November 2, 2022 Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press

Hays County Judge questions tax liens

Documents show $1.2 million owed

BY: BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY —

Property owned by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra is subject to tax liens against more than $1.2 million in back taxes, according to information obtained by the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch.

Federal documents, filed with the Hays County Clerk’s Office, suggest Judge Becerra, his wife Monica, or both, face tax liens from 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, totaling

$1,212,686.44.

A federal tax lien is filed by the IRS as the government’s legal claim against a person’s property when they neglect or fail to pay a tax debt. IRS liens are valid for 10 years plus 30 days after being assessed.

Judge Becerra, who is running for re-election, says the claims and documents that he and his wife owe back taxes are erroneous, and posted personal returns for tax

years 2016, 2017 and 2021 to his campaign website at www.judgebecerra.org/ transparency.

“We have not seen these tax lien documents before, we do not owe this amount, and we have no taxable connection to the address listed in the document,” he posted on his campaign website.

However, the addresses listed on the tax liens are the addresses of the Becerras’ business

and home, according to information accessed through the Hays County Central Appraisal District.

Representatives from the clerk’s office said that the office does not check the legality or validity of documents such as liens when they are recorded, only that they meet the recording requirements of being original, signed and notarized.

County commissioner fined by Texas Ethics Commission

Two Election Code violations found

BY: BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY — The Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) has fined Hays County Pct. 2 commissioner Mark Jones $500 for two campaign violations.

The TEC found credible evidence of violations of Sections 253.031 and 254.063 of the Election Code.

Jones, who is running for Hays County Judge, told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch that he acknowledged the errors but noted that this is the only violation in the many years that he has held office.

According to the TEC, Jones filed the January 2021 semiannual campaign finance report late on July 25, 2022. The report was due Jan. 15, 2021, thus

violating Section 254.063 of the Code. The report disclosed $0 in total political contributions and $0 in total political expenditures.

In response, Jones swore that at the time the report was due, he was working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and forgot to file.

In addition, the charges state that Jones failed to file an amended campaign treasurer appointment, accepted political contributions and made political expenditures when a campaign treasurer appointment was not in effect. This was based on Jones’ January 2022 semiannual campaign finance report, filed Jan. 14, 2022, in

Burnt downtown building demolished

Future plans to be decided

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — A little over nine months after a fire destroyed two local downtown Kyle businesses, progress is starting to be made on cleaning up the area and preparing for something new.

Shortly before 2 a.m. on Jan. 27, the Kyle Fire Department responded to a fire that had broken out at Papa Jack’s on Center Street and spread

next door to Jack's Axes, an ax throwing business that had not yet opened. Although there were no injuries, both businesses were a complete loss.

The Hays County Fire Marshal concluded the investigation shortly after, ruling it purely accidental.

The city of Kyle purchased Jack’s Axes during a special city council meeting held on Saturday, July 23. Demolition on the building began on Oct. 25 and crews worked for

several days.

A project page can be viewed at www.cityofkyle. com/publicworks/110w-center-street, where more information will be released as plans progress.

City representatives say that the city council is “looking to redevelop the building in line with the Kyle Downtown Master Plan,” which has been in development since earlier this year. The Downtown Master Plan

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

BUDA — The Buda Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for “endangerment of a child” after a vehicle almost hit children playing at a local park last weekend. The suspect was notified of the warrant, instructing him to turn himself in within 24 hours.

After Luke Perry dropped off his son at Stoneridge Park in Buda early Saturday afternoon to play basketball with four or five of his friends, he went home. About half an hour later, his son frantically called him when a black Dually truck drove into the park, across the basketball court and to the fencing, seemingly chasing the boys.

“He was a little bit panicked,” Perry said.

“He said, ‘somebody was in a giant monster truck facing us in the park, he drove over the basketball court trying to run us over.’”

Perry said it took about 20 minutes for 911 to respond.

When responding officer Casey Lopasky arrived at the scene, Perry described him as “very nonchalant.”

After about five minutes of being on the scene, Lopasky told him he had to respond to another call and left.

According to an Oct. 31 Buda Police Department

press release, an investigation found that the suspect did drive on the park grounds with youth present. As Buda police took statements, the officers were dispatched to a “high priority, in progress” call.

“We care about all of our citizens, particularly our youth. Driving onto park grounds could endanger the youth who were in the park, and that is unacceptable,” said Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd in the press release. About an hour and 45 minutes later, and after a second 911 call by Perry, Lopasky and his supervisor pulled up to the scene of the incident and told Perry he was abusing police resources, making false claims and disturbing the peace.

A piece of video footage shows Lopasky and his supervisor, Sgt. Bill Kuykendall, explaining the incident.

“He could’ve killed your son, but he didn’t,” Lopasky said. “By the time I first got out here that incident was done. In your mind this is still happening, in reality, this ended like an hour ago.”

Perry also posted Ring doorbell footage on Facebook of two of the other boys that were trying to get away from the vehicle.

“One of the boys lives on the other side of fencing adjacent to

Buda PD issues warrant after vehicle almost hits children

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The former Jack’s Axes building being demolished on Oct. 25 after a January 2022 fire destroyed it. The city purchased this property in July, but Papa Jack’s next door – which was also destroyed — remains under its original ownership.

