July 17, 2025
A presentation from CARTS, the Texas Gas Service utility rate, the water/wastewater treatment plant budget, participation in the WaterSECURE Project, manufactured housing in residential zoning districts, and the 250th Independence Day Celebration were discussed at the July 15 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
Presentation Regarding Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with CARTS for FY 2025-26
City Council received a presentation from representatives of the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS). Representatives informed Council that Lockhart is one of the top two busiest cities when it comes to CARTS ridership. Beginning August 1, CARTS Country Bus riders can book same-day trips directly through the new CARTS app. Riders will be able to book and pay for curb-to-curb service using the app. Trips can be scheduled for the same day or up to two weeks in advance. Lockhart riders can now use CARTS to travel to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, as well as the Veteran Affairs office in Austin.
Texas Gas Service Utility Rate
City Council approved a resolution suspending the August 19, 2025, effective date of the proposal by Texas Gas Service Company, a division of One Gas, Inc., Central-Gulf Service Area, to implement gas utility rate increases.
Lockhart Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget
City Council approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) for the Lockhart Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. The GBRA's total budget of $3.15 million will be incorporated in the City of Lockhart's Proposed Annual Budget for FY 25-26. The budget includes the cost of operating the City’s water treatment plant, two wastewater treatment plants, and well fields.
Participation in WaterSECURE Project
After discussion, City Council approved entering into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GBRA to participate in the WaterSECURE project. This project combines different water sources -- including raw and treated water — using GBRA’s existing run-of-the-river rights, when combined with river division facilities, off-channel reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, water treatment, delivery facilities, and integration of brackish and fresh groundwater. The City is requesting to join this planning project for up to 6.56 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water.
Manufactured Housing in Residential Zoning Districts
At the request of Councilmember Castillo, City Council approved initiating a zoning case regarding possible amendments to Chapter 64, Zoning, to prohibit manufactured housing in residential zoning districts.
250th Independence Day Celebration
At the request of Mayor White, a discussion was held regarding the City of Lockhart's activities to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Mayor White requested councilmembers submit two nominations to form a working committee to plan the celebration. This item will be discussed again at the next August 5 City Council meeting.
City Manager’s Report
Updated Residential Subdivision Map
The updated Residential Subdivision Map adds three new projects, including the following:
- Seawillow Development: 2,587 residential units
- Riddle Subdivision: 444 single family lots
- Sendero Subdivision: 382 single family lots
- Approximately 280 platted lots are currently available
Neighborhood Watch Group Meeting – Northwest District 1
The first Neighborhood Watch Group for Northwest District 1 will take place on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m at First Baptist Church, 514 Neches St.
Courthouse Nights
The next Courthouse Nights event is on Friday, July 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Caldwell County Courthouse Lawn. Los Juanos, an indie/Tejano band, will headline the event.
Movies in the Park
The next Movies in the Park is on Saturday, July 9, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Families can enjoy a free screening of Mufasa: The Lion King at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd.
Ribbon Cutting for Borchert Loop Elementary School (Lockhart ISD)
The ribbon cutting for Borchert Loop Elementary School, 3200 Borchert Loop, will take place Saturday, August 2 at 9 a.m. According to Lockhart ISD, the project is on time and under budget. The new campus will be ready for students when the new school year begins on August 13.
Upcoming Budget Workshops for FY 2025-26
- Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m.: Capital Improvement Program
- Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m.: Continued discussions of the working budget
ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the July 15, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).
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