January 7, 2026

The Comprehensive Energy Assistant Program, A grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service, purchase of police equipment, a lease agreement for the Lockhart Visitor Center, a change order for the Downtown Revitalization Project, the 2026 Special Election, and an amendment to the Seawillow Ranch development agreement were discussed at the January 6 City Council meeting.

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program

City Council approved a two-year renewal agreement with Community Action, Inc. for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The CEAP is administered by Community Action and provides financial assistance to residents with the electric portion of their electric bills. Priority is given to low-income households with high energy use, a high energy burden, or the presence of a child (age five or under), disabled, elderly individuals, or veterans. Other services that CEAP provides include energy education, needs assessment, budget counseling, and crisis-related purchase of portable heating and cooling units when available.

Texas A&M Forest Service Grant

City Council approved the authorization of a Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program cost-share reimbursement grant for fire and rescue equipment. The cost-share reimbursement grant is for 95% or up to $25,000 of the actual cost of grant eligible fire and rescue equipment.

Purchase of Equipment for Police

City Council approved an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the purchase of 31 new TASER devices. The five-year agreement includes replacement or repair of damaged devices, replacement magazines, holsters, and batteries, as well as instructor certification, training materials, and ongoing support.

Lease Agreement for Lockhart Visitor Center

City Council approved a lease agreement to establish the Lockhart Visitor Center at 109 W. San Antonio Street. The interim Visitor Center will be located at the Lockhart EDC offices at 215 E. Market St. while the new location is being prepared for opening. The recruitment of the Downtown and Tourism Director position to oversee the Visitor Center, among other tourism-related programs and initiatives, are also next steps to establish services at the new location.

Change Order for Downtown Revitalization Project

City Council received an update on the Downtown Revitalization Project and approved a change order to implement tree stabilization measures and protective improvements in the medians around the Courthouse Square.

2026 Special Election

City Council approved ordering a special election to be held on March 31, 2026, to fill the District 2 City Council vacancy created by the constitutional resignation of Councilmember John Castillo. The election will be administered by the Caldwell County Elections Administrator, with the filing period for candidates running January 8–26, 2026. Adams Gym is proposed as both the early voting and election day polling location. The elected Councilmember will serve the remainder of the unexpired term through November 2028.

Early voting will be conducted March 16–27, 2026, during the following times:

• March 16–20, 2026: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• March 21, 2026 (Saturday): 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• March 23–25, 2026: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• March 26–27, 2026: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

First Amendment to the Seawillow Ranch Development Agreement

City Council approved the first amendment to the Seawillow Ranch Development Agreement. The amendment updates project timelines, infrastructure coordination, annexation procedures, and utility service planning for Phase 1 of the project to align with current project conditions and the phased development schedule, while leaving all other provisions of the original agreement in effect.

City Manager’s Report

Live Christmas Tree Recycling Program

The City offers free live tree curbside recycling through January 2026. Call the Public Works Department at 512-398-6452 to arrange for collection. Make sure the tree is free of ornaments, lights, tinsel, nails, screws, or tree bases before placing it curbside. This program only applies to live Christmas trees. Artificial trees will not be accepted. 

Government Finance Officers Association Recognizes Finance Department

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City of Lockhart the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The report was evaluated by an impartial panel and found to meet the program’s high standards, including clearly communicating the City’s financial position through a strong spirit of full disclosure. 

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by the City and its management team. This marks the sixth consecutive year the City of Lockhart has received this honor. 

Gateway Monument Signs

A new sign was installed at the interchange of U.S.183 and SH 130 in December. The final sign installations will include signage, mowing guards, and solar powered landscape lighting. 

Request for Proposals for Solid Waste and Recycling Services

Proposals were due on December 19, 2025, and five (5) qualified responses were received from the following firms (alphabetical):

• Central Texas Refuse, LLC (d/b/a Republic Services of Central Texas)
• Frontier Waste Solutions
• Texas Disposal Systems
• Waste Connections
• Waste Management of Texas, Inc.

The proposals will be evaluated by City staff and the City’s outside solid waste consultant, Burns & McDonnell. A summary of the evaluation results, along with recommended next steps, will be presented to City Council at a future meeting in January 2026.

City Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

City offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026. Residential and commercial trash services will continue as usual. City offices will return to regular hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of action taken at the January 6, 2026, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org