A LOOK BACK

from My Jarrell Monthly • May 2021

JARRELL REMEMBERS

Jarrell: Birth and Growth of a City

Founders Orlando D. Jarrell and E. C. Haeber would be proud to see what Jarrell has become, and the growth that has become exponential in the last 20 years.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Jarrell has been on the map since 1909, having been built as a train stop for the cotton trade between Bartlett and Florence. Originally, the stop was planned at Corn Hill but residents turned it down and O.D. Jarrell suggested the place we now call home. Growth continued on pace with other small towns in Williamson County until the latter part of the 20th century, when growth all over Texas began changing nearby landscapes.

At that time, Jarrell's first mayor, Wayne Cavalier, metaphorically, helped what current Mayor Larry Bush calls “Economic Jarrell”* learn to walk. Mayor Bush's distinctive name includes the city proper and everything in the 76537 zip code that contributes to the success of the City.

A "CITY" IS BORN

wasn't just about filling out paperwork with the State. We had to consider things like establishing a formal relationship with the County Sheriff, and what the10 boundaries would be so we could collect taxes and know who was eligible to vote on referenda and in future elections." They put together a PAC to educate residents on what the change would mean and encourage the vote. In May 2000, the first referendum included a vote for incorporation and a planned election for mayor and city council. In May 2001, the new city held its first election. Wayne believes his election was based on the confidence people had in his ideas and his ability to bring things together. He reflects on how different things were at a time not so far in the past; "We went out and talked to neighbors in person. Jarrell was small enough to allow

Wayne Cavalier, the a walk through the community; using family networks future first mayor of to share news and speaking to 'center' groups. We had Jarrell, and his wife fewer than 700 people in town and could accommodate purchased acreage here them all at the school." in 1996 because they were eager to enjoy the space. When his property was damaged by the devastating 1997 tornado, he realized the kindness of Jarrell was, and would be, one of its defining characteristics. courtesy Wayne Cavalier "We weren't able to get onto our property for nearly two weeks, but people from several churches immediately began helping. Folks from all over helped pick up pieces of metal on the former cornfields, and it actually took about two years to finish."

In Summer 1999, residents started to feel the impact of development to the north and south of Jarrell. Wayne recalls, "We realized we needed to decide whether we wanted to become a suburb of Georgetown or Salado, or create our own path. I was appointed chair of the committee formed to investigate 16 determining factors—it

"NOW WHAT?"

Wayne says, "The first thing we did was look for someone willing to be City Secretary. The PAC left us $21, and Alana Enriques worked for no pay for 18 months until we were able to establish and collect sales tax that brought revenue for operations. That first check was a big deal." Little by little, leadership began talking about next steps and managing different issues that emerged as the population grew.

In 2005, the City made arrangements with the County Sheriff to hire off-duty deputies to be the Jarrell Police. Their positive working relationship meant dedicated police protection during the day, and often at night. It followed, somewhat naturally, that a municipal court was created to manage the tickets that were being written—as Mayor, Wayne was also the first Judge.

Looking back, he says, "We recognized that growth and development was coming and there was no question

more people would come. We didn't have any estimation of how much it would explode, and we're still in the middle of it. I am pleased that we got things going, got a handle on the things that were important to us as a city, and we have always been blessed with forward-thinking councils. Little by little we put ourselves in a position to take positive advantage of things as they happened, and where we are today is proof."

20 YEARS LATER... ADOLESCENT JARRELL

When Larry Bush (right) was elected to city council in 2007, City Hall was in a house, and they had a bake sale to purchase a used police car from the County Sheriff. On the plus side, the city had already hired a police chief, and the late Mel Yantis as their first city manager.

About that time, the population models were predicting a 5 percent increase per year and Council realized they had to start somewhere to plan for that growth. With $9 million in debt about 950 residents, they made the prescient decision to build a wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Bush, who was elected Mayor in 2014 says, "We always knew we had to run the city as a business. We needed to make choices to survive or go into bankruptcy; the gamechanger was when Sonterra MUD arrived." WASTE NOT... WANT NOT alot!

For a time, property tax and sales tax fell short of "prosperous", but Jarrell had a 500,000-gallon wastewater treatment plant. It was necessary, but also creating negative revenue; so, leadership began working with and connecting to the Sonterra MUD to provide wastewater treatment. Aside from the good municipal citizenship model of helping neighbors, it was a win that provided operating revenue to the city on a monthly basis.

