August 8, 2025
Recognition of the Lockhart Little League Senior Girls Softball Team, the 2025 general election, the formation of the Lockhart Municipal Utility District, an amendment to the interlocal agreement with CARTS, the Series 2025 Certificates of Obligation, the 250th Independence Day Planning Committee, and the appointment of a new board member were discussed at the August 5 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
Recognition of Lockhart Little League Senior Girls Softball Team
Mayor White recognized the Little League Senior Girls Softball Team for winning the Texas East State Championship.
November 2025 General Election
Council ordered a General Election on November 4, 2025, to elect:
- Two (2) Councilmembers At-Large
- Councilmember District 1
- Councilmember District 2
The ballot filing period is July 19 to August 18, 2025. Early voting will take place October 20–31, with final locations and hours set by the Caldwell County Commissioners’ Court.
Extension of Conditional Consent for Lockhart MUD of Caldwell County
Council granted Hillwood Communities a 90-day extension to the conditional consent for creating the Lockhart Municipal Utility District (MUD), covering 889 acres east of SH 130 and west of Dry Creek Road. The extension, which allows consideration of adding 148.5 acres, remains contingent on approval of a Development Agreement.
Temporary Easements for Carrizo Water Supply Expansion
Council approved temporary staging easements with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) for the Carrizo Groundwater Supply Project TX-130 Expansion. The project will provide 9,000 acre-feet of water annually to regional utilities and establish a second delivery point for the City’s water supply at the Cesar Chavez elevated storage tank to improve reliability of the City’s water system.
Interlocal Agreement with CARTS
Council amended its agreement with the Capital Area Rural Transportation System, raising the City’s annual contribution to $40,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to support operations. This includes supporting a newly added third CARTS Now vehicle serving Lockhart’s growing demand for the service.
Series 2025 Certificates of Obligation
Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of 2025 Certificates of Obligation (CO) in the amount of $20,000,000. The issuance will fund capital projects, which include:
· design and construction of a new aquatic facility,
· acquisition and renovation of an indoor recreation center,
· improvements to Lions Park,
· improvements to City Hall, and
· improvements to existing public safety facilities and/or land acquisition for future public safety facilities.
The issuance will also cover related professional services, including engineering fees, as well as the costs of issuing the Certificates of Obligation. Prior to the sale, the City reaffirmed its AA- bond rating, securing a lower interest rate through the competitive bidding process and resulting in taxpayer savings on interest costs.
Proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget
Council approved the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation’s (LEDC) FY 2025-2026 budget. Council also set two public hearings for the City of Lockhart’s proposed FY 2025-2026 budget for the following dates:
- August 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
- September 2, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Both hearings will be held in the Council Chambers on the third floor of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library.
Property Tax Rate
Council voted to set the proposed 2025 combined maintenance/operations and debt rate at 0.5541/$100 and place on the September 2, 2025 agenda for consideration and adoption.
250th Independence Day Planning Committee
Council agreed to form a citizen planning committee and approved initial appointments to organize Lockhart’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The group will plan local events inspired by Lockhart’s 1976 bicentennial activities, such as dances, community gatherings, and commemorations. Additional Committee appointments will be made at a future meeting.
Construction Board of Appeals Appointment
Council nominated Jason De La Cruz to the Construction Board of Appeals. Council will consider the final appointment of this nominee at the next Council meeting on August 19.
City Manager’s Report
Mockingbird Signal Improvement Project
The design phase of the Mockingbird Signal Improvement Project is now 100% complete. TxDOT plans to approve the final documents by the end of this week (August 7.) The project will include the following work:
- Widening of pavement which will allow for 12-foot-wide driving lanes in each direction and center turning lane at Mockingbird Lane
- Reconnecting pedestrian accesses, connecting to driveways
- Installation of curb and gutter
- Installation of permanent traffic signal with arm masts
The anticipated schedule is as follows:
- Construction bid date: August 7, 2025
- Anticipated construction start date: November 10, 2025
- Anticipated duration: 80 Days
- Anticipated completion date: March 9, 2026
Airport Paving Project Update
The airport paving project is now complete. Contractors have finished restriping 4,000 feet of runway and taxiway. A final walkthrough with the design engineer is scheduled for August 7.
Austin Community College (ACC) to Begin In-Person This Fall
In-person classes at ACC in Lockhart will begin this fall semester at the Ford Building, 202 W. San Antonio St. The first courses will include plumbing and HVAC classes.
MeetUp Spot at Lockhart PD
Thanks to OfferUp, Lockhart now has an official meetup spot for in-person purchase exchange for online marketplaces. The meetup spot is located in front of Lockhart PD, 214 Bufkin Ln. The spot is in a well-lit area that is video recorded around the clock. The spot will aid in the prevention of scams, theft, and other crimes.
Coffee With a Cop
The next Coffee With a Cop is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ace Hardware, 518 W. San Antonio St. This is a stop-and-go event. Residents are invited to stop by to chat with police over a cup of coffee and other breakfast goods.
ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the August 5, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).
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