Co-founded by Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Anil Kashyap and his wife, COO Kristina Kashyap, Rêve was created to offer a concierge experience that prioritizes quality over quantity through longer consultations, surgeon-led follow-up care and a deliberately low-volume surgical schedule, according to a news release. The celebration recognizes the practice's commitment to bringing a new standard of aesthetic and reconstructive care to the Texas Hill Country, while welcoming the local community.

Rêve specializes in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring and post-pregnancy procedures, in addition to a full range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments led by experienced nurse injector Ramzy Kirsch, BSN, RN. While Anil Kashyap oversees every consultation, surgery and follow-up appointment, Kristina Kashyap leads the patient experience, ensuring every touchpoint reflects the practice's concierge philosophy.

From private check-in and consultation spaces to optional black car transportation, in-home postoperative visits and customized recovery support, every detail is designed to provide discreet, highly personalized care.

The practice is located at 1055 Kibo Ridge, Suite 105, Dripping Springs. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit reveplasticsurgery.com, call (737) 373-7383 or follow @reveplasticsurgery on Instagram.

DSCL started in 1986 as the “brainchild” of local Charlotte Rhodes, who worked with the superintendent of the local school district at the time, according to Laird. She wanted to create a space where members of the community could come and check out books — something that did not exist in Dripping Springs.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit library was then established and incorporated, run 100% by a group of volunteers within the walls of the former high school — now Dripping Springs Middle School. That group became the Friends of the Dripping Springs Community Library, which, through determination and hard work, raised enough funds to move the library into its current building off Sportsplex Drive, which sits on donated land from John Baird, in 1998.

After quickly realizing that more space was needed, construction of the children’s wing began in 2004, doubling the area to approximately 10,000 square feet.

Since that time, the library’s board went public in 2023 with a capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of a new building that would “better serve our community now and into the future,” said Laird.

“It’s a really big project and because of the way that we are funded, it's unique. We receive sales tax revenue. We are not part of the city, which is typical of a public library and so, it's going well,” Laird said. “We continue to make efforts towards construction and trying to solidify the financing. There's a lot of moving pieces and we are just committed to continue to work towards that, so we can expand our services and our reach into our community.”

DSCL has continued to evolve over the years. Laird recalled that in the first year that the library was open in 1986, there were 700 people who attended free programming and in 2025, that number had grown to 17,000.

Additionally, with the help of donations, Laird explained that they were able to purchase its Library on Wheels this year. Knowing that the library has a widespread area that it services, it can be difficult for members of the community to physically stop by the library to attend a program or check out books. So, the “bookmobile” helps bridge that gap.

According to the June 2026 impact report, 12 stops were made, 455 people engaged and 271 items were circulated through the Library on Wheels.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, DSCL is hosting its first annual “A Book Affair” that will feature local food and drink vendors, as well as live music and interactive experiences. This will also act as an opportunity to raise funds to support the library.

The event will also honor the first class of “Storytellers,” which are a group of local residents and businesses who are passionate about the library and investing in the city’s future. They were specifically selected to help raise awareness and support for DSCL leading up to A Book Affair, according to Laird.

“Everyone has a unique story and a connection to the library, what it means to them and what it means to their family and so, I've really enjoyed getting to know the Storytellers and how libraries impact them personally and the value that they see that libraries offer to the community,” Laird said.

As the library is continuing to grow, Laird said that, along with its capital campaign for a new building, DSCL is wanting to try to be innovative and creative in breaking down barriers to people receiving its services and resources.

However, the support from the community every step of the way since 1986 is not lost on Laird and the library staff.

“I realize how the community has shown up in every single piece of history in this library. From starting as a nonprofit library that was completely staffed by volunteers to putting it to a vote in the community to become a special district library, so that we could have a dedicated revenue stream of sales tax income. That was also initiated and voted on and passed by the community,” she shared. “We see parts of this building where the community stepped up and helped to volunteer services just to build the building that we're in now. All the people that have supported the library and the mission with their donations, it shows that they truly care about what we're doing and they see the value.”

A Book Affair will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Pecan Springs Ranch, located at 10601 B Derecho Drive, Austin. To get tickets and find more information, visit bit.ly/4fR7p1E.

DSCL is located at 501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Learn more about the library’s programs, history and more at www.dscl.org.

The project, which is between Cuncashca LLC and the city of Dripping Springs, consists of the installation of a 36-inch gravity main, along with a treated effluent irrigation line for the Driftwood Golf and Ranch Subdivision, according to utilities director Gary Lahrman.

Wastewater facilities agreement

The first item related to the South Collector Wastewater Project is for the amendment and reinstatement of the original wastewater facilities agreement from 2023, due to delays in starting construction.

During negotiations, landowner Cuncashca LLC requested revisions, including triggers for abandonment of the drip field exchange land, fencing requirements and extension of the temporary construction easement language, to be made to the original agreement.

The temporary construction easement will be updated, allowing for equipment storage, staging and construction areas during the installation process.

“We did set a term for drip field abandonment for Dec. 31, 2031. That would be where we exchange the land or we get rid of those front drip fields on the 40 acres and we take over. The agreement allows us to use those until 2031 and we will do a land exchange at that point and abandon the drip fields,” Lahrman explained. “It also includes a temporary construction easement to expire Aug. 31, 2027.”

Tree removal credit

While the original agreement in 2023 considered the preservation of certain trees in the easement area, the landowner authorized the removal as necessary for the city’s wastewater improvement project.

With this approval, the landowner negotiated for future development that the city has 550 caliper inches that were recorded in the easement to be credited.

“We've worked through this with the landowner and it would be to run concurrently with the wastewater facilities agreement and we would get started here pretty soon, but [the] purpose of the agreement to recognize protected standard trees removed by the city within the easement by establishing a limited baseline adjustment that may be used in future tree preservation calculations for the property,” the utilities director presented.

Council member Geoffrey Tahuahua stated that the particular trees on the property are part of the easement that will ultimately serve the wastewater treatment plant the city is working on, so “while regrettable, the removal of the trees is necessary in order for us to facilitate the moving of that wastewater.”’

The agreement is accounting for what is being done in the easement and giving the landowner credit for the trees removed that are to be preserved in accordance with the city of Dripping Springs’ ordinance, city administrator Michelle Fischer clarified.

“Cedars and hackberries don’t get counted, so if that landowner, Cuncashca, does develop in the future, he’s kind of got a credit to work with,” she said.

The wastewater facilities and tree removal credit agreements were unanimously approved by council.

Also for the South Collector Wastewater Project, council unanimously voted to award the bid to Santa Clara Construction, Ltd. in the amount of $4,714,829. This came after the city received 15 competitive bids, with amounts ranging from $4,078,028 to $10,950,181.15.

Dripping Springs City Council meets next Tuesday, Aug. 4.

DRIPPING SPRINGS — What started out as Lani Derrick learning how to create her own vanilla extract to bring more intentional products into her home turned into a Dripping Springs-based handcrafted gift company, named Life Anchored Home.

“My daughter and I were making cookies and we had kind of gone down this path of trying to be more thoughtful with food dyes. We realized that our vanilla baking extract had food coloring in it and we were like, ‘Why?’ So, I was like, 'How do I make this myself? I am going to learn,’” Derrick recalled, after creating the business three years ago.

It became a “snowball effect” from there, said Derrick, where she and her family started looking at implementing other more conscious products in her home. After seeing what they have been doing, clients began asking for gift baskets under Life Anchored Home’s private label line of home goods.

Derrick said that they originally wanted to share their love for cleaner products and it’s turned into something that other people enjoy, as well, knowing that it’s “good for you [and] good for the environment around you.”

“We create in-house. We do cold-processed soaps, baking extracts, room and linen sprays. We pour our own candles and we create simmer pots, which are like a stovetop potpourri, as well as a drink infusion kit. Those products, especially the ones that include any kind of a dried good, we literally are sourcing the fruit fresh. We're slicing it; we're dehydrating it. There's no preservatives or dyes in any of those, since it's an all natural product completely across the board,” she explained. “Our soaps are made with a blend of oils that are great for your skin. They have a rich lather. We try to incorporate some fun colors into them [that] are all skin safe. We use the same fragrance line with our soaps as we do with our room and linen sprays and with our candles, so they're safe for you to breathe.”

Everything is also assembled locally with a focus on helping businesses build meaningful relationships through thoughtful gifting, Derrick said. Life Anchored Home is also fulfilling a need to allow businesses to represent their best self, take the burden off and give their clients an experience without having to do all the fine details themselves.

Derrick’s favorite part is the community aspect: “It makes me happy when I see it out in our community and I know that others are enjoying it as much as I do. It's also something that I'm getting to let my family see in our community. We employ someone within the community; we're in retail space within the community and then, we're supporting our local, other businesses by providing those systems. We're really trying to share within the economy of Dripping Springs itself in multiple ways.”

Currently, Life Anchored Home products can be found on the shelves at Home Grown, located at 2001 U.S. 290, Dripping Springs, while also partnering with other local businesses and realtors to provide gifts for their clients.

While the company also works in-house, Derrick shared that the immediate goal is continued growth and recognition within the community, but with the potential of moving into its own retail space in the future.

To learn more and browse Life Anchored Home’s products, visit www.lifeanchoredhome.com.

For more information, visit www.atlasjiujitsu.com/buda-tx.

Emergency audible outdoor warning system

After council direction and approved funding for a design element, staff recommended a $411,103 installation plan for eight outdoor warning systems. These “provide an essential redundant notification methodology in the event of an emergency,” according to agenda documents, which the city currently does not have.

The following city-owned properties are proposed: 208/246 Republic Drive; the Public Safety Center at 1700 Kohlers Crossing; La Verde Park or water tower; Goforth Road and Foster Place; Plum Creek water facility; Lehman water facility; Public Works at 520 RM 150; and Wastewater Treatment Plant at 941 New Bridge.