Mayor Bush praises the good relationship he has with Sonterra MUD and Board Chair Andy Bilger; "We work closely to keep abreast of what we are both doing. If Andy is successful and I'm not driving Jarrell along the same lines, ‘Economic Jarrell’ will not thrive."

As it was in the early 2000s, residents have wish lists, but there are always baby steps involved, and every city must first learn to crawl (install infrastructure and build homes) before it can run, i.e., have a Walmart or an H-E-B.

Thankfully, Jarrell resident Troy Bradshaw saw the need and had the means, investing his own money into a water and fire flow project that also proved prescient. As new businesses move or relocate to the IH-35 frontage properties, they require that water reserve and pressure before insurance companies will allow them to build. The Mayor says, "Troy knew what needed to be done to make the city a city. Water pressure and fire flow are not sexy, and they generate no revenue for us, but the companies who use them require that huge water line, so it's all about balance."

Thanks to the revenue the city receives from outlying areas buying water and treatment services from the city, Jarrell's enterprise fund is sound enough to borrow money from the private sector, so they will never have to think about bankruptcy again.

Mayor Bush says, "When I moved here 24 years ago, I just wanted to be in the country. But, if we’re going to be big, and it looks like we are, let’s grow it the right way. I want to make living and doing business in Jarrell open and enticing for people who want to be here. If you’re going to come here and invest millions in development or corporate, I’ll be there."

...AND STILL GROWING

Today, Jarrell has all the things a growing city needs as it heads toward maturity: 11 department heads, a Chamber of Commerce, EDC, full time police protection—including reserves and community policing; a franchise grocery store, library, medical services, and several fastfood franchises and restaurants.

Mayor Bush is pleased to report, while award-winning schools, industry, connectivity, and Sonterra's nearly 3,600 homes have tripled the population in the past decade, Jarrell is still growing, literally. Serial annexation adds about 1/2 square mile per quarter, as more landowners and developers ask to have their properties annexed on both sides of IH-35. "With residential property, the land pays for itself via utility bills, so we will continue to work closely with Andy to keep up with availability and demand in Sonterra, which is the rising tide that will continue to lift all boats in Economic Jarrell."

All are Welcome at Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny Lounge means Jarrell friends and families have no need to go elsewhere for good food and night life. Co-owners Gail Millard and Joe Putman are happy to have found such a great location in town; "It's easy to get here, it's away from the fast pace of a bigger city and the people in Jarrell are so friendly."

Lucky Penny is known for having an atmosphere full of family and fun. It’s the neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome, particularly those simply open to having a good time. Gail says, "It's the perfect place to relax and converse, but it's definitely also for people not afraid to pick up a pool stick or hit the dance floor."

Lucky Penny, so named for a favorite nickname of Gail's, is open every day for dinner. "We have a new chef preparing great burgers, wings, chicken sandwiches, and fries; all your favorite bar food," she says. "We have a full bar all day but after 8pm, all guests need to be at least 21." For the grown-up crowd the Lounge features 22 beers on tap, and many craft brews are also available.

PATIO LIFE

Gail is happy to have completed their planned expansion, which includes an awesome and family-friendly patio and a dance floor. "We have a very diverse environment for all of our guests. It's very relaxed to allow you to enjoy a nice lunch with co-workers or friends and at night you can chill with a great beer, watch a game on the big TV, play pool, listen to music or sing it yourself."

EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME

They have a DJ or live music every Friday night for country and southern rock lovers, and on-demand karaoke for folks who want to be their own entertainment. For those who like a little activity with their beverages, or are always on a competitive streak, there are darts, pool tables, dozens of sweepstakes machines and brain-bender games all over the bar.

The Lounge opened in 2017 and Mallard says she enjoys her many happy regulars and karaoke fans. "We are pleased to have been able to persevere during the pandemic, and we are doing our best to encourage people to come out again in a safe and fun environment."

EVERY DAY

Happy hour every day 11am-7pm Kitchen open Thurs-Fri 4-11pm; weekends Noon11pm. (Limited menu Mon-Wed) Mondays $1 off drinks for active duty, veterans, and all first responders. Tues pint night; $4 craft beer and $3 domestics. Women receive $1 of cocktails and $3 off wine on Wed. Saturday Karaoke with Rockin' Steve.

305 LIMESTONE PLACE IN JARRELL 512-253-2775 LUCKY PENNY LOUNGE