The Burnet County judge seat remains vacant and the next step to appoint one is undecided after commissioners deadlocked 2-to-2 in their vote for one of three applicants Feb. 11.
Burnet County commissioners interviewed the applicants—Gil Jones, Alan Trevino, and Bryan Wilson—during Tuesday’s regular court meeting as part of the appointment process established in early January. After extensive questioning, commissioners entered executive session before proceeding with the vote.
When the commissioners emerged from their closed session, they were split on their choices: Chad Collier and Damon Beierle voted for Trevino, while Joe Don Dockery and Jim Luther picked Jones. With no majority, the commissioners returned to executive session for legal consultation on modifying the voting process. However, no motion was made to change the process when commissioners reconvened. Ultimately, the Commissioners Court adjourned without a decision, leaving the appointment process unresolved. Those interested can view the full meeting and interviews on Burnet County’s YouTube channel.
WHAT’S NEXT?
According to Commissioner Beierle, there is no guarantee an appointment will be made during the next regularly scheduled court meeting on Feb. 25 unless a commissioner requests to place a vote on the agenda by noon Feb. 20.
“At this moment, no expectation should be implied,” Beierle told DailyTrib.com. “Any commissioner has until Thursday (Feb. 20) at noon to place it back on the next agenda.
APPLICANT INTERVIEWS
During their interviews Tuesday, each applicant was asked about their approach to budgeting, handling the county’s fund balance, long-term planning, and whether they would focus on administrative duties over judicial responsibilities. Candidates also faced questions about their vision for the role and whether they planned to run in the November 2026 election.
County judge is an elected position. The seat was left open following the resignation of James Oakley in December 2024. The appointed judge would serve out the remaining current term, which ends in December 2026.
The Burnet County Commissioners Court on Feb. 11 interviewed three county judge applicants for appointment—Gil Jones, Alan Trevino, and Bryan Wilson—but failed to reach a majority decision. Staff photo by Elizabeth De Los Santos
Gil Jones
Jones, a former district judge and Certified Public Accountant, emphasized transparency, integrity, and strategic long-term planning during his interview Tuesday. He advocated for zero-based budgeting and a more detailed public budget review process, including reinstating budget workshops.
“The biggest problem to be solved is the perception of a lack of integrity, civility, and transparency in county government,” he said.
Jones stressed the need for improved wildfire mitigation and ensuring county policies are properly followed, particularly in employee compensation and road development.
He said he does not plan to run in the 2026 election.
Alan Trevino
Trevino, chief deputy of the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, focused on budget and highlighted law enforcement funding, road maintenance, and water planning as critical county issues.
“The sheriff’s department will be treated fairly, but not specially,” said Trevino, advocating for a more structured budget review process that ensures funding is balanced across all county departments.
He proposed an early budget planning meeting with elected officials and department heads followed by public budget workshops to improve transparency.
Trevino confirmed his candidacy for the 2026 election.
Bryan Wilson
Wilson, a former state official with extensive experience in county government, promoted performance-based budgeting to ensure tax dollars are spent efficiently.
“Citizens deserve to know that when their money is spent and if it’s actually accomplishing what it was intended for,” Wilson said.
He also emphasized the importance of public safety planning, stating he would conduct a countywide review with emergency services districts and law enforcement to improve disaster preparedness.
Wilson declined to commit to running in 2026, saying he would evaluate more before making a decision.
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Central Texas space firm Firefly Aerospace recently landed an $8.2 million grant from the Texas Space Commission to expand and improve its operations in the Lone Star State. Firefly’s grant pie will be split between its headquarters in Cedar Park and its 200-acre manufacturing facility in Briggs in northeast Burnet County.
The $8.2 million was awarded Monday, Feb. 10, after a public meeting of the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors, which allocated a total of $47.7 million to five Texas-based space firms. Firefly’s upgrades are expected to be completed before the end of 2025.
“With the support of the Texas Space Commission, Firefly is expanding our spacecraft production capabilities, creating more high-skilled jobs, and strengthening our collaboration with universities to equip the next generation of aerospace innovators,” said Firefly CEO Jason Kim in a Tuesday media release. “We’re proud to continue growing here in Texas, helping to shape the future of space exploration while fostering the next generation of industry leaders.”
The grant money will be used to expand Firefly’s cleanroom space at its Cedar Park headquarters and increase the testing capacities at its Briggs facility.