BURNT,

See COUNTY, page 3

JUDGE, page 4

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE — On Oct. 18, the Kyle City Council unanimously authorized the issuance of additional contract revenue bonds to allow the Alliance Regional Water Authority to complete the construction of its projects to deliver water to its sponsors.

The city planned to pay four phases of debt issuances, and since funding for the project began in 2017, this year will be the last of Kyle’s debit issuances at about $13.52 million which will bring the total share up to $81.25 million.

“It’s a pretty exciting time for us,” said Graham Moore, executive director of the

Alliance Regional Water Authority. “Kyle first started the initial discussions in the region back in 2003, so it’s going to be just over 20 years from the time when some of these initial discussions happened until this water is delivered to the region.”

With the rapid growth, the project aims at bringing a new water supply to the region. Although there are several different pipelines, Alliance Water expects to begin delivering water to Kyle residents at the end of 2024.

During the first phase, Kyle residents will receive about two million gallons of water daily at full flow.

“When I say at full flow, you can expect in times of the summer where we have peak demand and usage, that we'll be providing our

full amount, which would be two million gallons per day. If it's in the wintertime, and the city's other sources are able to keep up with how much demand is needed, then we would have less than that, would be the expectation,” Moore said.

Once the wells draw the untreated water out from the ground, Alliance Water will pump it to the water treatment plant and add chemicals.

Then, they will filter the water to another tank, where they will pump it out and push it to its maximal area.

At that point, the pressure from the pipeline is gone, so they have to repressurize the water through their pump system. Alliance Water will then pump the

water from there, through the pipelines, and up and into its customers' storage tanks.

In the event of a power outage, Kyle has two different water storage/ delivery locations; one is an existing storage tank located at FM 1626, and the other is currently under design but will be located in the southeast part of Kyle.

Then they will dump that water straight into the water tank at one of those locations. From there, Alliance Water’s sponsor systems will ensure that the water is delivered to individual users, homes, businesses, etc.

Located in the eastern part of Caldwell County, the wells have met specific parameters that determine whether the water quality

BURNT, from page 1

is an effort to preserve and protect the city’s charm while allowing for downtown improvements, and opportunities for community feedback on what residents would like to see have also been provided.

As for Papa Jack’s next door, owner Greg Henry started the process of

matches and aligns with what the company looks for.

“We’re not the first ones to drill in the area, so we had a pretty good idea of the types of parameters that we would have,” Moore said.

“There were no surprises. There wasn’t some other chemical or element in that that showed up.”

Each well pumps anywhere from 600 to 1,200 gallons per minute.

Although Hays County has been in an intense drought, Moore said they do not expect their wells to dry out based on extensive modeling and the history of the aquifer. Moore said they monitor the wellfield and will continue to monitor as they produce.

“If it were to happen, it’s not something that would happen over a short period

clearing the building of debris and salvaging what he could back in July. An insurance company investigation had prevented the work from beginning sooner. Henry was looking at possibly renovating the property, although there were “many moving parts” and no dates or decisions had been

of time. It’s something that would take, maybe decades,” Moore said.

One challenge Alliance Water faced in its quest to implement this project was the environmental clearance process to ensure it was not impacting any endangered species or coming upon any hazardous material. Alliance Water has also had challenges in some of its water crossings that impacted its schedule.

“We have to basically, kind of dig on either side of those creeks to look to see if there are any artifacts or signs there was some prehistoric life in the area,” Moore said. “It’s just taking considerably longer to go through that review process and get approval for those than what we had estimated it would take.”

solidified. Although the exact future of what these two downtown buildings will become is unknown for now, residents can anticipate that with the city’s growth and plans for downtown revitalization, it is something to look forward to.

Mark Dammert,

Brian Schwab,

Michael Yium,

Bass,

Chamber hears road bond presentation $294 million ‘Proposition A’ on the ballot

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — A $294.4

million road bond could bring some much needed transportation improvements to Kyle, but it will take the power of the voters to make it a reality.

Mayor Travis Mitchell presented to members of the Kyle Chamber of Commerce about Proposition A, the city’s 2022 road bond, during the monthly chamber luncheon on Oct. 25.

Proposition A aims to provide “critical transportation projects” that will decrease congestion and improve overall safety and mobility in the city through a series of eight projects that total 10.3 miles. The projected tax rate increase is nine cents, although Mitchell said that the city anticipates being able to come under budget on many of the projects and potentially under the tax rate.

Kyle City Council members started discussing bringing a road bond to voters back in early 2021. Throughout spring and summer 2022, council and city staff reviewed existing street conditions, heard from engineers and traffic modelers, considered dozens of potential city projects and reviewed data from the city’s 2022 community survey results, in which residents expressed interest in safety, mobility and maintenance of existing roads.

COUNTY, from page 1

which a new campaign treasurer was listed.

However, at the time the semiannual report was filed, Jones had not filed an amended campaign treasurer appointment form with Hays County to officially appoint the new treasurer.

In response, Jones filed

Two bond workshops were held open to the public before the council voted to place Proposition A on the ballot on Aug. 22.

“Kyle was built over county road infrastructure, which was designed for low traffic, two-ways, no turn lanes, no sidewalks, no lights, no utilities, those kinds of things — not really designed for a modern city,” Mitchell said. “As we grow, we have to identify which roads we’re trying to redevelop and build to a city standard.”

