From the city of Bastrop's upcoming residential building code changes to Elgin getting an interim city manager and more, here's the latest government-related news impacting Bastrop County as previously reported by Community Impact.
Bastrop officials commissioned a $60,000 feasibility study to explore the potential for a regional sports complex within Bastrop Industrial Park. (Community Impact staff)
Bastrop officials commissioned a $60,000 feasibility study to explore the potential for a regional sports complex within Bastrop Industrial Park. (Community Impact staff)
Bastrop scraps proposed regional sports complex

Plans for a potential sports complex were halted after Bastrop officials learned it would not serve as the economic driver they hoped for.

What happened

On Jan. 28, Hunden Partners, the real estate consulting firm behind the feasibility study, presented its findings at a joint meeting of the Bastrop City Council and the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation.

Some context


The city commissioned the $60,000 feasibility study in August to explore the potential for a regional sports complex within Bastrop Industrial Park.

Officials hoped it would attract a regional sports tourism crowd and boost Hotel Occupancy Tax funds and sales tax revenue; however, the study showed that neighboring municipalities are already pursuing similar projects and are further along.

Dive deeper into the story by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.
All public hearings will be held at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Public hearings on the Bastrop Building Block Code will be held at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Input sought on Bastrop's residential B3 code

Bastrop residents can give feedback on proposed residential building code changes, known as the Bastrop Building Block Code, or B3.


In a nutshell

According to a news release from the city, the changes aim to preserve the character and quality of the community. Code changes will impact rural (P2) and residential (P3) neighborhoods, focusing on issues such as:
  • Density
  • Transportation
  • Lot sizes
  • Setbacks
The details

Residents can attend the upcoming public hearings and workshops—all of which will be held at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop. Those include:
  • Feb. 17, 5 p.m., Planning and Zoning Commission workshop
  • Feb. 24, 5 p.m., Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing
  • March 4, 6:30 p.m., Bastrop City Council public hearing
  • March 11, 6:30 p.m., Bastrop City Council public hearing
Learn more by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.
Isaac Turner began his role as Elgin's interim city manager Jan. 8. (Courtesy Sonia Browder/city of Elgin)
Isaac Turner began his role as Elgin's interim city manager Jan. 8. (Courtesy Sonia Browder/city of Elgin)
Elgin hires interim city manager following release of Tom Mattis

Isaac Turner began his stint as Elgin’s interim city manager Jan. 8, following City Council’s unanimous vote to release former City Manager Tom Mattis in late 2024 due to a personnel issue discussed behind closed doors.


Career history

According to a news release, Turner has more than 40 years of experience in city management and recently served as interim city manager in Leander, where he led several projects and helped enhance economic development efforts.

Other projects Turner has led throughout his career include master planning, water/wastewater improvements, land development plans and more, according to the release.

Stay tuned


Elgin Public Information Officer Amy Miller told Community Impact that the city would soon begin a nationwide search for the next city manager, which should last six to eight months.

Get the full scoop by Reporter Amanda Cutshall.