Kyle Senior Community Center driveway

The existing driveway has limited sight distance, which has created safety concerns; therefore, staff proposed two new location options to council: north side and south side.

The north side option was estimated to cost $154,409, had a minimal amount of pavement removal along Dacy Loop, required two to three Pedernales Electric Cooperative utility pole relocations and removed the existing area inlet.

The south option only required one utility pole relocation, but patterns indicate a drainage structure may be required to run underneath the proposed driveway and six parking spaces will be impacted. The estimated cost is $189,412.

Staff ultimately recommended the south option, due to the reduced number of complex utility pole relocations and better circulatory pattern within the parking lot for vehicles.

The current driveway will remain until construction is completed. A final design of the driveway will be finished in September, said Ravali Kosaraju, assistant director of traffic & transportation.

Safe routes to school

The Safe Routes to School program was developed with the goal to encourage children to walk, bike or roll to arrive and leave school, while prioritizing safety, read agenda documents. As a step toward pedestrian safety, the Transportation and Public Works Department, Kyle Police Department and Hays CISD conducted walk audits at Fuentes, Science Hall, Tobias, Negley, Hemphill, Kyle and Ramage elementary schools.

During these audits, it was observed that:

• Sidewalks were not wide enough

• There were no tactile ground surface indicators for vision-impaired pedestrians

• No shade was available

• No crosswalks were available

• No streetlights were installed

• Crosswalks were not visible or clearly marked

• No dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian crossing signage or signals or audible prompts were present

The next steps for the program include establishing a solutions implementation plan to be presented to council and incorporating necessary projects into the upcoming fiscal year budget, as well as completing audits for the middle and high schools.

More information on the projects can be found in the meeting’s agenda packet, located at bit.ly/4gPBxLX.

He has 25 years of experience as a union electrician, 10 in elective office and 10 in emergency management, with his current role as Emergency Management Program coordinator for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Approximately 10 years ago, while serving as an AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Hildreth had the opportunity to read books to children between the ages of 4 and 6 at a Houston low-income daycare center.

Eventually, they had run out of books to read, but the children wanted to hear another story.

Hildreth said he embraced what every other storyteller would do and took what he knew to create his own story about a little gray tabby kitten, named Franklin, who had a dream of becoming a Ranger.

“Franklin's my cat and he loves chasing a laser. I've always thought that was kind of cute and I know kids love it. I just made up a story, Franklin and the Red Dot Ranger, and it's evolved quite a bit over the last 10 years,” he said. “But about four years ago, my wife, who has since passed away, mentioned, ‘You need to write this down. This is a cute story.’ She finally got me to write it down.”

The seed for the idea was planted in that Houston classroom, Hildreth said, but has evolved the last few years to what is now a 12-book series: “Franklin’s Red Dot Adventures.”

Each book in the series focuses on a different value that not only Rangers carry, but that parents want to see in their children, the author shared. These include the following:

1. “Franklin and the Red Dot Ranger” — Identity and purpose

2. “Franklin and the Grackle’s Cackle” — Integrity

3. “Franklin and the Kittens of a Different Color” — Respect and acceptance

4. “Franklin Goes to School” — Education and learning

5. “Franklin and the Mystery at Midnight” — Courage

6. “Franklin and the Truth That Got Away” — Honesty

7. “Franklin Takes Charge” — Leadership and service

8. “Franklin and the Rumble in the Sky” — Preparedness and courage

9. “Franklin and the Big Secret” — Trust and speaking up

10. “Franklin and the Runaway Kitten” — Responsibility and protecting others

11. “Franklin and the Quiet Place” — Compassion and grief

12. “Franklin and the Next Big Adventure” — Growing up and wisdom

“When I was growing up, we had ‘Cat in the Hat’ and some of the other books that taught us values and I want to kind of do that with these to help the children that are growing up now,” Hildreth said.

The author’s favorite thing about being able to create these books is seeing the smile on the child’s face: “I actually took one of the mockups of the first book and I gave it to a six-year-old girl and her and her dad were both just absolutely over the moon. Seeing that smile on her face, that's what I really really look forward to.”

Families can get involved in the adventure by participating in the Franklin’s Red Dot Ranger Contest, where they can share a story of 200 words or less about how their child lives by the Red Dot Ranger Code and how they have shown respect, kindness, courage, honesty, leadership and compassion.

Parents are asked to submit their story by email at Rich@Richhildreth.com or on Facebook Messenger @FranklinandtheRedDotRanger. With their entry, parents should include the following: child’s first name, age, state/country, parent or guardian name and their contact information.

Monthly winners will receive an official certificate, stickers and a thank you letter from Franklin and the runner-up winner will earn an autographed book. Lastly, the grand prize winner will receive an autographed book, as well as, with their parent’s permission, have their story featured in a special edition of a “Franklin’s Red Dot Adventures” story that will be published next spring.

The first three books in the series are published and available on Amazon.

To stay up to date on Franklin and his next adventure, visit www.richhildreth.com.

A forensic audit is an investigative examination of financial records designed to find evidence of fraud, embezzlement, theft, corruption or financial and other serious misconduct, according to agenda documents. It also looks for intentional wrongdoing and gathers legally admissible evidence to support litigation or criminal prosecution. This was requested by council at its June 2 meeting.

Prior to releasing a request for proposals, interim city manager Perwez Moheet provided council with seven items he identified to be audited:

“I believe this scope of work will put an end to that and put it to rest for good,” said Moheet.

The list, as follows, is presented in order of council priority, along with the votes:

1. Allegations of mismanagement, with specific focus on determining the causes, timeline and decision-making that resulted in the significant decline of the city’s general fund reserves from $34.2 million in fiscal year 2022-23 to a projected low of $10.3 million in fiscal year 2025-26: 6-1, with council member Lauralee Harris dissenting

2. Alleged overpayments by the city for properties, including five located downtown, three properties located on Veterans Drive, two properties located on Republic Drive and two properties located on Dacy Lane: 5-2, with council members Claudia Zapata and Harris dissenting

3. Alleged waste, abuse and improper use of city credit cards between 2021-2025: 5-2, with Zapata and Harris dissenting

4. Allegations of misconduct of official authority by a city official to influence and extort a business owner, including an alleged offer of $1 million and other city resources in exchange for favorable action by the business owner: 4-3, with council member Marc McKinney, Zapata and Harris dissenting

5. Allegations of fraud, corruption and improper personal enrichment by city officials in connection with the planning, development, data management and data utilization for the city’s public Uber transportation program: 5-2, with Zapata and Harris dissenting

Council also voted 7-0 to table the following areas: alleged corruption and misconduct reported by a city official to the Kyle Police Department; and allegations of misconduct, undue influence, conflict of interest and procurement process irregularities by city officials in the selection and contract award to American Structurepoint Inc.

Zapata shared that her opposition for the vote regarding the alleged offer of $1 million and the transportation program was because the Attorney General should be handling these cases, as the city does not have the authority to do so. Additionally, she and Harris stated that they felt as though the forensic audit was unnecessary because other solutions have already been presented and that they were told that the point of the audit was not to prosecute, though it seems this is the case.

“I’m looking at what’s going to gain us the most amount of potential dollars back or head off dollar losses. That’s my ranking,” explained council member Courtney Goza.

Moheet noted that the audits will be completed in phases, adding that a placeholder cost will be presented during the budget, until final numbers are confirmed through the request for proposals.

The first audit results will likely come back to council spring of 2027, read the presentation.

For more information on Kyle City Council, visit bit.ly/3RA2qZU.

This item follows a previous council vote June 27, which resulted in reducing Kyle Market Days from eight to two events. This meant that specialized days, such as Pride in June and Hispanic Heritage in September were removed.

It was at this meeting that council member Claudia Zapata stated keeping a Pride event for LGBTQIA+ community members was imperative, though others, such as council member Marc McKinney and Mayor Yvonne Flores-Cale, stated that, despite their support, they feel as though Market Days should be an event without themes.

The motion to reduce Market Days to two events, in the spring and fall, was approved 5-2, with Zapata and council member Lauralee Harris dissenting.

Since then, Zapata has taken to social media to advocate for the event and explain her reasoning behind the decision, resulting in both she and Harris bringing forward the item to consider and discuss staff to bring back options for a Pride event in 2027 at the July 21 meeting.

“During that discussion, it was said by members of this council that we cannot support a Pride event because we must think about everyone, that a government should remain neutral and that the city should not promote an agenda. Those statements are reckless at best and homophobic at worst,” began Zapata. “LGBTQ+ residents are not separate from everyone; they are part of this city … This agenda item does not mandate a large event. It does not establish a fixed budget or prescribe one format. It simply asks staff to develop reasonable options.”

Some of these options could include a small event similar to Market Days, a small parade or a sponsored- or partnership-based event that could be budget-neutral, said Zapata. She also noted that by having the event hosted by the city, it would prevent it from becoming bipartisan, as some of the groups that offered to host are political.

Harris said that she agreed with her co-sponsor’s statements and criticized the hateful comments Zapata received for her advocacy.

“I think that having Market Days has been a great asset to our city. It recognizes a great variety of people and a variety of cultures and that’s a good thing; that is not a bad thing,” said Harris.

McKinney noted that when he suggested separating Pride and Market Days, it was to never get rid of the celebration, but instead provide an opportunity to have a designated event: “The LGBTQ community is not a standalone entity. They encompass every kind of demographic that there is. They are a much bigger part of this community than you would like to believe.”

In opposition to the event was council member Melisa Medina, who emphasized that this is not because of homophobia, but because of fiscal responsibility. She noted that council member Courtney Goza shared on social media that she discussed a plan with a resident for a Pride event, in which she pledged $150 and offered to connect others with an individual to organize the event. The reception was positive, said Medina, and an opportunity to host the event without using taxpayer dollars.

