Local governments in Hays County are making progress on historic preservation, infrastructure and leadership.

San Marcos preserves historic Home Economics building with $150K grant
The Home Economics Building, which was previously part of the Colored School campus, will be renovated. (Shannon West/Community Impact)
The Home Economics Building, which was previously part of the Colored School campus, will be renovated. (Shannon West/Community Impact)
At the Sept. 2 council meeting, the city of San Marcos took a step toward the preservation of the historic Home Economics Building, a building that used to be part of the Colored School campus that served Black students until public school desegregation in 1955.

According to a news release issued by the city, the renovations will include:
  • The replacement of the existing metal roof
  • Repair or replacement of missing or severely deteriorated wood siding and window repairs
The city stated that repairs should be completed by Nov. 2, weather permitting.

Buda approves agreement for 1626 Connector Roadway
The development agreement, approved in June 2024, obligates the Persimmon project to create the 1626 Connector Roadway. (Shannon West/Community Impact)
A development agreement, approved in June 2024, obligates the Persimmon project to create the 1626 Connector Roadway. (Shannon West/Community Impact)
Buda City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Hays County related to the 1626 Connector Roadway from proposed Marathon Road to FM 1626, which is located outside of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction in Hays County, according to city documents.

The agreement ensures that the roadway is designed and constructed according to the city’s standards, the right of way will be dedicated to the city, and the completed roadway will be maintained by the city.


Persimmon, a planned development district, is located in northern Buda, overlapping Hays and Travis counties. The development agreement, approved in June 2024, obligates the Persimmon project to create the 1626 Connector Roadway and complete it before 326 homes are occupied in the development, according to Michelle Henley, a spokesperson for the city of Buda.

First Hays County administrator takes the reins
Kandice Boutté began her role as the Hays County administrator July 7. (Courtesy Hays County)
Kandice Boutté began her role as the Hays County administrator July 7. (Courtesy Hays County)
Kandice Boutté joined Hays County in July as its first county administrator, beginning July 7.

In Texas, a county administrator oversees the daily operations of the government, including:
  • Departmental coordination
  • Policy implementation
  • Budget preparation
The Hays County administrator is developing a long-term plan that she will share with Community Impact at a later date.