The Granite Shoals City Council signed off on a new $40,000 contract with the Hill Country Humane Society on Tuesday, May 14. The city and animal rescue were negotiating a new contract in December 2023 when talk of killing feral cats caused a rift between the two.

When the 2023 contract lapsed in November, the city did not immediately renew it. In December, an audio recording was released of Granite Shoals city staff and volunteers in a public meeting discussing how to trap and kill feral cats, leading to a massive public outcry. As a result, the Hill Country Humane Society publicly severed professional ties with the city.

Since December, Granite Shoals has been in negotiations with the Humane Society to mend that relationship. The city formed a Community Cat Advisory Committee in January and overhauled its animal control policy in March.

“We’re back under contract with the Hill Country Humane Society, and we’re very thrilled with that,” Mayor Ron Munos said at the council’s May 14 meeting. “They will be a great partner of ours.”

As per the contract, the city will pay $40,000 for services in fiscal year 2024. The fee will be split between a $30,000 charge for taking in up to 100 animals from the city per year and $10,000 to fund the Humane Society’s spay and neuter program. If the city does not reach its maximum allotment of 100 animals, up to 20 can be carried over into the next term of service.

Even without a contract, the Humane Society did take in animals from Granite Shoals on a case-by-case basis. A total of $13,250 was credited to the city for fees that had already been paid, reducing the current contract to $26,750 for the remainder of its term.

Granite Shoals Police Chief John Ortis was involved in the negotiations with the Humane Society as his department is responsible for enforcing animal control ordinances and managing stray animals. 

“Our number one goal is to work hand in hand with the Humane Society,” Ortis told DailyTrib.com. “Yeah, we’re paying for a service, but we are going to do our due diligence.”

Ortis was one of the strongest voices in the aftermath of the controversial Wildlife Advisory Committee meeting that discussed how to control feral cats. He made a public statement at the time, condemning the discussion between former City Manager Peggy Smith and the committee, making it clear that his department supported and enforced humane animal policies.

“The health and safety of animals is a priority for the city of Granite Shoals,” he said.

While the city was without its Humane Society contract, Granite Shoals police officers had to process, care for, and transport dozens of stray animals, tasks outside the city’s budget and the department’s training.

“We weren’t budgeted for this, and it hit our department hard,” Ortis said. “The police department and the citizens are the ones that have suffered, but we have amped up our efforts.”

Ortis commended police department staff and volunteers, like councilors Michael Berg, Michael Pfister, and Brian Edwards, who helped the city cope with its stray animals over the past five months. He directed special thanks to Hill Country Humane Society Executive Director Paighton Corley for her guidance throughout the negotiations and her assistance with managing the city’s strays.

“My hat’s off to Ms. Corley,” he said. “I can’t thank her enough. Paighton has been a world of knowledge and assisted greatly with our (trap-neuter-release) programs.”

dakota@thepicayune.com

Proceed with caution when receiving phone calls from supposed police agencies or organizations seeking donations to “support law enforcement,” warns the Marble Falls Police Department.

“Always be super careful when giving out identifying information or credit card information over the phone to anybody,” MFPD Central Investigations Division Capt. Jimmy Cole told DailyTrib.com. “I would stay away from any phone calls that are soliciting money.”

The department advises residents to gain as much information as possible on unknown callers to counteract potential grifting.

“If you take the (phone) number down, you can always call them back,” Cole said. “You can also find out what organization they’re with and call the home company, if they even exist, or Google them to see if they’re legit.”

Individuals without much computer knowledge are often top targets for scammers, Cole said.

“Technology is something that I even struggle with,” he said. “Most people have good hearts, but you may have someone trying to take advantage of you. That’s what you want to avoid.”

The police captain also noted how sophisticated some of these schemes can be.

“Scammers can be very in depth,” Cole said. “The more in depth the scammers get, the more developed the story, the harder it gets to determine what’s real and what’s not.”

Residents wanting to donate to law enforcement should seek bona fide organizations such as local police officer associations and the Hill Country 100 Club, a nonprofit that serves first responders in Burnet, Llano, and Blanco counties, Cole said.

He also offered a surefire way to directly help the Marble Falls Police Department.