Proposition A includes the following projects:

• Bebee Road, $67.1 million, 2.8 miles: Realign the sharp curves of Bebee Road between I-35 and Sunlight Boulevard and upgrade Bebee between I-35 and Goforth Road to a four-lane minor arterial road east of the Seton Parkway extension.

• Bunton Creek Road, $28.7 million, 2.1 miles: Straighten the curves along Bunton Creek Road between Dacy Lane and Goforth Road. The proposed road is a fourlane minor arterial road, and roundabouts will be installed at Lehman and Goforth.

• Center Street, $10.2 million, 0.4 miles: Full reconstruction of Center Street from Veterans Drive to Main Street to a three-lane minor curbed arterial road, and implement intersection upgrades at Veterans Drive and Burleson Street, storm drain, sidewalk, illumination and water/ wastewater replacement, and overhead

an amended campaign treasurer appointment form on July 25, indicating that the change in treasurers occurred on or around Jan 1. According to his July 2022 semiannual report, Jones accepted political contributions totaling $34,712.75 and made political expenditures

electric conversion to underground.

• Kohler’s Overpass to Seton, $70.4 million, 2.1 miles: Extend Seton Parkway from north of Ascension Seton Hays Hospital to Kohlers Crossing across I-35 and add a four-lane arterial road north of Bebee Road and a three-lane collector road south of Bebee.

• Kyle Parkway/Lehman extension, $42.6 million, 1.3 miles: Extend Lehman Road northeast of Bunton Creek Road and connect to Dacy Lane and extend Kyle Parkway from Dacy Lane to this new segment. Both proposed roads will be four-lane minor arterial roads.

• Marketplace Avenue, $11.3 million, 0.6 miles: Connect the northern and southern segments of Marketplace Avenue by adding a new roadway from Old Bridge Trail to Marketplace Avenue with a four-lane minor arterial road.

• Old Stagecoach Road ($29 million) and Center Street ($12.4 million) to RM 150, 2.2 miles: Implement improvements to Old Stagecoach Road and Center Street, including intersection upgrades, storm drain, sidewalk, illumination and water/wastewater replacement and overhead electric conversion to underground.

• Windy Hill Road, $15.1 million, 0.6 miles: Add capacity from the I-35 frontage road to Purple Martin Avenue. The roadway section will include two lanes

totaling $17,588.53 between Jan. 1 and June 30.

Per Section 253,031, a candidate may not knowingly accept a campaign contribution or make or authorize a campaign expenditure at a time when a treasurer is not in effect.

After considering the nature, circumstances,

in each direction with a center turn lane, and a roundabout is proposed at the Cherrywood intersection.

Mitchell said the city has learned lessons from the 2013 road bond. This time, the bond accounts for right-of-way acquisitions, the relocation of utility easements and “nicer features” such as upgraded fencing, lighting and other pedestrian improvements.

Many of the projects are heavily focused on the east side as it lacks similar infrastructure and developments seen on the west.

“It’s more than just a focus on one side of town or the other; what it's really focused on is connectivity between the sides of town,” Mitchell said. “It is difficult to get people’s minds around the idea of voting for a road to be approved on the other side of town that they don't use. So what our thinking was, is to bring everybody together to solve all of our projects together.”

Mitchell said that the council will prioritize the bond if approved. Instead of working to complete one project at a time as they did with the 2013 bond, they will take a more comprehensive approach by moving forward with all of the projects together. The expected timeline to completion is between five and seven years.

More information on the bond can be found at www.kylebonds.com, including project maps. Early voting continues through Nov. 4 and election day is Nov. 8.

extent and consequences of the violations and the “sanction necessary to deter future violations,” the Commission imposed a $500 civil penalty.

The TEC document can be found at www.ethics. state.tx.us/enforcement/ sworn_complaints/orders/ filed.

It’s flu shot season, experts say

BY MEGAN WEHRING

Flu season came earlier than expected and experts say it’s not the time to wait on getting the vaccine.

“Flu is already here,” said Dr. Karen Smith, a family practice physician for Baylor Scott & White. “If you don’t already have your flu shot, you are behind. We are seeing huge numbers of school children bringing this home and what’s prevalent in our area right now is Influenza A.”

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The vaccine is usually not very effective at the individual level, according to Smith.

“They work on neighborhoods and communities,” Smith said.

“The people who die of the flu are people over 65 years old, people under 5 years old and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The real reason to get a flu shot is to protect your friends and neighbors. It’s the only thing that we can do.”

People who have the flu often feel some or all of the following symptoms, the CDC stated:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)

• Cough • Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

A 2018 CDC study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases looked at the percentage

Dr. Karen Smith

of the U.S. population who got sick with the flu using two different methods and compared the findings. Both methods had similar findings, which suggested that on average, about 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from flu each season, with a range of between 3% and 11%, depending on the season.

Oftentimes, it is challenging to distinguish the difference between illnesses: flu, common cold, allergies and COVID-19.

“That’s why you need to see your physician to get tested,” Smith said. “I will say that if somebody has a high fever, it’s more likely to be the flu or COVID. Little children are going to run a high fever with everything [because] that’s what they are supposed to do.

Their immune systems are so immature and they overreact. But in an adult, high fever and body aches are signs that it’s something more than a cold.”

