Burnet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burnet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County homestead tax exemption request
A resident asked the court to consider offering a county homestead or over-65 exemption, which Burnet County currently does not provide.
Agate Road acceptance as CR 425A
More than half the Quail Creek landowners petitioned for the county to take over and eventually pave their 400-foot connector road; the court accepted it with a variance from the main-artery rule.
CR 337 and CR 340 low-water crossings
Engineering is done and the projects go out to bid, replacing crossings that washed out after FEMA only paid to restore them as-is; the county will later seek partial FEMA reimbursement.
Waste Management Transition
Burnet County is switching trash and recycling providers to Texas Disposal Systems starting November 2. You'll get brand new carts delivered and need to leave your old ones at the curb next week so the city can haul them away.
Water Infrastructure Construction
Bertram is making major progress on a $3.43 million water tower and a $2.3 million lift station visible along Highway 29. These upgrades are designed to give the city's growing water and sewer systems a massive boost.
Low-Water Crossing Engineering Work Order on CR 403
Commissioners will consider approving an engineering work order for hydraulics and design at a low-water crossing on CR 403 at Flat Rock Creek to improve safety during heavy rains.
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.
Tourism Promotion and Holiday Lighting Contracts
The county is distributing hotel/tax occupancy funds to local chambers of commerce for tourism promotion and approving a contract for holiday lighting.
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.
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.
Interlocal Agreements and Road Improvements
Quail Creek landowners petitioned to have their chip-sealed road taken into the county system and paved to county standard; the court said yes with a variance.
School Staffing Policy
Marble Falls' super is fighting a proposed state ban on H-1B visa teachers because the district desperately needs them to teach its huge bilingual student population. If this ban goes through, it's going to be a major scramble to find qualified educators for kids who need language support.
County Employee Health and Wellness Promotion
The county adopted a resolution to promote employee health with support from wellness coordinators and local fitness groups.
School District Accountability
Burnet Middle School just tanked its state rating with an 'F,' joining three other local elementary schools that are already struggling. The district is scrambling to roll out a major overhaul this November to fix the academic slide.
Wildfire Response
A 300-acre brush fire in Bertram scorched land and destroyed a barn, but luckily spared any houses. It's a loud wake-up call for everyone to pay attention to local burn bans and fire safety alerts.
Economic Development
The brand new Ophelia Hotel is getting national buzz and is projected to inject a massive $200 million into our local economy over the next ten years. This upscale addition is putting our town on the map and promises a serious financial wave for local businesses.
School Solar Energy Project
Marble Falls High slapped a huge solar array on its roof using bond money to slash utility bills. The cash saved on power will go straight back into funding classroom resources instead of utility companies.
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.
Emergency Mutual Aid
Horseshoe Bay firefighters are traveling across Central Texas to help rescue people from floods, showing how local emergency teams team up when disaster strikes. It's a great reminder of how mutual aid keeps our broader region safe during major weather events.
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.
Volunteer and Unpaid Intern Policy Implementation
The county established a formal HR policy for volunteers and interns, ensuring they receive proper county risk management coverage and system access.
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 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.
Police Misconduct Litigation
A mother is suing a former Burnet sergeant over her son's 2019 death, claiming excessive force was used. This case is a big deal because it could force the city to overhaul its police oversight and change how it handles liability for officer misconduct.
Floodgate Operations
LCRA just opened up the floodgates at Wirtz and Starcke dams, so you'll want to watch out for rising water and sudden flooding near the river. High water can catch you off guard, so stay alert if you live or hang out near the water.
Flood Watch
Heads up, Burnet County! A flood watch is in effect for the Highland Lakes area, meaning you need to keep a close eye on the weather and stay alert if you live near the water.