Burnet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burnet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Reinstatement of County Burn Ban
Fire activity has slowed and rain is forecast, so the court debated lifting the ban now versus waiting. No action was taken; the judge can lift it unilaterally but only the court can reinstate it.
New county office building at 110 CR 250
To move the tax office out of the courthouse for renovation, the county is weighing a site-built office building over another portable — but took no action pending the facilities master plan.
Permitting System and Fee Updates
Horseshoe Bay is moving its permitting online to make things easier, but it's going to cost you more. Short-term rental permits are doubling to $1,200, and building fees are switching to a square-footage model.
Deer Management Program
Granite Shoals is adding deer trapping to its wildlife control program in tight spots where bow hunting won't work. The police department is running the show, and all the captured meat gets processed and donated to charity.
Golf Course Fee Increases
Going for a round at the city-owned Delaware Springs golf course is about to cost a buck or two more starting October 1st. The Burnet City Council just approved small bumps to twilight and private cart fees to squeeze a bit more revenue out of the links.
Utility Rates
Burnet just approved a yearly 3% rate hike on your water, sewer, and electric bills starting this October and lasting until 2031 to pay for fixing up local infrastructure. Expect your monthly utility bills to slowly creep up every year for the next several years.
Air Quality Permit
Huber Carbonates' Marble Falls quarry is moving closer to getting a state air quality permit that allows for increased dust production. Local leaders are pushing back over health concerns, and residents have until September 21 to demand a hearing.
Comprehensive Plan Update
Horseshoe Bay is hosting its first town hall in ten years to map out the city's growth through 2047. It's your chance to tell local leaders how you want your neighborhood and tax dollars managed over the next few decades.
Teacher Hiring Policy
Marble Falls ISD is pushing back hard against a state proposal to ban H-1B visa teachers, warning it will only worsen the local teacher shortage. This clash highlights the heavy reliance on international educators to keep classrooms staffed and support diverse student populations in our area.
Boat Launch Ordinance
Granite Shoals just tightened the rules on its boat ramps, capping households at two free annual passes and locking every permit to a specific vehicle. If you're a local who likes to hit the water often, you'll need to make sure your paperwork matches your ride to avoid hassles.
Comprehensive Planning
Granite Shoals is hosting a town hall this Wednesday to gather public input on future city growth and development. If you want a say in how your neighborhood handles infrastructure and expansion, this is your chance to speak up.
Surveillance Cameras
Burnet County just pulled down its Flock license plate reader cameras, completely shaking up how local police handle surveillance. If you live around here, your daily commute is no longer being tracked by these automated lens systems.
Lake Reopening
Lake Marble Falls is back open for swimming and boating after crews spent a week clearing out flood debris. You can finally head back out to the water safely.
Law Enforcement Operations
Rumors about an ICE raid sparked panic and protests in Marble Falls after a routine police search for suspects got misunderstood. City officials are scrambling to set the record straight and calm the community down.
Flood Recovery and Recognition
Burnet residents are picking up the pieces after recent floods wiped out homes, sparking a push for better city infrastructure and smarter flood policies. It’s a wake-up call that our current defenses aren't cutting it and need a serious upgrade to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Code Enforcement
Burnet County flood victims are getting hit with code violation fines while they're still trying to rebuild their homes. It’s a frustrating clash between city bureaucracy and people just trying to get back on their feet after a disaster.
Oncor Transmission Line Project (PUC Docket 59475)
Burnet County is fighting a new power line project that threatens to clutter our local views and potentially drag down property values. It’s a major standoff that could set a precedent for how utility companies build in our neighborhoods.
Redistricting
Burnet County just got moved into U.S. District 11, meaning you've got a new representative in Congress. It’s time to get familiar with who’s actually fighting for our local needs in D.C. now.
Infrastructure Opposition
Burnet County and city officials are pushing back against a state-planned power line project that threatens to cut through local land. It’s a classic battle over who gets to decide how our community looks and grows.
Infrastructure Damage
A historic bridge in Burnet County was wiped out by recent floods, leaving locals facing major detours. It’s going to be a long, pricey road to get things back to normal.
Event Cancellation
The Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet was shut down mid-event due to incoming severe weather. If you had plans to go, stay home and keep an eye on your local weather alerts.
Animal Control Policy
Granite Shoals officials got caught on tape talking about putting down feral cats, and locals are understandably freaking out over the town's animal control rules. It's a classic case of local government policy sparking a massive community uproar.
Public Notice
Public notices are basically the city's way of giving you a heads-up on upcoming projects or legal changes. Checking these keeps you from being blindsided by new local rules or development plans.
Second Amendment sanctuary resolution
Burnet County just declared itself a 'Second Amendment sanctuary' to push back against potential federal gun laws. It’s mostly a symbolic move, but it sends a clear message about where local officials stand on your right to bear arms.
Municipal Incorporation
A legal battle to block a new city from forming in Burnet County just hit a dead end, giving the green light for the municipality to officially move forward. This clears the way for local residents to start setting up their own city government and services.