“The easiest way to make a donation to us is to call the police department and tell us that you want to donate,” Cole said. “You’ll probably get a meeting with the chief and move on from there.”

Those donations go a long way, he said.

“We get cookies and gifts up here all the time, and they get gobbled up in a heartbeat,” Cole said. “People are so nice. It shows appreciation and lets us know that we’re doing the right things.”

Call the Marble Falls Police Department’s non-emergency line at 830-693-3611 for more details on how to donate.

nathan@thepicayune.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Candidates’ answers have NOT been edited except for spelling and grammar when needed for clarity. DailyTrib.com does not endorse candidates or candidates’ answers.

Llano County voters in Precinct 3 will choose between Bull Guthrie and Brent Richards to serve as their county commissioner. None of the three candidates in the Republican primary race in March received more than 50 percent of the vote, leading to a runoff on May 28. Early voting is May 20-24.

Richards received the highest number of votes in the March 5 primary election with 360 to Guthrie’s 256 and Karen Shaw’s 196. The most densely populated precinct in the county, Precinct 3 takes in most of Kingsland. 

INTRODUCTIONS

BULL GUTHRIE

My name is Bull Guthrie and I am running for Pct. 3 Commissioner in Llano County. I have a Master’s Degree in psychology, I am a retired chief of police, and current Realtor with Landmaster’s Real Estate in Kingsland. Having been appointed by several commissioners courts, I have extensive knowledge of county governance, budgets, crime control, and bond issues.

BRENT RICHARDS

I am a retired licensed professional engineer with 29 years of experience in right-of-way infrastructure. My first 12 years were spent working for three different cities in three different counties as a staff representative to the city planning commissions. In the absence of the city engineer, I attended the city council meetings as the staff representative. I then left the public domain and went to work for a private civil and traffic engineering consulting firm, starting as a senior project engineer for three years, moving up to vice-president of the firm. I believe that every job is a service job and my desire is to share my experience and to serve the residents of Kingsland. I have been a resident of Llano County for the Last 14½ years, living in precincts 2, 3 and 4. I moved to Precinct 3 in September of 2021, over 2½ years ago.

QUESTION 1

Kingsland, which is in Precinct 3, has a unique set of issues that sets it apart from the rest of the county. What do you see as the biggest issue facing Kingsland, and how would you deal with it as a commissioner? 

GUTHRIE: This race is about the future of Kingsland and Llano County. I am a fourth-generation Texan, and my family was part of the “Old 300” who settled in the area. My opponent is a Californian and his camp has stated that Llano County does not need any “good ole boys.” Well, “Good ole boys” won Texas’ independence, carved out the Hill Country, and made it safe from outlaws and Indians so that people could come enjoy a quiet lifestyle.  

RICHARDS: For me to serve the Kingsland residents if elected, I need to meet with the residents in a town hall atmosphere in order to find out what the residents of Kingsland see as the issues that need to be addressed by the county commissioners. I feel that those meetings need to occur every two months or so in order to serve the community correctly. 

With that said, I have received complaints regarding trash and junk cars being collected on various properties and a need for facilities to take the trash to. I also understand that there is a difference between collectible cars being stored on properties and junk cars, so that needs to be kept in mind. Llano County uses the State of Texas Health and Safety Code that has regulations concerning environmental concerns, and there are two environmental agents working for the county.

QUESTION 2

What do you see as the biggest county-wide issue facing Llano County? Does it conflict with Kingsland’s best interests, and if so, how would you prioritize in a Kingsland versus greater Llano County decision?

GUTHRIE: Kingsland is a densely populated community within a relatively small area that is interconnected to many other neighborhoods and small communities. This presents a couple of issues that are ongoing and, therefore, need ongoing attention. 

Crime and roads. The first thing I would do is to sit down with District Attorney Perry Thomas and Sheriff Marquis Cantu and review the current strategies for Kingsland, if any, and suggest a new, tougher strategy to help reduce violent crimes against persons and property crimes. This would include targeting narcotics dealers by asking for the creation of a multi-agency task force. Narcotics plays the largest role in these violent crimes that Kingsland has seen over the past several years. Until that is addressed, crime will continue to climb, making the area less safe. There are federal and state grants to help with the cost to help ease the taxpayers’ burden.

