Recent cases concentrated in south Elgin neighborhoods

The Elgin Police Department is warning residents to protect their homes after a rise in residential burglaries on the city’s south side since August.

Burglaries have been reported in the area of South Main Street, Church Street and South Avenue D, according to a community safety alert issued Sept. 15. Officials said investigators are considering whether some of the cases are connected because of their proximity, though no arrests have been made and no suspects identified.

“Suspects may be paying attention to residents’ routines, including when homeowners are away or leaving town,” Public Information Officer Marcial Guajardo said.

Police have identified several methods of entry, including broken windows and unlocked doors and windows, but have not pinpointed a particular time of day when the crimes are occurring.

Items reported stolen include jewelry, electronics and firearms.

The department confirmed the increase involves residential burglaries, and there is no pattern of businesses being targeted.

Police are encouraging residents to lock doors and windows and have someone trusted check on their home while traveling. Cameras, alarms and motion lighting can also help deter burglaries and provide evidence to investigators.

“Report suspicious activity promptly and avoid publicly sharing travel plans,” Guajardo said.

Anyone with information can contact the department or submit an anonymous tip to Detective Starr LaSalde at starr. lasalde@elgintexas.gov.

Juanito Guzman Cruz, 27, and Leslie Adriana Quintanilla, 25, were charged with theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Courier. Members of the BCSO Auto Theft Division, Organized Crime Unit and Patrol Division executed the search warrant about 8:40 a.m. Sept. 16 in the 700 block of Walter Hoffman Road.

Reports said the investigation began following a call for help from the Kent County Sheriff ’s Office in Michigan. The office sought assistance locating a mini excavator rented with a stolen credit acard and fake identification that had been tracked to the Cedar Creek area.

Deputies found the excavator being disassembled on the property, along with a 2022 GMC Denali 2500 reported stolen by the Houston Police Department.

Suspects had used fake registration documents, VIN plates and license plates on the truck for more than a year, according to deputies.

A search of a motorhome on the property also yielded more than 22 pounds of marijuana, 28 pounds of THC liquid, 4 pounds of THC gummies and 4,236 THC vapes, officials said. The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be filed.

Manuel Salgado, 22, met his ex-girlfriend Mariana Palacios at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop Sept. 13 and fatally shot her at close range before turning the gun on himself, according to Bastrop police. Salgado was transported to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Austin police also responded Sept. 15 to a welfare check at 744 W. William Cannon Drive and found Desiree Guana, 27, dead from apparent gunshot wounds, officials said.

Investigators determined Guana had been living with Salgado and that he was romantically involved with both women. A preliminary investigation indicates he was responsible for both deaths, according to police.

The cases remain under investigation.

BASTROP — Bastrop County’s proposed jail expansion is taking shape as architects last week presented designs for the roughly $45 million renovation.

DRG Architects updated commissioners Sept. 14 on the project, currently wrapping up the first of three design phases. Officials said construction costs are estimated at about $40 million, with $28 million going toward a new inmate housing addition and another $5 million covering professional fees, equipment and other expenses.

“We’re going to keep going through here, try to identify cost-saving areas,” DRG architect Perry Rabke said. “We know that we’re not going to be able to go over that amount.”

The expansion would add 304 general inmate housing beds, 20 separation cells and eight two-person mental health cells, along with improvements to booking areas and medical facilities.

Officials have previously noted additional beds could allow the county to generate revenue by housing inmates from other jurisdictions, rather than paying neighboring counties to house its own.

“When I first became county judge three years ago, we were making over $1 million housing federal prisoners,” County Judge Gregory Klaus said. “We’re wanting to add on to the jail so we can possibly get some more money coming into the county.”

Plans also include a partial basement estimated at nearly $6 million, which could house training rooms, security electronics and a future gun range.

Commissioners questioned whether the basement justified its cost, particularly while plans for some of its uses remain pre- liminary.

“That may be the least important part of this whole endeavor right now, it’s kind of the wishlist area,” Rabke said. “Obviously, we want to do what we need to do for the jail part first and the needs of the jail.”

Another presentation is expected before the project goes out for bids. Plans and costs could change as design work continues, according to officials.

Investigators Monday remained tightlipped about the case, but did say it is an isolated incident and added there is “no threat” to the public.

According to a social-media post, officers rushed to 1200 Willow St. at 5:20 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, after receiving reports of two people suffering from gunshot wounds.

When police arrived, “One adult female with fatal injuries was located and one adult male with life-threatening injuries was on the scene.”

The man was taken by emergency medical services to an area hospital. His condition was not revealed by the authorities.

Identities will be released after relatives are notified, officers added.

