City and County Update

Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme identified a number of big decisions Lakeway City Council made in 2013 as well as many of the top issues for 2014.

Big decisions made in 2013

  • Water The Lakeway City Council continued its support of various groups advocating enlightened management of the Highland Lakes water resources, resulting in the Lower Colorado River Authority board's recent decisions. The city will maintain its efforts to raise awareness of the importance of the Highland Lakes as the only material source of drinking water for more than 1 million people.
  • Lakeway branding The Lakeway Visitors Commission's initial efforts to establish a Lakeway "brand" was significant during the past year. Going forward, the Visitors Commission's effort to define the design criteria for a Lakeway event center will need City Council support.
  • Fiscal management The Lakeway City Council's financial management was seen in 2013 as the city reduced the property tax rate to an all-time low rate of 18.15 cents per $100 of property valuation. Good fiscal management will be a key City Council focus in 2014.

Top issues for 2014

  • Downtown center development The zoning for the new downtown center development will be voted on by Lakeway City Council in January. The project should add significantly to the sales tax revenue the city receives.
  • Residential growth In 2014, Lakeway staffers are forecasting that more than 500 building permits for new residences will be issued, exceeding 2013's tally by more than 100 residential permits and establishing a new record for Lakeway.
  • Traffic The Lakeway City Council's backing of a toll road as an alternate to just widening RR 620 will be an ongoing effort. Lakeway will continue to advocate to be included in the CAMPO 2040 road plan.

Meetings

The council meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month.

1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, 512-314-7500, www.cityoflakeway.com

Terms and compensation

The council consists of the mayor and six council members. The term of office for all members is two years. The mayor and council members can serve no more than three successive terms.

Council members

  • Mayor Dave DeOme
  • Mayor Pro Tem Dave Taylor
  • Councilman Joe Bain
  • Councilman Phil Brown
  • Councilwoman Dee Ann Burns-Farrell
  • Councilman Bruce Harris
  • Councilman Jim Powell