Wimberley STR compliance costs city
Tiger is state powerlifting champion
Lady Tiger soccer earns playoff win
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 26
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
A $200 withdrawal by Wimberley Mayor Susan Jaggers from the city’s bank account in November 2018 eventually prompted a policy change in how the city’s money is handled, according to a News-Dispatch investigation. Part of that information came from docu-
The issue came up when city staff in December 2018 asked Mayor Susan Jaggers about a $200 transaction for proceeds on a check drawn from the city’s account at Ozona Bank that wasn’t accounted for.
ments, as well as copies of emails between city staff and city council members, that were requested by the Dispatch via a Freedom of Infor-
mation Act (FOIA). Those documents were released by the Texas Attorney General’s Office weeks after Wimberley officials fought their release.
According to the documents, Jaggers withdrew $200 from the city’s bank account, which she said was an error on the part of Ozona Bank during a
transaction. The issue came up when city staff in December 2018 asked Jaggers about a $200 withdrawal from the city’s account at Ozona Bank that wasn’t accounted for, according to an email chain with Shawn Cox, Wimberley city administrator, the city attorney and Wim-
SPENDING POLICY, 6
County polling project in the works BY EXSAR ARGUELLO County officials are looking to kickstart community dialogue on the implementation of the Countywide Polling Place Program (CWPP) on Election Day, seeking feedback from targeted areas. At a March 27 open house, elections officials presented the prospect of CWPP, an effort that would allow citizens to cast their ballot at any polling location, regardless of precinct, on Election Day. Currently, voters must cast a ballot at their designated precinct location on Election Day. Texas State University students, elections officials and elected representatives weighed in during the meeting on which precincts should host the voting centers. Pending approval from the state, Hays County could join the list of dozens of Texas counties that have implemented countywide voting. County officials are
VOTING PROGRAM, 6
75¢ Thursday, April 4, 2019
Wimberley withdrawal mix-up by mayor leads to policy changes BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
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Property taxes? Water project payment needed BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Despite receiving approval from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on the change of scope for its wastewater project last week, more challenges might be on the horizon for Wimberley city officials. That could include instituting a property tax, proposed by the TWDB as a condition of approval, in order to help pay down a $5.5 million loan from the agency that could cover the cost of the project changes. In addition to the proposed ad valorem tax to pay for the $5.5 million loan, the city must submit an “issuance of an updated favorable environmental determination.” This would include additional environmental assessments on the proposed boring under Cypress Creek to transport raw effluent and protections for endangered species in the area. “Because of previous delays, and the potential of additional delays that could affect the city’s ability to generate sufficient revenues to repay the debt, I’m recommending additional security for the debt,” TWDB Executive Administrator Jeff Walker said.
TWDB OFFICIALS ADD ADDITIONAL SCRUTINY
districts. In 2018, Taylor was hired by Hays CISD as the district’s first Director of Safety and Security. “These roles fit his life mission perfectly and there was no one better than Phillip to fill them,” Mitchell said. Hays CISD officials also mourned Taylor’s death, both personally and professionally, said Hays CISD Superintendent Eric Wright. Wright said Taylor’s experience and talent made him the perfect choice for the Safety and Security position, as well as his “deep ties” to the district and community.
The city lost nearly $2 million in grant funding when officials decided to change the scope of its wastewater project. This change, in conjunction with the termination fees of the Black Castle contract for the city-owned plant, has continued to put a financial strain on the city. According to the agenda packet, the city’s existing utility system and parks department generated a net loss of $43,635 in 2018. The overage was primarily due to increased expenses from the city’s proposed wastewater project. However, the city does have sufficient funds to complete the proposed change of scope, according to the TWDB recommendation. TWDB officials, however, cited concerns about a lack of a reusable water irrigation system to Blue Hole Regional Park, which was part of the city-owned plant project. Agency officials said the proposed environmental assessment will be heavily scrutinized. This includes complying with the findings of other state agencies on the potential risks of the boring under Cypress Creek. In February, a 14-page
MAYOR MOURNED, 2
WASTEWATER COSTS, 6
PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ
Tiger Track & Field competes with the best at Texas Relays
Dripping Springs High senior Ty Kaatz (4612) speeds away from senior teammate Zyle Nance (left) during the transition of the second to third leg of the distance medley relay March 29 at the 2019 Texas Relays in Austin. A handful of Tiger and Texan runners hit the track at Mike A. Myers Stadium for the annual Texas Relays, where they took on some of the best runners in the state and nation. A full list of results from Texas Relays can be found online at haysfreepress.com.
Neighbors mourn death of Mt. City mayor BY MOSES LEOS III
For as long as she’s lived in Mountain City, Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith always felt that neighbor Phillip Taylor was practically part of the family. Taylor, who lived a few streets down, was a regular figure at the Smith household, always playing in their pool with their children, or going though activities such as Cub and Boy Scouts. “I’ve been involved in his life since he was a small child,” Beth Smith said. Even after they all graduated from Hays High, Taylor joined
Smith’s children in staying involved in their local community, eager to serve their fellow residents. TAYLOR That family-first mentality is the way many in the small 230-plus home neighborhood are remembering Taylor, days after he passed away in a single-vehicle wreck on FM 2770. For Smith, it exemplifies the close-knit subdivision they live in, where everyone looks out for one another. “Every time something
happens, it affects our whole community, it’s a family,” Smith said. For many, Taylor was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a devoted father to his son. Smith said Taylor attended various events his son took part in. Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said in a statement that Taylor was a friend to everyone and was an “outstanding public servant.” Taylor, a 1996 Hays High graduate, spent close to 20 years with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office in various roles, including overseeing the School Resource Officer (SRO) program at three Hays County school