Eight newly hired firefighters put their skills to the test last week as Bastrop/Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1 expands its workforce to keep pace with rapid growth and rising emergency calls.

The weeklong training marks the district’s largest hiring effort to date, adding six firefighters and two lieutenants to a department that has grown from nine full-time firefighters to 30 in just three years.

The district is working to improve response times and strengthen emergency services across its 200-square-mile coverage area, according to Battalion Chief Eran Denzler.

“As the area booms, it’s not going to slow down. Neither will we,” Denzler said. “We have to stay above the curve and try to get ahead of it.”

The department has also grown from one fire station to three.

The district serves Elgin, McDade and portions of Travis County, including parts of Manor. Its three stations are located in Elgin, McDade and along FM 1704, with two more in the planning stages.

The department now responds to an average of 15 calls a day, compared with about 10 three years ago. Denzler said opening more stations has helped reduce the response times.

“We added the manpower to add more capabilities to our services, medical and rescue,” Denzler said. “That’s the goal. Seconds count.”

During the training, the new hires practiced deploying hoses, advancing lines and preparing to enter simulated burning buildings at Pflugerville’s Fire Station 7 and Training Facility.

The exercises follow what Denzler described as a “crawl, walk and run” approach, gradually increasing the complexity of scenarios firefighters would see in the field.

Denzler said the hiring process was competitive, drawing about 100 applicants. Forty candidates were invited to complete written testing and physical evaluations before the eight spots were filled.

“When they dial 911, it doesn’t matter if they’re in the city or in the country,” he said. “They want the highly trained — they want good equipment and they want us to come save their day.”

ESDs in Texas have their beginnings not only in public safety but politics, taking root in the late 1980s as rural communities sought professional levels of fire protection and emergency medical services that went beyond all-volunteer fire departments.

ESDs are an independent political body funded usually through property taxes or sales taxes.

Although the first came into being in 1949, they were officially authorized by Texas voters in November 1987 with a state constitutional amendment.

The Legislature converted more rural districts to ESDs in 2003 and there are more than 300.

Bastrop/Travis County ESD No. 1 is governed by a five-member board of commissioners approved by voters for staggered four-year terms. Funding comes from property taxes; the headquarters is in Elgin.

KRXT is a locally focused radio station based in Taylor and owned by Steve Laukhuf, who also serves as an on-air host.

The station currently covers Wi l liamson, Milam and Lee counties.

The expansion into the pair of new markets means listeners will get to enjoy content with a regional flair.

“We are honored to provide local coverage of Elgin, Manor and beyond. When the big cities forget, we remember and are proud to welcome these communities to the regional KRXT coverage area,” Laukhuf said.

The station’s programming includes country and polka music, local news, community events, sports and other information from around Central Texas.

KRXT also has a partnership with the Elgin Courier and Manor Journal, both owned by Granite Media Partners Inc.

Reporters from the newspapers appear 9 a.m. each Wednesday on KRXT’s “Hometown Highlights” segment with Laukhuf to discuss current and upcoming news in the communities.

“Our partnership with our local radio is an important one as we help highlight the news that matters in this area,” said Elgin Courier and Manor Journal Area Editor Emily Treadway.

KRXT is currently up for the 2026 Texas Country Music Awards Terrestrial Radio Station of the Year.

The station, which is under the Cowboy Broadcasting Network LLC umbrella, can be reached at 512-6497985 or find it on the web at cbntexas. com.

The studio is in the historic McCrory Timmerman Building at the corner of Main and Second streets in downtown Taylor.

About 100 people reviewed designs and heard updates from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Oct. 1 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The agency is proposing to extend the toll road along U.S. 290 from Texas 130 to Texas 95 in Elgin.

“Our approach to this project has always been to listen first, understand the needs of the community and develop solutions that meet those needs,” CTRMA Director of Engineering Mike Sexton said.

Officials said the new designs include elevated tolled sections to reduce congestion at intersections, dedicated turnarounds to improve traffic flow and extended turn lanes.

According to CTRMA, the stretch of 290 saw about 2,700 crashes from 2020 to 2025, including about 19 fatalities.

ShadowGlen resident Frances Meyer, who has lived in the subdivision for 15 years, said she was encouraged by the proposed elevated roadway, including a section over the subdivision’s entrance at Lexington Street. She said crashes are frequent at FM 973 near the H-E-B and at Lexington, where drivers try to beat the light.

“We’ve needed this since like yesterday,” Meyer said. “We constantly hear sirens from firetrucks and ambulances all day long.”

With construction likely not beginning until 2030 or 2031, Meyer said she worries the process is too slow. She and her husband are considering moving over safety concerns, adding that in April she was run off the road at 290 and Lexington, resulting in two punctured tires and a tow into Austin.