Parents and those with an egg allergy will now be able to take advantage of a new non-egg-based vaccine for children at least 6 months old. As of June 2022, most physicians and pharmacies offer the cell-based flu vaccine in addition to the traditional egg-based vaccine. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/prevent/cell-based. htm.

by Charley

Guy

Homeless Coalition hosts information session

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

HAYS COUNTY — The Hays County Homeless Coalition for the Homeless hosted a “Lunch and Learn” titled “From Homeless to Home” on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Marcos Public Library.

Panelists Melissa Rodriguez, chief executive officer of Hays Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC), Lana Wagner, San Marcos Housing Authority’s executive director and Sheila Morgan, president/ founder of Eden Village of San Marcos, spoke about the housing issues afflicting the Hays County community.

The panel was moderated by Jen Beardsley, the Local Homeless Coalition (LHC) coordinator from the Texas Homeless Network. Beardsley works to support and help build collaborative groups working to address homelessness in their communities across Texas.

Rodriguez emphasized that homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all issue. She also informed attendees about the resources the HCWC offers, like Marla’s Place, which is a transitional housing apartment complex along with an emergency shelter. But she also acknowledged that some families might not be ready to seek help.

“We’ve got families that

come in and walk right out. They’re just not ready, and that’s okay,” Rodriguez said.

Wagner spoke about the San Marcos Housing Authority, which aims to provide safe and affordable housing for low and moderate-income families.

Wagner said they had requested Section 8 vouchers, but there is a waiting list. The Section 8 voucher program, also called The Housing Choice, is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford safe, sanitary housing in the private market.

Applications for Section 8 will reopen within the next six months to a year.

Rebecca Lynn Reyes, San Marcos Housing Authority’s Section 8 department office manager, said they only have 35 emergency vouchers at this time.

Currently, there are 22 families that have been housed.

“We have to wait for paperwork and the landlords,” Reyes said. “June rents went up above our payment standards, so we did go ahead and change it effective for Dec. 1.”

Reyes added that several people lost vouchers because landlords were unable to lower the rents.

Rather than just speaking, Morgan gave a slide presentation on her

nonprofit organization called Eden Village, a place where no San Marcos resident has to sleep outside. Eden Village focuses on those who are chronically homeless, individuals with a disabling condition that have been homeless for over one year. Qualifications for living at Eden Village are when someone is considered chronically homeless, has a disabling condition (mental or physical), is ready to be a good neighbor and has the ability to pay $300-$325 a month.

“We are actively looking for land,” Morgan said.

Eden Village will be between six and 10 acres for 20-50 tiny homes, about 399 square feet each. Morgan said each neighborhood would be enclosed by a gated entrance. Eden Village will also have a community center and community garden to grow food and enhance the area. There will be a village store and a memorial for unclaimed, deceased homeless persons.

The presentation also highlighted that Eden

How to combat seasonal depression

BY MEGAN WEHRING

About 5% of the U.S. population experiences Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder) in a given year.

Most symptoms begin in the fall and continue into the winter months, but they can also occur in the summer or spring for some, like Kate Hix, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Central Texas.

“I get really bad insomnia, so I’m really fatigued all the time,” Hix explained what

she goes through in the summer. “I tend to stay up later, and I really want to stay indoors. The heat feels really oppressive to me and it almost scares me to go outside because I hate being hot so much. I can absolutely imagine how it affects people who have the exact same experience but in the winter. For me, I want to get out of the light, and they want to walk toward the light.”

About 10% to 20% of Americans struggle with winter or holiday blues, which is a mild form of depression with a little bit of anxiety, according to

Dr. Joanne Sotelo, division director of psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White.

There is a physiological component to the winter or holiday blues, Sotelo explained. Social components can include high expectations around the holiday season and for some people, it can get stressful with an overabundance of social interactions.

“The days get shorter, grayer with less sunlight,” Sotelo said. “It’s colder so we have less skin exposure even when we are out. Sometimes, it’s also believed that there could be an overproduction of melatonin which is part of what gets our energy and motivation down.”

“One of the first things is having the awareness that our mood is changing,” Sotelo said. “Then, [we need] to evaluate ourselves to know is this a little bit more than normal, I have to crank myself more than usual, or is it more serious where my mood is low all the time

and it’s interfering with my functioning.”

Hix said there is a difference between having the winter blues and having a major depressive disorder. She added that NAMI Central Texas always has the same toolkit that it suggests for people, no matter what they may be dealing with:

• Do not self-diagnose: If you think you have Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern, talk to somebody.

• Maintaining a consistent nighttime routine by getting enough sleep.

• Checking in with yourself.

• Healthy nutrition.

• Physical activity.

• Do not isolate yourself.

“For me in the summer, and the winter is the exact same thing, the weather is not friendly to getting outside,” Hix said. “But you have to find a way to move. I will literally just do yoga poses in my bedroom when my kids go to sleep to get my body moving.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now easily call or text 988.

For more information on how to get help and support, visit https://namicentraltx. org/resources/.

BUDA, from page 1

the park, they ran into a sewer drain to get away while Jameson stayed in the pavilion and was confronted by the truck driver,” Perry said. “Buda police did not feel this warranted an arrest. These boys are terrified.”

But in the press release, Kidd clarified that when there is a delayed report of an offense that did not occur in the presence or view of officers, and there is no imminent danger to the individuals involved, it is typical to seek a warrant from a judge as opposed to making a warrantless arrest.