The second issue is road maintenance. In 2015, I began working with the Texas Senate Transportation Committee and TxDOT to help reduce the destruction of our Texas Highways. I found that overloaded trucks reduce the life of an asphalt road/highway from 20 years to eight or less. Due to increased construction, heavy truck traffic has increased substantially in Kingsland, and enforcement of overloads is a priority to save our roads.

Each Commissioner is elected to represent both their precinct and the county as a whole, as their vote impacts the entire county. My opponent’s camp has stated that Kingsland is not an agricultural community. For the most part, that is true, but Llano County certainly is. Unlike California and its relentless assault on ranchers and “cow farts,” any commissioner not understanding the tax implications to ranchers and continued price increases at the grocery store would do a grave disservice to the county and its citizens.

Although some precincts are less affected, the biggest issue facing Llano County is crime and how to address it. Growth always spurs crime and Kingsland is seeing an increase in both growth and crime. Kingsland has a majority of law enforcement tax dollars as it is reporting the majority of crimes within Llano County. This can sometimes draw the ire of other precinct citizens and leaders. If elected, Kingsland will continue to receive those law enforcement assets as well as new ones.

RICHARDS: Llano County’s biggest concern is the exponential growth that leads to many other issues, i.e., increased needs for the budget, infrastructure, and public safety issues. Kingsland is an unincorporated community and the commissioner’s job is to uphold the legislators’ rules that are continuously diminishing the county’s abilities to intervene. This affects Kingsland in a major way, and Commissioners need to have a voice at all the tables in order for the County to have sound growth structure and stability. Commissioners do not have a say, nor can they voice their opinion as to whether or not a community becomes incorporated or remains unincorporated. That is for the individuals living in the community to determine in the voting booth. The Commissioner’s position can only be to represent what the voters choose and come up with solutions within the restraints of the rules and regulations they are bound to.

QUESTION 3

Llano County has five civil lawsuits (with more coming at law enforcement) and is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees. The question is, where will this money come from? Llano County is a small-budget county, and these fees can affect future spending. The question is, should we spend it? 

GUTHRIE: Although my opponent has stayed quiet on this issue as to not offend the left, I have not. As the Country becomes more and more controlled by left wing ideologues seeking to destroy any trace of Straight white Christianity and American exceptionalism, it becomes an obligation to fight. Llano and the Texas Hill Country is still a haven for conservatism and Christianity, and I will fight the good fight as long as I am able.  

RICHARDS: There are issues regarding each of the lawsuits that I do not know and will not be made known to me until I become a commissioner. So, for me to address any of the five lawsuits would be done without full knowledge of each suit and that would be negligent on my part. Unfortunately, the times we are in are perilous, and it is unknown as to what will come our way until it does. If a county is sued for monetary damages, the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) will provide representation, and the cost is covered out of the insurance that the county pays. The budget has a professional fee line item, which is appropriated during the budget cycle.

QUESTION 4 

Llano County commissioners are embroiled in two lawsuits that concern the county’s three libraries. They recently voted to approve a library presentation planned for April. In other departments, commissioners defer to department heads for these types of decisions. How much control should the Commissioners Court have over the content and programs in the library system?  

GUTHRIE: Llano County Commissioners, like most commissioners’ courts, defer many decisions to department heads. The department heads should represent the elected commissioners and County Judge’s interests, as the court represents the interests of the citizens. When deferrals prove out as counterproductive to the direction of the commissioners court, the court has a duty to step in and correct those actions. Many large counties hire “administrators.” This is usually a ruse to go against popular consent, then blame the “administrator” for the decision. Llano County Commissioners have done an excellent job keeping tabs on department heads, assuring their rules and decisions are consistent with the will of the voters. This is one of many reasons why Llano County remains a favored place to work, live, and raise a family.

I’m asking for your vote on May 28 in the run-off election.  

RICHARDS: I have been to a number but not all of the commissioner’s court since October, and I have no knowledge of a Library presentation, so I cannot comment on this issue. I do know that the commissioners did turn over a library issue to the head librarian to handle in the past since the job description allows her to handle whatever the issue was, but I have no knowledge of what that issue was.

