The city of Burnet introduced an online tool that lets residents report concerns like broken streetlights or potholes directly to city staff. The feature will route issues to the appropriate department for a quick resolution.

The “Report a Concern” link can be found at the bottom right of the Burnet city website. After clicking, residents are asked to provide their name, email, location of the issue, and a description or photo of the problem.

“Residents often notice issues before city staff, and this tool helps us expand our eyes and ears,” said Burnet City Manager David Vaughn in a recent media release.

The reporting feature is only monitored during City Hall’s operating hours, which are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. After-hour or weekend emergencies should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

“This new tool is about collaboration,” Vaughn said. “Together, we can ensure that Burnet remains a place where quality of life meets community spirit.”

elizabeth@thepicayune.com

The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District on Dec. 20 officially moved Burnet County into an extreme drought stage and mandated a 15-percent reduction in groundwater usage for non-exempt well owners. The mandate will be in effect from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. 

The district can lift or change the restrictions earlier than the end of next year based on updated data and conditions.

The GCD is tasked with managing and protecting Burnet County’s groundwater resources, which are primarily made up of the Trinity Aquifer and Ellenburger-San Saba Aquifer. These geological formations store water underground and can be accessed via wells.

The district raised the county’s drought stage from “severe” to “extreme” based on the Palmer Hydrological Drought Index, which it uses as a guide to determine drought severity and set policy. The 15-percent water reduction for non-exempt well owners is based on data gathered from monitoring wells, which showed a direct correlation between drought conditions and groundwater levels.

“We’re seeing the impacts of these long-term droughts on our groundwater levels,” GCD General Manager Mitchell Sodek told DailyTrib.com.

The new water reduction measures apply to the district’s 168 largest water users, including municipalities like Burnet, Bertram, and Highland Haven as well as major industrial users. The mandatory reduction only applies to groundwater users with larger wells. It will not effect small-scale users.

The mandate includes an exemption for public water supply systems that can show proof of conservation efforts. 

“An alternative is for (public water supply systems) to show they have implemented their own drought plan,” Sodek said during the public meeting Dec. 20. “That (plan) would be reviewed by the district as an alternative to the 15 percent off of the permitted total.”

The 15 percent reduction is consistent with previous years. In 2023 and 2024, the district initially enacted a 15 percent reduction during extreme drought conditions, which was later adjusted to 10 percent following heavy rainfall in early 2024. As drought conditions continue, the GCD has the authority to adjust water use reductions at any time based on real-time data.

Looking toward the future, the GCD is working to create management zones that would apply specific drought management plans to different areas of an aquifer rather than across the entire county. This would allow for more tailored strategies to ensure water use is managed efficiently across Burnet County.

“The goal is to have more localized drought triggers and plans based on the specific needs of different aquifers or management zones,” Sodek told DailyTrib.com. “This level of detailed management requires sophisticated data and analysis. It’s going to be years in the making, but that’s the ultimate goal.”

elizabeth@thepicayune.com

Burnet leaders answered a call for help from the Hill Country Humane Society, which is in desperate need of a new septic system. The city committed up to $95,000 with the final expenditure dependent on design completion and official cost estimate.

The current septic system was installed when the Buchanan Dam-based animal shelter was built in 1999. It has long been insufficient for the no-kill facility’s needs, forcing frequent and costly service calls as well as operational disruptions. 

Executive Director Paighton Corley said it was built for one-fifth of the water being used today.

“It’s been undersized for at least 10 years, breaking up to three times a month,” she told DailyTrib.com. “These issues directly affect our ability to provide clean and safe environments for the animals, staff, and visitors.”

The Burnet City Council authorized the financial support during its Dec. 10 meeting.

“When you have a crisis, you have to step up and do the right thing,” Councilor Cindia Talamentez told DailyTrib.com. “Animals can’t speak to us; we’re their voices. It’s our duty as a community to take care of them just as we take care of our people.”

Talamentez expressed hope that other municipalities would increase their contributions to the shelter.

“We need our neighboring entities to step up and help,” she said.

