HAYS COUNTY — 27,826, or 16.13%, of registered Hays County voters headed to the polls during the Nov. 7 general election.
In addition to mayoral and city council positions, there were multiple constitutional amendment propositions, including the option to increase the homestead exemption on school district taxes from $40,000 to $100,000.
Kyle community members voted incumbent Travis Mitchell for a third term as mayor on Nov. 7 with 2,082 votes or 50.36%.
Travis Mitchell[/caption]
Mitchell began his political career in 2016 when he was elected to city council and, subsequently, mayor in 2017. According to Mitchell, he was looking for a place to grow his small business when he settled on the once small town. Once acclimated to the city, he realized how much the decisions made by city council affected the residents and businesses. He also stated that he saw great potential in the city.
In a previous interview with the Hays Free Press, Mitchell stressed that he would continue focusing on the $294 million road bond passed in 2022.
“We have roads to build – lots of them. From Stagecoach to Bebee, from Center Street to Bunton Lane, and many more. The city of Kyle has begun working on its most ambitious capital improvement plan in history,” He said. “The city council, in total, has over $300 million dollars in funded road projects on the books. I pledge to work with council to make sure these projects are completed on time and within budget.”
Additionally, the up-and-coming Sportsplex, parks, nature trails and downtown revitalization are on his list of projects.
The seat for Kyle City Council District 4 is heading for a runoff election, to be held on Saturday Dec. 9. The night ended with Claudia Zapata receiving 551 votes (30.26%) and opponent Lauralee Harris receiving 494 votes (27.13%).
Zapata described herself as a woman raised by strong women, mentioning her role models, including her loud, proud and resilient aunt, her confident, hardworking and clever abuelas and her compassionate, intelligent and creative mother.
Claudia Zapata[/caption]
In a past interview with the Hays Free Press, Zapata stated that she has three priorities while serving as a council member: anti-displacement initiatives, balanced growth and sustainable water management.
“One of the most significant challenges is addressing the diverse needs of our community. Our residents come from various backgrounds, with different perspectives and priorities. To navigate this challenge, I will actively engage with constituents, using methods like public forums and surveys to understand their concerns better. Prioritizing inclusivity and respecting all viewpoints is my guiding principle when making decisions,” said Zapata. “I work hard to embody three fundamental leadership qualities: integrity, accountability and compassion. These are also attributes that uphold effective and responsible governance … These are my guiding principles as I embark on the path of public service.”
Harris has experience with serving on planning and zoning commissions, the Kyle Parks and Recreation Board and teaching criminal justice and public administration at Angelo State University. She notes that with her experience and knowledge of the issues facing Kyle, she believes she can be an efficient and effective council member.
Dr. Lauralee Harris[/caption]
“I am about quality of life. I want people to enjoy living here. I want businesses to thrive here. In order to do that, you need a [candidate] that supports those issues and understands those issues and understands what makes a healthy community,” said Harris. “It’s absolutely important that we be transparent. That we are listening and that we have a vision for this city.”
Harris hopes to focus on managing growth via enhancing ordinances, standards and oversight, managing water through developing effective conservation policies, creating more downtown redevelopment and transparency and community.
Suzanne Hallam, 129 votes (29.19%), Lee Taylor, 118 votes (26.70%), and Chris Limmer, 88 votes (19.91%), were elected aldermen for the city of Mountain City.
City of Woodcreek voters re-elected incumbent Jeff Rasco as mayor in the Nov. 7 general election, with 391 votes (59.06%).
Rasco has more than 40 years of leadership roles in business and recently retired as the CEO of his family’s company.
“My experience and training, combined with my willingness to hear the needs of Woodcreek citizens have united us in our goals of bringing the community closer, providing a safer environment for our families and making us all proud to be from Woodcreek, Texas,” said Rasco.
The mayor’s focus in his upcoming term is addressing issues, such as the rapidly growing water concern, including the Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole closures.
Debra Hines, with 350 votes (29.54%), and Krista Richardson, with 300 votes (25.32%), were elected to serve in two seats on the Woodcreek City Council.
Hines currently serves on council and played an essential role in seeing the Woodcreek Comprehensive Plan become a reality. She has a background in public service, research, statistics and political science.
“I come prepared and dedicated to the work of the council. I care deeply about water conservation. Fully understanding our water challenges and seeking viable solutions for our community will be essential for all elected officials in the Wimberley Valley,” said Hines.
Other goals of Hines include new park installations and road improvements.
Richardson has 13 years experience in healthcare management, where she was responsible for “operational effectiveness and cost containment without sacrificing efficiency.”
