From development changes to public safety updates and more, catch up on the latest news impacting Bastrop County residents.
1. Bastrop council replaces city development code
Bastrop residents and developers will see future growth shaped by a new set of land-use rules after City Council replaced the city's development rules with the Bastrop Development Code.
2. Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office gains access to enhanced facial-recognition tools
The sheriff's office now has access to more than 70 billion images that can be used alongside facial-recognition software to help identify people involved in cases.
3. Nearly 90-day burn ban lifted for unincorporated Bastrop County
Emergency Management Coordinator James Altgelt said recent rainfall helped lower the risk for wildfires. Though the ban is lifted, officials emphasized that residents should remain cautious when burning outdoors.
4. Mural planned for South End District in Bastrop
Artists are being sought for a mural on the College Street-Hwy. 71 overpass honoring the heritage of the historically Black neighborhood. Once selected, completion is expected in three to four months.
5. Bastrop County ESD 3 ahead of schedule
The emergency services district is nearly four months ahead of schedule in its yearlong transition away from using vendor Acadian Ambulance. Originally set for October, Allen Johnson, executive director of ESD 3, said delivery of 15 ambulances will begin in June. Once fully operational, stationed units will increase from four per day to a maximum of 11.