The officers filed their reports, and a probable cause affidavit was submitted to a judge.

Village will provide space for supportive services like health care, case management and support groups.

The panelists also responded to various questions, one of which was asking what housing or housing resources the county currently needs.

Wagner thought the county needed low-income housing and Rodriguez thought there needed to be more long-term affordable housing.

“Wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living so that just creates that

JUDGE, from page 1

Shortly after each of the Becerras’ liens were notarized by IRS revenue officers, they were filed and signed by Hays County Clerk Elaine Cardenas.

Judge Becerra told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch that the IRS made a mistake in thinking they needed to file a return that they didn’t need to file.

“Once we cleared up not needing to file the return, it’s been made clear that we don’t owe this through the lens of the IRS,” Judge Becerra said, adding that they received this information through the mail and are waiting on the official paperwork.

By press time, the only additional document sent to the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch by the Becerras was an IRS letter sent on Oct. 17 that shows only $3,015.48 is owed; however, this was for the 2020 tax year.

The Becerras also received a notice from the IRS dated Oct. 3, 2022 of a “possible employmentrelated identity theft” for the 2021 tax year. The notice indicated that another person may have used Becerra’s social security number to obtain employment. There is currently no known impact to his tax account because of this, but the Becerras are waiting for clarification on this notice.

The joint liens:

• A 2014 lien (assessed May 16, 2016) was signed by IRS revenue officers on March 9, 2017, stating an unpaid balance of $12,005.69

• A 2015 lien (assessed June 6, 2016) was signed by revenue officers on March 9, 2017, stating an unpaid balance of $32,693.32.

• Two 2016 liens (assessed April 15, 2017 and Sept. 27, 2021) were signed by revenue officers on Feb. 8, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $545,569.58.

additional barrier,” Rodriguez said.

Morgan thought the county needed more permanent, affordable housing.

Morgan was also asked how Eden Village compared to the Community First Village in Austin.

“One of the main differences is our tiny homes will have their own restrooms,” Morgan responded.

For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/ HomelessCoalitionofHays/.

• Two 2017 liens (assessed Sept. 3, 2018 and Sept. 27, 2021) were signed by revenue officers on Feb. 8, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $407,386.03.

The individual liens:

• Ruben- A 2018 lien (assessed Sept. 27, 2021) was signed by revenue officers on Feb. 8, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $125, 643.93.

• Monica- A 2018 lien (assessed Sept. 27, 2021) was signed by revenue officers on June 7, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $89,387.89.

Additionally, for tax year 2010, a 6721 tax (which provides a penalty for failure to file correct information returns) was filed against Monica Becerra, stating an unpaid balance of $6,254.37. The lien was assessed Oct. 14, 2013 and signed by revenue officers on Dec. 7, 2016.

Once tax liens are paid, these documents are posted to the clerk’s office website as a “release of federal tax lien.” According to the IRS website, a release is filed within 30 days of payment. There are no such documents recorded for the Becerras.

Judge Becerra said that if these were real tax liens filed, his paycheck would have been garnished by the government. However, this is only applicable in the case of a tax levy, which permits the legal seizure of property to satisfy a tax debt.

“There has never been a time where we made seven figures — not personally, not in our business — in our decades of paying taxes,” Judge Becerra said. “To think we owe seven figures. … It’s clear that it’s a mistake.”

The Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch will continue to check for documents filed with the county clerk’s office that show either the release of the liens or the erroneous filing of the liens.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

(From left) Homeless Coalition of Hays County Learn and Lunch panelists Melissa Rodriguez, Lana Wagner, and Sheila Morgan.

Cottonwood, 1-year old, Domestic Shorthair mix, Male: Cottonwood showed up to our Dripping Springs campus as a stray cat that was wandering straight up to the dog play yards and up to volunteers walking the dogs, looking to make friends with anyone and everyone regardless of species. He is living in one of our community cat rooms and is in heaven with all of his kitty friends.

MileStone development raises environmental concerns

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS — Residents of the city of Hays pride their home on being a “little piece of heaven on Earth,” but a potential development is threatening to cause a myriad of problems.

Hays, located a few miles northwest of Buda, has a population of just under 300. Since 2013, the city has been negotiating a development agreement (DA) for a proposed development called Hays Commons, then signed with developer Walters Southwest but now under MileStone Community Builders.

The Hays City Council held a public workshop with MileStone on Oct. 20 to discuss the DA and its potential changes, as well as address some of the concerns that have been raised, including requests from MileStone that residents and local environmental groups are pushing back on.

Hays Commons spans over 300 acres and proposes over 200 residential units on a mix of lot sizes — most on quarter-acre lots, some on third-acre lots and only a

couple dozen on one-acre lots. Parkland and several acres of commercial space are also proposed.

Most notably, the development is situated over the Barton Springs portion of the sensitive Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone (EARZ). A 2008 study prepared by ACI Consulting for previous developer Walters Southwest identified 52 karst features, or sensitive environmental features, on the tract of land where Hays Commons is set, 27 of which had the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality rating of “sensitive.”

One of MileStone’s controversial proposals is a Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP) on the development, which allows treated effluent water for irrigation.

Many are opposed to this idea including Carol Pennington, a resident of nearby neighborhood Chaparral Park, who said that a TLAP is the “worst thing” that could be put on this location.