Fisherman’s Park, located in a bend of the Colorado River, is a popular recreational destination spot.

The green-tinted bench was unveiled Sept. 10 during a ceremony featuring remarks from Mayor Theresa McShan, Public Works Director Michael Gonzales and retired pastor Sheldon Johnson. Morrow was an Elgin native born in 1964 and joined the city in 2019 following a career at the Texas State Capitol.

“I remember in his interview so long ago, John mentioned that he wasn’t ready to retire,” Gonzales said. “At his time with the city, John helped with just about anything and was happy to jump in.”

Morrow started in the parks division before switching to streets in 2023, while also assisting with special events and other city operations.

Those who knew him said they remember Morrow for his friendly personality and willingness to strike up a conversation.

The bench’s inscription reads: “A cherished friend to all, whose kindness and warmth will never be forgotten.”

Three multifamily housing developments under construction in Elgin are expected to bring more than 600 apartment units to the city, including one nearing its final stages.

Building Official Michael Hinds briefed city leaders earlier this month on the progress of Cedar Grove, The Katy and CMC Southside Apartments. Cedar Grove, a 231-unit development at 1600 Avenue C, is the furthest along, with completion projected in early 2027.

“They’re moving pretty quickly, so we should see some big progress,” Hinds said.

Cedar Grove encountered a delay tied to the Texas Department of Transportation and work at the development’s entrance, pushing back its timeline.

The project’s clubhouse recently received permanent power, moving it closer to final inspections.

“We’re looking at finals probably here in the next couple weeks,” Hinds said.

Cedar Grove is in the process of pursuing phased occupancy, which would allow residents to move into completed portions while other sections remain under construction.

The city is requiring all amenities to receive certificates of occupancy before any residential buildings can be occupied.

“All the funds still have to be there before anybody can live there,” Hinds said. “Right now, they are sitting at the final stages of their project.”

The Katy, a 150-unit development at 601 W. Second St., remains in the in-ground phase after completing a re-permitting process to allow phased occupancy.

“We have a current time of completion set for April 30,” Hinds said. “That’s based off the builder’s opinion.”

CMC Southside Apartments, the largest of the three at 308 garden-style units, is being built on 11 acres at 230 Roy Rivers Road in the Elgin Business Park.

According to officials, the development also remains in the in-ground phase, though some steel structures have been erected. Planned amenities include a dog park, clubhouse, pool and remote work spaces.

“Based on my professional opinion, I think we’re looking at 12 to 24 months, but we’ll have to wait and see,” Hinds said.

“Folks in east Will iamson County, Bastrop County and Manor will be seeing a lot of Candice in the weeks ahead. We’re really happy to bring her onboard and we know she’ll deliver when it comes to covering sports and outdoors,” said Emily Treadway, area editor.

Parent company Granite Media Partners Inc. is a 50-year-old news and marketing firm that owns 12 Texas papers including the Press, Courier and Journal.

Gilmore, who started Sept. 9, said she is excited about chronicling local athletics and sporting events.

During the last few weeks, Gilmore has covered stories for the Press as a freelance sports correspondent, so some Central Texas coaches are already familiar with her.

“Sports have been a big part of my life since talk, so I decided to turn the love into writing,” said Gilmore, an El Paso native and recent Texas State University graduate. “I’ve become a major Liverpool Football Club fan and occasionally I will root for the Patriots. In my career so far, I have covered soccer and basketball at the high school and collegiate level, but I am excited to become more involved in the football and volleyball community in the area.”

Outgoing Sports Editor Carter Bordwell will now transition into a new role as the digital editor of the Central Texas Group.

Bordwell, who got his feet wet in the world of sports, said he is ready for a new challenge covering breaking news and crime reporting.

“While sports will always hold a special place in my heart, I am excited to become a more well-rounded reporter as I continue to learn and gain valuable experience,” Bordwell said. “I enjoy covering this area and am happy to do that in a different way.”

To send sports items or tips to Gilmore, email candice.gilmore@granitemediapartners. com or

call 512-352-8535.

The Elgin Police Department has paused the city’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras while officials consider whether to resume or cancel the program.

Police Chief Chris Noble announced the decision in a Sept. 2 letter to Mayor Theresa McShan and Acting City Manager Beau Perry, citing growing controversy over how Flock data is used, stored and shared. He said the pause will remain in effect until he receives further direction from elected officials.

“The decision to pause the cameras was my decision, solely,” Noble said.

Elgin’s system includes 25 cameras and a mobile trailer equipped with four of its own.

According to the chief, the cameras have played a significant role in investigations ranging from violent offenses to property crimes.

