1. Burn ban in effect for unincorporated Travis County through Jan. 6
A burn ban for the incorporated areas of Travis County—areas outside of any specific city—was put into effect on Dec. 29. It will remain in effect until Jan. 6 unless lifted sooner by the Travis County Judge or the Travis County Fire Marshal, according to a news release.
Latest update
Due to fluctuations in temperature, including near-freezing temperatures as well as record-breaking heat for December, the burn ban is in place as a safety measure. Low temperatures cause freeze-cured grass, which loses its moisture, making it susceptible to burn, according to the release.
The details
The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, but does not include prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.
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2. Hutto Fire Rescue finalizes first collective bargaining agreement
The Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3, or Hutto Fire Rescue, finalized its first collective bargaining agreement with the local firefighters union in December.
The specifics
The agreement was approved and signed during the Williamson County ESD No. 3 board meeting on Dec. 18, following about six months of negotiations between department leadership and the Hutto Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 4707.
Voters authorized collective bargaining in November 2024, when Proposition A passed with 71% of the vote, allowing the district to enter into a labor agreement under Texas law. Negotiations began in June 2025 and concluded in about six months, a shorter timeline than is typical for similar agreements, according to district officials.
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3. Doug Weiss sworn in as Pflugerville mayor
Doug Weiss was sworn in as Pflugerville mayor Dec. 22, during a special City Council meeting.
The overview
Weiss won the mayor’s race in a December runoff, defeating Pat McCord after receiving 56% of the vote.
Weiss previously served nine years on Pflugerville City Council before launching his mayoral campaign. He was sworn in by former Mayor Victor Gonzales, who served three terms allowed by the city charter.
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4. Pflugerville reopens improved Murchison-Mallard Pond Park
The Pflugerville Parks and Recreation Department reopened Murchison-Mallard Pond Park Dec. 4, after completing an improvement project to bring more amenities to the site.
The overview
The park project, which began in May, includes a new half-mile concrete trail, more picnic stations, benches, drinking fountains, a butterfly garden and additional trees. A new playground for children 5-12 with a shaded pavilion and picnic tables was also installed at the park.
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5. Pflugerville moves ahead with final funding for major water projects
Pflugerville is preparing to issue nearly $80 million in low-interest debt to complete two major water system projects.
The planned financing is included in the city’s long-term utility budget and will not change current water or wastewater rates, according to city staff.
Two-minute impact
The measures authorize up to $52.99 million for the city’s Secondary Colorado River Raw Water Line and $27.18 million for the expansion of the water treatment plant and related system upgrades.
Both issuances represent the final portion of funding needed for projects city leaders have identified as among the largest undertaken by Pflugerville.
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