The estimated 50 jobs that will come online from the grant will be divided between Cedar Park and Briggs. The 200-acre manufacturing site, often referred to as Rocket Ranch, already employs over 300 people.
Firefly has been in Burnet County since 2014, but the space company has recently built up serious momentum, signing major contracts with NASA to construct landers for a series of moon missions. The first of the missions is currently underway, with Firefly’s lunar lander Blue Ghost in the middle of its trip to the moon’s surface.
The Texas Space Commission was launched by Gov. Greg Abbott in March 2024 with the mission of facilitating and encouraging space industry growth in the state. Firefly’s recent grant was part of the first wave of dollars being doled out by the commission, which was allocated a total of $150 million by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023, when the TSC was officially formed.
“With the Texas Space Commission, our great state will have a group that is responsible for dreaming and achieving the next generation of human exploration in space,” Abbott said in a media release following the launch of the TSC. “As we look into the future of space, one thing is clear: Those who reach for the stars do so from the great state of Texas.”
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The largest Granitefest to date is planned for March 22 at Quarry Park in Granite Shoals. The community festival was canceled in 2024 due to timing and planning constraints, but, according to organizers, it is coming back bigger than ever this year.
Granitefest was originally branded as a community celebration when it was founded in 2019, but the city has plans to grow the event and open it to the wider Highland Lakes community.
“I think (Granite Shoals has) a great venue here (in Quarry Park), and these guys are great to work with,” Main Event Company owner Jay Brown told DailyTrib.com. “Getting more eyes on Granite Shoals is our number one goal, in a positive manner.”
The city is partnering with Main Event for this year’s Granitefest, which should include a classic car show, a petting zoo, live music, vendors, and a carnival, all capped off by a fireworks display at sundown. Admission will be free, but carnival rides and games will operate on a pay-to-play basis.
The event has featured a car show and live music in the past, but this year promises a full experience, something akin to Burnet’s Bluebonnet Festival, according to Brown.
He went on to say that the 131-acre Quarry Park at 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road is more than capable of hosting a larger version of Granitefest.
“There’s so much acreage here,” he said. “It’s hungry for a festival like this.”
Major upgrades to Quarry Park done in 2023 to host the U.S. Junior Steer Wrestling Championships and visitors for the 2024 total solar eclipse created more parking and usable space.
According to Granite Shoals resident Preston Williams, who is working alongside Brown and city officials to organize Granitefest, it was a conscious decision to beef up the event and bring more people to the city.
“Today, moving forward, what we plan to put out there is going to be something big that we hope puts Quarry Park on the map,” he said. “Our city is like a rose that hasn’t opened up yet. We’re down here pushing water to it, making sure it gets open, and Quarry Park is going to be the key.”
Williams, Brown, and Granite Shoals Marketing Specialist David Frank are part of a committee tasked with organizing the 2025 festival. While the city is allowing the use of Quarry Park free of charge and providing minimal funding, the event will be almost totally dependent on sponsorships.
Granitefest has had a rocky history, with cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions and in 2024 because of time constraints, but, according to Williams, the city is committed to solidifying the event as a staple festival in the Highland Lakes. It was held successfully in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
“For us, this is front and center. We are going to do the absolute best we can,” Williams said.
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One person and a dog were killed in a house fire in Cottonwood Shores on Feb. 7. Authorities have yet to release the name of the victim or the cause of the blaze.
The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
“I can confirm that we did have an unattended death,” Cottonwood Shores Police Chief Johnny Liendo told DailyTrib.com on Monday, Feb. 10.
Horseshoe Bay firefighters arrived first on the scene of the fire around noon Friday. Bystanders told the crew that someone was still inside, and firefighters entered the home to search as smoke billowed out of the front door, according to a Horseshoe Bay Fire Department social media post.
“Multiple other (area first responders) arrived on scene and began assisting with search and rescue operations” the post continued. “After an extensive search in zero visibility conditions, (crews) were able to locate a dog and the victim. The victim and dog were removed from the structure. Unfortunately, they did not survive.”
The Horseshoe Bay department said the fire was extinguished and the property turned back over to the family as the investigation into the cause began.
Along with Cottonwood Shores police and Horseshoe Bay firefighters, other responding agencies include the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, Marble Falls Fire Rescue, Granite Shoals Fire Rescue, and Marble Falls Area EMS.
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Agendas for Highland Lakes governments are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this story is published. Check the links for more information.