The questions you are asking are best asked after one has been a commissioner for at least four months in order to give an appropriate response. Anything the commissioners discuss in executive session is confidential until the details are recommended by the council to be made available to the general public.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Candidates’ answers have NOT been edited except for spelling and grammar when needed for clarity. DailyTrib.com does not endorse candidates or candidates’ answers.

Five men vied for the open Precinct 3 seat on the Burnet County Commissioners Court in the Republican primary in March. Since no one received more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters—Chad Collier and Homer Will—will be on the primary runoff ballot for Precinct 3 voters on May 28. Early voting is May 20-24. 

In the March 5 primary, Collier received 590 voters, Will 522, Cord Woerner 482, Joe Rosser 156, and Caleb Carrasco 11. 

INTRODUCTIONS

CHAD COLLIER

My name is Chad Collier, and I’m running for Burnet County Commissioner Precinct 3. I’ve lived in Burnet County for over 30 years, went to Bertram Elementary, and graduated from Burnet High School. Been a business owner for 24 years in the telecom infrastructure sector. Managed employees, coordinated sub-contractors, and negotiated contracts with corporations and military installations. Completed projects with TxDOT, military bases, and local school districts. Working with these entities has required setting and adhering to budgets. 

I also have extensive knowledge and experience with planning for future growth and implementing those plans. Being in the construction business has been an added bonus to keeping on task. Once mobilized with equipment and crew, I can complete the project to minimize time and money spent. I will maintain and improve the roads and bridges with upgraded surfaces, signage, and visibility issues. I will operate with transparency and open communication and will be available at all times, whether by phone, email, or in person.  

HOMER WILL 

I am Homer Will, running for Burnet County Commissioner Precinct 3. I am currently the road and bridge foreman for Precinct 4, of which I have been for 15 years. I serve as director for Precinct 3 on the groundwater conservation district board. I have 30+ years of experience in infrastructure building and maintenance, including water and sewer director for 13 years. All jobs have required budget management. 

I am the most qualified candidate for this position. I have supervised many interlocal projects with every city manager and commissioner in Burnet County. Projects have included parking lots, bridge construction and removal, pickleball courts, cart paths, and complete road rebuilding. I am very active with environmental projects Burnet County has made possible through grants. Road safety and water conservation are at the top of my list.

QUESTION 1

Burnet County is currently carrying $23.6 million in debt and is scheduled to make $5.4 million in payments on that debt in 2025. What is your understanding of the county’s current debt? How do you think it should be managed?

COLLIER: I looked at the outstanding debt report as of 9/23/2023. Our debt per capita is under $600, which is one of the lowest in the state. As with any entity, whether it be a county or a corporation, there is good debt and bad debt. If managed correctly, debt can be a useful tool. Burnet County has both long-term and short-term loans or tax notes. These have been used for building upgrades and road projects. These loans are needed to finance projects that are needed now, with the burden being spread out for multiple years, and are aided by the added revenue of the growing tax base in the future. The interest rate for most of these loans/tax notes averages 2.5 percent. That is a good rate at this time. I will continue to be fiscally responsible with our debt and manage it correctly to ensure we keep our debt per capita at one of the lowest in the state while also keeping up with infrastructure needs

WILL: My understanding is the county is in the best financial condition it has been in 10 past years. This can be found in public county records for taxpayers to view. I feel at this time it is on the correct path.

QUESTION 2

What can Burnet County commissioners do to control development in the county so it does not threaten the area’s limited water resources? How much power should the county government have to restrict development based on the availability of water?  

COLLIER: We have the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, which sets the rules and regulations for the protection of the groundwater. Developers are also required to get a hydrogeologic report completed that identifies the availability and quality of groundwater in the particular area of the proposed development. It also details the impacts of groundwater production in the surrounding areas. As commissioners, we have to follow these guidelines and make decisions based on those regulations. As a commissioner, I have to work with landowners and developers to ensure the quantity and quality of our water remains constant for future generations.

WILL: The county is enforcing all the restrictions that the state allows us to do. We cannot do more than the state law gives us the power to do. The Burnet County Ground Conservation District has implemented the strictest water conservation laws in Texas that are allowed by the state. 