“It concerns me that so many accidents have happened, and we have lost a lot of lives,” Meyer said. “It is sad. We hope (more) lives are not taken needlessly.”

Manor resident Crystabell Trucksess, who has lived in the city for nearly two decades, echoed those concerns.

“The traffic situation in Manor is horrific,” Trucksess said. “If the toll extension helps, that would be great, but the growth is so exponential something needs to give for our area.”

Sam Samaripa, who is running for City Council Place 4, said the city could act sooner by hiring more police officers and cracking down on drivers running red lights, including 18-wheelers.

His opponent, Place 4 Councilwoman Sonia Wallace, said the city is already working on that.

“We have had positions available for a number of budget cycles, and some of the positions have not been filled,” Wallace said. “It’s not just the police force … We need to also have the work done on 290, and we need to have more thoroughfares going through our city in all four directions to help us be able to navigate that.”

CTRMA officials said the project is about midway through its environmental study and schematic design process, which is expected to last until the end of 2027 or early 2028.

In the meantime, the agency said it will continue gathering community input, evaluating improvements and environmental impacts, and determining whether the project should move forward.

Meyer said she is encouraged by how carefully the agency is working with residents.

“When we first started, we were leery,” Meyer said. “We didn’t think anything was going to be put forth, but when it did, it was reassuring to know that they are listening to the public.”

“It concerns me that so many accidents have happened, and we have lost a lot of lives. We hope (more) lives are not taken needlessly.”

— Frances Meyer, ShadowGlen resident

BASTROP — A pickup swerving to avoid a stationary cyclist on the side of the road led to a multi-vehicle collision that killed a 66-year-old motorist and sent several others to area hospitals, police said.

According to the Bastrop Police Department, the tragic episode occurred at 6:10 a.m. Oct. 6 on FM 969 at Blakey Drive.

Investigators said the sequence of mishaps began when a juvenile driving a Dodge Ram traveling south on 969 swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a man stopped on the improved shoulder while adjusting his bicycle chain.

The Dodge Ram was involved in a collision with a Nissan Rogue traveling north, according to police reports.

The Nissan then struck a fence and ended up in a pasture, according to officers.

A Subaru headed north also was in a collision with the Dodge Ram, according to a statement from the Police Department.

The 66-year-old man driving the Nissan suffered fatal injuries, the statement indicated.

His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

A passenger in the Nissan was taken to an Austin hospital after being hurt, investigators said.

According to police, the driver of the Dodge Ram and the operator of the Subaru were rushed to a local medical facility for treatment of their injuries.

The male who was adjusting his bicycle chain was not injured, according to the statement.

The incident remains under investigation.

City leaders accepted Councilwoman Brenda Piña’s resignation as disagreements over what led the Ward 4 councilwoman to step down spilled into public discussion.

In her resignation statement, Piña said months of intimidation since taking office in May took their toll, while Councilwoman YaLecia Love pushed back, saying there was “more than one side to a story.”

“We may not always agree, and honestly, we should not expect to,” Love said. “We come from different backgrounds. We have different experiences, personalities, perspectives and priorities.”

The council’s vote came during a special-called meeting Sept. 30 that also included the retirement of City Manager Robert Eads. Piña attended the meeting and participated in the council’s discussion and vote on her resignation.

Piña announced her resignation Sept. 22, outlining a series of incidents that left her feeling targeted in the wake of her election as the Ward 4 representative. She previously cited scrutiny over her attendance, communications and an argument with Love.

“I believe anger management classes should be provided to Mayor Pro Tem Love and her title should be removed for unethical behavior in city chambers,” Piña said in a prepared statement posted on Facebook.

In Wednesday’s meeting, Love disputed Piña’s account of what happened and said members had previously committed during a team-building session to hold one another accountable and address concerns as they arose.

“Don’t resign and have me as your scapegoat,” Love said. “Resign because you want to resign.”

Following the vote, council members then turned their attention to filling the vacant seat, directing city staff to advertise the position and accept applications for a possible appointment.

The person selected would serve until May 2027, when a special election can be held to fill the remainder of Piña’s term, which was scheduled to end in May 2028.

Ward 4 residents interested in the position will need to submit an application to the city secretary’s office at 310 N Main St. by 5 p.m. Oct. 15.

The appointee may also run in the May special election.

For the Ward 4 map and information on the application, visit elgintexas. gov.

Anight of live music in downtown Elgin brought residents together Sept. 26 to recognize survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and to highlight the organizations working to support them.