“Regrettably, there will be a direct impact on our ability to investigate crimes,” Noble said.

The overall program costs roughly $102,000 annually, according to officials. Thirteen cameras are funded through the city’s general fund at a cost

“There will be a direct impact on our ability to investigate crimes.”

— Police Chief Chris Noble of about $39,000 per year, while 12 cameras and the trailer are supported by a Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant totaling around $63,000.

Noble said he learned Sept. 2 that Gov. Greg Abbott had ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras, which he said will directly affect the grant-funded portion of Elgin’s system.

“I believe this is a good time to follow the governor’s lead and pause our use of Flock Safety until our elected officials determine if resumption or cancellation is in the best interests of the Elgin community,” Noble said in the letter.

The chief noted controversy has grown nationally following incidents in which law enforcement officers misused the cameras for personal reasons.

A Lufkin police officer has been charged with 100 felony counts of alleged misuse of Flock information, and other criminal investigations involving misuse are underway, according to Capital Highlights by Gary Borders.

Noble said he has not received concerns tied to a specific incident in Elgin, but the issue has become significant enough that community input is warranted.

“It must be the community’s decision on what to do next,” he said.

The department also plans to discuss the pause and possible cancellation with Flock Safety.

“It must be the community’s decision on what to do next.”

— Police Chief Chris Noble

The crash occurred about 2:58 p.m. Aug. 29 at westbound U.S. 290 and Old Kimbro Road. The sedan was turning northbound onto Old Kimbro Road from the highway when the 18-wheeler struck the passenger side, according to the Manor Police Department.

“Tragically, two adult occupants of the sedan, a male and female, were pronounced deceased on scene,” MPD said in a statement.

A child in the sedan was airlifted by Serious Trauma Air Response Flight to an area hospital with significant injuries, according to reports.

The 18-wheeler driver was not injured.

The identities of those involved were not released.

The crash occurred along a stretch of U.S. 290 included in a planned $8.7 million Texas Department of Transportation improvement project extending from Gregg Manor Road to Cedar Street. The project includes turn-lane, traffic- signal and roadway improvements at several intersections, with construction expected to begin in late 2026 and be completed in late 2027.

City Council made the call following an hourlong discussion in executive session on personnel matters involving Eads. As of press time Friday, Sept. 4, officials declined to provide further comment on the decision.

Eads was not available for comment.

Development Services Director Beau Perry will continue serving as acting city manager with full administrative authority, according to the city.

The city first announced Aug. 31 that Eads was on a temporary leave of absence but did not provide a reason. Officials said at the time that all city departments, emergency services and public programs would continue operating as normal.

Eads was sworn in as Elgin city manager in December after serving as interim city manager for several months.

Before coming to Elgin, Eads served as city manager in Laredo. According to reporting from KGNS News, Eads resigned in January 2022, with then-Mayor Pete Saenz saying he left for personal reasons.

The budget is built around a proposed rate of 68 cents per $100 valuation, up from nearly 62 cents last year. The increase would cost a homeowner with a $100,000 house about $66 more in taxes this year.

Budget documents show the proposed rate would generate about $8.5 million in property taxes, up from roughly $7 million last year. Almost $300,000 of that increase would come from new property added to the tax rolls.

The average homestead tax bill is projected to rise from $1,657 to $2,001, based on a projected 4% increase in taxable value, according to officials.

The proposed rate includes about 57 cents for maintenance and operations, with the remaining cents for the city’s interest and sinking fund, which covers debt payments.

Officials said much of the additional revenue from the higher tax rate would go toward recurring personnel costs, including new employee positions and a compensation study, although council members have not finalized how the money will be divided.

“Those are recurring costs that you can then budget on, and you would expect to be able to pay for (in the future),” Acting City Manager Beau Perry said.

Perry said the city projects a positive general fund balance and that some previously set-aside money remains available, though he cautioned it cannot be treated as a recurring revenue source.

About $400,000 from a prior bond-related fund could also be used for certain parks or police expenses.

“You do have an amount of money that if you did decide to do one-time capital, buying, equipment or funding the reserve that you have that ability to,” he said.

Perry noted the council can still lower the rate before final adoption, but they are under a time restraint.

The Sept. 1 votes do not finalize either the budget or tax rate.

The council is scheduled to hold another public hearing Sept. 15 before voting on the final tax rate.

The TEA released its ratings Aug. 14, evaluating 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses statewide. Elgin High School continued an upward trend, earning a C with a score of 75, up from 72 last year, alongside Elgin Elementary School, which climbed from an F (56) to a D (69).

Interim Superintendent Stormy Hickman attributed part of the high school’s improvement to growth in college, career and military readiness programming.

