Three seats are up for election on the Marble Falls City Council, but only one place drew opposition. The city election is May 4. Early voting is from April 22-30.
Incumbents Griff Morris (Place 1) and Lauren Haltom (Place 3) are running unopposed and each will serve another two-year term.
In Place 5, incumbent Dee Haddock drew two opponents: former Mayor Richard Westerman and John Davis, a candidate in at least two past city elections, one for mayor and one for council.
DailyTrib.com asked each of the candidates four questions, which were compiled by the editorial staff. Their written responses are below, grouped by question. Each also spoke to KBEY 103.9 FM Operations Manager Ben Shields. Their interviews will be aired at noon on Thursday, April 18.
QUESTION 1
There’s no question that the city of Marble Falls needs a new City Hall. The current City Hall lacks space, forcing many members of the city staff to work inside retrofitted closets and in leased satellite offices across town. How soon does the city need to build a new City Hall, and where should it be located?
Dee Haddock
DEE HADDOCK: Constructing a new City Hall is necessary and must wait until it is feasible. With prioritized projects like the new wastewater system (projected cost over $60 million) and renovating the water intake (which costs over $1 million), managing debt is crucial. Projected to cost over $30 million, a new City Hall isn’t a current priority.
Exploring public private partnerships can alleviate costs that would fall on the taxpayer and allow better use of the funds the city has. Regarding housing staff in multiple locations, the City Manager and staff focus on efficiency in our current facilities.
Mayor Dave Rhodes reminds us that “It is easy to spend others’ money,” and we all want to spend taxpayer money responsibly. Location discussions, including the southwest corner of Main Street and Broadway, are ongoing. Rushed decisions aren’t ideal for such a significant project.
Richard Westerman
RICHARD WESTERMAN: We need to wait until we can afford to build a new city hall based on retiring existing bonds and using added sales tax revenues as to not negatively impact our property taxes. Our city staff is spread out in multiple locations and not as efficient as it would be under one roof. This would save money in our operations budget.
The location that was in the city’s master plan has serious issues as 80 percent (plus) of the property is in the floodway and floodplain. The new Hotel and Conference Center is being developed three blocks south of Old Oak Square, at the south end of Main Street. In the interest of positive impact, the new city hall should be three blocks north of Old Oak Square on the city property located at Broadway and Main. This property is near and is visible from the U.S. 281 and RR 1431 intersection, which is geographically located in the center of town. Building the new city hall here would spur and extend retail development on the rest of Main Street continuing to generate sales tax helping to keep our property taxes from increasing even more than they already have.
I was in my second year as Mayor in 1998 when we rebuilt Main Street. It took almost 20 years for us to see the vision come to fruition. Spurring development at the northern end of Main Street will help protect the small-town feeling that is so important to many of us while our community grows. It is time to consider what we want our town to look like in the next 20 years.
John Davis
JOHN DAVIS: It’s obvious that with the growth at such a fast rate a new city hall is definitely needed. A sewer plant is also mandated by state agencies to replace the one that is presently being used, I believe this should be taken care of first.
In 2019, the TIRZ Board was looking over the Capitol Improvement Plan which looks ahead through 2023. They discussed the future City Hall location at Avenue J where the old Public Works yard was located. City Council, staff, and the EDC director at that time were all in favor and thought that it was the best location for a new City Hall, the reason being that it’s a city-owned property causing less upfront cost.
It is apparent that only the city can build in unusual and hard-to-develop areas. The Ave. J property could have lower-level parking for Main Street employees and serve as parking for other events in the area. Other advantages provide parking for downtown, parks, and renovations of Whitman Branch for private developments. The CIP at that time showed a $4.4 million project.
QUESTION 2
Marble Falls has grown by leaps and bounds in the past several years as more and more people move inside the ever-expanding city limits. Do you view this as good for the community or bad for the community? Why or why not?
HADDOCK: City growth is good if the growth is properly managed. The key to managing the growth is ensuring that new developments and growth are accomplished within the state regulations and city ordinances. We must strive to make sure that growth does not bring detrimental changes to our community.