Her top priority is water conservation and climate change residence. According to Richardson, protecting and maintaining the Aqua Texas water source, while holding them accountable for over pumping and negligence, is key.
“I believe that many of the skills I learned … are transferable to being a representative of our city,” said Richardson. “On a more personal note, I love being part of a team and working towards the greater good.”
Below are the unofficial election results as of 11:11 p.m. on Nov. 7. Results will remain unofficial until canvassed and certified.
City of Kyle, Mayor
Yvonne Flores-Cale: 1,186 (28.69%)
Travis Mitchell (Incumbent): 2,082 (50.36%)
Robert Ferguson: 272 (6.58%)
Linda Tenorio: 594 (14.37%)
City of Kyle, City Council, District 2
Robert Rizo: 1,027 (100%)
City of Kyle, City Council, District 4
Jake Webb: 451 (24.77%)
Marc McKinney: 325 (17.85%)
Claudia Zapata: 551 (30.26%)
Lauralee Harris: 494 (27.13%)
City of Mountain City, Alderman
Suzanne Hallam (Incumbent): 129 (29.19%)
Lee Taylor (Incumbent): 118 (26.70%)
Eric James Miller: 51 (11.54%)
John L. Wilson: 56 (12.67%)
Chris Limmer: 88 (19.91%)
City of Woodcreek, Mayor
Bob Hambrick: 271 (40.94%)
Jeff Rasco (Incumbent): 391 (59.06%)
City of Woodcreek, City Council Members
Jamie Bonniwell: 261 (22.03%)
Debra Hines (Incumbent): 350 (29.54%)
Krista Richardson: 300 (25.32%)
Aurora F. LeBrun: 274 (23.12%)
State of Texas Proposition 1*
Confirming creation of Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County
For: 18,308 (66.67%)
Against: 9,154 (33.33%)
State of Texas Proposition 2*
The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.
For: 18,141 (67.09%)
Against: 8,899 (32.91%)
State of Texas Proposition 3*
The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.
For: 15,626 (57.59%)
Against: 11,505 (42.41%)
State of Texas Proposition 4*
The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead of ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increase in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.
For: 23,183 (84.94%)
Against: 4,110 (15.06%)
State of Texas Proposition 5*
The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive state economy.
For: 18,119 (66.87%)
Against: 8,978 (33.13%)
State of Texas Proposition 6*
The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.
For: 22,505 (82.39%)
Against: 4,811 (17.61%)
State of Texas Proposition 7*
The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization and operation of electric generating facilities.
For: 14,800 (54.36%)
Against: 12,427 (45.64%)
State of Texas Proposition 8*
The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.
For: 19,489 (71.89%)
Against: 7,622 (28.11%)
State of Texas Proposition 9*
The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
For: 23,358 (84.97%)
Against: 4,133 (15.03%)
State of Texas Proposition 10*
The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.
For: 11,797 (44.05%)
Against: 14,983 (55.95%)
State of Texas Proposition 11*
The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
For: 17,884 (68.56%)
Against: 8,201 (31.44%)
State of Texas Proposition 12*
The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.
For: 11,167 (46.26%)
Against: 12,972 (53.74%)
State of Texas Proposition 13*
The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges
For: 10,267 (38.46%)
Against: 16,430 (61.54%)
State of Texas Proposition 14*
The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks
For: 21,906 (80.61%)
Against: 5,268 (19.39%)
Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County, Proposition A
Confirming creation of Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County
For: 1 (100%)
Against: 0 (0%)
Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County, Proposition B
An operation and maintenance tax for the district not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of taxable property.
For: 1 (100%)
Against: 0 (0%)
Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County, Proposition C
The issuance of $87,000,000 in bonds for water, wastewater and drainage system facilities. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.
For: 1 (100%)
Against: 0 (0%)
Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County, Proposition D
The issuance of $44,500,000 in bonds for roads. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.
For: 1 (100%)
Against: 0 (0%)
Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County, Proposition E
The issuance of $130,500,000 in bonds for refunding water, wastewater and drainage system facilities bonds issued pursuant to section 59, article XVI of the Texas Constitution. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.
For: 1 (100%)
Against: 0 (0%)
Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County, Proposition F
The issuance of $66,750,000 in bonds for refunding road bonds issued pursuant to section 52, article III of the Texas Constitution. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.
For: 1 (100%)
Against: 0 (0%)
Director election for Wayside Municipal Utility District of Hays County
Jacob Harris: 1 (20%)
Luke Stewart: 1 (20%)
Alexander Key Campbell IV: 1 (20%)
Matthew Dringenberg: 1 (20%)
Ryan Jones: 1 (20%)