The idea was presented by community member Dawn Conley for a Be You, Be Proud event, which would: collaborate with the Arts and Cultural Board for an art exhibit; ask the city’s Communication Department to create a Dialogue for Peace and Progress; and bring resources and fun for families.

Multiple residents supported the idea of a Pride event during public comment, one of whom was Heather Idella, who stated that she has seen the positive impact it had on those in this community.

“We had community members of Kyle express relief and appreciation for being able to be themselves fully at an event that was supported here. It also allowed them to learn about resources and build connections, which creates safety for all of our citizens,” said Idella.

Recalling a time when the city of Kyle didn’t host any events to recognize veterans, council member Michael Tobias stated that he went to the city multiple times searching for ways to celebrate them, until, ultimately, the community came together to form their own parade.

“I appreciate the story that you shared because I think it genuinely illustrates the failure of city government at that time to actually properly recognize and support veterans. Because the city failed, because the government failed, residents had to step up and do it themselves. Even after that, you continued going back to the city. Why? Because it means something. It means something for the city to recognize and put any sort of backing behind an event like this,” responded Zapata.

Regarding the city hosting the event, Goza noted that having an event specific to one marginalized group begs the question of how to determine which other groups also receive this treatment. So, a community-ran event would be better.

The mayor also shared support for a separate event, stating that she received emails from members of nonprofit Round Rock Pride, which offered to aid the community in creating its own Pride event.

Although there were multiple residents in support of Pride, several took to public comment to voice their objection for the item, including resident Alicia Hill.

“At a time when our city is facing significant budget challenges, I question whether asking staff to spend additional time researching options, estimating costs, preparing presentations and bringing back the issue is [the] best use of taxpayer resources,” said Hill. “[A] government’s main role is to keep us safe and our government recognizes every resident by providing equal protection under the law … not by sponsoring celebrations for particular identities or viewpoints.”

Ultimately, Tobias made a motion for the staff to work with nonprofits, community organizations and Zapata to bring an event for next year. This proposal would have event options, including budget requirements, and will be brought back to council at a later date for a vote. The item passed 5-2, with Medina and Goza dissenting.

To listen to the full discussion, visit bit.ly/4fO3t1D.

Grady Reed, financial analyst for HDR Engineering, began by providing backgrounds for both water and wastewater.

For water, he explained that revenue is planned for an “average” year, which accounts for residential use of 6,500 gallons of water per month, although this can be higher in hot, dry years.

Water expenses for FY 2027 are expected to total $8.4 million. However, looking ahead, they are projected to increase to $10.4 million in FY 2031, due primarily to anticipated capital improvement plan (CIP) projects.

According to agenda documents, the largest increase in the CIP projects comes from the Public Works & Parks facility expansion, which are estimated at $2.5 million and $13 million for FY 2030 and FY 2031, respectively.

With the expected rise in expenses, Reed recommended a 6% across the board rate increase for water services. For 7,500 gallons of use, customers would pay an additional $4.46 per month.

Future large CIP projects are also on the horizon for wastewater, with expenses projected to increase from $9.2 million in FY 2027 to $11.3 million in FY 2031. Although, according to Reed, the fund has reserves above the required amount, he still recommends a 4% rate increase for wastewater. For 5,000 gallons of use, customers would pay an additional $2.74 per month.

“I am always asked, ‘Well, if we're above the current reserves, then why are we doing any rate increases?’ And the answer is, there's two things kind of at play here. One, you don't want to draw the reserves down too fast because then, whenever you hit your reserve target, you're going to be facing a really large rate increase in that year or those couple of years to try to stop that momentum and that's kind of painful to your customers,” Reed explained. “Most customers, while they may not like rate increases, I think it's generally a better idea to try to do some rate increases every year, in a more controlled manner, than maybe to skip it for a couple of years and then, you’re facing a 15% or 20% rate increase to try to catch up.”

The analyst also said that there could be some potential larger expenses that go beyond the five-year planning period that are not shown, such as an additional water supply the city may need, so by FY 2031, it might be good to carry a little more fund balance than the currently required three-month reserves.

Closing out his presentation, Reed compared the residential and commercial proposed rates to various surrounding cities. This showed that the residential rates remain less than Pflugerville, Liberty Hill, Taylor, Hutto and Kyle, while being higher than San Marcos, Georgetown and Leander.

The commercial rates remain lower than Hutto, Kyle and Pflugerville, while being higher than Liberty Hill, San Marcos, Taylor, Georgetown and Leander.

Additionally, the city has been looking at health insurance costs for staff members, after receiving notice that the current rate plan would be increasing by $659,363.88 to a total of more than $2.1 million for the upcoming fiscal year.

Currently, for the base health plan, the city contributes 100% of the employee’s premium and 72% of the premium for spouses and dependents.

During the meeting, council was presented with various cost-saving options, which include adding a high-deductible health plan, with a health savings account, to the options for employees who may be interested and/or decreasing the city’s contribution for spouses and dependents.

There were no votes on any items covered at the meeting; everything will be brought back to council as a part of the full proposed budget, which will be posted on the city’s website Aug. 7 and presented to council Aug. 13.

There will be a public hearing on the budget Sept. 1 and a public hearing on the tax rate Sept. 15.

Buda City Council will meet next Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The district has always offered what director of Curriculum and Instruction Emily Herrin describes as “à la carte” online classes. These were opportunities for students to take select courses, such as Health or Speech, in the evening or over the summer. Students would often sign up for these as a junior or senior, when both their independence was higher and a two-period class block was needed for an extracurricular activity or a Career and Technical Education course, said Herrin.

“À la carte” options were strictly outside of school hours, due to the way school funding was determined by the state legislature, which is through in-person attendance. However, Herrin noted that in the most recent legislative session, minutes could now be counted toward attendance, opening the opportunity for the district to begin considering virtual learning options, without losing the minimal funding received by the state.

“What we learned during COVID-19 was that the structure of the four walls brought a lot of consistency for [some] students, [but] the students who were successful in COVID didn’t need to come to school. They were the ones that have the skills that you need to time manage, stay on top of things, communicate and advocate for themselves,” explained the director.

Those high school students and families who feel as though online learning would be a good option can fill out an application, which considers grade history, attendance, career and personal goals and whether there are any extenuating circumstances that contribute to this request.

If the district agrees with the notion that the applicant would thrive in this environment, two options are available:

• A hybrid schedule that allows students to come to school for half the day and participate in extracurricular activities, while completing core classes virtually. Though, Herrin stated that the district will need to fit each of the extracurriculars into the same portion of the day, which is not always possible.

• A fully virtual experience, with students having complete control over the pace and time in which classes are completed.

Though, this could bring a potential barrier for families, Herrin noted, as students could ride the bus in the morning or in the evening, but would need to be picked up or dropped off midway through the day, to ensure security and safety.

The courses are completely online and instructed by the same teachers as Live Oak Academy. These professionals would check in regularly to ensure students are performing well and offer additional instruction, if needed. At the same time, a virtual teacher facilitator will check in with the students at the end of each week to keep students on track with the timeline of the courses, similar to a counselor.

“We tried to model the system around what we already have in place with our à la carte model and then, model what Live Oak does and find the happy medium. System wise, it’s definitely a team approach. So, everybody has a little role in it,” she said, adding that each student would still be tied to the high school in which they are zoned to, even if they are virtual. “The counselors, they’re at the point in their scheduling of students, where they’re hand-scheduling students now.”

Although the district is not prioritizing any grade level, Herrin did share that the majority of those requesting the program are juniors and seniors, but the reasoning for applying is vast. One student noted that they needed to get a job to support their family and this would provide flexibility, while another wanted to take on an apprenticeship. As of July 22, 30 students have completed the application, while another 100 are in the process.

The director did state that the legislation requires that no more than approximately 30% of a school’s population can be virtual.

In reviewing these applications, Herrin stated that staff has also able to find students that may succeed more at Live Oak than the virtual option, such as those who may not have the best grades or attendance and are looking for an alternative.

“Live Oak Academy fits the needs of a lot of students [because] it's a small environment. They do traditionally have to come in person a little bit, but we're talking much smaller class sizes and you get to know your teachers very well. That in-person environment is such a different experience than a traditional high school [and] that's where we capture students who are kind of in between,” she explained. “We're going through the applications and saying, ‘Okay, this student missed a lot of school. [It] might not be a hybrid opportunity for this student, but this student sounds like a really good Live Oak student because maybe they just need that support’ … It really is looking at this at the individual student level.”

Some families that previously switched to homeschooling have also applied, seeing this as another chance for their student to receive an education that works for them.

The application and registration for virtual learning will be open until the first day of school, which is Aug. 13. Herrin did state that the students must be committed to complete at least one semester in the virtual option chosen, but can reevaluate at the spring mark, if a change is needed.

“I know that COVID opened our eyes to the flexibility that virtual learning offers students … Every family knows their children best and probably within their family has a student who would do really well [online] and a student who would not,” she said. “I know we have groups of students who this would be helpful for and so, that's where it's nice to be able to offer this because now we can meet the needs of more children.”

For more information on Hays CISD’s virtual learning program, visit bit.ly/4wcffJ2.

Special Use Permit

Following a proclamation recognizing July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month, council moved through a full slate of agenda items, which began with the deliberation of a special use permit (SUP) application.

Sandlin Services, on behalf of Emergency Animal Hospital of Buda, submitted the application to request approval of outside yard/kennels for a proposed facility at the southwest corner of the intersection of South IH-35 and Robert S Light Boulevard.

While the veterinary facility is allowed within the current B-3 zoning of the property, an outdoor yard/kennel is prohibited without an approved SUP.

“It is an outdoor yard,” Will Parrish, assistant director of Development Services, clarified. “They don't propose to kennel dogs in the outdoor area.”

Parrish also stated that the proposed yard will be located on the side of the building facing IH-35, rather than the adjacent neighborhood, and the animals would always be supervised when in the yard.

According to agenda documents, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the request.

