Hutto City Council approved its Capital Improvement Plan for the 2019-20 fiscal year July 3, outlining infrastructure needs within the city for "responsible growth" and development. The CIP is divided into major categories, several of which include: water and wastewater, transportation and drainage, parks and recreation and municipal facilities. Ashley Lumpkin, executive director of Infrastructure and Development Services, alongside Jessica Romigh, chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, presented the CIP at the July 3 meeting. The plan specifically focuses on the FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 projected costs, given substantial development projects in Hutto and subsequent construction demands. The approved plan will cover the entirety of FY 2019-20, which begins October 1. Lumpkin said City Council will be able to reevaluate the CIP each year, based on the city's growth and added needs. The CIP will fund several projects outlined in the 2020 Strategic Plan and Execution Guide. City Council approved the strategic plan April 19, which prioritizes prospective projects that would enhance the city's economic and infrastructural development, promote the city's "open for business" culture and help improve public safety. Under these central tenants, city officials will then choose which projects to prioritize in their respective fiscal year outlines. Specific projects earmarked for FY 2019-20 include the Hutto Lake Park Trail and Cottonwood Trail, the city's Justice Center, Carmel Crossing Wastewater Receptor and FM 1660 intersection improvements, alongside city-wide pavement and traffic signal maintenance. Lumpkin added that plans designated for FY 2019-20 are not necessarily "shovel-ready" yet and are still in preparation stages. “This does help us plan for those infrastructure needs, and as we’re growing exponentially, we’re going to have a lot of infrastructure needs," Lumpkin said. Lumpkin added that while minimal projects, such as pavement improvements, will likely not be presented again in front of council during the two upcoming fiscal years, major projects will continuously come before council for further consultation, approval and additional funding, as needed. The projected cost breakdown for FY 2019-20 applicable to each of the main categories is as follows:

• $9,228,000 for parks and recreation;
• $4,000,000 for municipal facilities;
• $5,499,541 for water and wastewater; and
• $27,425,000 for transportation and drainage.

Substantial FY 2018-19 CIP projects outlined included the Co-Op District and new city hall, CR 119 extension and construction to the Hutto Park at Brushy Creek Amphitheater. Hutto City Council approved the CIP plan with an unanimous, 7-0 vote.