Additionally, growth will bring new conveniences that are available only in larger communities. In our case, shopping frequently occurs in the Austin or San Antonio areas because the desired goods and services may not be locally available. Also, new growth can bring new ad valorem taxes to cover the costs of new infrastructure and city services.
Our challenge with growth is to retain “the small town feel and charm.” This can be accomplished by our citizens welcoming newcomers into our community and seeking to get them involved in our churches, service clubs, and businesses. Our current citizens have to lead in welcoming and engaging newcomers.
WESTERMAN: This growth is a double-edged sword, both good and bad. This is why I am trying to stay involved. The simple truth is if a community is not growing it is dying. We need to manage this growth in the best way possible. We need to honor our community’s history, heart, and soul protecting the past while growing.
When asked to explain, it is simple. The ranches around us are selling for what is generational wealth values. Most of these properties are large enough to become their own entities including utility providers. We need to continue voluntarily annexing them (ranches) to maintain some control over the growth.
If we reject these developments, they will be built without our influence and we will have no control over the growth, driving property taxes through the roof. This is certainly a conundrum.
In addition, we need to maintain as much control as possible over the developments on our highway corridors, ensuring that these corridors stay commercial promoting increased sales tax revenue. This is imperative rather than allowing residential growth in these areas which would also drive up property taxes. Generating and protecting our sales tax revenue will have a long-lasting impact on our property taxes. Our property taxes are already almost unbearable.
DAVIS: I don’t think anyone would disagree with smart growth over reckless growth. Getting the cart before the horse is my observation on a number of issues.
It’s a well-known fact that our city and surrounding counties have a severe water crisis. Yet they keep building, and for some reason increasing the firm water intake, while thinking that purchasing a well will make it all disappear.
Traffic is another huge problem and the lack of enforcement to slow drivers down. Property tax increases due to the growth have caused many long-time citizens to move away. Business owners are having a very hard time being profitable because of the outrageous debt service obligations.
QUESTION 3
The Marble Falls Economic Development Corp. (EDC) recently purchased a lot on the corner of U.S. 281 and RR 1431 for $2 million in partnership with the city. What is your vision for the future of this property? Why is it a good investment for the city?
HADDOCK: This property is one of the most visible locations in Marble Falls and it must be protected and used for optimal benefit. Exactly how it will be developed is under consideration by both the EDC and City staff and Council and there is no quick answer. Additionally, TxDOT is planning the remodeling of the 281/1431 intersection and until that project is accomplished, we will not know how the property is affected. Various citizens have called this location a “diamond in the rough” so it must be used in a way that allows the “gem” to shine through.
It should be noted that neither the city nor EDC will be developing this property. The city and EDC are not in the development business, and it is important that we protect the Marble Falls “brand” with regard to the use of the property.
One thing we know with a large degree of certainty is that this property will not be used as a carwash or business of that nature.
WESTERMAN: This happened in my absence. I do understand it. The property is largely in the floodplain and floodway. It was impossible to improve the existing structures by bringing them up to code and out of the flood-prone area. Every time a developer tried to develop the existing property, they ran into insurmountable issues.
My understanding is that the EDC purchased the property to remove the old, dilapidated structures, reconfigure the property making it attractive to a developer, and unloading it, not for profit, but to improve the overall outcome.
Keeping the status quo as a community, we would watch these buildings become more and more dilapidated on the busiest highway intersection in the hill country. Bittersweet, for those of us who grew up here. And for perspective you might remember that around 1980 Coe’s Corner was sold to Pizza Hut directly across the highway. It was one of the first properties to sell for over $1M. That was 40 years ago.
While this is not a perfect scenario and it accrued in my absence, I stated I do understand it and support the effort as it will have a long-term positive economic effect and facelift for our town. If this property becomes viable again, the sales tax and/or property tax can help the long-term residents by not increasing their property taxes as the tax base would have additional revenue from this property that does not exist today. Our guiding principle should always find ways to keep our property taxes as low as possible for our residents.