Council voted unanimously to approve the SUP on first and final reading.

Pot-bellied pigs

Following the item being tabled at a June meeting, the allowance of pot-bellied pigs as household pets in the city limits was back up for discussion.

Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd presented updated information based on prior council feedback, including two options for potential ordinances.

Option 1 allowed the animals, but prohibited outdoor enclosures, instead requiring pot-bellied pigs to be kept inside and limiting outdoor access to two hours per day.

Option 2 provided options for outdoor structure regulations within the proposed ordinance.

“I just wanted to clarify that this doesn't supersede any [homeowners association (HOA)] rules,” said council member Monica Davidson. “No matter what we do here, they still need to follow what their HOA does and this is not an opportunity to try to amend those.”

Council voted 7-0 to approve Option 1 on first and final reading.

Hays Central Appraisal District

Next, council was presented with a resolution to authorize the Hays Central Appraisal District (HCAD) to purchase land and construct a new facility for its office.

As previously reported by the Hays Free Press, HCAD is seeking approval from its voting taxing entities to fund a total of $15 million over the course of 25 years for the land and building.

“There are some other entities in Hays County that I know have denied this,” explained city manager Micah Grau. “Not because they don't support the appraisal district and their efforts and they're not denying that they need expanded property, but more because there hasn't been a lot of information up to this point about the project.”

If approved, the city’s cost would increase from $80,088 in FY 2026 to an estimated $97,729 in FY 2027, Grau stated.

While the consensus of the dais was that there is a need for the new facility, the lack of information provided by HCAD was a common sentiment.

“I think one of the difficulties, without a lot of information, is that there are multiple entities around Central Texas who have set a budget for a new building and land with it and then, come in way over,” council member Evan Ture said. “One of the concerns here is we have a budget, but we don't have that much information. My concern would be it comes back with a significantly different number, which it might, but we don’t know that and I don’t think the Hays CAD necessarily knows that until maybe proceeding a little bit further.”

Ultimately, council voted 7-0 to deny the request.

Resignation

The last of the regular agenda items for the evening was the acknowledgement and acceptance of the resignation of Smith.

Serving in the At-Large Position 1, Smith was elected to fill a vacant position in November 2020 and subsequently reelected in November 2022 and November 2025. He will continue to serve in his position until a special election can be held, which is anticipated to coincide with the general election Nov. 3, 2026.

“I appreciate the citizens’ trust. It wasn’t an easy decision, obviously, to make. After what will be six full years of serving, now is the time, primarily driven by time in my own household,” he said.

In addition to the At-Large Position 1 Special Election, the mayor, At-Large Position 2 and Single Member District B seats will be on November’s general election ballot.

Buda City Council will meet next at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4.

In November 2025, Buda Police Department officers took a report from a local recreation vehicle (RV) supplier involving an individual purchasing an RV with fraudulent information. It was only fully realized by the business after the individual left the store with the RV. 

A Buda PD investigation revealed Goodson was producing fake checks, using a fake driver’s license, as well as a Texas State Department of Health Medical Officer badge along with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs card to apply for and obtain credit for the purchase of recreational vehicles. Investigators with Buda PD learned of victims in Seattle, Washington, Lake Jackson, Texas, Snohomish, Washington, Tacoma, Washington and Kingsland, Texas. 

The information leading to the Kingsland location connected Buda investigators to the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force. 

A multi-month investigation already initiated by the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force led to the identification of suspects in a large-scale trailer theft and fraud operation. The task force suspected the individuals involved were responsible for more than $150,000 in stolen recreational trailers, utility trailers, and equipment across Central Texas. This is in addition to the estimated well over $100,000 in credit fraudulently obtained for the purchase of trailers and equipment.  

The investigation spanned the counties of Burnet, Williamson, Blanco, Limestone, Brazoria and Llano, as well as the cities of Buda, Kyle, Burnet, Georgetown, Del Rio and Marble Falls. Thefts and recovery of stolen items occurred in the cities of Burnet, Marble Falls, Kingsland, Georgetown, Buda, Mexia and Blanco, along with confirmed out-of-state ties to Washington and Idaho.  

After obtaining surveillance video of the truck involved in these transactions, investigators were able to document unique identifiers on the truck and search an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system. The vehicle was located on the system and showed hits in multiple counties. Once the vehicle was fully identified, investigators were able to connect multiple cases and recover stolen trailers and equipment valued at over $100,000. This technique also allowed the team to identify the suspects as Goodson and Jorge Ramirez. In turn, arrest warrants were obtained for the individuals.

In October 2025, officers with the Burnet Police Department responded to a local RV supplier for fraudulent purchase of an RV with a fake check. Goodson was dressed in medical scrubs claiming to be both a medical doctor and a law enforcement officer who showed them a badge. The case was then referred to the task force.

Then, in November 2025, deputies with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office took a report for an individual who sold a tractor to Goodson via social media and learned he used a fake check. The image taken of Goodson by the victim was sent to the task force, who identified Goodson. A coordinated investigation was conducted with assistance from surrounding agencies. As a result, investigators with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office obtained four arrest warrants: two for Goodson and two for his accomplice, Jorge Ramirez. The charges were enhanced due to the victim being over the age of 65. 

Also in November 2025, Goodson used a forged cashier’s check to purchase a mower from a local business in Marble Falls for almost $5,000. A fraudulent Agricultural Exemption Number was also used to avoid paying sales tax on the purchase. At another location, Goodson used a fraudulent cashier’s check to purchase almost $2,500 worth of furniture. Goodson was identified as the suspect through cooperation with the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force. Arrest warrants were then issued for Goodson. The charges were enhanced due to the age of the victim. 

On Dec. 27, 2025, Goodson attempted to purchase an RV with a fake cashier’s check at an RV supplier in Kyle, Texas. The salesperson called law enforcement right away and officers with the Kyle Police Department discovered Goodson was in possession of several different pieces of identifying information for an elderly person. Kyle Police Department officers arrested Goodson for outstanding warrants from Burnet County and Marble Falls Police Department as well as their charge of being in possession of identifying information of another. After being booked into the Hays County jail, he was served with the Buda PD arrest warrants.  

Under the supervision of Hays County Prosecutor Thomas Stevenson, Goodson was indicted by a grand jury and soon convicted for the following charges in Hays County:

• Fraud use/possession of identifying information of elderly, F3 (Kyle PD)
• Theft of property $30,000-$150,000 (Buda PD), four years
• Forgery of a financial instrument (Buda PD), four years
• False statement to obtain property or credit $30,000-$150,000, (Buda PD), four years
• Fraud use/possession of identifying information <5 items of elderly (Buda PD), four years

The other charges outside of Hays County include:

• Forgery of a financial instrument enhanced (Burnet County), 15 years
• Forgery of a financial instrument involving elderly (Burnet County), 15 years
• Theft of property from elderly (Burnet County), 15 years
• Theft of property enhanced (Blanco County), 15 years

“This case is another example of our officers going above and beyond in a collaborative effort to both hold criminals accountable and bring peace of mind to the victims,” Buda PD Chief Bo Kidd. “This great work, from the streets to the courthouse, will ensure this person will not victimize more businesses and individuals in our community.” 

Marble Falls Police Department Chief of Police Trisha Ratliff said: “This investigation is a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. Complex fraud investigations often cross jurisdictional lines, making collaboration essential. Thanks to the dedication, professionalism and seamless coordination of all agencies involved, the responsible individual was held accountable and justice was obtained for the victims. We are grateful for the outstanding teamwork demonstrated throughout this investigation and we remain committed to protecting our community from those who seek to exploit others for personal gain."

While Goodson was sentenced to a total of 80 years, it is up to each judicial body to have the time served either concurrently or consecutively. 

Goodson’s accomplice has been arrested and is facing a 12-year sentence for theft.

This follows the cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek, along with Hays County, entering into a Collaborative Water and Wastewater Planning Efforts Interlocal Agreement (ILA) in May 2025. Additionally, at its July 7, 2026, meeting, the Hays County Commissioners Court authorized the Civil Division of the Criminal District Attorney's office at its July 7 meeting to negotiate a professional services agreement of no more than $50,000 with Accenture, related to the creation of an entity with representatives from the county and aforementioned cities.

“As everyone knows, we are fighting for water constantly and we don't have local authority and we always say we don't have local authority from a county perspective and we are waiting on the state legislature to do something,” said commissioner Morgan Hammer at the July 7 commissioners court meeting. “This is something that we can put into place that will help us. We are having tons of funds from the state level being allocated towards water … This would give us not only teeth, but would also allow us to accept funds and to help our water infrastructure and also if there was ever a time where a pipeline was run into Wimberley, it would give us some authority to be able to dictate what happens to that and how development is kind of controlled from there.”

According to Wimberley City Council member Rebecca Minnick, who sponsored the July 16 resolution to support Hays County working to evaluate creating an entity, this is the most concrete effort that has been proposed since the ILA was entered into last year.

“It’s already passed the county, so I thought that it made sense for us to go ahead and do a resolution for council because we haven’t been able to discuss this with you as a group,” she said.

The proposed scope of work — expected to be complete within 120 days — for the entity includes the following: stakeholder engagement; evaluation of governance options; identification of grant and funding opportunities; and development of recommendations for an entity that could support sustainable water supply planning, water resource protection and regional coordination, according to agenda documents.

This brings another “tool in our toolkit” to have a more robust water supply, plan for the future and give more weight as a single entity than it would be if the city of Wimberley tried to do it on its own, Minnick added.

“What this does is it gives a jurisdiction where we can apply for grants and right now, there is a water source grant that’s out there that we probably would be able to apply for right away and this is out of the state water fund,” Minnick said. “The issue becomes as a city, we can apply for that, but there are areas in the [extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)] that maybe these water sources might be located and there’s really no jurisdiction to do that.”

This resolution does not create a new entity or obligate the city to participate in any future organization or financial commitment, so any future proposal on the formation of a regional entity or the city’s participation would require separate approval by council.