QUESTION 3

There’s been some conflict between the court and the Sheriff’s Office regarding overtime pay and budget overruns. How much say should the court have in how the sheriff does his job? Where do you stand on this issue? 

COLLIER: The Sheriff is also an elected official who was just recently reelected by the people of Burnet County. Our job as commissioners is to work with the sheriff’s office and provide the resources they need to keep our community safe. Sheriff (Calvin) Boyd and his office are doing an exemplary job at keeping this county an enjoyable place to live and raise a family, as can be seen by the growth we are experiencing. I don’t think it is the court’s job to tell the sheriff’s office or any other department how to do their profession. They are in that position for a reason; it’s our job to make sure they have the resources to perform their job. 

WILL: The commissioner court approves a budget for each fiscal year, allocating the budget for each department. The department heads have the authority to use the allocations as they feel best fits the needs of their department. If a department head, due to unforeseen situations. needs extra funding, at that point, it is presented to the commissioners court for review. Each situation is evaluated at that time and adjustments could or could not be approved.

QUESTION 4

What do you consider the top priority of the Commissioners Court? Is the current court making that a priority in its decisions as a whole? If not, what would you do to refocus the court on that issue? 

COLLIER: All the priorities are at the top when it comes to the commissioners’ court. As commissioners, we have to set a fiscally responsible budget while also providing the resources that each department needs to facilitate and be productive in their duties. Planning ahead to ensure we have controlled and stable growth. Plan for the growth with new and updated infrastructure, whether it be roads or building upgrades. Maintain and upgrade the roads and bridges in the county to improve the roadway surfaces and visibility for safety. As Commissioner, I will focus on bringing these issues to the forefront and strive to work with the court to make decisions that are in the best interest of the county as a whole and not favor anyone’s personal agenda. 

WILL: The top priority of the commissioners’ court is to be fiscally responsible and provide necessary services for the safety and concern of the citizens of Burnet County. I feel the commissioners court is doing a good job of meeting the needs of the citizens of Burnet County at this time.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Candidates’ answers have NOT been edited except for spelling and grammar when needed for clarity. DailyTrib.com does not endorse candidates or candidates’ answers.

None of the three candidates for the open seat of Burnet County tax assessor-collector received more than 50 percent of the vote in the March Republican primary. Top vote-getters DeAnne Fisher and Susan Allen will go head to head for the job in the May 28 primary runoff. Early voting is May 20-24. 

In the March 5 primary, Fisher received 3,699 votes (44.6 percent to Susan Allen’s 3,033 votes (36.57). The third candidate, Adrienne Feild, received 1,562 votes (18.83 percent). 

INTRODUCTIONS

SUSAN ALLEN

Hello, my name is Susan Allen, and I am running for Burnet County tax assessor-collector as a Republican. On November 1 of this year, I will celebrate my 20th year of service in the Burnet County Tax Office. I am the Chief Deputy tax assessor-collector under incumbent Sheri Frazier. I supervise the Marble Falls tax office and staff and have for the majority of my almost 20 years. 

I oversee and am responsible for over 2,000 transactions a month that total close to, and at times, over $1 million. I keep up with the ever-changing Texas vehicle laws and educate staff. I work diligently to help educate the public to prevent title fraud and unnecessary penalties. I am proud to be known as the go-to person for vehicle titles and registration. Over the years, I have worked hard to establish great working relationships within the community. I truly love my job and the people I serve! I am the only candidate with management and tax office experience and the best fit for the job.

DEANNE FISHER

My name is DeAnne Fisher, and I am seeking your vote to be your Republican nominee for Burnet County Tax Assessor-Collector. I have been blessed to call Burnet County my home for over 43 years. I possess 30 years of experience in finance, lending, and title, 12 of which I have served as Burnet County Chief Deputy Treasurer. 

My experience is not just in managing county, state, and federal funds, but I have also upheld reporting procedures that ensure transparency and trust for all. Being elected as Burnet County Tax Assessor-collector will further the capacity in which I can serve the citizens of Burnet County. I will operate and maintain a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient office. In today’s world, we have so much technology available, but I truly believe that human interaction is invaluable. 

Excellent customer service is the foundation on which the tax assessor-collector office can make a positive impact on our community. When elected, I will continue to ensure that your tax assessor’s office’s purpose, as employees of the county government, is to serve the taxpayers of Burnet County with integrity and respect.