“There are over 36 environmental features, a small creek that floods after three inches of rain and at least one tributary creek on this section of land where

SAVING ONE LIFE AT A TIME

you want to spread treated wastewater. That has the potential to go directly into the Edwards Aquifer and our drinking water,” Pennington said. “This is the most irresponsible and negligent plan and needs to be drastically changed.”

Another MileStone request is that the Hays council grant them consent to create a municipal utility district (MUD). MUDs provide developers an alternate way to finance infrastructure such as water, wastewater and road facilities, but this has also raised red flags for residents and environmental groups.

In a letter addressed to the Hays City Council, Save Our Springs (SOS)

Alliance executive director Bill Bunch wrote that MileStone’s MUD request would increase density of the development — consequently, its impervious cover, or artificial surfaces that do not absorb rainfall — and the treatment and irrigation of municipal wastewater over the EARZ. Both would threaten to pollute the many nearby drinking water wells.

“There is simply no safe way to irrigate treated wastewater on

the EARZ,” Bunch wrote. “Yet, as I understand, your proposed actions would both approve and help finance this unsafe method of managing treated wastewater that would be generated by the development.”

MileStone has outlined other routes it may try and take if they do not get council approval on the MUD. It has considered asking the city of Austin to provide water and wastewater services to Hays Commons instead, although MileStone attorney Jeff Howard said that they have not yet reached out to Austin about this despite it being a discussion point for several months.

Another option on the table is petitioning a MUD through TCEQ , although environmental groups think this is unlikely, given the negative environmental impacts the development poses.

Some of MileStone’s plans also do not take into account what SOS has outlined for this area. The development’s impervious cover would reach 35%, despite SOS’ ordinance that limits impervious cover in sensitive areas like this

Nonprofit offers free Narcan in Hays County

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – A local nonprofit focused on recovery is offering a free Narcan stand.

With the recent presence of fentanyl and related deaths, Outsiders Anonymous has followed a calling to help. Free Narcan and fentanyl testing strips are offered 24 hours a day at 324 Riverwalk Drive, Suite 218, in San Marcos.

to 15%. Additionally, the development’s proposed mix of quarter-acre, thirdacre and one-acre lots do not meet the half-acre minimum lot size required by SOS.

Throughout the many ongoing discussions, most residents have stated that they are not anti-development, but simply want to ensure that whatever iteration of the development that gets built does not threaten current and future livelihoods — and they, along with other groups, are committed to protecting this land.

In his letter, Bunch asked the council to step back from the proposal until all relevant documents

are made available to the public, SOS, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, city of Austin and Hays County. Save Barton Springs board member Michelle Camp suggested the same, recommending to delay any vote until engineers, scientists and other local experts can be consulted. Because the Oct. 20 meeting was just a workshop session, no action was taken. Further discussion will take place at upcoming Hays City Council meetings, and a vote on the DA — whether it is the original 2013 agreement or an updated version — is possible.

and owner of Outsiders Anonymous. “I just want the community to know that there is a resource so that they can take advantage of it.”

Anybody is able to use it anonymously without data collection or reporting requirements.

Outsiders Anonymous opened in June as the only 100% free gym in the state of Texas with the mission of providing free fitness training and a sober

community to help people run from relapse and lift them into a life worth living.

“We were sort of birthed out of some research that we had the great pleasure to be involved in,” Holt said. “Relapse rates can be reduced through fitness and early recovery. It’s certainly changed my life and other people’s lives. We are just trying to do that in a feasible way for the community.”

Come worship with us

COURTESY OF JIM CAMP

A map showing the proposed Hays Commons development.

“With the fentanyl epidemic hitting our county hard, it's truly imperative that we keep our kids alive, and Narcan can easily reverse the effects of an overdose,” said Adam Holt, founder

Tobias shares life behind the dais

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Michael Tobias always wanted to be Ponch from the 1970s cop series “CHiPs.”

“I don’t know if it’s because he had all the hair and he had all the ladies, but it was just something that as a kid, I was always drawn to,” Tobias said.

Many could consider Tobias as someone who works a double life as a senior corrections officer with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and a member of the Kyle City Council.

“It goes all the way back to when I was a kid,” Tobias said. “I always wanted to be in some form of public service.”

Although he was originally interested in becoming a firefighter, he decided not to pursue that career because of his asthma.

Tobias has worked in law enforcement with TSCO for 19 years. When he was a cadet, long before becoming a corrections officer, Tobias was interested in being a police officer on patrol until he transferred to a different facility: the downtown booking area.

“I felt that that was more of my calling,” Tobias said.

The jail has various departments and units like transportation, the medical

unit and courts. Tobias said that they get trained, so they have the ability to move around in different areas.

“It’s not just you go in there, carry a set of keys, feed inmates and you just take them outside for rec. There’s a lot more that goes on with it,” Tobias said.

On top of his regular job, Tobias also serves on the Kyle City Council. His duties involve administrative work, communicating with the general public and residents, sending emails, making phone calls and collaborating with city staff daily.

Tobias had been asked to consider running for a city council position since 2009, but it wasn’t until former District 6 council member Daphne Tenorio resigned in 2019 that the opportunity presented itself.

Tobias was sworn in in February 2020, after campaigning for only three or four weeks. He attended two city council meetings but then COVID-19 hit, which he considered to be a significant challenge as a newly sworn-in council member.