“Basically, it says that everybody is on board with this next step and when the next steps come, then we will have another formal agreement,” Minnick said, adding that they don’t know what the structure looks like until Accenture reports its findings.

Wimberley City Council unanimously approved the resolution.

Budget

In a workshop held prior to its regular meeting July 16, Wimberley City Council went over its fiscal year 2027 budget.

The key budget priorities, as listed by city administrator Tim Patek, include the following: maintaining core services; infrastructure and road maintenance; parks and recreation investments; technology and operation support; and financial sustainability.

According to Patek, the general fund budget, as it is currently proposed, is balanced, as the revenues and expenditures both total $2,147,000.

“The process is to always try to have a balanced budget on all of our budgets,” Patek said.

The major source of revenue in the general fund is from the tax revenue, according to Patek, with general sales and use at $1,575,000, mixed beverage at $95,000 and franchise at $310,000. Other sources of revenue include license and permit fees at $48,000 and service fees at $54,000, as well as interest revenues at $60,000 and miscellaneous at $5,000.

In the expenditures, personnel services — at $407,700 — and administration, totaling $793,800, remain the largest operating costs. Similar to last year, staff is looking at having a 3% salary increase for city employees, Patek said.

“We kind of have a norm with that. The two prior years before that, we gave a lump sum across the board and we tried to increase the gap from the lowest to the highest to this,” the city administrator explained. “So, my first year here, we gave a $5,000 increase to all employees and the second year, we gave a $4,000 increase to decrease that gap and then, after that, I talked with council and staff that we were looking at giving a percentage after that and they were all good with that.”

Patek explained that some employees who were given the $5,000 increase, they got a 10-12% increase one year and then, it was almost the same next year.

Council member Anne Ulfelder said that she would like to see the pay increase for this year be at least 5%.

In response, Patek said that it would be up to council on what it would like for staff to look at when going over the numbers. He added that the city also increased the retirement contribution from 5% to 6%, so that “takes a little bit of a hit, as well.”

Ulfelder asked Patek to provide the impact for a pay increase of 4% and 5%.

Other components of the budget include Parks and Recreation, Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), Wastewater and Interest and Sinking funds.

Similar to that of the general fund, Parks and Recreation has a proposed budget of $1,232,000 in revenue and expenditures — the latter of which includes the community center, which has been moved into this fund from last year, Patek said.

The other three funds are also balanced at:

•   HOT: Revenue and expenditures at $725,000

•   Wastewater: Revenue and expenditures at $436,000

•   Interest and Sinking: Revenue and expenditures at $367,000

The next budget workshop will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, with the ultimate adoption, fee schedule and proposed goals adoption slated for Sept. 17.

To listen to the full meeting recordings, visit www.wimberleytx.portal.civicclerk.com.

Hotel Occupancy Tax

Since the budget was filed June 30, there were some amendments made to the HOT fund, including:

•   An amended $62,900 in FY 2027 grants — approved by the application review committee — as compared to the proposed $83,020, which is a change of $20,120.

•   A transfer of $255,000 to the general fund in FY 2025, related to the downtown restroom project, was anticipated to occur before the end of the fiscal year. As this did not happen, this was carried over to FY 2026.

•   A new line item, known as capital reserve, was reduced from $350,000 to $100,000, based on available funding. The reserve is intended for future capital projects supported by HOT funds.

In the proposed HOT budget, the revenues total $910,000 and expenditures at $1,199,428.

One of the main highlights is signage, with the city projecting to end FY 2026 at $121,200, according to the presentation given to council. Staff is also proposing $150,000 for FY 2027 for the second phase of a signage project that includes the remaining 10 wayfinding signs and one to two monument signs. The first phase, however, included 10 wayfinding signs in center city at $110,000 that was budgeted this year in the HOT fund.

The remaining monument sign is slated for phase three in 2028.

Other highlights include the following transfers and grants:

•   Transfer to debt service: $88,528

•   Transfer to DSVB: $425,000

•   Transfer to Event Center: $330,000

•   Capital reserve: $100,000

•   Friends of the Pound House grant: $16,525

•   Roller derby grant: $4,250

•   Vintage Market Days grant: $12,625

•   Outlast Austin grant: $22,500

•   Art league grant: $7,000

Dripping Springs Ranch Park

For the FY 2027 budget, the total revenues for the DSRP fund are $999,475 and expenditures are $920,481.

On the revenue side, highlights of the proposed budget include the following: $111,500 for facility rentals; $15,000 for equipment rental; $51,755 for sponsorships and donations; $140,000 for Coyote Camp; $10,000 for miscellaneous events; $140,000 for ice rink; and $330,000 for transfer from HOT.

DSRP is proposing a significant improvement project for another year, according to deputy city administrator Shawn Cox.

Currently, the main facility restrooms — with residential-style tank toilets not designed for high-volume public use — have been causing significant challenges. These include frequent plumbing failures during large events, continuous need for repairs, increased maintenance costs and more.

“I think, originally, we were looking at $90[,000]. We bumped it to $100[,000] down the road and now, we're proposing $200,000 for this. Essentially, what it's doing is replacing the toilets in those restrooms with commercial grade. So, it's kind of residential grade. [They] tend to clog a lot [and] tend not to hold up to the usage that we have when we have those large events,” Cox said. “We've looked at it every year during the budget process. There's always, unfortunately, been bigger projects that kind of needed to be completed first, but now, we're over the hill on that one and so, we're bringing this one to council.”

Because of this, staff is looking at having the restrooms remodeled for a proposed $200,000 to replace nine toilets in the men’s restroom, as well as 16 toilets in the women’s restroom, with a commercial-grade flush valve design, as well as standardizing the fixtures throughout the facility.

“Every handle is different. Every bowl is different, so it’s just streamlining that [and] making sure that they are meant to handle the volume that we are seeing,” added DSRP manager Lily Sellers.

Council member Geoffrey Tahuahua mentioned that when he has attended events at the facility, he has found that the sink faucets are constantly left on. Due to this, he suggested that staff look at the cost for installing an automatic system: “My guess is that we probably lose quite a bit of water in some of those instances and so, that might be kind of a happy medium in terms of gaining some of that efficiency,” he said.

Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau

In his presentation on the DSVB fund, Cox noted that the following highlights make up the total revenue of $493,500:

•   Wedding Showcase fees: $9,000

•   Songwriters Festival fees: $500

•   Songwriters Festival merchandise: $5,000

•   Songwriters Festival sponsorship: $30,000

•   Stars of Dripping Springs sponsorship: $24,000

•   Transfer from HOT: $425,000

The expenditures total $548,811, with $121,500 of that being for advertising and marketing, which is a $10,000 increase from FY 2026, due to the state travel guides, according to Cox.

A total of $29,000 for improvements is also included as an expenditure highlight, with $26,000 annotated as stairs and walkway for the “springs that go down to the creek,” Cox explained, in which city staff is working with the property owner to help clean that area due to public interest.

“It's cool in the summertime, sometimes, and I know for the special events like Founders [Day] and everything, a lot of people were utilizing that walkway and hanging down there when it got a little hot,” he said. “It's been a project that they've looked at for a couple of years now, working with the property owner, just to get it cleaned up down there.”

Mayor Bill Foulds asked for clarification because he was told the $26,000 was for rebuilding the porch, or stairs, at the DSVB. However, Cox, along with DSVB manager Pam King, responded that this is a new line item for the stairs and walkway for the springs; the other project by the visitors bureau has already been budgeted for in the FY 2026 budget and will be done in August.

According to city administrator Michelle Fischer, staff sent the property owner an easement months ago to help the city in cleaning up that area. The easement, which has not been signed, would allow for public access as well, but “nothing could be done on that property with any city money without an easement that met the qualifications for us to spend those funds,” she said.

“My bigger issues is, it’s one thing if we're clearing a private easement for the purposes of just general public access, but stairs and walkway is an actual improvement that isn't transferable and I do think there are some local government code challenges with making improvements on private property,” said Tahuahua. “I know we're talking to him about a bunch of stuff, but I think we need some more clarification on this one. I like the idea. I just think there's maybe, we'll say, some legal hurdles before we can move full steam ahead on that.”

Understanding that there could be some legal hurdles, King emphasized that approximately 80% that walk into the DSVB office looking for visitor information and tourist spots want to see the springs that the town is named after, but the current access is not safe. Therefore, she wants it to be on the books that the project is a priority to have a tourism impact.

“I do have some legal concerns because it is technically still private property. If it was a property that was already owned by the city and we're talking about improving the access, that's a very different conversation. But especially if we're talking stairs and walkway, which isn't transferable. I mean, I guess we could technically repo the stairs if you were to sell it off to someone else, but again, logistically, they're just not,” Tahuahua said. “I feel like there's a step maybe before a different conversation we maybe need to have with them first and then, maybe this is step two of that conversation.”

Council member Ana Grace Husted agreed that the springs, as the city’s namesake, should be a tourist attraction, but she is hesitant on green lighting a large sum of money into something that is not guaranteed to be kept open to the public.

Farmers market

Finally, Cox went over the budget for the Dripping Springs Farmers Market, in which $93,896 makes up the revenue and $92,447 in expenditures. The latter has an increased line item of $2,000 compared to FY 2026 from the committee in anticipation of the move to the Stephenson Building, covering costs for signs, banners and other materials.

“They're looking at utilizing that parking lot area for the farmers market. I believe in addition or offsetting sometimes to DSRP, as well, depending on the weather and the temperature, but this additional funding is for signage, should they need to direct people to the Stephenson location of the farmers market,” the deputy city administrator explained.

Dripping Springs City Council is set to go over the debt service fund Tuesday, Aug. 4. To view the proposed budget and more, visit www.drippingspringstx.gov/city-treasurer/pages/budget-tax-rate.