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Title Euphoria, a new independent bookstore at 107 E. Jackson St. in Burnet, officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Feb. 7. The shop, which offers a selection of new and used books, gifts, and community space, will host a grand opening celebration Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Located on the courthouse square, Title Euphoria began as a mobile bookstore in 2022 with owner Elizabeth Schlaudraff selling books at the Burnet Farmers Market. The transition to a permanent storefront was fueled by strong community support and the desire to provide a dedicated literary space in the area.
“We wanted to create a place where book lovers could come together—not just to shop, but to connect,” Schlaudraff told DailyTrib.com. “Burnet hasn’t had a bookstore in decades, so we’re excited to be part of the community in this way.”
Owner Elizabeth Schlaudraff and community members gather for a Feb. 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony at Title Euphoria, a new bookstore in Burnet. A grand opening celebration is Feb. 8. Staff photo by Elizabeth De Los Santos
Saturday’s grand opening will feature refreshments from Sisters Coffee Shop and Sooo Yummy Bakery along with special activities for visitors. The first 50 customers to purchase a book will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize: one free book per month for six months. Other festivities include a door prize giveaway, a bookmark-making station for kids, and blackout poetry activities.
Title Euphoria also plans to host events, including author signings, book clubs, and community gatherings, aiming to become a central hub for local readers and a welcoming space for people to relax and discover new books.
“This has definitely been a dream,” Schlaudraff said. “There’s no way I could have done it without everybody that helped us out.”
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Three applicants seeking appointment to the vacant Burnet County judge position presented their platforms during a public forum Thursday, Feb. 6, in the Burnet County AgriLife auditorium. Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Alan Trevino, retired Judge Gil Jones, and former state official Bryan Wilson answered 10 prepared questions, addressing county growth, fiscal responsibility, and government transparency.
The forum was moderated by district judges Evan Stubbs and Allan Garrett, who conducted a random drawing to determine the order of speakers. Each applicant had three minutes for introductions, two minutes per question, and three minutes for a concluding statement.
Burnet County commissioners will vote Tuesday to appoint one of the three candidates.
The county judge seat was left vacant with the resignation of James Oakley in December 2024. The appointed judge will serve out the current term, which runs through 2026. Voters will elect a new county judge in November 2026.
Below is a breakdown of the forum in the order each applicant spoke.
INTRODUCTIONS
Alan Trevino, a resident of Burnet County for nearly six years, spoke about his deep involvement in local charities and his career in law enforcement. A former Texas state trooper with 20 years of service, including time on the governor’s detail, Trevino later founded a security company that has been in business for over two decades. He has also held leadership roles in state security organizations and was appointed to boards focused on school safety and private security. His priorities include budget management, government transparency, and restoring trust in county leadership.
“As a county judge, I will bring my decades of leadership, my proven ability to listen and lead, and my unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency to this role,” Trevino said in his forum introduction.
Bryan Wilson, a resident of Burnet County for 14 years, detailed his experience in agriculture, public administration, and statewide program management. Holding a degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s in public administration, he has worked as a probation officer, managed indigent defense and child welfare programs, and trained law enforcement officials. Wilson emphasized his expertise in financial oversight, government operations, and policy implementation, describing his background in working with state and local officials.
“My values are powerful motivators, and I look forward to answering the questions today,” he said.
Gil Jones, a resident of Burnet County for 40 years, highlighted his extensive background in both public service and business. Having served as a judge for 16 years in the 33rd Judicial District, as well as being appointed justice of the peace, he stressed his experience in handling judicial matters. In addition to his legal work, Jones is a Certified Public Accountant with international auditing experience, having worked with multinational corporations. He noted that his judicial experience makes him uniquely qualified to manage the legal responsibilities of the county judge role.
“I’m the only one able to immediately handle the judicial portion for the county judge’s job—that is important,” Jones said.
QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1: What specific qualifications, experience, and personal strengths make you the most effective candidate for county judge? Do you intend to run in the 2026 election?
Wilson pointed to his master’s degree in public administration and his long career managing state programs. He described himself as a problem solver focused on cost-effective governance and positive community outcomes. He does not plan to run in the 2026 election.
“My vision for Burnet County is a cost-effective and responsive government that delivers quality services.”
Jones stressed his judicial and financial expertise, referencing his 16 years as a district judge and his CPA background. He emphasized he would not run in 2026, believing the interim role should be focused on governing rather than campaigning.