DAVIS: I do not agree with this reckless purchase and do not believe it to be a good investment. Many may not know this but I’m aware of two other reckless purchases.
The visitors’ center was built due to another individual wanting a structure they didn’t agree with. The bid was $1.2 million but changed to $1.44 million. Then there was a builder who was going to construct a multi-story building off Yett Street north of Lakeside Park. City bought his property along with eight homes at above market price ($4 million plus) and has attempted to partner with developers for a hotel/convention center since 2017 to no avail.
The city has also purchased a square block of land at Main, Broadway, and Ave J, for a proposed site for city hall ($2 million).
The city debt service stands at $100 million and still growing. The expense for a sewer plant and improvements for wastewater and freshwater infrastructure is an estimated $477 million.
The corner of U.S. 281 and RR 1431 property needs to go to TxDOT for a continuous right turn lane to the north off of 1431. (Hopefully, some of the $2 million purchase and $56K to demo can be recouped.)
QUESTION 4
If elected, what will be your top priorities as a City Council member? Why?
HADDOCK: The recent Texas Legislature addressed property tax levels, aiming to lower the burden on citizens while ensuring sufficient funding for essential services. I would like to have the actual property tax dollars decreased and not just the tax rate.
Managing growth and development within state law is crucial to enhancing our city’s appeal.
Adopting a customer-centric approach with developers fosters positive relationships and continual improvement.
Collaboration with the Economic Development Corporation and community members is key to attracting high-paying jobs through new businesses. Addressing the housing shortage requires innovative solutions, especially with inflation challenges in construction.
Our city council, staff, and management work as a team to set priorities and accomplish tasks, emphasizing community input. As a reflection of this teamwork, my focus lies on “we” rather than “I”. The upcoming Comprehensive Plan, developed with citizen input, outlines priorities for the future. In Marble Falls, we understand the power of teamwork in achieving our goals – there’s no “I” in “TEAM”.
WESTERMAN: My goal is always to respect the history of Marble Falls. As we grow, we need to maintain as much of the small-town character as possible. I will do my best to protect the growth of our sales tax base and to keep property taxes from increasing any more than they already have. If we do not do this, the long-term families that grew up here will no longer be able to afford to stay here.
I look forward to oversight of our water and wastewater projects including all our infrastructure. I want to make sure we support our local law enforcement and first responders. In addition, we need to use what influence we have to combat the Texas Legislature from taking away our home rule abilities. While I agree with most of the legislation, the legislature continues to consolidate power in Austin, removing our ability to self-rule. The power should be close to the people who are affected by these decisions. These are some of the founding principles of our government and they are being taken away.
It has been my pleasure to serve in years past and if I have earned your vote. Thank you for getting out and voting on May 4. Remember only 10 percent of registered voters usually vote in our city elections. Do your part!
DAVIS: There is no priority and no agenda. I am concerned with the uncontrolled growth, the cost of living, and the increase in property taxes that continue to increase.
As a business owner, I would not be able to operate at the rate that the city is spending money. I cannot go out and sell bonds and increase taxes to cover my debt service.
I am interested in what happens in this town and care about the people and their ability to continue to live in what was once a GREAT community.
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Gary Wiggins, 54, and Meghann Wiggins, 38, of Bertram each pleaded guilty to child trafficking charges in February for using children under their care to perform labor for profit. The children were residents of Joshua Home, a faith-based counseling and education facility near Bertram.
According to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, the pleas followed a lengthy investigation into the affairs of Joshua Home Ministries, which runs Joshua Home, stretching back to 2018. The couple was indicted on Feb. 23, 2024, on multiple first-degree felony human trafficking charges. Before their cases could go to trial, they each pleaded to six counts of the “traffic of persons under 18 years old-forced labor.”
Under the Wiggins’ plea deals, each will be required to undergo a period of deferred adjudication probation for 10 years. Gary Wiggins will be required to serve 90 days in jail. During their probation periods, the couple will be prohibited from having any role in a residential facility for children and be required to make regular reports to probation officers. They also will have to pay $100,000 in restitution to the six victims.