“EHS has done great work to improve its accountability rating,” Hickman said. “I cannot say enough about the work the EES campus put in to improve their scores this year. They look at student learning data constantly and then act upon that data to ensure all students are making progress.” Hickman also noted the high school’s shift to universal free meals last year changed its comparison group, which negatively affected its overall score.

Several campuses remain in low-rating territory.

Elgin Intermediate School and Neidig Elementary School each received F ratings, with Neidig plummeting from a C last year. Booker T. Washington, Harvest Ridge and Trinity Ranch elementary schools each received D ratings.

Despite the ratings, Hickman pointed to growth at several campuses. Since 2023-24, Booker T. Washington has gained 19 points, Elgin Elementary 12 points and Elgin Intermediate seven points.

“These campuses represent bright spots in this year’s accountability data,” she said. “This year, Elgin ISD is implementing targeted strategies to support students, teachers and improve TEA accountability results.”

District officials said overall pass rates and mathematics performances are areas to improve upon as the district starts the new school year.

“In order to see improvements in our overall scores, we need our overall pass rates to improve on all exams,” Hickman said. “Our math scores lag behind our reading scores.”

The district is implementing Professional Learning Communities, instructional coaching, frequent assessments and research-based professional development to address those gaps, according to officials.

Incoming Superintendent Christopher Bailey is expected to focus on accountability when he takes the helm.

“Bailey is coming in with an intense focus on improving TEA accountability,” Hickman said. “We look forward to celebrating more great gains at this time next year.”

Bastrop/Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1 has become the first fire department in Bastrop County licensed as an Advanced Life Support provider, allowing firefighters to deliver more advanced medical care before an ambulance arrives.

The designation, issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, follows years of preparation including advanced medical training, equipment upgrades, medical director review and a state inspection. Six firefighters have completed the training to operate under the advanced protocols, according to Assistant Chief Mark Wobus.

“They have the ability to perform a few more lifesaving skills,” Wobus said. “Instead of the fire truck arriving and us doing limited medical interventions we can actually start those advanced medical interventions — we don’t have to wait for the ambulance or the helicopter to get there.” The department’s expanded capabilities include administering additional medications and starting IVs during medical and trauma calls. For trauma patients, including those injured in car crashes, firefighters can now begin IVs and provide fluids immediately.

The department’s medical protocols fall under the Travis County Division of Clinical Practices and Education, which has provided ongoing training and support, according to officials.

Wobus said the change is significant because it gives patients earlier access to advanced medical care during all types of emergencies.

ESD No. 1 officials said it plans to work alongside Bastrop County ESD No. 3 and Austin-Travis County EMS during medical emergencies.

City Council approved a construction agreement last month for improvements to Elgin’s water treatment plant, a roughly $5.3 million project aimed at expanding capacity and improving reliability.

The project will be funded through city water impact fees and about $1.9 million from the Texas General Land Office’s Hurricane Harvey mitigation assistance program, according to officials. Under GLO requirements, Elgin must spend local funds first before drawing on the grant.

About $4 million in water impact fee revenue is available for the city’s share.

“If you’ve been out there, you’ll see that we’re in need of an expansion or an improvement of that facility,” Public Works Director Michael Gonzalez said. “This improvement that we’re talking about is not only for capacity … it’s also about reliability.”

Planned improvements include expanding the plant’s charcoal filters, upgrading valve systems and replacing filter media previously identified as a future need. About half the plant currently operates with manual valves, with the other half using pneumatic valves.

Officials said the upgrades will strengthen the city’s drinking water infrastructure and make the plant more resilient during disasters.

“We’re using this opportunity with the grant funds to get some of those items that we were going to put on there,” Gonzalez said. “We didn’t want to burden any other rate payers with that item.”

Development Services Director Beau Perry said the city had previously committed approximately $5.3 million toward the project based on earlier construction totals. However, because bids came in lower than expected, the city can seek GLO approval to use additional grant funds for further improvements rather than committing local funds upfront.

Grant Works senior project manager Allison Land said GLO funding is considered a last resort, with local funds required to be spent first.

The city’s approach allows officials to meet the grant requirements without overcommitting local funds before receiving GLO approval for additional work, according to Perry.

BASTROP — Commissioners approved a 2026-27 budget Aug. 24 with a property tax rate that will generate an estimated $6.2 million more in revenue compared to last year.

Bastrop County’s overall property tax rate rose from 42 cents to 45 cents per $100 valuation, alongside a two-cent debt service rate bump up to 6 cents. Combined, the increases mean a homeowner with a $290,000 house will pay about $77 more in county taxes this year, according to officials.

