5 things to know: Bastrop data centers, SpaceX incentives and more

Three town halls will offer Bastrop County residents and stakeholders a chance to ask questions about three planned Cedar Creek data center campuses spanning nearly 1,500 acres. Bastrop County Commissioner David Glass asked data center developer EdgeConneX to host the meetings so residents could receive information on topics including water usage, infrastructure planning and potential community impacts directly from project representatives.

The upcoming town halls include:

• June 16: North Bastrop County Community Annex, 704 Bull Run Road, Elgin, 6-8 p.m.
• June 17: Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville, 6-8 p.m.
• June 18: Bastrop County Community Center, 15 American Legion Drive, Bastrop, 6-8 p.m.

2. Bastrop advances proposed sex offender work restrictions in 3-2 vote

Bastrop’s existing 1,000-foot sex offender buffer could soon extend from where registered sex offenders live to where some registered sex offenders can work. Following a split City Council vote to approve the first reading, with Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland and council member Kerry Fossler opposed, the item is expected to return for a second reading June 23.

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3. Bastrop County backs SpaceX for up to $3.75M state incentives

SpaceX plans to invest $855 million to expand production of next-generation Starlink user terminal kits at its Bastrop County facility, said Damien Barrera, SpaceX's senior tax manager, adding that the company plans to produce more than 10 million kits by the end of 2026. Bastrop County Commissioners approved designating SpaceX as an Enterprise Project, which allows the company to apply for state tax incentives of $7,500 per employee, up to $3.75 million.

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4. Mayfest Park upgrades move forward ahead of Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo

With the 79th Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo approaching, city officials are seeking contractors to complete upgrades at Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena, including new seating and shade structures. City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said during a May 26 council meeting that bids are out for concrete foundations at Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Drive in Bastrop. She noted the foundations must be poured before the city can install new bleachers and shade covers.

Find out what else is planned.

5. Bastrop talks security upgrades after Fairview Cemetery theft

Council reallocated $50,000 from operational salary savings tied to vacant Bastrop Fire Department positions to upgrade security and replace equipment that was reportedly stolen from Fairview Cemetery in May.

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