According to a BCSO media release, the Wiggins operated Joshua Home as a residential counseling and education facility for children with behavioral issues in exchange for monthly tuition from parents. However, children were often kept in undesirable conditions and forced to perform unpaid work in the couple’s businesses.
“The investigation revealed that several of the children were used as labor in the Wiggins’ for-profit landscaping and moving businesses while being provided a substandard ‘education’ and being subjected to inappropriate and excessive disciplinary measures,” stated BCSO Capt. Tom Dillard in the media release. “The victims were also subjected to isolation, lack of medical care, restricted communication with their families, and lack of opportunities for recreation or entertainment.”
Trafficking charges are broad and can encompass an array of crimes, 33rd/424th District Attorney Wiley “Sonny” McAfee told DailyTrib.com.
“These boys came from different places around the nation, and they often came from troubled backgrounds,” he said. “When you’re talking about trafficking, usually people are thinking of sex trafficking, but there are other components. If somebody is being used for labor, that can also be trafficking.”
The Wiggins had similar operations in Missouri and Alabama that were considered in the investigation, McAfee said. The BCSO and McAfee’s office were assisted by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Department of Labor, Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Texas Workforce Commission. A special thanks was given to prosecutor Kirsta Melton, founder of the Institute to Combat Trafficking, who orchestrated and assembled the case against Meghann and Gary Wiggins.
Editor’s Note: Joshua Home is not to be confused with His Joshua House, a faith-based substance abuse treatment facility in Kingsland.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
Gatekeepers for the Meadowlakes Property Owners’ Association are requiring that all roofers present valid state identification before being allowed into the incorporated gated community.
The move follows a “barrage of storm-chasers” entering the city in the aftermath of a large hailstorm on April 9, POA President Don Wheeler told DailyTrib.com.
“Storm-chasers” refers to individuals who use scare tactics to persuade homeowners to replace their roofs immediately after a severe weather event.
“The reason (for the ID request) is to keep our residents safe from being besieged by people knocking on their doors and soliciting,” he said.
Wheeler pointed to Meadowlakes’ strict policy barring non-permitted solicitation inside the city as further reason for the crackdown.
“They can be prosecuted under state law for trespassing if they don’t have permission to be in a certain area or a certain residence,” he said.
The policy does not apply to other visitors.
“It’s not preventing anyone from coming in that’s supposed to be here, has authorization to be here, or would normally be here,” Wheeler said.
It also doesn’t deter roofers with work permits from entering.
“People that are doing jobs that have permits are fine,” he said. “We don’t have any issue with that.”
Wheeler also spoke to the legality of the policy.
“We have the right to do it because we have private streets,” he said, referring to the fact that the Meadowlakes POA funds road improvements.
The POA will do away with the policy once the rush of non-local contractors dies down, Wheeler said.
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Phase I of renovations to the second floor of The Falls on the Colorado Museum in Marble Falls could begin as soon as Monday, April 15, which means the museum will be closed for the rest of the month.
“We’ve already ripped out the carpet and are working to restore it back to its original floors,” said Stan Whittle, assistant superintendent of Administration for the Marble Falls Independent School District, which owns the historic building. “We are also preparing the walls and ceilings and getting them ready for paint.”
Interior walls not original to the building will be torn down and the space opened up for future exhibits. Framing in the attic will be reinforced as will the floor joists between the first and second floors. Exterior cracks in the granite masonry will also be repaired.
The MFISD Board of Trustees recently approved $250,000 for the work,which is due to be completed sometime in mid-July, said district Bond Director Mackie Price.
“We should be done on the first floor by (April) 24th so the museum can have it back,” Price told DailyTrib.com. “Work can continue with the museum open after that.”
The museum is housed in the Old Granite School building at 2001 Broadway in Marble Falls. The museum leases the building from the district and is responsible for further renovations needed to open the second floor for exhibit space.
