From an expanded park to vacant boards and commissions seats and more, here's the latest government-related news impacting Bastrop County.
Elgin Veterans' Memorial Park gets $4.4M facelift
More than 500 people showed up for the grand opening of the newly renovated Veterans' Memorial Park in Elgin on Sept. 7.
Two-minute impact
Part of the downtown revitalization program, the park was created in 1913 and now spans two additional city blocks—featuring aspects that highlight the city's history, said Amy Miller, Elgin community services director.
What they're saying
“The excitement of the community for this new park downtown is contagious, and we are confident that this is the most interactive and most beautiful downtown park in Central Texas, maybe Texas as a whole," Elgin City Manager Tom Mattis said in the news release. "We invite everyone to come see us in Elgin and enjoy our downtown."
Read the full story by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.
Over 40 vacant positions in Bastrop boards, commissions: how to apply
City of Bastrop officials are urging community members to consider applying for over vacant 40 positions in various boards and commissions.
Two minute-impact
The application deadline was set for Aug. 15; however, Mayor Lyle Nelson said during the Sept. 17 Bastrop City Council meeting, that not enough applications were received to move forward with the process.
"I am imploring, begging, asking," Nelson said. "I have 26 applications to fill 43 positions. My high school math says that doesn't compute quite that well."
A new deadline has not been set.
Learn more
Those interested can fill out an application online at the city's website.
Applicants can select up to three boards and commissions, in order of preference.
Read the full story by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.
Elgin will open first police department in 150 years this fall
Elgin city officials will open the first city police department in 150 years in the fall.
In a nutshell
The $6 million, 11,500-square-foot facility located in the historic downtown area near the recently renovated Veterans' Memorial Park will be the new home to the 48-person police department and its staff.
Read the full story by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.
County to expand parking options near courthouse, more
Plans for additional paved parking near the Bastrop County Courthouse are underway, with construction expected to start in mid-2025.
Some context
Part of the county’s Capital Improvement Plan, officials approved $1.5 million to upgrade parking lots throughout the area to keep up with the growing population and aging infrastructure.
According to the CIP, the existing parking lots are no longer adequate to serve the growing needs of Bastrop County.
Stay tuned
Other parking lot projects include:
- Paving the parking lot on Eskew Street by the Department of Public Safety office
- Maintenance to the parking lot at the Bastrop County Sherriff's Office/Bastrop County Jail
- Paving the parking lot at the Cedar Creek Annex building
- Maintenance to the parking lot at the Bastrop County Animal Shelter
Bastrop Economic Development Corporation to move in December
Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo announced the upcoming move of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation to the Bastrop City Hall building later this year.
The gist
Bastrop EDC Operations Manager Angela Ryan said their offices will take over the former Bastrop Utility Services Department space.
Some context
During a regular Bastrop City Council meeting on Aug. 27, Carrillo said the utilities department will move on Sept. 23 to Spring Street, between the Bastrop Public Library and the United States Post Office.
Read the full story by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.