The Hill Country Humane Society provides animal intake services for the cities of Burnet and Granite Shoals as well as Llano and Burnet counties. Marble Falls approved an intake partnership with the HCHS on Dec. 3 that will go into effect in the new year.

The Humane Society is also calling on the municipalities it serves to contribute to the new septic system, emphasizing the shared responsibility of supporting its operations. 

Burnet City Manager David Vaughn agreed.

“The truth is, the shelter provides a service that cities and counties would otherwise have to provide themselves, and often at a higher cost,” he said.

As the HCHS’ operation area grows, Corley said the pressure on the facility’s infrastructure has intensified. Along with the septic system, the shelter itself is undersized, housing more animals than for what it was originally designed. The shelter often relies on outdoor and pop-up kennels to contain the animals in its care.

“This funding will not only fix our septic system but also set the stage for future improvements, ensuring we can continue serving the animals and the community effectively,” Corley said.

elizabeth@thepicayune.com

Agendas for Highland Lakes governments are posted 72 hours before a meeting, so they are not always ready by the time this story is published. Check the links for more information.

Monday, Dec. 23

Llano County Commissioner Court

9 a.m. regular meeting

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Courtroom, 2001 Texas 16, Llano

Agenda wasn’t available at the time of this story’s publication.

editor@thepicayune.com

The Granite Shoals City Council on Dec. 10 gained insight from Waste Management about its most recent rate increase, which is moderate compared to the previous two price hikes. The trash services provider also offered to help clean up some city eyesores to reaffirm its commitments to cleanliness.

Waste Management increased Granite Shoals’ trash pickup rate by 3.23 percent Dec. 1. The company’s contract with the city allows for rate adjustments based on fluctuations in the consumer price index for garbage services and the changing costs of diesel fuel.

“You’ve got our commitment to help clean up your community and keep it that way,” Waste Management Public Solutions Sector representative Matt Myers told the City Council during the Dec. 10 meeting. 

Myers explained that the 3.23 percent increase amounted to a shift from $29.58 per month for residential trash pickup to $30.54. With an additional 8 percent franchise fee for the city, monthly bills are now $32.98.

The 3.23 percent increase is the difference between a 5.26 percent rise in the consumer price index for garbage services across the United States and a 2.04 percent decrease to the cost of Gulf Coast diesel. 

The Granite Shoals council approved the current trash pickup contract on Nov. 12 after being notified by Waste Management of the impending increase, but no company representative was present at the time to explain the change.

According to Mayor Ron Munos, the city has seen more significant hikes in the past, like in 2022 when Waste Management increased the rate by 22 percent to keep up with rising inflation and fuel costs. It went up again in 2023 by another 9 percent.

“Prices keep going up. It’s just keeping pace with inflation, so you can’t argue too much about it,” Munos told DailyTrib.com. “You’re never happy about an increase, but at the same time, you’ve got to understand it because (Waste Management is) pretty much the only game in town.”

The city went out for bid to find another trash service provider in 2022, but Waste Management was the only firm to respond.

In total, Waste Management rates for Granite Shoals have increased 38.53 percent from 2022, but most of that was attributed to post-pandemic supply chain issues, the high cost of diesel, and competition for truck drivers.

“We’re not jumping up for joy, but at the same time, we understand why the increases have come about,” Munos said. “They do a pretty good job of doing what they’re supposed to do, but there’s always room for improvement.”

During his presentation to the City Council, Waste Management’s Myers also pledged to lend five, large roll-off dumpsters to the city to help clear out several dilapidated trailers and RVs identified by code enforcement as high-priority issues.

dakota@thepicayune.com

Burnet County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Alan Trevino officially announced his candidacy for Burnet County judge in 2026 and lobbied for an appointment to the interim position during the Commissioners Court meeting Dec. 19. The news came just one day after the resignation of Judge James Oakley.

“This is not how I intended my announcement of candidacy to come out … but recent revelations forced me to change my strategy,” Trevino told commissioners and the audience at the Thursday meeting. “Now’s the time to step up, not step down.”

