Explore the latest government updates across Hays County, including Buda’s response to a proposed debt-limiting bill, two groundwater bills with major implications for future water use, and San Marcos’ continued legal battle over its marijuana ordinance.
Buda council talks bonds amid state bill threat
With a proposed state law threatening to limit local borrowing, Buda officials may accelerate bond sales to avoid delays to key infrastructure projects.
In response to House Bill 19—which would cap how much debt Texas cities can take on—the Buda City Council on May 6 reviewed the city’s debt portfolio and the timeline for spending voter-approved bond funds.
Buda’s current funding portfolio includes remaining funds from its 2021 general obligation bonds, along with planned funding for capital improvement projects, such as the Sequoyah drainage improvements and downtown streetscaping.
Read the full story by Reporter Jamie Moore.
2 groundwater bills can impact Hays County’s future water use if passed
Two bills in the Texas Legislature can impact groundwater resources in Hays County, with one bill providing more parameters for groundwater use and another decreasing regulation.
Senate Bill 2660, introduced by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, would grant the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, or HTGCD, the authority to charge fees to water suppliers and nonexempt users based on how much groundwater they withdraw.
House Bill 2812, introduced by Republican Rep. Carrie Isaac, who represents parts of Hays and Comal counties, would exempt public water supply wells from regulation, permitting and metering by the HTGCD.
Read the full story by Reporter Elisabeth Jimenez.
Appeals court halts San Marcos marijuana ordinance, restoring low-level enforcement
A state appeals court has temporarily blocked the city's voter-approved marijuana ordinance, meaning residents may once again face citations for low-level possession, and litigation on the ordinance will continue.
In the November 2022 election, more than 15,600 San Marcos residents—81.86% of voters—approved Proposition A, a ballot initiative directing city police to stop citing or arresting individuals for low-level marijuana offenses, along with other marijuana-related directives, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Following its passage, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that San Marcos had adopted “amnesty and nonprosecution policies” that violate state law, specifically a provision of the Texas Local Government Code that bars cities from limiting the enforcement of drug laws.
Continue reading to find out more.