“I had to learn everything virtually,” Tobias said. “The city halls were closed. We couldn't have contact with each other; we couldn't meet, we didn't know the whole protocol for this type

of virus. So we were kind of just going day-by-day.”

Tobias pondered on whether he had come to a crossroads with his career, but he also knew he wanted to continue serving his community and felt it was the perfect time to do it.

“That’s why I decided to go ahead and run in the special election of 20192020,” Tobias said.

Although honored and excited to serve in both capacities, it is challenging. So, Tobias has learned to prioritize assignments ahead of time.

Tobias has also learned to have self-consideration.

On Wednesdays, he gives himself a small break to diffuse and goes for a walk or exercise at his gym. Before a work-related accident resulted in a severed finger, Tobias also enjoyed playing guitar.

Tobias feels motivated not only by faith but also his family.

“I’m proud to say that my family, and my mom and my dad, have always been inspirational for me to always do my best and follow my dreams,” Tobias said.

Tobias plans to continue serving two communities as an officer and member of the city council for the foreseeable future.

County celebrates completion of 1626 & 967

STAFF REPORT

HAYS COUNTY –Members of the project teams celebrated the completion of FM 1626 and FM 967 improvements on Tuesday, Oct. 25 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event featured remarks from Hays County commissioners Mark Jones (Pct. 2) and Walt Smith (Pct. 4), city of Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky and William “Willie” Semora, Jr., South Travis Area Engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation.

“FM 967 was a challenging project for parents, kids, and our bus drivers. With the community's patience and the great work of the contractor, Hunter Industries, we got through it together," Jones said. "It’s also a great time to recognize the completion of FM 1626. I want to thank our school bus

drivers, parents, and all the folks going to work for your encouragement and patience. I miss hearing the good morning honks and waving to the kids while out there helping direct traffic.”

In 2020, the FM 1626 improvements were celebrated virtually due to the pandemic. The project expanded the roadway from two to four lanes, added a center turn lane and shoulders, installed sidewalks at Elm Grove Elementary School and added and expanded local bridges. This project was in partnership with TxDOT through the Pass-through Finance Program created in 2008 to accelerate transportation projects throughout the region. This project is the last to be completed by Hays County under the program.

The FM 967 improvements included adding a continuous center-turn lane from Oak Forest Drive to FM 1626,

alleviating congestion for Carpenter Hill Elementary, Dahlstrom Middle and Johnson High schools. This area has already experienced reduced congestion, especially during peak times when parents and students drive to and from school. The FM 967 Improvements Project is funded through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the 2016 Hays County Road Bond and TxDOT.

“I am committed to improving the quality of life for my friends and neighbors in Hays County. Providing safe and efficient travel is a key factor in this effort, and we are already seeing safer and more efficient travel for vehicles and pedestrians. I want to thank Commissioner Jones for championing both projects, and I look forward to bringing more roadway improvements like these to my precinct,” Smith said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Michael Tobias receives the CLEAT 2022 Officer of the Year Award.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Michael Tobias speaks at the city of Kyle’s Heroes Memorial Park ribboncutting ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The project teams celebrated the completion of improvements made to FM 1626 and FM 967 last week. From left: Brad Hildebrand (RS&H), Chris Pena (RS&H), Carlos Lopez (HNTB), Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, commissioner Walt Smith, Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky, commissioner Mark Jones, Willie Semora (TxDOT), Victor Vargas (HNTB), Matthew Georg (Hunter Industries, Ltd.), Jennifer Scott and Buda Mayor Pro Tem Evan Ture.

Classifieds

NOTICE OF SALE

In accordance with the provisions of State of Texas law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to safe ty an owner and/or manager's lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Storage King USA location(s) listed below, and, due notice having been given to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired goods will be sold to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of at a public Auction to be held online atwww.StorageTreasures.com, which will end on November 22nd, 2022 at 9:00AM. At store 072, 19580 S IH 35, Kyle TX 78640, ph# 737.404.5020. Marisa Martinez, furn,box es,tires. Latoya Taylor, ladder, furn,rugs,boxes. Adriana Estra da, kids furn, toys, mattresses. Manuel Medina boxes, totes, ottoman,. Kristi Chavez tires, boxes, tool chest. Adrian Duran stroller, tots, tool bags. Santia go Esparza ladders, tire, tools. Veronica Martinez-Bautista AC window units, tires, furn, tv, totes. Sarah Acosta plastic drawers,boxes,bench.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS - RE QUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Notice is hereby given that the City of Kyle invites proposals for Professional Recruitment Services. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select a qualified recruitment firm for the recruitment and placement of the next City Manager for the City of Kyle. Proposals shall be delivered to the City of Kyle on or before 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640, Attn: Amber Lewis, Assistant City Manager. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3WajXW5

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF APPOINT MENT OF GAYLA HART as Independent Executor of the Estate of Donald Scrutchfield, Deceased.

Pending in the Probate Court of Hays County, Texas, as Cause No. 22-0398-P

TO ALL PERSONS INTER EST IN THE ABOVE ESTATE:

WHEREAS, on the 26th day of October, 2022, in the Probate Court of Hays County, Texas, the undersigned duly qualified as the Independent Executor of the Estate of Don ald Scrutchfield, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary on this estate were granted and this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present the same to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Any person indebted to said estate is hereby notified to pay same to the undersigned.