QUESTION 1

At a recent candidates forum, one of you mentioned that the number of stolen cars in the county is rising. What is the tax assessor-collector’s role in helping victims of car theft? What can the office do to help streamline the process?

ALLEN: Once a vehicle is stolen, there isn’t much the tax assessor-collector can do. The tax assessor-collector’s role is to help prevent a customer from purchasing a stolen vehicle or a vehicle with a fraudulent title. This is done through educating a person prior to the sale. If a customer can provide us with a VIN number or a picture of the front and back of a vehicle title, we can help spot any issues. Even if this is not available, we can still educate people on what to look for and be wary of to protect themselves. The best scenario is to meet the person you’re buying the vehicle from at the tax office. This way, if there are any issues they can be immediately resolved before you pay for the vehicle. Lastly, be aware: a legitimate Texas dealer, by law, has to collect tax, title, and registration from you. They are responsible for transferring the vehicle into your name and getting your plates. If you’re unsure about anything vehicle-related, please come see us. We are here to help!

FISHER: As the county continues to grow in population, unfortunately, so do other areas, such as crime. The tax assessor-collector works to keep records current and up-to-date to make sure the Auto Theft Task Force has the information readily available when needed. The tax assessor-collector can provide a secure place to handle title transfers at the time of a transaction before a fraudulent title is exchanged. We can help educate the citizens of Burnet County on what to look out for and provide information on where to validate a vehicle identification number prior to purchase. Burnet County is fortunate to have an Auto Theft Task Force team that handles Burnet County auto theft, with which I have a great working relationship. 

QUESTION 2

Also mentioned in a previous forum was the possible need for more staff. How many and for what job duties? How would you pay for these new positions if you agree they are needed? 

ALLEN: During my campaign, I have never stated the need for more staff. I believe my opponent stated she would add staff to do boat registration. I am not opposed to doing boat registrations. However, I would never just add staff until I knew the impact boat registrations had on the office. 

Being a Conservative Republican, I believe it is a top priority to be fiscally responsible to your taxpayers. Unlike vehicles, boat registrations are done every two years, and there are not nearly as many boats as there are vehicles in the county. You have to be sure it pays the county enough to warrant another employee. Some tax assessor-collectors open boat registration to anyone in the state to cover the cost. We would undoubtedly get Travis, Williamson, and Llano county residents, just to name a few, wanting to register here. There’s no way I would ever allow people who don’t pay taxes here to use Burnet County employees and resources. I have many years of tax office and management experience. As my opponent stated at the February 8 forum she does not.

FISHER: At this time, the current budget does not allocate funds for any additional staff to be added. More than likely it will be many years before the county budgeting process will be able to provide us with additional staff or larger facilities. In the meantime, I think it will be important to find options that serve the taxpayers to the absolute best of our ability, as they should be our number one priority, not just today but every day!  

As your next tax assessor-collector I will operate and maintain a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient tax office that focuses on serving the taxpayers of Burnet County with integrity and respect.  

QUESTION 3

One candidate advocated removing the clear plastic dividers between staff and the public that were erected during the pandemic. Another suggestion was to have longer office hours, at least one day a week. What is your stand on these issues? Do you have any other suggestions for improving community outreach?

ALLEN: The clear plastic barriers between the staff and the public are a health and safety issue. I don’t believe it’s a sign of an unfriendly office. Almost every Burnet County office that deals with the public has them.

Longer office hours one day a week may sound good but would be difficult to achieve. All the other offices in the annexes either close by 5 p.m. or sooner. The tax assessor-collector would be responsible for any safety concerns and securing the buildings at closing. A better suggestion may be to research doing registrations at the local grocery store like many counties. Also, with state inspections being eliminated Jan. 1, 2025, online registration will be much easier. Customers will not have to worry if their inspection is verified or not. 

Throughout my campaign I’ve been periodically doing Did you know … segments on my Facebook pages. These are helpful hints. Things people may not normally know and may save them time and money on transferring and registering vehicles. As tax assessor-collector, I would continue to use sources such as social media as a means to stay connected to the community, to be able to assist and address any concerns and educate.

