Burnet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burnet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.