Travis County moved forward with bond-related business Tuesday morning with approval of an agreement with the city of Lakeway and a budget amendment of nearly $550,000. Here are four takeaways from the Nov. 28 commissioners court meeting:
  • During executive session, commissioners approved an agreement with the city of Lakeway that will allow the county to move forward with the Bee Creek Sports Complex project that was approved by voters in the November 2017 bond election. The sports complex will include new turf fields and lighting; hiking, biking and walking trails; picnic areas and playgrounds. The cost of the project is estimated around $23.5 million.
  • A total of nearly $549,404 was reallocated from the county’s fiscal year 2017-18 reserve fund to cover the salary, benefits and operating and capital expenses for seven additional positions needed to maintain the workload related to the bond and capital improvement projects. Commissioners originally earmarked $300,000 for bond-related staffing during the 2018 budget process with plans to revisit that amount in the event the bond was passed, which occurred Nov. 7. Based on the desired project timelines and the estimated workloads, county staff indicated the need for additional project workers and requested an additional $249,404 be added to that preliminary amount.
  • Commissioners will select one person to serve on the Central Health board of managers Dec. 19. Clark Heidrick, who currently serves on the board, will end his term board Dec. 31. The county issued a call for applications in October and closed the application portal Nov. 17. Intergovernmental Relations Officer Deece Eckstein said the county has received over 30 applications and vetting is currently underway.
  • Two board member positions are also up for appointment on the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority board of directors. Commissioners opened up both positions for applications Tuesday morning. While both Travis County appointees, Charles Heimsath and David Armbrust, want to continue their services, the county wanted to practice fairness to other residents who might be interested in the role. Both Heimsath and Armbrust are expected to submit applications, Judge Sarah Eckhardt said. The goal is to have someone appointed by Jan. 30.