Oakley resigned as county judge on Wednesday following a public reprimand from the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct for courthouse security violations and sexual harassment. He left a void on the Commissioners Court that will have to be filled once he is officially out of office on Jan. 2, 2025. 

Oakley’s resignation must be accepted by the Commissioners Court at a future meeting before it can become official.

It is up to the four commissioners to appoint an interim county judge until a new one can be elected, which would be during the 2026 general election unless a special election is held before then. The court cannot appoint one of its own members.

No method for appointment had been released or determined as of Dec. 20. The court was unable to take action on Thursday as Oakley’s resignation occurred after the 72-hour window required by the Texas Open Meetings Act for agenda items to be added to a public meeting.

Trevino has been chief deputy of the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office for two years. During his announcement Thursday, he touted his experience in managing day-to-day operations, improving budgets, and advocating for employees and emphasized the need for integrity and transparency.

“I believe that I am not only the right person for this job, but I am the only person for this job,” he said.

Burnet County judge is an elected position that serves four-year terms. The judge is the chair of the Commissioners Court, the county’s chief budget officer, and holds administrative authority over most county departments.

Trevino held a previous supervisory role in the Texas Department of Public Safety as protective detail leader for the Texas governor. He also owns a security company, Sentry Security & Investigations, which has operated for over two decades.

“I know what it takes to make payroll. I know what it takes to have a line of credit. I know how to budget,” Trevino told DailyTrib.com. “My leadership background—from the governor’s protective detail to owning a business and working as chief deputy—has prepared me for this role.”

During his public announcement, he promised a renewed focus on budget transparency and fiscal responsibility in county government.
“We have to reduce our debt. We have to take care of our employees, all of our employees,” he said.

Trevino said his initial interest in the judge job was sparked by encouragement from residents.

“More and more people asked me to consider running for county judge,” he said. “The discussion became more frequent, and I had to seriously consider where I could have the most impact on our community.”

His decision to enter the race was solidified when Judge Oakley attempted to silence 33rd/424th Judicial District Attorney Wiley “Sonny” McAfee during a Sept. 24 Commissioners Court meeting before he could reveal the results of an investigation into accusations of overtime fraud within the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office.

“That really pushed me over to make the decision. … There needed to be a change,” he said.

Sheriff Calvin Boyd expressed support for Trevino’s candidacy in an interview with DailyTrib.com.

“As a chief deputy, I couldn’t ask for a better leader,” Boyd said. “He’s always prepared, and I know he’ll be a great county judge.”

Trevino could not continue serving as chief deputy if he were appointed as the interim judge or win the future election.

His campaign announcement during the Commissioners Court meeting was followed by a standing ovation from the audience.

“Everything I have been a part of, I have helped to make better,” Trevino said. “Working together, we can recover, move forward, and turn the page from the black eye and embarrassment of the past.”

elizabeth@thepicayune.com

The Marble Falls City Council is in late-stage negotiations to purchase the Commercial National Bank building on Avenue H to serve as a bigger City Hall. Leaders hope to finalize the $2.5 million deal by February 2025 and move into the space by the second half of the year.

The council gave its unanimous approval to city staff to move forward in negotiations with the building’s owner during a special meeting Thursday, Dec. 19. 

At 12,000 square-feet, the building at 110 Avenue H could house all city departments, which are now spread among four buildings, including the current 7,000-square-foot City Hall at 800 Third St. in downtown Marble Falls.

“We’re scattered around four buildings, and it has been that way for a while and we’re out of room,” Mayor Dave Rhodes told DailyTrib.com following the council’s decision. “(The divided offices) are costly in time and costly in communication.”

All departments being under one roof would make communication and collaboration easier, increasing efficiency, Rhodes said. He estimated the move would bring about 50 employees together.

The city’s Human Resources and Engineering departments are already in the Commercial National Bank building. If the deal goes through, city administration, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, the Economic Development Corp., and Public Works will all make the move to the new municipal hub. The building’s current bank tenant would be transitioned out.

Rhodes said the city would likely sell the old City Hall building and repurpose or sell the other vacated public buildings and offices.

