Stories by John Davidson
Heeding citizens, Hays Commissioners keep 2010 property tax rate
Hays County Commissioners, under pressure from constituents to keep taxes down during the current economic recession, decided against an increase in the property tax rate in the county’s 2011 budget and voted unanimously to keep the rate at 2010 levels.…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Sep 29, 2010
Kyle rejects BSEACD water-permit proposal
Negotiations between the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the city of Kyle over a lawsuit the city filed against the district in July hit a snag last week when the city rejected a proposal from aquifer district staff.…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Sep 27, 2010
Hays taxpayers upset over rate hike, pay raise for elected officials
With an Oct. 1 deadline looming, Hays County Commissioners have yet to pass a 2011 budget after being forced to delay a vote Monday because the proposed $242 million budget had not been posted online, as required by state law.…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Sep 17, 2010
Council approves 2010-11 budget despite concerns over WTP4, tax rate
The Austin City Council unanimously passed its $2.8 billion dollar 2010-2011 budget, including the water rate hikes to help fund Water Treatment Plant 4, at a special budget session Monday morning. The city will close an estimated $11 million…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Sep 14, 2010
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Declining development revenues hitting city budget hard
The current state of the City of Austin‘s budget is not nearly as bad as it is projected to be next year, according to the city’s budget office. In fact, the most recent budget forecast for FY2010 indicates a $2.1…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • May 26, 2010
Hays County to get settlement money in Hamilton Pool pollution case
Hays County will receive $425,000 as part of a $3.5-million settlement in a lawsuit against a development company and others over the pollution of Hamilton Creek and Hamilton Pool caused by construction at a subdivision on the Hays-Travis county line…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • May 18, 2010
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Plans moving forward to construct Waller Creek tunnel
The Waller Creek Master Plan, unveiled at a town hall meeting April 7 to spirited discussion of how to pay for it, aims to create a luxurious pedestrian- and bike-friendly greenbelt stretching from Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake. …
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Apr 19, 2010
Kyle appeals Aquifer District decision to limit increase in water use
The City of Kyle is appealing a decision by the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District that would only allow the city to increase its annual draw of water from the Barton Springs portion of the Edwards Aquifer by 100.7…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Apr 13, 2010
Hays County issues $71 million in bonds to build government center
Hays County issued $71.2 million in certificates of obligation on Monday for its new government center. The sale happened on a day when the market was “tough,” according to Hays County bond adviser Dan Wegmiller of Specialized Public Finance, but…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Mar 31, 2010
Two candidates vie for Barton Springs Aquifer district board post
For the first time since 2002, two candidates are vying for a director position on the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District board—an elected body generally comprised of more scientists than politicians. This year, Austin bankruptcy attorney Charles Nettles…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Mar 22, 2010
Barton defeats incumbent Sumter in Hays County Judge race
Pct. 2 Commissioner Jeff Barton roundly defeated incumbent Hays County Judge Liz Sumter in the Democratic primary Tuesday, taking 56 percent of the vote. After the win, however, Barton struck a conciliatory tone, saying it was time to bring his…
Uncategorized • By John Davidson • Mar 3, 2010
Austin Energy prepares to meet plug-in electric demand
If you believe the buzz, major automakers will be churning out hundreds of thousands of plug-in electric vehicles over the next decade—some beginning this year—transforming not only the auto industry but also, potentially, the way electric utilities operate. Austin…