FISHER: I intend to remove the glass barriers as I no longer feel that they are necessary. In today’s world, we have so much technology available, and artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent in our everyday lives. I believe that human interaction is invaluable, and excellent customer service will always be valued and appreciated. It does not cost anything to treat people with integrity and respect.  

I will also offer extended business hours at least one day a week in Burnet and in Marble Falls, keeping the drive-thru open after 5 p.m., making it possible for citizens who cannot get to the tax office prior to 4:30 p.m. to obtain their vehicle registration tags. Additionally, when elected as your next tax assessor-collector, I will facilitate watercraft/boat registrations in cooperation with Texas Parks and Wildlife. 

This service is not currently available here in Burnet County.

QUESTION 4

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the tax assessor-collector’s office in the next five to 10 years, and what are your plans to deal with it? 

ALLEN: One challenge, of course, is the growing population in the area. It would have to be closely monitored to see when more staff and resources may be needed. The tax assessor-collector’s job really doesn’t change. It’s Texas vehicle and registration laws and rules that are constantly changing. The challenge is being sure you understand them and your staff understands them. 

Many changes are coming in 2025. No more inspections and changes to temporary tags are examples. Don’t be surprised by the end of next year when you buy a new vehicle and drive away with metal plates. This will definitely have a big impact on the tax office. If the state decides the tax assessor-collectors must distribute the plates to dealers, there may be storage issues. Basically, the tax assessor-collector has to go with the flow and be ready for anything. I have trained hard for this job and I have already faced many challenges over the years in the tax office. I will always have an open mind and listen to taxpayers’ concerns and needs. People know me to be friendly, helpful, and dedicated. I have the knowledge and resources to face any new challenges. Bring it on. I’m ready!

FISHER: We know the population here in Burnet County will continue to grow over the next five to 10 years. At this time it would be difficult for anyone to pinpoint the future challenges or needs of the tax assessor-collector’s office. With each legislative session, there are possible changes that could directly affect the tax-assessor collector’s office. It will be my duty to ensure all legislative changes pertaining to the office are researched and policies and procedure changes are implemented and updated, as required. 

When elected, I will continue to evaluate the daily needs and services being offered while ensuring that our daily processes are streamlined in order to best serve the taxpayers. I will strive to conservatively manage the tax assessor-collector’s office while offering the most services available in a fiscally responsible manner.

May 2024 is Mental Health Awareness Month in Llano County, commissioners declared during a regular meeting on Monday, May 13. The declaration seeks to draw attention to the issue of mental illness in the county and promote treatment.

“Llano County … calls upon the community to increase awareness and understanding of mental illnesses, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions,” reads the conclusion of the proclamation.

According to the proclamation, 398 Llano County residents sought services from Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers in fiscal year 2023. 

The centers provide mental health services and support for residents in 19 counties across Texas. Mental health refers to a range of conditions and circumstances, including chronic behavioral problems, excessive substance abuse, life crises, and developmental disorders.

In a 2022 needs assessment survey conducted by the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers, 42 percent of those surveyed said the stigma associated with mental health issues was a barrier to them seeking care.

“Creating a community where everyone feels comfortable reaching out for the support they deserve is crucial to ending the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness,” reads the proclamation.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five U.S. adults has some form of mental illness. The same stat goes for children 13-18 who have reportedly had or are currently dealing with a seriously debilitating mental illness.

The proclamation states that one-third of the U.S. population lives in a county with a designated shortage of mental health professionals.

The Llano County Mental Health Center, located at 100 Legend Hills Blvd, Suite B, in Llano, is one local resource. Call the center at 325-247-5895. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers a suite of resources for those seeking mental health care.

dakota@thepicayune.com

Catherine Bell was sworn in as the new Place 6 councilor on the Granite Shoals City Council alongside returning members Steve Hougen, Brian Edwards, and Michael Pfister on Tuesday, May 14. The city also thanked outgoing Place 6 Councilor Phil Ort for his service.

Granite Shoals City Secretary Dawn Wright presented the official canvassing of the May 4 election at the Tuesday regular meeting, certifying the results. Hougen, Edwards, and Pfister all ran unopposed and kept their seats. Bell defeated Ort for the Place 6 seat, making her the only new face on the council. 