Of the additional $6.24 million, $2 million will come from new property added to the tax roll.

County Tax Collector Ellen Owens told commissioners the rates were set to fund the budget they approved.

Commissioner Clara Beckett noted the county’s current tax rate remains lower than what it was in 2011, when the rate was 61 cents.

“The legislature makes statements that we’re raising the tax rate, but every single year it’s going down,” Beckett said.

The county’s maintenance and operations rate was set at 31 cents per $100 valuation. Officials said that portion of the tax rate will cover the county’s operations costs.

The road and bridge rate was set at nearly 8 cents.

Beckett said the county’s reliance on property taxes is part of a broader issue with how local governments in Texas pay for essential services.

“Until the state decides we’re not a property tax dependent state to finance things like schools, roads, police, fire and everything else, we’re going to keep paying property taxes,” she said. “It’s a fact unless the legislature changes the way we finance things.”

Commissioners also voted to formally ratify the tax increase, as required when a county adopts a budget that raises more property tax revenue than the prior year.

The mother-daughter team of Monica Nava and Deja Cooper opened the café in 2019 and celebrated seven years of business in July. They have watched the shop become a gathering place, sharing milestones, weddings and graduations with its customers, as well as hard seasons.

We’ve watched Elgin change, made it through COVID-19, built friendships with customers who have truly become family,” Cooper said.

The cafe’s role in the community became apparent during the 2021 winter storm. Residents reached out looking for shelter, supplies and electricity, and Nava and Cooper helped organize relief for those in need.

Cooper said the response during and after the storm reinforced what their coffee shop had become.

“It came together and turned into something bigger than you have ever imagined,” she said. “When you have a community like ours, doing things like showing up is easy.”

The idea for Chemn Café was born with Nava about 10 years ago, after an injury left her homebound for three months. She said she had already developed an appreciation for downtown Elgin and began considering the possibility of opening a coffee shop.

Nava spent three years preparing to launch the cafe. She developed a business plan, sourced equipment and took classes, simultaneously working for an Austin area coffee roaster and shop.

Cooper helped her mother along the way by finding the espresso machine that became part of the business and eventually joined her as parter. That relationship, she said, has only strengthened their bond.

“My mom is my friend,” Cooper said. “She’s more than just a mom to me.”

Looking ahead, Cooper said she hopes the business continues serving as a hub for resources in Elgin, alongside good coffee. She wants the cafe to help residents connect with local opportunities, including career and technical education programs.

After seven years, both Cooper and Nava say Chemn Cafe’s future remains tied to the community that helped it grow in the first place.

CEDAR CREEK — Developers behind a proposed data center and natural gas power facility in Bastrop County have withdrawn their requests for county tax abatements, leaving the project’s future uncertain.

Bastrop County announced Aug. 20 it received notice the previous day that applicants had pulled two tax abatement applications submitted in June. The requests would have helped cover a proposed data center shell, colocation campus and an associated natural gas-fired power generation facility along Earl Callahan Road in Cedar Creek, officials said.

Black Chamber Partners has been identified as connected to the proposed data center campus, while Pacifico Energy is behind the natural gas site, according to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality records and reporting by the Austin Business Journal.

No associated tax breaks had been approved by Bastrop County commissioners, and the applications were still under review when they were withdrawn.

County officials said the 2,800-acre development has not been canceled, and separate development and permitting applications will continue through the county’s review process.

The withdrawal comes as multiple data center projects are being proposed in the Cedar Creek area, including campuses planned by EdgeConneX.

EDC Director Kaley Frye told City Council last week the corporation acquired 412 and 416 Depot St., bringing its holdings to about 8.5 acres. The properties were approved for acquisition in May following years of feedback from council, the EDC board and community members.

“We want to keep Elgin Elgin,” Frye said. “We want to preserve our downtown and protect what we have.”

A third property consisting of three parcels is under contract and could close soon, according to Frye, adding more land to the EDC’s downtown holdings. She said controlling the land helps the EDC better guide future development.

“If we want to have a meaningful voice in what happens in our downtown … then sometimes we have to have a seat at the table,” she said.

The EDC and city are preparing to formalize a partnership agreement to launch the next phase of planning, according to officials.

“We will gather community input, explore possibilities, and create a vision that supports a vibrant downtown,” Frye said.

The agreement is scheduled to go before the EDC board Sept. 9 and City Council Sept. 15.

Additional details are expected to be presented to council next month.

Abbott announced Aug. 11 EdgeConneX would follow guidelines intended to protect the Texas power grid, conserve water and limit impacts on neighboring communities. The announcement directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to review data center projects before they can move forward, including scrutiny of taxpayer-funded incentives, grants and abatements tied to each project.