“I have executive-level management experience in the judiciary and have handled multimillion-dollar budgets. I’ve served on boards, created public defender programs, and worked on regional collaboration.”
Trevino highlighted his experience in law enforcement and administration, noting his tenure as Burnet County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy and his extensive budget management experience. He said he is already committed to running in 2026, arguing that continuity in leadership is crucial.
“I currently manage 40 percent of the county’s budget and oversee many of its employees (at the BCSO). I have real-time emergency management experience, I oversee law enforcement operations, and I’ve worked with various government agencies.”
QUESTION 2: How will you ensure county employees receive equitable treatment and prevent favoritism?
Jones called for a structured review system to ensure accountability and equal treatment, stressing that merit should be the driving factor in promotions and compensation.
“This is a meritocracy. Everyone has to be looked at and evaluated in equitable terms.”
Trevino advocated for competitive salaries and an open-door policy, emphasizing the importance of employee retention through fair pay and workplace morale.
“I’ve had captains, lieutenants, and road deputies come see me regularly. We must ensure our employees feel valued and supported.”
Wilson promoted a hands-on approach, including direct engagement with employees and structured performance evaluations to ensure merit-based advancement.
“I believe in walk-around management. I really go and take on jobs and help people do what they’re responsible for so that I’m fully aware of what’s going on in my department or my agency.”
QUESTION 3: How would you manage the county budget and existing debt to control taxes while maintaining essential services?
Trevino emphasized cost-cutting through budget audits and allocating surplus funds to pay off debt.
“We don’t have to take on debt year after year. … We need to stop that …However much money is left over from the previous year, use that amount to pay down debt rather than use it for other items.”
Wilson pointed to his experience managing state budgets, advocating for ongoing financial assessments to prevent waste and ensure fiscal responsibility.
“I was one of the few managers in state government that would take the time to figure out how to identify that by each quarter and then make sure that I didn’t lapse any funds … reviewing financials quarterly instead of waiting until the next budget cycle is key.”
Jones championed zero-based budgeting and emphasized the importance of reducing long-term debt and maintaining a healthy fund balance to control taxes while preserving essential services
“I would look first at reducing long-term debt because it has the higher interest rate, and that’s very important.”
QUESTION 4: During polarizing times, how will you ensure all citizens feel heard and represented?
Wilson highlighted his commitment to inclusivity and open dialogue by speaking on his past efforts to bring opposing sides together. He also emphasized going into communities to hear from residents who cannot attend meetings.
“I reach out to people and I figure out ways that … in the court itself, there will be public opportunities to speak on each issue, not just generally, but to give the public an opportunity to speak for each issue.”
Jones focused on his experience as a mediator and his commitment to open communication.
“Transparency is one of the most important things to dissuade these problems, communication is the rest of it. I intend to have something like coffee hours at various places around the county where people can come in and talk to me.”
Trevino highlighted the importance of transparency and engagement with county departments.
“I’d like us to get together and as a group decide who oversees which department out of the four commissioners. Each will be an advocate.”
QUESTION 5: What steps will you take to improve government transparency?
Jones emphasized the importance of public involvement and transparency through workshops and open communication.
“I’ve already mentioned budget workshops. … I would very heartily recommend that we use the workshop method for a lot of other things. … Transparency works two ways. I think the public needs to be transparent with us. I’ve been having some meetings with people and I would talk for a little bit and then I would turn it around and say, ‘You talk to me. You tell me what you’re concerned with.’”
Trevino supported structured budget discussions and ensuring all commissioners are informed about projects before votes take place.
“All commissioners will be informed and aware of the projects that have gone on in the county.”
Wilson pledged to make all deliberations public and eliminate closed-door decision-making except when legally necessary.
“I’ll make sure that everything is deliberated in public for the crucial decisions. … There will be no closed-door sessions unless it meets specifically one of the personnel or lawsuit requirements.”
QUESTION 6: How will you balance the demands of this full-time position with any private business interests?
Trevino said his security business is self-sufficient and would not interfere with his responsibilities as judge.
“My office will be open and my responsibility is 24/7. … My company has had zero impact on my availability as chief deputy and will have zero impact on my availability as a county judge.”
Wilson committed to being a full-time county judge with no outside business obligations.
“I’ve got a few cows and I’ve got some fruit trees and some tomato plants, but other than that I’m all in.”
Jones said he would continue limited mediation work but would prioritize the judge role full time.
“I will give this job full-time hours. I will continue my mediation practice, which is very, very flexible. The county will not lack for any piece of my time or my attention.”