Voters also approved 19 amendments to the city’s charter.

Hougen won his third straight term for Place 4. After this two-year term, he will not be eligible to run in the next council election. He is currently serving as mayor pro-tem, meaning he is the acting mayor in Mayor Ron Munos’ absence and would take the mayor’s seat if the current mayor were to leave the council.

Edwards and Pfister were appointed to their Place 1 and Place 2 seats, respectively, in October 2023 after former Councilor Kevin Flack and Mayor Kiel Arnone resigned, leaving two vacancies. The appointees chose to run in the May 4 election to keep their seats.

Edwards will serve for one year, finishing the term vacated by Munos, who, as mayor pro-tem at the time, became mayor after Arnone’s resignation.

Pfister will serve a full two-year term as his election aligned with the re-election cycle for the Place 2 seat. 

The council took a moment to acknowledge outgoing Councilor Phil Ort before swearing in the new and returning councilors on Tuesday night.

“Phil, we salute you for your willingness to participate and serve,” Munos said. “You’ve challenged our thinking in many ways and maybe made us think differently on some items, and for that, I salute you. I wish you and Suzanne (Ort) the best as we go from here.”

The city presented him with a certificate of appreciation upon his exit that reads:

“In recognition and sincere appreciation of your outstanding service, dedication, and commitment as a valued member of Granite Shoals City Council Place 6 from November 2020 to May 2024. Your leadership and contributions have significantly impacted our community and enriched the lives of our residents. On behalf of the citizens and colleagues of Granite Shoals, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exemplary service and lasting contributions.”

dakota@thepicayune.com

The city of Horseshoe Bay received a big boost to its broadband service on Tuesday, May 14. Llano County presented city officials with a ceremonial check for $550,000, the first payment of a $1 million interlocal agreement between the county and city to expand internet access for Horseshoe Bay residents.

“Funding is expected to be made available through many grants to have full internet service available in rural Llano County over the next few years,” Llano County Precinct 1 Commissioner Peter Jones said in a media release. 

Jones leads the county’s broadband internet expansion initiative.

Horseshoe Bay entered the agreement over two years ago with the allocation of federal funds to Llano County from the American Rescue Plan Act, which sought to solve nationwide issues identified during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rural broadband access. The agreement was negotiated by former Horseshoe Bay Mayor Cynthia Clinesmith.

The recent boost in funding follows the installation of three new internet towers to expand wireless coverage in the area. Horseshoe Bay also inked a deal to install underground fiber internet through micro-trenching.

editor@thepicayune.com

As of Tuesday, May 14, Lake Buchanan has risen over 8 feet since April 30, the biggest month-to-month increase for the Highland Lakes reservoir since 2007. It has gained 123,741 acre-feet of water in that timeframe, more than the combined storage capacity of lakes LBJ and Marble Falls, which is 121,538 acre-feet.

The 123,741-acre-feet gain is equivalent to submerging 193 square-miles in one foot of water. It is also equal to 40.32 billion gallons of water.

Buchanan was 62 percent full on Tuesday, up from 48 percent full on April 30. The second-largest Highland Lakes reservoir currently holds 545,523 acre-feet of water, but its maximum capacity is 880,356 acre-feet.

Lower Colorado River Authority rain gauges show that the dense rainfall across Mills, Lampasas, San Saba, Brown, McCulloch, and Coleman counties over the past 30 days likely contributed to the vast majority of the water that ended up in Buchanan. Many gauges in those counties received over 7 inches of rain in that timeframe, and several received more than 10 inches.

The gains are great, but at 1,0003.38 mean sea level, Buchanan is still below its historical May average of 1,012.77 msl.

Lake Travis, the largest Highland Lakes reservoir, has seen some gains but is still suffering from the long drought. Travis has risen 1.88 feet since April 30, up from 630.62 msl to 632.50 msl. It has gained 19,867 acre-feet in the same two-week timeframe, up from 424,444 acre-feet on April 30 to 444,495 acre-feet on Tuesday. 

Travis is currently 40 percent full, up from 38 percent on April 30.

The combined storage capacity of lakes Buchanan and Travis was at 50 percent as of noon Tuesday.

dakota@thepicayune.com