“(Data centers) must not pass costs on to Texas families or interfere with their quality of life,” Abbott said in a statement.

The announcement drew a cautious response from the League of Independent Voters, a grassroots nonpartisan group, saying the commitment has not slowed visible activity in Bastrop County.

“It appears that Edge-ConneX, after they got on board with the governor, is in full swing on additional data centers in western Bastrop County,” co-founder Linda Curtis said. “If there is a pause, it doesn’t appear to apply to them.”

Curtis said the group wants EdgeConneX to publicly disclose more information about its projects, particularly surrounding safety and electrical demand concerns.

“EdgeConneX needs to come forward with a fully transparent accounting of the fire dangers, and what they’re doing about it in open court,” Curtis said.

EdgeConneX has three separate campus projects at different stages of development near Wolf Lane and FM 535 in Cedar Creek.

Campus 1 is currently under construction and carries a 10-year, 75% property tax abatement approved by the county in December 2024. campuses 2 and 3 remain in early development, and no abatement applications have been received for either, county officials said.

According to the governor’s office, officials will also review taxpayer- funded incentives, grants, abatements and other public financial assistance tied to data center projects.

“The PUCT and ERCOT cannot make decisions to guarantee grid stability and reliability based on substantially incomplete information,” Abbott said.

Abbott noted companies that fail to comply with the ERCOT audit process could have their projects denied.

Longtime journalist and Elgin resident Marcial Guajardo will oversee the city’s public communications, media relations and emergency communications. The hire comes as Elgin continues to grow and face increasingly complex issues requiring clear communication with residents, according to officials.

“I see my role here as basically just producing clarity for residents,” Guajardo said.

According to Guajardo, his initial focus will be learning the city’s operations and determining how to best provide residents with the information they need.

Guajardo will work directly under City Manager Robert Eads alongside Media Specialist Sonia Browder. Stacey Osborne, who has handled PIO duties since March 2025, will remain at her post through Aug. 28 to assist with the transition.

He brings more than two decades of communications and journalism experience to the position, including time with Elgin Independent School District and most recently the city of Round Rock.

Eads added Guajardo’s local knowledge will be an asset for the town.

“We are excited to have Marcial’s extensive experience, local knowledge, military service and commitment to public service supporting our organization and community,” Eads said in a statement.

According to Guajardo, being an Elgin resident gives him firsthand understanding of what information matters most to the community, from road projects to service disruptions. He plans to spend his first 90 days learning the city’s structure, staff and needs before creating a broader plan.

Guajardo said emergency communication will be an early priority, and the city will work with the Elgin Police Department to provide residents with as much information as possible.

“Coming from a news background … I lean towards transparency naturally, so it’s a nice fit,” he said. “There’s a lot of good already here in place, but I do have ideas in mind — but right now, it’s still a little too early.”

For Guajardo, success in the new position ultimately means keeping residents informed.

“I live here and I know the people here,” Guajardo said. “We want to try to be as open as possible about situations that arise.”

Trustees named Christopher Bailey sole finalist during a special-called meeting Aug. 8, following a monthslong search led by the Texas Association of School Boards that drew more than 40 applicants. Under state law, trustees must wait 21 days before voting to formally hire him, with a contract vote expected in September.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Bailey to Elgin ISD,” Board President Byron Mitchell said in a statement. “We believe he brings a wealth of experience to the position and is a great fit for our community.”

Bailey currently serves as superintendent of Goldthwaite Consolidated Independent School District and has more than 20 years of experience as an educator. He previously served as executive director for student supports and campus principal in Abilene and spent 15 years with Katy Independent School District.

Bailey said his immediate priority during the waiting period will be getting acquainted with the district. He identified student performance and accountability as an interest and early area of focus.

“I plan to do a lot of meeting folk and just try to get the lay of the land and understand what the conditions are in the district,” he said. “I know that there are some challenges within the district around student learning, specifically around accountability, and I want to be part of that solution for kids.”

During his time in Katy, enrollment grew from about 43,000 to 96,000 students. Bailey said that experience gives him an edge with working in a fast growing district like Elgin.

Demographic projections show Elgin ISD enrollment could nearly double over the next decade.

“I’m familiar with fast growth areas,” Bailey said. “It sounds like a great opportunity to really design the future for Elgin ISD and the families and community at large.”

Bailey’s selection follows the retirement of Superintendent Jana Rueter, who stepped down in June after 34 years in public education, including four as Elgin ISD’s leader. Rueter will serve as superintendent emeritus through Dec. 31.

