As the deadline for election filing for the November 2017 election draws near, current Buda Mayor Todd Ruge sends a heartfelt farewell letter to Buda residents as he bows out of the spotlight after deciding not to seek re-election. Ruge gave an exclusive press release to the Hays Free Press on Frida...

Non-profit organizations in the community got the news Tuesday that the Buda City Council would award $25,500 in grants from the general fund. The agenda originally called for distribution of $20,500. The presentation was made July 18 at a special budget workshop. Various local non-profit organizati...

Controversy surrounding a bill that could limit governmental entities’ ability to raise property tax rates will continue as the Texas legislative special session begins this month. Much of the consternation stems from Senate Bill (SB) 2, authored by State Sen. Paul Betancourt (R-Houston). The bill, ...

Potential safety issues led Buda city leaders to table a request to allow on-street parking for an incoming business in the downtown sector. The request, made by Dickson Productions, an entertainment marketing group that’s worked with acts such as “Asleep at the Wheel,” called for eight additional p...

After several attempts in past legislative sessions, Texas lawmakers in May were able to pass a bill outlawing use of electronic devices while driving statewide. House Bill 62, authored by State Rep. Tom Craddick (R-Midland) and sponsored by State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), was signed into la...

A recently signed bill allowing municipalities to use hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds for sports facility improvements could have an impact in Buda in the future. SB 1136, authored by Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen), was signed into law effective immediately on May 29 due to a soccer field that needed new...

A bill signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last week could pave an easier path for the future water needs of municipalities in the region. Senate Bill (SB) 1198, which relates to the conversion of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency (HCPUA) to the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA), was signe...

No action was taken Tuesday on a proposed amendment to Buda’s city charter that could potentially designate single member districts in the city. Council member Wiley Hopkins, who requested the agenda item, said he did so to gather city leaders’ thoughts on the matter. “I requested this item so the c...

Managing what’s been called the fastest growing city in Texas was the message from Buda Mayor Todd Ruge in his state of the city address June 14. While the city continues to grow in population, with the increase comes the prospect of providing necessary infrastructure and services to meet the demand...

Positive reactions to operations and maintenance (O&M) cost estimates for improvements under Proposition 5 of the city’s 2014 bond emerged from the Buda City Council dais June 13. The projected cost for the O&M for improvements to City Park, as well as the proposed Green Meadows Splash pad and the G...