Burnet County grapples with explosive growth
“It will be a challenge to balance the needs of two different areas of the county,” said Chris Holtkamp, a senior planner with the Lower Colorado River Authority who spoke during a meeting to discuss the Burnet County Comprehensive Plan.
The plan focuses on several issues, including how to deal with future population growth, economic development, transportation needs and quality of life issues.
Holtkamp presented a summary of responses to several surveys recently distributed to county residents who attended 11 town hall meetings over the past several weeks to discuss the plan.
According to recent figures released by the State Data Center, Burnet County ranked sixth with the highest percentage change in population of Texas counties from Jan. 1, 2007, to Jan. 1, 2008. Burnet County added 2,214 residents during that period.
Overall, Burnet County residents believe the area is a “good, strong community,” Holtkamp said.
Several recommendations from residents included “working with the state to increase county authority over water quality” and to “consider opportunities for rail connectivity to the Austin area,” Holtkamp said.
County Judge Donna Klaeger suggested interconnectivity within the county needs consideration, too.
Several weeks after the 2007 flood, a hotel in Horseshoe Bay set up a bus service for employees needing transportation from Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Granite Shoals and Marble Falls.
“It does work,” Klaeger said, referring to bus transportation.
Other recommendations included continuing “support of higher education opportunities in Burnet County,” Holtkamp said. Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery said post-secondary training for services and vocational occupations are important, as well as pure academic study.
“I think we’re missing out on that,” Dockery added.
Respondents also cited support for local housing authority as a main concern for the future, particularly with experts predicting the county population will double to more than 100,000 during the next 30 to 40 years.
“If anybody has an idea on how to provide affordable housing, I think all of us would be interested,” Klaeger said.
Support for the development of a regional convention or meeting center for the entire county was also on the citizens’ list of recommendations.
For such a center, the county has started a reserve fund from hotel occupancy taxes, Klaeger said.
“We’re looking for land,” Klaeger added.
Residents also urged tight control of illegal dumping, Holtkamp said.
“I think the constables and the JPs (justices of the peace) are going to help us out with that,” Dockery said.
Illegal dumping cases have been removed from the County Court at Law docket, and county beautification plans are going to be considered, Dockery added.
Holtkamp mentioned county elected officials received high praise from survey respondents, also from people attending the town meetings.
“I have never heard such positive comments on local elected officials as I have heard in Burnet County,” Holtkamp said. “It speaks well to your commitment as public officials.”
Another meeting to discuss the plan will be held next month at a time and place to be determined, Holtkamp said.
raymond@thepicayune.com