Johnson first joined her beloved yarn community eight years ago, when she walked into The Sated Sheep on a whim and asked how to knit and crochet. From then on, she was a weekly customer to the classes available and, eventually, an employee.

Over the years, those visiting the store and the experiences knitting and crocheting were some of her favorite moments, especially teaching others, as her skills grew. This is why when former owner Allison Wilcox — who started the store in 2015 from a knitting passion — offered her the business amidst her budding retirement, the answer was easy for Johnson.

“I just hated to see it [go] because I was like, ‘If I don’t buy it and no one does, what will happen?’ And Allison said, ‘I guess I just close up.’ I’ve just seen how much that would affect a lot of the yarning community and I just couldn’t see that [happen],” she recalled

So, she purchased the company in August 2025 and moved it into its new location at 104 W. Mercer St., Suite D, in downtown Dripping Springs. It was here that she renovated the building to depict a home. Johnson stated that she hopes the big windows and cozy atmosphere is welcoming to visitors.

Those visiting the Sheep can find everything necessary to work on a project, including knitting needles and crochet hooks, stitch markers, buttons, scissors, darning needles and more, including a plethora of yarn.

With yarn originating from Vietnam to Whitefish, Mont., the options are endless, said Johnson. Specifically, she has made it a point to attend conventions, such as the Dallas Fiber Fest, and expand the United States-made yarn available in store by meeting the artists creating the hand-dyed material. These fibers are special, as no two are the same and Johnson has felt and verified the quality of the material herself, she said.

Taking on this new role has been a passion project for the fiber-artist, beginning with the renovations to the building and the recent expansion of its classroom area. Before, the area was going to be used for another business endeavor, but Johnson realized that her passion purely resided in the Sheep and opted to instead magnify the opportunities available to customers.

This area will be used in two different ways, she explained. The first will be for weekly ticketed classes, which range from level 0 to “1001,” said Johnson, where attendees can learn from the beginning on knitting and crocheting or bring in a project to receive help on. The classes are taught by the very woman who taught Johnson to crochet and knit years ago: Carrie Au. Au is incredibly talented and was part of the shop negation, said Johnson, laughing.

There will also be workshops focused on specific tips or needlework, such as Tunisian crochet — a type of crochet style that resembles knit — or the triangle loom.

“[People usually] think about the older population, but it’s not [just for them]. You can create anything with crochet. The blankets are beautiful, even some sweaters. There’s a new thing that’s coming in, where if you have a long sleeve shirt and if the sleeves aren’t very good, you can actually crochet new sleeves onto it. It’s a really popular thing right now, especially with hoodies. I was shocked when I saw them,” shared Johnson. “So, we may have a workshop in the near future, just to show that crochet is fun and young and hip.”

She is also considering a Ravelry 101 class, an online “Pinterest” of sorts for the yarning community, as many are unaware there are other benefits than simply finding patterns: “We do have a lot of workshops in mind for the future.”

Future plans for the shop also include expanding into needlepoint, embroidery and cross stitch.

Additionally, the area can be used as a calm gathering site, where community members can visit and lounge, while working on their respective hobbies. This is where the community thrives, shared Johnson. Visitors can drink beer, wine or tea and coffee and “come and relax and enjoy the space because basically, I created the space for the yarning community.”

These aspects of her shop are something that visitors can’t find at corporate stores, Johnson said.

“Shopping locally sustains the passion of the small business owner and part of that passion, in my opinion, that a business owner has is what they can bring to the community. For me, I get to watch everybody once they’re done with their project and they bring it in to show it off or [maybe] they’re wearing it. As a small business owner, [I know] I helped with that and I helped put that smile on their face,” she emphasized.

This ability to help customers is something that is important to Johnson, who noted that residents will often come in with a project and ask for free and quick help, where she can diagnose the problem, whether that be a dropped stitch or difficulty reading a pattern.

Although expanding services and adding her twist to the shop, Johnson emphasized keeping Wilcox’s legacy by partaking in an annual Sidewalk Sale, where customers can bring their own yarn stash and sell it. Then, they will receive store credit.

The store will also be part of the 19th annual Best Little Yarn Crawl throughout the IH-35 corridor. Here, visitors can browse vendors and learn a pattern crafted by the store with its featured yarn.

For more information on The Sated Sheep, visit www.thesatedsheep.com.

From July 18 through Aug. 3, KPD officers will increase traffic enforcement efforts with a focus on speeding violations. The campaign supports TxDOT's "Drive Like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe." campaign, which encourages drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel.

During Operation Slowdown, officers will focus on identifying drivers who exceed the speed limit or fail to adjust their speed for traffic, weather, construction zones or other roadway conditions. While enforcement is an important part of the campaign, the ultimate goal is to prevent crashes before they happen, a KPD news release stated.

KPD encourages drivers to:

• Follow all posted speed limits and adjust speed for traffic and weather conditions.

• Leave early to avoid the temptation to speed.

• Increase following distance, especially during heavy traffic or wet road conditions.

• Watch for changing speed limits in school and construction zones.

• Avoid distractions to stay focused on the road.

Every driver plays a role in making Texas roads safer. By following these simple steps, motorists can help protect themselves, their passengers and everyone else on the road, the release continued.

KPD reminds motorists that traffic laws are enforced year-round, but during Operation Slowdown, officers will place additional emphasis on identifying and stopping dangerous speeding behaviors.

For more information about Operation Slowdown and traffic safety, visit www.txdot.gov/drivelikeatexan.

Ulibarri brings nearly 22 years of public-sector IT leadership and an extensive background in modernizing and strengthening technology operations across large organizations, according to a county news release.

Most recently, he served nine years with Travis County as the director of its ITS Division, where he led teams responsible for software development, enterprise application support, data services and major modernization initiatives. His work included overseeing the implementation of the county’s justice system, launching its data analytics program, leading enterprise Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) improvements and guiding a full redesign of the public website.

Prior to his tenure with Travis County, Ulibarri spent 12 years at the University of Texas at El Paso as director of Technology Implementation. He holds a master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Texas at El Paso, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University and is a Certified Public Manager through Texas State University.

A Hays County resident, Ulibarri lives in Buda with his wife, Cindy. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the city of Buda’s Planning and Zoning Commission and chairing the advisory school board at Santa Cruz Catholic School.

“Hays County is entering a period of rapid growth and transformation and technology plays a vital role in how we meet the needs of our residents. Chris brings the right mix of technical expertise, strategic vision and community understanding to help guide the county forward,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “What stood out about Chris was not only his professional track record, but his commitment to this community. Having someone in this role who lives here, serves here and understands the unique challenges of a fast-growing county is invaluable.”

Ulibarri said the opportunity to serve the community he calls home was a major factor in his decision to join Hays County.

“I live in Buda and I’m personally invested in this community and motivated to give back,” Ulibarri said. “The chance to do this work for the county I actually live in was a big draw. Hays County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and that growth makes it essential that our information technology stays current and capable of serving residents. The county is shaping its strategic priorities for the years ahead and technology will be a big part of that. Getting to help build toward that vision from the ground up is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come along often. I’m honored by the opportunity and excited to help Hays County advance its technology to better serve a growing community.”

As he steps into the role, Ulibarri says his first priority is listening.

“We have a talented team of IT professionals and I want to understand what’s working and where they need support before making big changes,” he said. “Beyond that, my priorities are delivering on the technology initiatives in the county’s new strategic plan, strengthening our cybersecurity posture as the county grows and making sure every department has the tools and support they need to serve residents well. Government IT works best when it’s invisible — when systems just work and employees can focus on the public rather than fighting technology. That’s the standard I want us to hit.”

“The Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program aims to improve and protect surface water quality by enhancing awareness and knowledge of best management practices for residential landscapes,” said John Smith, AgriLife Extension specialist, College Station.

Attendees will learn about the design and installation of residential rainwater harvesting systems, as well as appropriate turf and landscape species based on local conditions and other practices, according to Smith.

“Management practices, such as using irrigation delivery equipment, interpreting soil test results and understanding nutrient applications, can help reduce runoff and make efficient use of applied landscape irrigation water,” Smith said.

Dean Minchillo, Texas Water Resources Institute program specialist in Dallas, added: “Proper fertilizer application and efficient lawn irrigation can protect and improve water quality in area creeks and collecting rainwater for lawn and landscape needs reduces stormwater runoff.”

Participants can also have their soil tested as part of the training. The soil sample bag and analysis are free to Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program participants.

Residents can pick up a soil sample bag with sampling instructions and the Urban and Homeowner Soil Sample Information Form at the AgriLife Extension office at 200 Stillwater Road Suite 102, Wimberley. Bags containing residents’ soil samples should be returned to the location where they were obtained prior to or by one week after the training; soil samples may also be brought to the training, where they will have soil bags to transfer the sample into, but should not be mailed to the lab.

Samples will be grouped into one submission and sent to the AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing Lab in College Station for routine analysis, including micronutrients, pH, conductivity, nitrate-nitrogen and other parameters.

The training will include information on how to understand soil test results and nutrient recommendations, so residents can interpret results once the analysis is mailed to them.

Attendees who RSVP to the event will receive updates and materials related to the training via email. RSVP online at www.hlhw.tamu.edu/workshops or contact Smith at at john.smith@ag.tamu.edu or 979-204-0573 with any questions.

Geographically, the naturally-occurring, spring-fed river’s history begins long ago, said Wait, when there was simply an ocean, until a giant earthquake occurred, forming the Hill Country. The humans came later, but still inhabited the location for centuries, spanning back 12,000-13,000 years ago, confirmed by Clovis points found by archeologists in the area. These are stone spearheads known to be crafted by Paleo-Americans — some of the oldest humans in North America, Wait explained.

Spring Lake is the river’s headwaters, serving as a direct connection to the San Marcos Springs. Located on the historical Spanish route El Camino Real de los Tejas, or the King’s Highway, this and the area surrounding it is one of the nation’s “persistently inhabited places,” as there weren’t any settlements in the area for a long period of time, but travelers and traders often visited, due to the water source.

