January 22, 2026

A Police Department facility needs assessment, a resolution calling a public hearing for a proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, approval of an electric utility capital improvement project, a Downtown Revitalization Project change order, and proposed planning-related text amendments related to zoning, subdivisions, and building regulations were addressed at the January 20 City Council meeting.

Lockhart Freedom Act

City Council received the fourth quarterly report for 2025 related to implementation of the Lockhart Freedom Act. The report summarized Lockhart Police Department enforcement activity for low-level marijuana offenses, including arrest and citation totals, estimated personnel time, and demographic data. The quarterly reporting requirement supports transparency and ongoing evaluation of enforcement practices.

Police Department Facility Needs Assessment

City Council received a presentation on a Police Department facility needs assessment prepared by PGAL, an architectural and engineering design firm. The assessment evaluated the City’s existing police facility, identified operational deficiencies, projected future staffing and space needs, and outlined potential options including renovation or construction of a new purpose-built police headquarters. Council also authorized next steps related to potential property acquisition to support a future police facility.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed TIRZ

City Council approved a resolution calling a public hearing for the assessment and creation of a proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) encompassing approximately 89.775 acres located at 2400 FM 1322 within the city limits. The public hearing will allow Council to consider the potential use of tax increment financing to support future infrastructure and development within the proposed zone. The proposed area is Phase 1 of the Seawillow development project.

Cemetery Maintenance Agreement Renewal

City Council approved a short-term renewal of the Cemetery Maintenance Agreement with Maintenance Management, LLC while staff issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a long-term maintenance agreement. The agreement ensures continued professional maintenance and care of City cemeteries.

Electric Utility Capital Improvement Project

City Council approved an agreement with Techline Construction, LLC for Section 1 of the LK20 Copper Replacement Project. The project is part of the City’s five-year system study and capital plan developed in coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and focuses on replacement of aging copper infrastructure to improve system reliability.

The project will rebuild approximately 6,000 ft. of three-phase power line on substation circuit LK20, along E Live Oak, Neches, San Saba, and Sabine streets.

Change Order for Downtown Revitalization Project

City Council approved a change order to finalize paving quantities needed to achieve acceptable pavement conditions across the project area.

Proposed Planning Code Updates

City Council received a presentation on proposed planning-related code updates and provided direction to staff on requested changes. Staff will revise the proposed amendments and present them to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendation prior to future City Council consideration.

City Manager’s Report

Grand Opening of Austin Community College in Lockhart

Austin Community College will host the grand opening of its Lockhart campus on Thursday, January 29 at 3 p.m. at 303 W. San Antonio St. The event will provide an opportunity for the public to tour the new career education and hands-on workforce training facility.

New TxDOT Maintenance Facility Open House

Construction of the new TxDOT Lockhart Maintenance Facility is complete. TxDOT will host a come-and-go open house on Wednesday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 600 N. Cesar Chavez Parkway, allowing visitors to tour the facility and connect with TxDOT staff.

SH 142 Resurfacing and Mockingbird Lane Signal Improvements

The Mockingbird Lane signal improvements and SH 142 resurfacing project are anticipated to begin in late March or early April. TxDOT is coordinating a pre-construction meeting with the selected contractor, and additional project details will be shared as they become available.

Caldwell County 2024 Road Bond Projects Update

Council received updates on multiple Caldwell County 2024 Road Bond Projects currently in design or development phases, including the realignment of FM 20 at US 183, design and construction of City Line Road, planned improvements to SH 142, and a corridor study extending from SH 130 to US 183.

Downtown and Tourism Department Update

Council was updated on the newly created Downtown and Tourism Department. The Downtown and Tourism Director job description has been finalized, consistent with Council direction and will oversee tourism promotion, downtown coordination, Visitor Center operations, events, and film permitting support. Recruitment for this position will begin this month.

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ATTENTION: This is a recap of action taken at the January 20, 2026, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org 

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