Stormy Hickman was selected as interim superintendent to lead the district during the transition and the search for a permanent replacement.

Bastrop County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages, including mixed drinks, after commissioners ordered local-option elections June 27.

Rather than holding one countywide vote, four separate elections will be conducted for each of the area’s four justice of the peace precincts. Officials said the elections look to resolve conflicting alcohol regulations created by recent precinct boundary changes, which left some with both “wet” and “dry” areas.

“This is the final step,” Director of Tourism and Economic Development Adena Lewis said. “Because you’re having a general election, we can take this item on, call an election for a yes or no vote to increase the territory where mixed beverage licenses can be obtained.”

County records state changing precinct boundaries does not automatically change an area’s alcohol status. Previous designations remain in place and create mixed-regulation precincts until addressed.

The local-option elections would allow voters in each newly drawn precinct to establish a uniform alcohol status within its borders.

“This is a long time coming,” Lewis said.

The county has held multiple local-option alcohol elections over the decades.

Elgin voters last approved drink sales in 1995.

The elections stem from House Bill 2885, penned by state Rep. Stan Gerdes. The law amended the Texas Election Code to allow the Bastrop County Commissioners Court to order local-option liquor elections following changes to justice of the peace precinct boundaries.

Public hearings set for September ahead of last vote

Elgin leaders Aug. 4 continued work on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget process, considering property taxes and agreeing not to exceed the rate set by voters.

The city approved the maximum property tax rate it is allowed to consider before public hearings in September, matching the voter-approval rate of nearly 72 cents per $100 valuation. Officials stressed the vote does not lock in that amount but creates the upper boundary while staff continue preparing the proposed budget for council review.

“This does not commit the city to this tax rate,” Interim Finance Director Pamela Sanders said. “The city has the option to adopt a lower tax rate, but this will protect the city’s options.” Sanders said the city is considering a range of potential tax rates. Any rate higher than the approved maximum would trigger additional steps, including a public vote.

According to city records, the proposed maximum rate includes 60 cents for maintenance and operations — about 83% — with the remainder going toward interest and sinking debt service.

The city’s no-new-revenue tax rate is set at 63 cents, making the proposed maximum about 9 cents higher.

City Manager Robert Eads repeatedly stated the vote was procedural and should not be interpreted as the official approval of a tax increase.

“We’re not even going to contemplate going above the voter-approval rate,” he said.

Sanders noted setting the maximum rate gives the city a range to work within as the proposed budget is finalized in the coming weeks.

“This puts guardrails in for staff as we prepare the budget,” she said. “Without the guardrails, we would find a way to fund everything that was presented to you all in the workshops.”

Council members also reviewed last year’s tax rate increase, which went up from 57 cents to 61.9 cents per $100 valuation. They clarified any rate below the voter-approval threshold can be adopted by the council following the required public hearings, while a rate above that would call for additional procedures under state law.

Residents will have an opportunity to comment during public hearings Sept. 1 and Sept. 15 before the council votes on the city’s final property tax rate.

The city is required to adopt the property tax in a separate vote from the annual budget.

Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 officials told commissioners July 27 the transition to a district-operated emergency medical service remains on schedule for October, with additional ambulances, new equipment and staffing expected to improve response in Elgin and across the county.

Allen Johnson, ESD No. 3 executive director, said the district has spent the past 20 months preparing to take over ambulance operations after being approved in 2024. Initially excluded, Elgin voters later agreed to join the district in November, with residents and those living in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction in Bastrop County set to pay a property tax of up to 10 cents per $100 valuation beginning in January.

“When we took over, there were four ambulances available in the county on any given day,” Johnson said. “As I stand here talking to you today, there’s eight ambulances available.”

Five ambulances are operating around the clock, according to Johnson, with three additional units available during peak hours. When the district officially launches Oct. 1, the system will expand to 11 ambulances, including eight all-day and two supervisors assisting with countywide coverage.

The district has already begun receiving its new f leet of ambulances equipped with updated medical technology, including heart monitors, ventilators and ultrasound equipment.

Along with expanding coverage, Johnson said the district has nearly completed hiring staff and dispatchers and expects to be fully staffed by the end of August.

“We have a really strong team,” Johnson said. “We recruited a great group of people from around the region to come in.”

Johnson noted determining where dispatchers will operate remains a challenge. He said the district is working with the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety to address requirements related to the county’s emergency communications center.

Commissioner Clara Beckett said she hopes the issue can be resolved so dispatchers can work alongside other emergency responders in the same building, an important move to avoid wasting taxpayer dollars.

“It’s a state-of-theart dispatch center and there’s plenty of room right now and in the future … that’s why we invested in it,” she said.

