor Lew White will light the Christmas tree on the Caldwell County Courthouse Lawn this Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m.

Christmas to Remember Lighted Night Parade

The annual Lighted Night Parade will take place this Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. Its route will begin on Market St. and make its way through downtown Lockhart. Spectators will enjoy a variety of performers, illuminated floats, and decorated vehicles.

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ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the December 3, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).