As Hays County communities continue to evolve, stay informed about how local governments are addressing key issues and shaping the future. Follow these ongoing developments to see how they impact residents and local services.

San Marcos City Council continues talks on Cape’s Dam’s future, OKs feasibility study

Cape’s Dam is once again at the forefront of San Marcos City Council discussions.

At the March 18 City Council meeting, members voted unanimously to move forward with a preliminary feasibility study for Cape’s Dam. This decision marks the latest chapter in over a decade of discussions about the dam’s future.

According to city documents, following an interlocal agreement-memorandum of understanding, or ILA-MOU, between San Marcos and Hays County, the city approved a contract with Freese & Nichols Inc. to perform a preliminary feasibility study to:
  • Evaluate the current conditions of Cape’s Dam and relevant adjacent features.
  • Explore conceptual alternatives, including repair, partial removal, or full-removal of the dam, and gather cost, feasibility and stakeholder input.
  • Identify potential regulatory or environmental pathways and constraints.
  • Conduct public and stakeholder engagement to guide decision-making on a preferred approach.
Read the full story by Reporter Jamie Moore.


Hays County ends partnership with Austin Pets Alive!, future programming uncertain

Hays County will no longer partner with Austin Pets Alive! to manage the county’s Pet Resource Center after the Commissioners Court voted to end their contract on March 25.

APA! has served as project coordinator for the PRC since March 2023. The PRC is a virtual resource center, not a physical center, that connects pet owners with local services in an effort to keep animals out of the shelter system.

Some Hays County commissioners said they were uncertain about extending the contract because of community members pointing to local organizations for pet health and wellness services over APA! continuing to manage the PRC.


Read the full story by Reporter Elisabeth Jimenez.

The facility at Dacy Lane is going to primarily be used for senior programming. (Jamie Moore/Community Impact)


Kyle City Council discusses senior programming at Dacy Lane facility

Kyle is moving forward with plans to create a dedicated programming space for senior residents.


At its March 18 meeting, Kyle City Council reviewed two potential floor layouts for the 1500 Dacy Lane facility, which will primarily be used for senior programs. Council provided feedback to help shape the final design of the building.

At the end of 2024, Kyle city staff purchased property at 1500 Dacy Lane, which includes a portion of a 12,700-square-foot building, according to Jan. 7 agenda documents. The city acquired 10,650 square feet of the building, reserving it for senior programming, while the remaining space continues to be used for medical offices.

Read more.

At its April 1 meeting, Buda City Council directed staff to develop plans to relocate the current dog park to Stagecoach Park. (Sierra Martin/Community Impact)


Buda City Council brainstorms dog park relocation, suggests Stagecoach Park

Following a workshop on relocation options for Buda’s dog park, Buda City Council directed staff to move forward with plans to relocate the park. The move is necessary to accommodate the expansion of the Buda Sportsplex, which will include a new cluster of softball fields.

City Council was presented with four potential relocation sites, according to the city council presentation:
  • Stagecoach Park
  • Green Meadows Park
  • Whispering Hollow Park
  • Summer Pointe Park
Stagecoach Park was identified as the ideal location by Parks and Recreation Director Tony Host. The park already features parking, hike-and-bike trails, a playground, a pavilion, an amphitheater and on-site utilities, including restrooms, according to the city presentation. Host also noted the land is flat.

Learn more.


Kyle continues progress on new animal care center ahead of 2026 deadline

Kyle City Council is continuing to take steps toward building a new animal care center. The move comes as the September 2026 deadline approaches for finding an alternative to the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, which will stop offering services to communities outside San Marcos at that time.

At its April 1 meeting, Kyle City Council received an update on Phase 1 of a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Kyle Animal Care Center.

On Jan. 7, Kyle City Council approved a contract with Jackson & Ryan Architects to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a potential standalone animal shelter, according to a city presentation.

The study will take place in three phases:
  • Phase 1: Needs assessment, community input and operations/data analysis
  • Phase 2: Site evaluation and operational/financial feasibility
  • Phase 3: Regulatory and legal considerations, along with a conceptual design
More details.

San Marcos Hays County EMS and North Hays County EMS Emergency Service District No. 1 are officially splitting up this spring. (Elisabeth Jimenez/Community Impact)


North Hays County EMS gears up for split with San Marcos Hays County EMS company

The emergency medical service that operates in north Hays County is gearing up to start its own services outside of San Marcos Hays County EMS. North Hays EMS, which includes Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Henley and surrounding areas, has been part of SMHCEMS since 2004.

Services by the North Hays EMS Emergency Service District No. 1 will officially start April 7. North Hays EMS Chief Bob Luddy said he doesn’t anticipate the transition will have an impact on services to residents in the area.

“None of the trucks are going to be taken out of service,” Luddy said. “Everybody is going to just continue running calls up here. Some of them will just be wearing a different uniform than what they were before.”

Dive deeper.