The free 60 Million Rising: Survivors in Solidarity LIVE event at Lightnin’ Bar featured performances by Sara Hickman, Bryan Lawhorn and Alicia Adkins, along with speakers and a candlelight vigil. The event supported Family Crisis Center and Thrive After Domestic Violence and came just days before the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Doreen Hunter, founder and chair of Thrive After Domestic Violence, said the event brought in a mix of supporters, music fans and customers who simply happened to stumble in, helping bring their work to a broader audience.

“What really gave me energy was to see how excited people were to celebrate survivors and to understand that this event was to bring awareness,” she said.

“It’s good to know that so many people in our community want to help people who are in crisis.”

— Doreen Hunter, founder and chair of Thrive After Domestic Violence One of the night’s most memorable moments, Hunter described, came during a candlelight vigil led by GG Thompson of the Family Crisis Center. People were asked to hold up candles if they had been through abusive relationships. As Thompson went through examples, Hunter said the candles never came down.

“No one turned off their candles, men and women alike,” she said. “It was truly telling about the statistics of what we see in domestic violence.”

The event was organized by area resident Kat Hammer, who sought to use live music as a way to bring the community together. Hickman, a Grammy- nominated singer and songwriter, headlined the evening of performances.

According to organizers, using music helped create a setting that was accessible to the wider community rather than focusing on a traditional fundraising event.

“We were looking for the average survivor … and so we met them where they’re at, where people want music,” Hunter said.

Hunter said she wants residents who left knowing survivors do not have to travel to Austin to find help.

“There are resources here available to them,” she said. “We have strong resources here and they’re not alone.”

Family Crisis Center serves Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Lee counties, while Thrive provides advocacy, food assistance, housing support and other services for survivors in the area.

Hunter said collaboration between the two groups could help expand outreach and make better use of limited nonprofit resources. She also expects the event to make a return.

“We’re going to do it again next year,” Hunter said. “It’s good to know that so many people in our community want to help people who are in crisis or have moved past crisis and are trying to put their life together.”

Elgin Independent School District campuses lifted a lockdown Monday afternoon after police signaled an all-clear following a warning of possible violence, officials said.

The threat, which may have involved a gun, was deemed not credible and no students or staff were in danger, officers said.

The Elgin Police Department notified Elgin ISD about the threat at 12:40 p.m., according to reports.

District and campus leaders then worked with officers to secure the schools, with classes resuming at 2:20 p.m.

But credible or not, those making threats — even if joking — could face school discipline and even criminal charges, officials said.

“I want to be clear about the seriousness of incidents of this nature,” Superintendent Christopher Bailey said. “Anyone, regardless of age, who creates or shares a threat can be arrested for and charged with making a terroristic threat.”

Bailey reminded students to speak up if they see something.

Board members announced the new hires during their meeting Sept. 21. Amanda Hardwick joins as assistant superintendent of secondary curriculum and instruction; Amy Sharp as assistant superintendent of elementary curriculum and instruction; Leah Zavala as executive director of human resources; and Enrique Martinez as director of safety and security.

Zavala replaces Sarah Juarez-Farias, who is retiring.

“Safety and learning are our two highest priorities, and each of these leaders brings unique expertise and experience that will strengthen our schools and support our growing community,” Superintendent Christopher Bailey said.

Hardwick brings more than 15 years in education, most recently as executive director of curriculum and instruction for Leander Independent School District.

Sharp has more than 20 years in education and most recently served as Leander ISD’s director of learning impact.

Zavala comes from Denton Independent School District, where she served as coordinator of human resources and educator pathways, and has more than 14 years in public education.

Mar t inez’ resume boasts 27 years of federal law enforcement and leadership experience, specializing in security planning, emergency preparedness and crisis response.

“As we continue building capacity across Elgin ISD, they will play a vital role in keeping our students safe, empowering our teachers and creating the condition for every student to thrive,” Bailey said.

Eads, who was appointed in December 2025 after serving as interim city manager for several months, thanked the city for the opportunity to serve the community.

“It has been an honor to dedicate my career to public service and to work alongside so many committed individuals, and other great cities,” Eads said during the Sept. 30 session. “I am excited and grateful for this next chapter with my family.”

Eads is stepping down about a month after officials first announced Aug. 31 he was on a temporary leave of absence.

At the time, officials did not provide a reason for the leave and Eads was unavailable for comment.

Development Services Director Beau Perry was appointed acting city manager during Eads’ absence and will continue overseeing daily operations during the transition, according to officials.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on providing our community with quality service, stability and accountability,” city spokesman Marcial Guajardo said.

Elgin leaders have not announced details about a search for a permanent city manager. Those will be released after a review by the council.

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.

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 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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.