The district is also searching for a solution ahead of the Oct. 1 transition that would allow dispatchers to receive automatic caller location information without delays, according to Johnson.

Elgin police are asking for the public’s help identifying two suspects wanted in connection with early morning burglaries they say caused about $6,500 in losses.

According to the Elgin Police Department, the suspects broke into Elgin Food Mart and Elgin General Store during the early morning hours of July 29 and stole merchandise and other property.

Investigators said they believe the suspects fled the area on foot.

Police described both individuals as young Black males with thin builds.

One suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants and a black face covering. The other was wearing a white T-shirt, green Adidas jogger pants, a face covering and three bracelets on his left wrist.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dylan Judd at 512-285-6673 or by email at dylan.judd@elgintexas. gov.

Commissioners say grant could speed up water testing after floods

Bastrop County residents could see more mobile vaccination clinics following extreme weather and receive water quality data quicker if a grant application approved by commissioners last week is accepted.

The Bastrop County Public Health Department is seeking nearly $22,000 through the Lower Colorado River Authority Community Grants Program and would provide a local match of about $5,500. If awarded, the funds would help expand the county’s mobile public health unit and environmental health response capabilities.

Public Health Director Donna Nichols said the idea to add rapid water-testing gained traction following recent heavy rains.

“One of the items that we always get asked about is what’s the bacterial content in the water,” she said.

The department does not have the capability to answer those questions immediately, according to Nichols, but field results would become available with two new water-testing systems.

She noted the project aligns with the county’s environmental health priorities by giving officials more timely scientific information during emergencies.

“It will give the court data on what is contained in water during floods, fires and infrastructure failure — and any other concerns around water,” Nichols said.

In addition to rapid water testing, the proposed equipment would help conduct pop-up vaccination clinics across the county, including at schools, libraries and community centers.

The grant would also fund accessibility improvements for residents with limited mobility and equipment to respond to medical emergencies.

Commissioners discussed public interest in river conditions following recent flooding, noting that residents frequently ask when waterways are safe to reopen and how water quality changes after storms.

The department expects to maintain the new equipment for at least 10 years, according to county records.

Commissioners at their last meeting approved updated tax abatement guidelines, saying the agreements remain Bastrop County’s strongest tool for negotiating environmental protections as discussions continue on proposed data center deals.

According to county records, the updated policy requires a minimum $20 million investment for new businesses and $10 million for expansions, simultaneously setting standards for job creation, environmental review and employee benefits. Projects also must create at least 25 jobs, with a goal of filling 25% of those positions with Bastrop County residents.

“In order to protect all of us in this room, we have to use tax abatements, because that’s all the state gives us,” Commissioner Butch Carmack said.

The vote came after a lengthy discussion and slate of public comments. Those concerned over data center growth and potential environmental impacts questioned whether those developments should receive any tax incentives.

Carmack noted residents often misunderstand what tax abatements accomplish.

“We now can negotiate how much water you’re going to use, how much light you’re going to put out, how much noise you’re going to put out — we are doing our best to protect you,” he said.

According to County Judge Gregory Klaus, state law limits the county’s authority over private property development, adding landowners have discretion over how they use or sell their property.

“The county did not ask these data centers to come, they just came in here,” Klaus said. “We have no ruling over whether they can come to the county or not.”

Local attorney Nick Lealos, who spoke at the July 27 meeting, said residents who attended a recent community town hall were not opposed to economic development but wanted more information and involvement before projects move forward.

“They complained most about lack of information, notice and transparency throughout the process,” Lealos said.

He described what he calls the “Bastrop Bill of Rights,” suggesting the county publish information about projects, establish a citizens advisory working group and encourage state leaders to grant temporary authority to address the expansion of data center development.

Commissioner David Glass said many residents have called for a moratorium on data center construction on the county level but explained counties cannot legally enact one without authority granted by the state.

In Hill County, commissioners approved a one-year moratorium before rescinding the action after facing a $100 million federal lawsuit from the developer.

“The abatement is really the only tool we have at this time,” Glass said. “I encourage you to call your senators and your representatives.”

Linda Curtis, speaking on behalf of the League of Independent Voters, urged commissioners to signal to residents they are at least pursuing additional options beyond tax abatements.

“We are looking for a signal from you that you want to turn this train around,” Curtis said.

Before approving the new policy, commissioners reviewed its environmental language and if it should reference specific concerns such as noise and light pollution.

County officials said the policy’s broad language allows those issues to be considered while also preserving flexibility on a case-bycase basis. Commissioners can also amend the policy in the future if additional changes are needed.