QUESTION 7: How will you manage the county’s water resources while supporting economic growth?
Wilson expressed concerns over excessive water use by non-residents and industrial operations, advocating for legislative changes to give counties more control over water management.
“What we need most is advocacy at the county level working with the Texas Association of Counties to give county government more tools, more levers to help with that.”
Jones emphasized the need for groundwater conservation measures and legislative advocacy to protect water resources.
“We don’t need rock crushers. We don’t need anybody who’s going to be taking millions and millions of gallons out of the ground that should go for people, livestock, and crops.”
Trevino called for a regional approach, working with neighboring counties and state agencies to develop a long-term water and infrastructure plan.
“I’ll work with the commissioners to form a long- and short-term and long-term strategic plan on infrastructure, on roads, highways, water development.”
QUESTION 8: How would you address voter intimidation or threats to the democratic process?
All three candidates agreed that any form of voter intimidation or threats should be immediately reported to law enforcement and investigated appropriately.
Jones: “If it’s actual threats, actual intimidation, and if I think there’s even a hint of a crime being involved there, I’m gonna take that to the appropriate authorities and let them deal with it because that’s what they do.”
Trevino: “I would understand the issue and whether or not that there is any actual threat or any actual intimidation involved and then take it to the proper authority.”
Wilson: “County employees, like at the at the election office, shouldn’t shouldn’t be subject to harassment of any kind … or any kind of … intimidation or threat.”
QUESTION 9: How will you ensure Burnet County’s rapid growth is well-managed?
Trevino proposed developing five-, 10-, and 15-year infrastructure plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
“I plan on forming, with the help of the commissioners, a long- and short-term plan for Burnet County, for infrastructure, again, roads, highways, water and development.”
Wilson stressed the importance of securing more county authority over development regulations to better manage growth.
“We need a short-term plan, but more importantly, a 10- to 15-year plan to make sure we know what to do. … You’re not going to be able to stop growth.”
Jones spoke on a 25-year planning mindset, advocating for regional collaboration to address long-term growth challenges.
“You can make five-year plans, 10-year plans—every couple of years you revise those—but if you have a 25-year horizon, you’re thinking about where we’re going to get 25 years from now.”
QUESTION 10: How will you address road maintenance and infrastructure improvements without significantly raising taxes?
Wilson said he would work with commissioners to establish road standards.
“Each commissioner is elected for that role. … As county judge, you can try to get the commissioners to adopt some standards that they all agreed to, whether it’s the type of road base or the measurements.”
Jones agreed.
“The county judge works with the commissioners, and the commissioners with the county judge. … The county judge will be key to things such as Mr. Wilson was talking about: working with, cooperating, and having them cooperating among themselves to develop these standards that are best for the entire county.”
Trevino suggested rolling over surplus funds from the county budget to road projects while ensuring commissioners prioritize maintenance.
“At the end of the year, as I mentioned earlier, we’re going to have a surplus of funds … that’s going to go into the fund balance or be rolled over to help if there’s a roadway in need.”
The Burnet County Commissioners Court is set to appoint a new county judge Tuesday, Feb. 11, following formal interviews with the applicants. The meeting is open to the public. It starts at 9 a.m. in the second-floor courtroom at the Burnet County Courthouse, 220 S. Pierce St. in Burnet.
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The Helping Center of Marble Falls food pantry services hundreds of Highland Lakes residents every month, and that number has increased six-fold since 2021. According to the nonprofit’s leadership, the drastic uptick in visitors is likely due to lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and the opening of the center’s new facility in January 2021, which greatly increased its ability to serve the community.
The Helping Center served an average of 300-500 families a month between January 2017 and May 2021. Starting in July 2021, those numbers showed a sharp, steady increase, leading to averages of about 2,500 family visits per month throughout 2024 and rising as high as nearly 3,000 a month by September last year.
“Food is always going to be an issue,” Sam Pearce, the center’s executive director, told DailyTrib.com. “You wake up every day and you’re hungry.”
Pearce shared data from The Helping Center in 2024, showing the pantry had distributed 1.18 million pounds of food to visitors for the year, spread among an estimated 29,652 total visits from Highland Lakes households.
According to Pearce, The Helping Center used to see 20 visitors on a good day when he started volunteering 15 years ago, but things have ramped up recently. Just this past Thursday, Feb. 6, 145 families used the food pantry. On Wednesday it was 96 families; Tuesday, 176 families; and Monday, 97.