“The museum will be responsible for replacing the upstairs windows,” said Amanda Seim, chair of the The Falls on the Colorado board. “We will also be repairing the interior stairs and improving the handrails.”
Replacing windows could cost as much as $5,000 each. The current windows are aluminum and deteriorating. New windows will be built to replicate the original first-floor windows with curved glass over large rectangular panes.
A considerable amount of fundraising will be necessary to pay for what Seim is calling Phase 2 of the restoration, which will open the second floor to the public for the first time since 1987, when it was used for Marble Falls school administration offices.
The Old Granite School building first opened its doors to Marble Falls students in 1908. It was built in 1891 as a university. It served students until the MFISD administration moved to new digs at 1800 Colt Circle and the last remaining classrooms were assigned to newer campuses.
“I know the community wants to be involved in restoring this historic landmark,” said Seim, adding that fundraising opportunities are already in the works. “This building means a lot to people.”
Whittle remembers the building when it housed administration but knows several people who went to school there.
“That building is the heartbeat of the Marble Falls Independent School District,” he said. “A lot of love and inspiration has gone into that building, and we want to build on that and make sure the integrity of the building is intact.”
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The Burnet County Commissioners Court on April 9 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.
Prior to reading the proclamation during the Tuesday meeting, Burnet County Judge James Oakley addressed the court and the assembled members of Burnet County’s child welfare advocacy groups.
“To preface this, I’m a broken record, but my dad always said: ‘It’s never the kid’s fault,’” Oakley said. “With that in mind, thank you for what you do.”
Members of the Burnet County Child Welfare Board, CASA for the Highland Lakes Area, and Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center gathered in the courthouse meeting room in Burnet, many wearing blue to raise awareness of child abuse.
Members of several child welfare organizations in Burnet County with the Burnet County Commissioners Court. Commissioners recognized April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. Advocates will wear blue throughout the month to draw attention to the plight of abused and neglected children in the county. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
“Unfortunately, (children advocacy groups) are still around because we are needed,” said Burnet County Child Welfare Board Director Caroline Ragsdill during the meeting. “We each work for the children in different capacities, but we all bring awareness to child abuse, which is right here in our county.”
REPORT CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
Ragsdill encouraged Burnet County residents to report child abuse or neglect to a local agency, even anonymously. Residents may call the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office at 512-756-8080.
CASA for the Highland Lakes Area provides specially trained advocates to help children and families navigate the foster care and court systems. Contact CASA at 325-388-3440 or via its online portal.
The Burnet County Child Welfare Board raises awareness of child abuse and neglect in the county and supports children who are in the local foster care system. Contact the board at 512-375-2127 or via its Facebook page.
The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center offers in-depth support for local law enforcement and families when child abuse occurs and conducts extensive research on how to manage and reduce abuse in Burnet, Llano, San Saba, Lampasas, and Blanco counties. Contact the center at 512-756-2607 or through its online portal.
“Burnet County has an extraordinary number of children who suffer some form of abuse or neglect each year,” reads the county’s proclamation. “Through a national effort, Burnet County community members are encouraged to join together to raise awareness for those children fallen victim to abuse and neglect throughout the month of April. This effort will give abused and neglected children in our county, and around the country, a chance for a safe and positive future.”
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The Llano County Commissioners Court is expected to hire a lawyer for the most recent of four civil lawsuits against the county during a special meeting on Monday, April 15, at 9 a.m.
Also on the agenda is the hiring of two additional part-time positions in the Llano County Attorney’s Investigator’s Office and an amended plat for The Preserve at Show Lake to correct a “scrivener error.”
The meeting ends with an executive session to discuss the Llano County Sheriff’s Office, Mirelez v. Llano County et al., Senate Bill 22, and a facilities easement with ATMOS Energy on Llano County school lands in West Texas.
Senate Bill 22, which was passed by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023, establishes a grant program to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriffs, constables, and prosecutor offices in rural counties. The bill went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, and could benefit Llano County.