Early Spanish explorers actually believed that they had discovered the Fountain of Youth, said Wait, most likely because of the remarkable experience: bubbling water at Spring Lake, with consistent 72-degree water. Though, another group of individuals have a different connection to the headwaters.

According to the deputy director, the Coahuiltecan people believe the springs and the Balcones Fault line — seen at the bottom of the springs — to be the origin of their story.

Ancient cave pictographs on the White Shaman in Comstock depict five dots, all of which line up with the springs of Central Texas — Barton Springs, Comal Springs, San Pedro Springs, San Antonio Springs and, finally, the San Marcos Springs — said Wait. The latter has imagery coming from it, which has been interpreted as the creation of the Coahuiltecan people.

“This space is a sacred space. People [have been] coming here for thousands of years. We’re not even allowed to dig more than six inches out here without having the Center for Archeological Studies out here because we’re going to find something no matter where we dig. So, I think San Marcos is very unique with that,” she said. “We have a set of springs that have never gone dry.”

The river eventually had settlers in the 1800s, when General Edward Burleson set up his homesteads at the headwaters of the river, said Wait. He would be the one to introduce a resolution to establish Hays County, according to the Texas State Historical Commission.

Burleson eventually sold his home to the Rogers family, who is known for constructing Aquarena Springs, the beloved theme park.

Aquarena Springs opened in 1951 and boasted a hotel, glass bottom boats, a submarine theater, an Alpine Swiss Sky Ride and, most notably, Ralph the Swimming Pig and mermaids aka Aquamaids.

“I think in the '70s [and] '80s people really got active, going outside, doing all these weird things, like coming to Aquarena Springs, seeing the swimming pig, seeing the mermaid shows, [but] in the early '90s, people started questioning some things and that’s when things changed here at Spring Lake,” stated Wait.

Some may assume that the river and springs are fed through the Austin portion of the Edwards Aquifer, but Waits noted that it is actually a segment in the San Antonio region. Because of this, infrastructure in the Southwest directly affects the springs.

She noted that the environmentalists realized that the water needed to have protections, due to endangered species. Wait shared that this, the San Antonio infrastructure boom and the oversaturation of amusement parks, such as SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, likely contributed to the eventual closure of the theme park in 1996.

Texas State University purchased the park in 1994 and opted to shift its focus to education, rather than entertainment.

Although there have been more efforts to protect the river and the species that call it home, pollution became a large issue as the university began to grow.

A survey done by the organization revealed that 95% of the student population chose the school based on the river.

“This water is supposed to be very clean. We always used to say, ‘This water is 10 times cleaner than EPA standards,’” recalled the deputy director. “I don’t know if that’s correct anymore, but looking at [a 2016] report, there’s all sorts of things in Spring Lake. It’s antidepressants, [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs)], a cocaine derivative, birth control, all that stuff is already in the water. Whenever it rains, things get washed into the recharge area [of the aquifer], get settled down and that gets pushed up in the springs.”

The test mentioned was in 2016, but there are still new issues arising, such as lighters or vapes that are found in the water source. She recalled being in her 20s at the river and seeing students throw cans in and laugh: “There definitely needs to be a little bit more of a reform on education on liberal stewardship.”

This year, the city of San Marcos opted to have restricted access to Rio Vista Park, which Wait hopes will help with littering. In turn, the species that reside in the river will have a safer home.

“It’s definitely a pretty healthy ecosystem, whenever you take away all the human traffic. I don’t think the solution is to get rid of recreation. People need to have those kinds of connections to feel something for nature. So, I definitely think recreation is fine; we just have to start educating people,” Wait emphasized.

Spring Lake provides a critical habitat for endangered species, as they prefer the 72-degree clean water, correct pH levels and fast currents, all unique to the San Marcos River. These species include the Fountain Darter, San Marcos Salamander and Texas Wild Rice, said the deputy director.

Those at the Meadows Center and other organizations are constantly learning more about the river, according to Wait. Currently, there is a study going on about the Fountain Darter and a continuous Upper San Marcos Habitat Conservation Plan to manage the environment and conduct plan surveys, remove trash, plant new strands of native species and more.

“I think the best thing is to leave it better than we found it. So, picking up after yourself whenever you leave the river, packing out what you brought in … Just know that you are not the only one using the river. There are other people, but then, there’s also fish and wildlife that depend on that water,” concluded Wait, adding that community members should fight against housing developments and data centers that take away from the springs.

To learn more, visit www.meadowscenter.txst.edu.

TerraFirma Inc. relocated from Austin to a 40,000-square-foot facility at Tower Business Park, where the company hosted a grand opening for its new "Robot Ranch." The facility will serve as the company's headquarters and house research, design and testing operations for its construction robotics technology.

Founded in 2023 by Noah Schochet and Noah McGuinness, TerraFirma designs and manufactures robotics for construction applications, including excavation, site work and demolition. The company has said its long-term goal is to eventually adapt its technology for use on Mars.

The move to Buda follows the city's approval in March of an incentive package valued at $412,500 to attract the company. According to city documents, TerraFirma plans to hire hundreds of employees over the next several years.

"We are excited to officially welcome TerraFirma to their intergalactic headquarters, now located in Buda, Texas," said Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation. "Locating in Buda will create high-quality, long-term jobs in engineering, skilled equipment operations, robotics maintenance and construction management. This move further demonstrates that Buda offers a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced, high-paying technology jobs."

Storm said the relocation also strengthens Buda's emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics industry.

"As these companies expand, they bring high-quality employment opportunities and increased disposable income, strengthening and supporting local businesses," she added.

The new headquarters brings TerraFirma's operations under one roof, while providing dedicated outdoor space to test its robotic and AI-powered construction equipment. Company officials said the expanded facility will help meet growing demand and fulfill recently secured contracts.

TerraFirma's technology is designed to address challenges facing the construction industry, including labor shortages, rising costs and increasing infrastructure demand, by combining robotics, software and field operations to improve productivity.

Schochet said, in a news release provided by Buda EDC, that the city offers the right environment for the company's continued growth.

"The region's strong workforce, proximity to major metropolitan markets and growing tech and AI community create the right environment for us to scale both our technology and our mission,” he said.

McGuinness added that he credits the Buda EDC with helping the company establish its new headquarters.

"We are focused on building tools that remove bottlenecks in construction and ultimately, make the industry faster, safer and more cost-effective," McGuinness  said.

In the release, Mayor Lee Urbanovsky said the relocation aligns with the city's long-term economic development goals.

"This project brings hundreds of high-tech, in-demand jobs to our community and directly supports our strategic plan. It is exactly the type of innovation-focused, high-wage employer we aim to recruit to Buda, strengthening our reputation as a location for advanced industrial and robotics-focused businesses and helping attract complementary employers and investment over time,” Urbanovsky said. “This move reinforces Buda's position as an emerging hub for technology and innovation."

This follows interim city manager Perwez Moheet revealing the projected general fund deficit — driven by rising costs and lower-than-expected revenues — to council at another special meeting, held May 16, as previously reported by the Hays Free Press. It was during that workshop that council requested increased financial transparency and more frequent reporting regarding the city's fiscal condition, including regular updates on revenues, expenditures, fund balances and budget performance.

In response, staff brought forward a presentation July 16 to review the cost-containment measures that have been implemented by the interim city manager.

Originally, FY 2025-26 was expected to began with an adopted general fund balance of $19,244,259 and, based on the audited ending position from the prior fiscal year, the actual beginning fund balance was $14,977,707, stated assistant director of Finance Holly Holt-Torres. This is a reduction of approximately $4.3 million from what was assumed during budget adoption and immediately reduced the available resources entering the fiscal year.

Total general fund revenues are estimated at approximately $59.38 million, compared to the adopted $63.47 million; after included transfers in, that number equals approximately $74.51, which is about $4.1 million below expenditures.

Current year expenditures for FY 2025-26 are projected at $77.08 million, which is “essentially flat” with the adopted budget of $77.13 million, Holt-Torres said.

She emphasized that this is the current year estimate before significant cost containment efforts department-wide that included freezing non-essential spending, careful review of operating expenditures, delaying discretionary purchases where possible and strategically reducing unnecessary encumbrances through the purchase order review process.

“These actions helped prevent expenditures from increasing, despite ongoing operational pressures,” Holt-Torres said.

The estimated ending fund balance is projected at approximately $10.3 million, compared with the adopted estimated amount of $18.61 million. According to Holt-Torres, city policy requires maintaining a minimum unrestricted fund balance equal to 25% of annual operating expenditures. For the current year, that is approximately $19.8 million and, based on the current projection, the general fund is expected to finish the year approximately $9.5 million below the city's minimal policy requirement.

“When combined with the projected $4.68 million operating deficit, the general fund reflects a total gap requiring balancing of approximately $14.17 million,” the assistant director said. “This estimate underscores why staff implemented FY 2026 cost-containment initiatives and continues to closely monitor revenues and expenditures. These actions are intended to stabilize the general fund, while preserving essential city services and developing long-term structural solutions.”

Cost-containment measures included the elimination of six full-time equivalent “redundancy-based” positions, such as the following: chief communications officer, executive director of Strategic Development, chief development officer, assistant Finance director, deputy Parks and Recreation director and business and strategic planning manager. The elimination of these, according to Holt-Torres, results in $242,723 in savings for FY 2026.

Noting some concerns from the public, Mayor Yvonne Flores-Cale stated that it would be helpful to know the job descriptions and responsibilities of the different positions to avoid any confusion.

“...When I was serving previously, things like executive director of Strategic Development, chief development officer and business and strategic planning, they were the same as economic development,” Flores-Cale recalled. “So, when I had lunch with economic development this year, I didn't quite understand the different positions. I knew names, but I didn't really know positions.”

