Wells run dry in Dripping Springs?
Tiger softball advances to area
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$132M bond up for vote
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 30
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
Clean water concerns FM 967 development above aquifer causes stir BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD Despite developers’ attempts to ease worries, neighbors believe a proposed subdivision in Dripping Springs’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) could worsen flooding in the area and contaminate and possibly damage the Edwards Aquifer. The 782-acre property, located on FM 967 just outside of Buda, has been in owner Mark
Project representatives said that the design takes into account the natural characteristics and drainage ways of the land, and will strive to preserve trees and other features. Rutherford Jr.’s family for generations, but could be the future site of a master-planned residential community of nearly 1,200 homes, if approved. On April 24, the team
behind the proposed development gave a presentation to the Dripping Springs Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). Andy Barrett, the attorney representing
the project, named Bob Lunch as the developer who submitted the proposal. He said Lunch is responsible for developing Reunion Ranch in Austin. The development proposed for the Rutherford tract will be similar to Reunion Ranch, Barrett said. Project representatives said that the design takes into account the natural characteristics and
FM 967 DEVELOPMENT, 2
Founders Day 2018
75¢ Thursday, May 3, 2018
Dripping looks for settlement in permit case BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Prior to a scheduled contested case hearing involving the city’s discharge permit, Dripping Springs city officials this month will hold a closed-door meeting with various entities in hopes of reaching a settlement. The meeting, to be held May 7 and mediated by a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) representative, involves the city and affected parties which includes water districts in the Hill Country. City leaders hope to reach a settlement with the affected parties so that they withdraw from the contested hearing. At the April 17 council meeting, council and city staff discussed in executive session which members of council will represent the city at the mediation. Council voted to approve Mayor Todd Purcell, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds and Councilmember Taline Manassian as represen-
The Dripping Springs High School cheerleaders chant as they march in the annual Founders Day parade down Mercer Street. Thousands poured into downtown Dripping Springs for the 31st annual Founders Day festival, which featured carnival games, food, dancing, drinks and barbecue.
New development to be built near Founders Park in Dripping Springs BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD A proposed housing subdivision could bring new units near the edge of Dripping Springs’ western city limits. According to a presentation given at the April 24 Dripping Springs Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the Big Sky Ranch subdivision would be built on the roughly 200 acres of land immediately east of Founders Park and in Dripping Springs’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The homes would range in size from 1,650 square feet to 3,500 square feet and cost from $250,000 to $450,000. Besides single-family homes, the proposed
The Big Sky Ranch subdivision would be built on the roughly 200 acres of land immediately east of Founders Park and in Dripping Springs’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The homes would range in size from 1,650 square feet to 3,500 square feet and cost from $250,000 to $450,000. development agreement also details the development of parks, sports and playground facilities, amenity centers, water management infrastructure, trails and the possibility of land being subdivided into lots or into condominium units. Of the 200 acres of land, about a fourth would be dedicated as public parkland, ac-
cording to the development agreement. The property backs up to Founders Park, where the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead is located. Miles Matthews, president of the Friends of the Pound House Foundation’s board, said the organization is aware of Meritage
BIG SKY RANCH, 2
tatives. “We estimate the contested hearing will cost the city around one million dollars with legal fees and engineering assessments,” said Ginger Faught, deputy city administrator for the city of Dripping Springs. “If a settlement is reached, the city could use that money for more irrigation land, more storage and better
DISCHARGE PERMIT, 2
County officials brace for record number of home appraisal protests BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD
PHOTOS BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
The meeting, to be held May 7 and mediated by a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) representative, involves the city and affected parties which includes water districts in the Hill Country.
With the delivery of appraisal notices on the horizon, Hays County officials are expecting to receive a record-breaking number of protests as property values are rapidly on the rise. The assumption comes as preliminary figures show total new improvements in Hays County has added more than $981 million to the taxable value in 2018. According to the Hays Central Appraisal District, more than 93,000 notices will be sent out to inform property owners of their 2018 appraisals starting April 30. The county, cities, school districts and other taxing entities use the appraisal district’s determined values to set 2018 property tax rates. Across Hays County, the average market value for homes increased by 7.1 percent since last year’s appraisals. In 2017, the county received 14,602 appraisal value protests. According to Chief Appraiser David Valle, 12,719 of those were settled with staff, while the rest were scheduled for formal hearings with the Appraisal Review Board. Although he expects more protests to be filed in 2018, Valle said it is too early to say to what degree the number will increase. County data shows vacant lots and tracts saw the biggest increase in value, with appraisals increasing 37 percent, from $555 million to $760 million.
Across Hays County, the average market value for homes increased by 7.1 percent since last year’s appraisals. Commercial and industrial property increased nearly 13 percent since last year to $2.5 billion in 2018. Residential multi-family property value increased just under 33 percent since 2017, soaring from $1.43 billion to $1.90 billion in just one year. The appraisal district attributed the increases to the strong demand for residential and commercial sites, new construction, student housing and the completion of apartment projects. With the addition of 2,628 new homes and 83 new commercial buildings to the appraisal roll, Hays County’s overall preliminary market value has risen to $26.58 billion this year, a jump of nearly 14 percent since 2017. Property owners that receive a notice of appraised value will have until May 30 to file a protest to appeal to the Appraisal Review Board. Protests can be filed in-person at the Hays Central Appraisal District office at 21001 N. IH 35, Kyle, by calling 512-268-2522, or online at www.hayscad.com or by contacting protest@ hayscad.com.