.png)
AMBULANCE SITE APPROVED
Bastrop City Council approved earlier this month the $210,000 sale of about 1.2 acres at 1891 Jasper St. to Emergency Services District No. 4, which will use the land to expand ambulance service.
City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the city no longer needs the property for municipal purposes.
The ESD will use the site to enhance emergency medical response in Bastrop, officials said.
WASTEWATER EXPANSION
Council tabled a decision on whether to pursue a four million gallons per day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant permit or design a two MGD facility and expand later.
The proposed expansion would improve Plant No. 3, which now has a two MGD capacity, the maximum allowed under the city’s current permit. The plant’s original contract with Trane Technologies called for four MGD, according to city records.
Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said he wanted to avoid paying twice for design costs if the city expands quickly.
“This leads me to expect that if we were to expand we would be on the hook for another $1.1 million to design the second MGD plant,” Kirkland said. “Can we leave it at four MGD and get that permit [or] build a four and only use it as a two until the permit is approved? I’m looking for an efficient way to use the money.”
Carrillo-Trevino said she will research the options and report back after press time at the Aug. 26 meeting.
RODEO UPGRADES
Council directed staff to seek community input on whether to install a cover over Mayfest Park rodeo arena, which hosts Bastrop’s annual homecoming rodeo celebration.
The project was not included in the city’s 10year parks master plan, approved in 2023, so council would need to amend the plan before moving forward, according to officials.
Council members said the discussion should include broader upgrades beyond a shade structure.
“We’ve got to increase a lot of things, but there’s a lot of potential. I see this place as an economic driver,” Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer said, adding that the arena could help generate hotel occupancy tax revenue.
Carrillo-Trevino said additional design considerations, including engineering and drainage, would need to be addressed. She estimated a design cost of about $50,000.
A town hall is scheduled to discuss the matter at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 in City Hall, 1311 Chestnut St.