The mayor called the potential purchase a “long-term, temporary solution” to government growing pains. The city still plans to build a new City Hall at a later date that would also serve as a civic center and community hub. That project depends on a new downtown master plan and could take several years to become a reality.

dakota@thepicayune.com

Firefly Aerospace was recently awarded a $179 million contract from NASA to facilitate a moon exploration mission in 2028. The space company is based in Cedar Park but has a large manufacturing and testing site, Rocket Ranch, in Briggs in northeast Burnet County.

This is the fourth major contract that Firefly has been awarded for NASA’s Artemis campaign, which aims to develop consistent commercial travel and deliveries to the moon. Firefly is close to conducting its first lunar operation for NASA, Blue Ghost Mission 1, which should launch in January 2025.

“This incredible team gained a hard-earned reputation for smooth payload integrations, well-rehearsed operations, and robust testing and transparency throughout Blue Ghost Mission 1 preparations,” Firefly CEO Jason Kim said in a Dec. 18 media release. “As Firefly works towards becoming the go-to commercial company to provide autonomous systems on the Moon and beyond, our robust line of vehicles stand ready to deliver a historic mission to the Gruithuisen Domes.”

Under the latest contract, Firefly will partner with other space firms to send a lunar lander, scientific instruments, a moon-orbiting vehicle, and a lunar rover to the near side of the moon in 2028 to study the Gruithuisen Domes. The large geological structures have never been explored and present numerous mysteries about the moon’s volcanic past.

“Firefly will deliver six instruments to understand the landing site and surrounding vicinity,” said Chris Culbert, manager of the Commercial Payload Services initiative at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, in a NASA media release. “These instruments will study geologic processes and lunar regolith, test solar cells, and characterize the neutron radiation environment, supplying invaluable information as NASA works to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.”

dakota@thepicayune.com

The Burnet City Council approved a zoning change for a block of land at 402 and 404 U.S. 281 North on Dec. 10 to allow the development of a convenience store with gasoline and alcohol sales. Initially, the project was denied due to concerns from residents, but the proposal was revised into a “planned unit development” with stricter regulations, including larger setbacks, vegetative buffers, and controlled lighting and signage.

The block where the convenience store will be developed is bordered by West Kerr and West Johnson streets and includes a mix of existing structures: a residential home, a barn, and a former restaurant.

The proposal for the gas station/convenience store was denied on Aug. 27 when the applicant requested a conditional use permit to develop the property under light commercial zoning. 

Burnet City Manager David Vaughn said the denial wasn’t an outright rejection but a call for further collaboration between the applicant, city staff, and neighbors to address concerns about compatibility with the area.

“We did a lot of brokering … to help make it work out,” Vaughn told DailyTrib.com. “One of the adjacent residents had been there and lived there basically her entire life … so this was a significant change for her.”

After discussions, the applicant returned with a revised proposal under a planned unit development, a specialized zoning category with stricter requirements to ensure the store better fits the neighborhood.

The new PUD zoning sets detailed guidelines for the development, including:

• Setbacks: Larger setbacks—50 feet in the front and rear and 25 feet on the sides—create more space between the store and nearby properties.
• Buffers: Vegetative buffer zones will block construction, parking, or material storage along certain edges of the property.
• Lighting and signage: Lights must face downward or be shielded, and signs are limited to a 15-foot monument-style design for aesthetic consistency.
• Screening: Trash enclosures and fences must meet specific standards to protect the view of nearby residents.

After addressing residents’ concerns, notices were sent to 14 nearby property owners resulting in no written opposition.

“We worked hard to create a plan that protects the surrounding neighborhood while allowing for responsible development,” Vaughn said.

The sale of the property is expected to close by the end of January 2025, and, according to Vaughn, construction could begin as early as summer.

Vaughn explained the complexity of balancing growth with preservation.

“There’s always the question of whether a gas station is the best use of a property like this. But our role is to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses, and this plan achieves that,” he said. “Over time, the area will naturally transition, and this development is a step in that process.”

elizabeth@thepicayune.com