Council member Claudia Zapata asked for clarification on how staff determined which redundancy-based positions were eliminated.

Holt-Torres explained that they met with each department to ask questions about its organizational chart and structure to get a broad comprehensive understanding of what each job did, along with going through general ledger lines for reductions and where it was appropriate to reduce and find savings.

Then, Moheet stated that he, as the interim city manager, takes full responsibility, as it was ultimately his decision to select the redundant positions. He said that there were “three positions doing identically the same thing,” with the planning director, chief development officer and executive director of Strategic Development.

“We haven't skipped a beat since these folks have been let go. So, council, if council can point out what we have missed, I would be glad to reconsider these positions in the next budget,” he said. “But, in the current budget, these were clearly redundant. The titles did not go with what they were doing. The titles were created to set the salary.”

Moheet later added that the chief communications officer was a position created by the former city manager and, while the city of Kyle has always had a communications director, he also reclassified the assistant director to public information officer.

“That's all we need for a city this size … We don't need another assistant director. We don't need a chief communications officer,” he emphasized. “They're doing just fine. They're doing press releases. We haven't missed a beat. They're doing everything we've done before.”

As another cost-saving measure, the following positions have been placed on a temporary freeze, saving the city $846,782:

• Director of animal services

• Building inspector

• Code enforcement officer

• Procurement specialist

• Budget analyst

• Human Resources business partner

• Assistant director of library services

• Two part-time circulation assistants

• Parks aquatic maintenance technician

• Senior parks technician

• Emergency planner

• Two records specialists

• Engineering technician

• Engineering associate

• Two street technicians

• City manager

• Assistant Parks director

• Recreation coordinator

• Director of Transportation and Public Works

• Recreation divisional manager

Council member Lauralee Harris questioned why the director of Parks and Recreation was not also included on the list as, to her understanding, the city was having a temporary freeze on all positions.

However, Moheet responded that “those that are needed are not frozen,” to which Harris argued that she feels like the director of Transportation and Public Works is a more critical position than Parks and Recreation.

“We are examining the Public Works structure. Until that is completed, we will not have a decision whether to post that job as is or is going to be modified to some degree," Moheet said, adding that the city is also reorganizing the Parks and Recreation department, so a director is critical to go through that recruitment process.

Continuing her presentation, Holt-Torres said that two additional factors helped come to the total FY 2025-26 estimated savings of $5,195,972.

These include support cost containment, where departments completed an extensive line-by-line review of operating budgets, reduced discretionary spending, deferred non-essential purchases, etc.

City staff also conducted a comprehensive review of outstanding purchase orders across every department to see if reserved funds still represent actual future obligations, Holt-Torres said. It was found in many cases that projects concluded, purchases were completed and contracts had expired or operational priorities had changed, bringing those funds back into available resources.

“While cost containment alone is not a long-term financial strategy, these actions represent meaningful progress towards preserving fund balance, improving structural budget alignment and strengthening the city's financial position,” she noted.

Some members on the dais also spoke to clear up some misconceptions that have been circulating on social media and amongst the community.

Council member Melisa Medina shared that council discussed whoever it would bring on as interim city manager — even before Moheet was selected — would be in the position temporarily to help get through the budget and holiday season.

“... we're not freezing this position because you want to stay here. We know you want to go back to what you're doing because you, as well, love what you're doing in the Finance department,” Medina said.

It is not council’s responsibility to terminate employees and it’s also against the city of Kyle’s charter for members to be involved in those decisions beyond its responsibility, which is the hiring of the city attorney and city manager, council member Courtney Goza clarified.

“I want to make it abundantly clear that this process has been in accordance to the charter, that it is the city manager that has made those decisions in consortium with his executive team and that there has been no involvement from council on who to hire, who to lay off [or] force anybody out,” she emphasized.

The mayor also stated to city staff: “I do appreciate you guys bringing this. I do want to say on behalf of, for me, for sure, is you are not going to see this kind of transparency in any other city. I'm very proud of where we are at this very moment and if I only get one term to bring that and to lead a city through transparency, then I thank God every day that I had the ability to do it with the team that we have.”

To listen to the full discussion, visit bit.ly/4fJE9Ki.

A presentation of the FY 2027 budget is slated to be held Saturday, Aug. 1.

SAN MARCOS — On July 19, 2026, inmate Xavier Isiah Gutierrez escaped from the custody of the Hays County Jail by posing as another inmate with the same first name who was scheduled for release.

Gutierrez is 21 years old and is described as 6-feet tall, weighing approximately 240 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

At the time of his escape, Gutierrez was being held on a motion to adjudicate guilt related to a felony theft case from the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and on an evading arrest warrant issued by the Pearland Police Department.

Gutierrez is now wanted on a charge of Escape, a Third-Degree Felony, with a warrant issued by the Hays County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this escape, including how he was able to be released, while impersonating another inmate. 

HCSO is conducting a thorough review of the incident and remains 

committed to identifying any necessary improvements to its procedures and safeguards to help prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.

Community members with any information regarding this incident are asked to contact detective Mike Bishop at Michael.bishop@hayscountytx.gov or dispatch at 512-393-7896. Additionally, tips can be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-324-8477 or submitting information online at www.P3tips.com. 

PAWS has been operating in Kyle since 1986, serving as a no-kill shelter for Hays County, and opened its second campus in Dripping Springs in 2019.

The most recent news of the shelter closing the Kyle location also follows a similar announcement made last year, when PAWS took to social media to state that it would be temporarily shutting its doors Oct. 31, 2025, due to financial challenges. However, the community banded together at that time to raise more than $66,000 of the nonprofit’s $200,000 goal, as previously reported by the Hays Free Press, allowing the facility to stay open for a few additional months.

Now, according to shelter manager Kristen Weathers, the leadership team has made the decision to wind down day-to-day operations at the Kyle campus, for the same reason.

“It takes a lot to fund both campuses and the amount of monthly donations does not equal the amount of monthly costs,” Weathers said. “We kept it rolling as long as we could and we did as much fundraising and whatnot as we could, but we're just not covering it.”

With the staffing, medical expenses, keeping the surgery suite ready to go and ensuring that the animals have everything they need, it can cost approximately $100,000 to $110,000 per month to operate the campus, said the shelter manager.

To save the mission and remain a shelter for the community, PAWS is transitioning its full focus to the Dripping Springs location at this time. All of the cats have been transferred to the campus or to offsite locations and, as of July 20, there are 11 dogs still remaining in Kyle, but PAWS is slowly transferring them where they need to be, Weathers said.

“I think, overall, it will help us streamline a little bit. There are a lot of logistics bouncing between two shelters, whether getting foster animals dropped off, so they can make transport to come over for surgery and then, vice versa,” the shelter manager explained. “I think it will help us organize a bit more; hopefully, that'll help us be a bit more efficient.”

Weathers continued that she thinks the staff can still grow the adoptions program, as well as help with the feral cat community in offering spay and neuter.

Weathers shared that while they have “so many amazing donors on a recurring basis,” and knowing that it’s a big ask, PAWS would need to tap into some type of corporate sponsorship or individual donors who are capable of providing larger amounts for the Kyle campus to reopen again in the future.

“It’s not what we wanted to do. We tried. We did our best. We did a lot of work in Kyle, getting [the campus] cleaned up, revamped,” she concluded. “A lot of maintenance things were handled. A lot of infrastructure types of things. We really had the intent to keep everything going status quo, but it just didn't shake out that way.”

An effective date on when operations will close at PAWS’ Kyle campus is to be determined. The Dripping Springs campus is located at 2965 Farm to Market 165.

Those looking for more information on fostering, volunteering or donating to support the transition, can visit www.pawsshelter.org.

A letter, dated July 15, posted on the door of the Buda restaurant outlines a history of missed payments that led to the ultimate closure: “On April 7, 2026, the landlord delivered notice to tenant of tenant’s unpaid rent and other charges in the amount of $15,090.19. Tenant cured its April default, but has now become delinquent in rent for the month of July 2026.”

The total payment due, according to the letter, is $14,151.50, which includes $13,477.62 for July rent and $673.88 in late fees. Additionally, the letter demands $1,000 in attorney fees.

In a social media post Thursday, July 16, the business addressed the closure, stating, “We are saddened to come to the decision to close Mudbugs and, while we loved serving Buda and the other great towns around us, the times we are in have led us to this painful result.”

Additionally, the post addresses rumors of unpaid employees: “We are still working hard to get our staff caught up and paid what they are due.”

“Again, we are incredibly thankful for the support, friendships and memories we’ve shared with this amazing community. It has truly been our privilege to serve Buda,” the post concluded.

On Monday, July 20, former general manager Sara Kelley created a fundraiser for staff impacted by the sudden closure.

“While losing our jobs has been devastating on its own, many employees are also facing the reality of unpaid wages and bounced paychecks,” she said. “Some of our employees are single parents trying to provide for their children. Others are worried about paying rent or their mortgage, keeping the lights on, buying groceries, making car payments or covering other basic necessities. While many of us are pursuing unemployment benefits and other assistance, those resources often take weeks to arrive. Unfortunately, our bills can’t wait.”

Kelley clarified that the fundraiser, which is being organized by her and other former staff members, will directly benefit staff impacted by the closure.

“No funds from this fundraiser will be used for ownership or business expenses,” she stated.

Those wishing to donate can find the GoFundMe at gofund.me/a40bd091b.

Owner Jeff Parks did not respond to a request for comment.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 12, a victim reported a brazen robbery at gunpoint in broad daylight in the 3700 block of Dacy Lane in Kyle. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived.

During the investigation, the Kyle Police Department used automated license plate reader technology to quickly identify the getaway car and subsequently the suspects. With assistance from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Texas Department of Public Safety, both suspects were located and taken into custody. 

Kasen Priestly, 19, of Buda, was arrested July 15, and Timothy Boyd, 19, of Kyle, was arrested July 16. Both were charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.