Burnet leaders talk flood recovery, bond package at state of the community
BCISD Superintendent Dr. Aaron Peña talks through the bond process at the state of the community luncheon. Staff photo by Caden Senn
Key updates on flood recovery efforts and information on an upcoming $135 million bond election were recently discussed by Burnet Mayor Gary Wideman and Burnet Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Aaron Peña at a state of the community luncheon on Wednesday, March 4 at the Burnet Community Center.
The luncheon was designed to give community members a chance to hear important news concerning the city while enjoying a free meal and goodies from local businesses.
Dr. Peña highlighted some of BCISD’s best achievements as of late, including sporting successes and competitive salary packages, before diving into the district’s proposed $135 million bond package.
The superintendent shared the district’s reasoning behind the price tag and what the bond would address, explaining that the funds would be used for a major rebuild of Burnet Middle School and on other campus and district-wide needs.
“We had (a committee) come together to ask the question ‘What can we do today that will help impact students in a good way in five years, 10 years, and even 20 years,” Dr. Peña said. “This bond is to address aging facilities, safety, security, and modernize some of our learning spaces.“
Dr. Peña hit home that under the current proposed bond structure, there would not be an increase to the property tax rate. BCISD residents will vote on the bond package in the upcoming May 2 election.
On the city side, Mayor Wideman spoke about progressing flood recovery efforts at Burnet’s parks and other infrastructure repairs. He admitted there was still glaring park, bridge, and electrical work to be done, and shared that the city was working on a way to purchase certain properties that were destroyed in the flooding.
“The Natural Resource Conservation Service has a program, and we still have to determine how we’re going to administer this, that they will pay up to 75 percent towards buying these folks’ properties,” Mayor Wideman said. “The city would be responsible for that remaining 25 percent.”
Other topics from Mayor Wideman included completion of the Wofford Street pipeline, the opening of the new city hall, downtown parking additions, and progress on the new Marriott hotel.