CIVIL SUITS
Commissioners are expected to hire outside counsel at the special meeting to represent Llano County in an election lawsuit filed on March 26. Pressley et al. v. Nelson et al. questions the use of ballot tracking numbers in the county’s election software system.
Named as defendants are Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, Director of the Elections Division of the Texas Secretary of State Christina Adkins, and the election administrators of three counties: Llano, Williamson, and Bell. Andrea Wilson is the Llano County elections administrator.
The list of five plaintiffs includes one Llano County resident, Madelon Highsmith. Other plaintiffs are Laura Pressley, Robert Bagwell, Teresa Soll, and Thomas L. Korkmas. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, and assigned to District Judge Robert Pitman.
Pitman is also the assigned judge in the other three suits against the county:
Little et al. v. Llano County et al. is a freedom of speech and civil rights lawsuit currently held up in appeals court. The date for a jury trial date came and went last October as everyone waits on a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. Three of the 17 active judges heard arguments on June 7, 2023. The fifth circuit also has nine senior judges.
Between Nov. 7, 2022, and Aug. 18, 2024, Llano County has paid Jonathan Mitchell of Mitchell Law LLC in Austin a total of $256,330.31 for defense in the Little vs. Llano County case. Of that, $229,970.25 was paid out of the general fund for professional services and $26,360.06 was paid out of the same fund for litigation expenses, according to the Llano County auditor’s response to a DailyTrib.com Public Information Request.
No information was provided in the Mirelez or Baker suits. A subsequent PIR has been filed for that information.
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File your federal income taxes by Monday, April 15, to avoid costly penalties. Failing to file is 5 percent of your unpaid taxes for each month your return is late. The maximum penalty is 25 percent of the total balance due.
“Delivering tax season is a massive undertaking, and we greatly appreciate people in many different areas working long hours to serve taxpayers as the tax deadline approaches,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a media release. The IRS has already received over 100 million returns. “This effort reaches far beyond the IRS and includes hard-working tax professionals, software providers, the payroll community, as well as our colleagues in the state tax agencies.”
For paper filers, the IRS will consider your return on time so long as it’s properly addressed, has enough postage, is postmarked, and put in the mail by the due date. For those who file online, the agency relies on the date and time based on your respective time zone.
If you can’t meet the April 15 deadline, file Form 4868 to receive a six-month tax extension. The deadline to file for an extension is also April 15. The extended deadline lapses on Oct. 15.
“Millions of taxpayers across the nation will be working on their tax returns during the final hours, and people should remember they have many ways to get last-minute help,” Werfel said.
“We have a variety of free tools on IRS.gov that can help with basic tax law questions, provide free filing options, update refund status, and even provide ways to request an extension for more time to file,” Werfel said.
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Highland Lakes candidates for city, school board, and primary runoff elections will be featured at a handful of forums in the days and weeks leading up to their respective election days.
Burnet and Llano counties are holding runoffs to choose the Republican nominee for county commissioners in each of the counties’ Precinct 3 on May 28. Early voting is May 20-24.
Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, Burnet, Meadowlakes, and the Burnet and Llano school districts all have contested races in the May 4 local elections. Early voting runs April 22-30.
Here are the upcoming forums:
Hill Country Chapter of the League of Women Voters
6 p.m. Friday, April 12
Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk St.
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters local chapter hosts a forum for candidates for the Llano school board, Kingsland Municipal Utility District Board of Directors, Llano County Precinct 3 commissioner, and Texas State Board of Education director.
Burnet Chamber of Commerce
6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16
Reed Building, 402 E. Jackson St. in Burnet
The chamber hosts candidates from the contested Burnet County Precinct 3 commissioner and tax assessor-collector races. Candidates for the Burnet City Council and Burnet Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees will also be present. Attendees can meet new BCISD Superintendent Dr. Aaron Peña.
Burnet County Republican Club
5:30 p.m. Monday, April 29
The Ragtime Oriole, 202 Main St. in Marble Falls
Join the club for its regular meeting and a final opportunity to hear Burnet County Precinct 3 commissioner candidates before the runoff election.
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