1. Eyeing bond funding, WilCo commissioners say need for road infrastructure higher than 2019
The Williamson County Commissioners Court charged the 2023 Citizens Bond Committee with assessing the county’s need for a road and parks bond election April 4.
If the committee decides a need exists to call a road and park bond election, the court requested the group recommend a value for a bond election and provide a draft list of projects. The committee is to bring its findings to the court as soon as possible but no later than June 27.
Precinct 3 County Commissioner Valerie Covey said the committee will work with cities and other entities within the county as it forms a potential bond proposal.
“As we have grown and as we have worked really hard to come up with alignments for corridors, the much larger roads and arterial system, and because of the cost of everything, we’re going to really have to focus and prioritize the projects that are the most regional, or the most hopeful,” Covey said.
Read the full story by Grant Crawford.
2. Travis County starts last round of storm cleanup in unincorporated areas
On April 17, Travis County will begin its final round of pickup for debris from February's ice storm in the county's unincorporated areas.
Residents in these areas are asked to place any remaining tree limbs or branches on the curb no later than April 16.
The brush piles should be place in accessible areas that are not blocked by cars, low-hanging branches or other obstacles. The county will not return for any brush after this sweep.
Read the full story by Darcy Sprague.
3. Regional housing authority to provide affordable housing to Dripping Springs
The Texas Housing Foundation, a regional housing authority that develops, manages and provides services to affordable housing projects in Texas, will bring multifamily housing options to lower-income residents of Dripping Springs.
During a City Council meeting April 4, the city of Dripping Springs adopted a resolution declaring a need for a regional housing authority and entered into an agreement with the Texas Housing Foundation, or THF.
“We go in and address affordable housing issues in communities across the state,” THF CEO Mark Mayfield said. “Since the city of Dripping Springs does not have a public housing authority, the resolution allows the THF to exercise its authority within [the city’s] jurisdictional boundaries. We can begin to address affordable housing needs here.”
Read the full story by Elle Bent.
4. Communities in Schools of South Central Texas celebrates 30 years of supporting students
Communities in Schools of South Central Texas, located at 161 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, celebrated 30 years of supporting students in South Central Texas schools in March.
CIS began in 1993 by serving three elementary schools before quickly expanding to include middle schools and high schools. CIS has since grown to serve students of all ages in six different school districts.
CIS said in a press release that the organization’s accomplishments would not have been possible without endless support from the community, school districts, agencies, donors and its Board of Directors.
Read the full story by Sierra Martin.
5. Global-inspired dinner, cocktails now available at Ze Crepe’s new concept The Scarbrough
Ze Crepes—a downtown eatery serving sweet and savory crepes and coffee drinks—rebranded to The Scarbrough and expanded its menu to include a bar and dinner service March 31.
The Scarbrough’s daytime menu will feature crepes and several new healthy additions, including avocado toast, a parfait bowl and a seasonal fruit bowl.
The Scarbrough will hold dinner service Tuesday-Saturday starting at 6 p.m. The dinner menu features dishes with global influences including Australian octopus tostadas, duck confit, salmon poke, bruschetta and more.
Read the full story by Katy McAfee.
