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.