Pearce, who has been the center’s executive director for the past 10 years, saw a significant increase in food pantry users during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everything kind of changed around COVID, the paradigm shifted,” he said. “(Helping Center staff and volunteers) have got more and more efficient, and there are more people coming to the area, but the price of food is extremely high.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics backs up Pearce’s assessment. The bureau shows a sharp increase in the national average prices of staple groceries between March 2020 and December 2024.
One dozen eggs—$1.53 March 2020; $4.15 December 2024
One pound of ground beef—$4.11 March 2020; $5.58 December 2024
One gallon of whole milk—$3.25 March 2020; $4.10 December 2024
One pound of bone-in chicken—$1.40 March 2020; $2.06 December 2024
One pound of white bread—$1.37 March 2020; $1.91 December 2024
Aside from food, fuel costs also rose drastically, from $1.53 for a gallon of unleaded gas in March 2020 to $3.15 in December 2024.
The ability of The Helping Center to assist more people in its new location also had an impact, according to Pearce. The organization has been around since 1987, but it moved to its current home at 1016 Broadway in Marble Falls in January 2021, which also lines up with the sudden rise in users.
The 4,000-square-foot facility has a large storage area, capable of holding 80,000 pounds of food, which is quadruple the capacity of its previous location at 1315 Broadway. The new location functions like a grocery store, with visitors selecting their own items rather than volunteers doing it for them.
To qualify for use of The Helping Center, visitors should show they are at or below 185 percent of the federally established poverty line. For 2024-25, this amounts to $27,861 for an individual, with increasing increments of approximately $9,500 per individual in a household.
The Helping Center is almost totally reliant on fundraising, donations, volunteers, and grants to function. In 2024, 80 volunteers donated 10,043 service hours and The Helping Center received 854,620 pounds of food in donations.
To learn more about The Helping Center or how to get involved, visit helpingcenter.org.
“Just pray for us and pray for the people we serve,” Pearce said.
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Construction could start in May on a new and bigger Spicewood Community Library. Recent fundraising efforts have brought the library closer to its $1.5 million goal.
The Friends of the Spicewood Community Library project is entirely reliant on community donations, pledges, and grants. Although the Spicewood facility joined the Burnet County Library System in 2019, the Friends group owns the land, building, and its contents. The county pays for staffing and electricity and provides library patrons access to online content.
The Spicewood community is outgrowing the current 1,200-square-foot library at 1011 Spur 191, according to longtime library volunteer Jane Gannaway. The new library will be 6,000 square-feet larger.
“Our original building is a 1979 manufactured home, so at 46 years old, it’s in really bad condition,” Gannaway told DailyTrib.com. “Not only does the building itself need to be replaced, but our growing community and the services we provide also need to be expanded to meet demand.”
The Friends group hosted a fundraising gala Jan. 17 that pushed the building fund to 48 percent of its $1.5 million goal. A $100,000 matching pledge also has been made, and library supporters are working to raise the remaining $67,000 needed to meet the match.
“We are in an unincorporated area, so we don’t receive any local funds,” Gannaway said. “We’re still looking to get donations or pledges. Every bit helps to make this new library a reality.”
Businesses are encouraged to contribute through monetary donations or in-kind support, such as providing construction materials or services.
“There are very few public library construction grants available,” Gannaway said. “Many of them require us to show how much money we’ve raised before they’ll even consider funding us. That’s why every donation, large or small, helps us move forward.”
View architectural renderings of the planned library and learn how to contribute here. Donations and pledges may be made online, delivered in person during library hours, or mailed to P.O. Box 463, Spicewood, TX 78669.
“We have already secured architectural plans and site plans,” Gannaway said. “Right now, we’re working on completing bid packages, which will then go out to contractors.”
The new Spicewood Community Library will be built behind the current structure, allowing the existing facility to remain open during construction. Once completed, the old library will be demolished.
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Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your breach of this Agreement or any third-party claims related to your Submitted Content.
Moral Rights and Publicity You waive any moral rights or rights of attribution in the Submitted Content to the extent permitted by law. Company may use your name, username, or likeness in connection with the Submitted Content if applicable.
Termination and Removal Company may, in its sole discretion, edit, refuse to post, or remove any Submitted Content at any time without notice. This Agreement survives any termination.
Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Burnet County, Texas.
Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements. Modifications must be in writing. By submitting content, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
