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Bastrop County commissioners last week hired a legislative consulting firm to push for greater control over large-scale commercial development, including the recent wave of data centers hitting Central Texas.
Commissioners approved a contract with Holland & Knight June 22 to provide legislative consulting services during the 90th Texas Legislature, set to convene Jan. 12. The firm will assist the county in developing a legislative priority related to regulations and the ability for counties to better manage commercial development.
Holland & Knight will help create a strategy to advance that legislation at the Texas Capitol.
“As Bastrop County continues to experience rapid growth, particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors, Commissioners Court has become increasingly concerned about the limited regulatory authority available to counties under Texas law,” said Lyndsey Schroeder, executive assistant to County Judge Gregory Klaus.
According to officials, Texas counties currently have little power over issues such as setbacks, water conservation, noise mitigation, landscaping and traffic improvements outside city limits.
“This issue is broader than any single type of development,” Schroeder said. “It stems from the county’s limited regulatory authority and how that limitation can affect a variety of issues.”
The firm will receive a monthly retainer of $8,000 for 12 months, totaling $96,000, funded through the Commissioners Court professional services budget.
An exemption from competitive procurement was granted at the request of Commissioner Clara Beckett.
Schroeder added public attention surrounding proposed data center projects in the area has sharpened residents’ focus on local control and long-term planning. The effort, however, extends beyond any single industry.
Officials said the goal is to find solutions in Austin that give counties the tools to manage growth while preserving economic opportunity and the interests of residents and taxpayers.