GAYLA HART, Independent Executor of the Estate of Don ald Scrutchfield, Deceased.

Address: Attn: Wesley Ritchie, Rash Chapman LLP, 9433 Bee Cave Road, Building I, Suite 255, Austin, Texas 78733.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Margaret Hudspith, Deceased, were issued May 4, 2022, in Cause No 16-0278-P, pending in the In The Probate Court No. 2 of Hays County, Texas, to: Susan Wehmeister.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

c/o: The Law Offices of Alex R. Hernandez, Jr. PLLC 100 Congress Ave., Suite 2000 Austin, TX 78701 Telephone: (888) 907-8994 Facsimile: (888) 278-9044

Email: arh@alexhernandez case.com

DATED the 26th Day of October 2022.

/s/ Alex R. Hernandez, Jr. /s/ Alex R. Hernandez, Jr., Attorney in Charge SBN: 24032411 Firm Email: arh@alexher nandezcase.com

/s/ Rene Zarazua /s/ Rene Zarazua, Of Counsel Attorney to The Law Offices of Alex R. Hernandez, Jr., PLLC SBN: 24077285

Direct Telephone: (210) 767-3331

Attorney’s Email: r.zaraz ua@alexhernandezcase.com

ATTORNEYS FOR SUSAN WEHMEISTER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of Katherine Leta Shepherd, Deceased; were issued on October 26, 2022, in Cause Number 22-0187-P pending in the Probate Court Number Two (2) of Hays County, Texas, to Brooks Shepherd. The residence of the Administrator is Galveston County, Texas, the post office address is: 1301 Merriewood Drive, Friend swood, Texas 77546. All per sons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Respectfully, Attorney Caitlin Revanna State Bar No. 24116953, Kreig LLC, 6671 Southwest Fwy Ste 820D Houston, Texas 77074. (281) 219-9090. caitlin@kreiglaw. com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administra tion for the Estate of Lawrence Russell Thoms, Deceased, were issued on October 17, 2022, in Cause No. 22-0219-P, pending in the County CourtAt-Law, Hays County, Texas, to: Elizabeth Thoms.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

c/o: M. Elizabeth Raxter Attorney at Law 705 State Park Rd. Lockhart, Texas 78644

DATED the 25th day of October, 2022.

/s/ M. Elizabeth Raxter M. Elizabeth Raxter Attorney for Elizabeth Thoms State Bar No.: 24050084 705 State Park Rd. Lockhart, Texas 78644 Telephone: (512) 398-6996 Facsimile: (512) 668-4501 E-mail: eraxter@tx-elderlaw. com

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF KYLE COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC \ HEARING

On Creation of Reinvest ment Zone THE KYLE CITY COUN CIL WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE KYLE CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 100 W. CENTER STREET, KYLE, TEXAS 78640, ON THE CRE ATION OF A REINVESTMENT ZONE AND ITS BENEFITS TO THE CITY OF KYLE AND TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY OWNER OF PROPERTY WITHIN THE PROPOSED REINVESTMENT ZONE TO PROTEST THE INCLUSION OF THEIR PROPERTY WITHIN THE PROPOSED REINVESTMENT ZONE, WHICH PROPOSED ZONE CONSISTS OF APPROX IMATELY 179.341 ACRES GENERALLY LOCATED EAST OF POST ROAD AND SOUTH OF COUNTY ROAD 158 AND AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY A METES AND BOUNDS DESCRIP TION AVAILABLE AT KYLE CITY HALL AND AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION. AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, ANY INTERESTED PER SON MAY SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE INCLUSION OF PROPERTY WITHIN THE REINVESTMENT ZONE, THE CREATION OF THE REINVESTMENT ZONE, ITS BOUNDARIES, OR THE CON CEPT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING. FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING, THE KYLE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE REINVESTMENT ZONE.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

On October 24, 2022, Sharon L. Collier was issued Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Ronnie Paul Collier, Deceased, in Cause No. 220390-P pending in the County Court at Law No. 2, Hays County, Texas. The address of Sharon L. Collier, Independent Executor, is c/o Claire D. East, Thompson East, PLLC, 1301 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite C-120, Austin, Texas 78746,

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal histor y, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

Public Notice

Notice of Public Hearing

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT:

The City of Kyle shall hold three (3) public hearings to consider the City of Kyle’s proposed Downtown Masterplan (Kyle, Hays County, Texas)

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may consider amending and/or approving the proposed Downtown Masterplan

Two (2) public hearings will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission:

Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6:30 P.M Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 6:30 PM.

A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council:

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 7:00 P.M

This is a meeting taking place at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640; Spectrum 10; https://www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle 10 live

Agent: Will Atkinson, Director of Planning City of Kyle 100 W. Center Street 512 262 1010

and all persons having claims against this estate are required to present them to such ad dress in the manner and time required by law.

Sharon L. Collier, Indepen dent Executor of the Estate of Ronnie Paul Collier, Deceased

By: Claire D. East, Attorney for the Independent Executor, Sharon L. Collier

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 104.33 acres of property located at 1111 Hays Country Acres Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Informa tion regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393 Ð 2150. Property ID: 11682.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) ATHLETIC COURT SURFACE FOR ASH PAVIL ION AT GREGG CLARKE PARK: RFP 2022 12 PARD

NOTICE TO RESPOND

ERS: The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for an athletic court surface as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide the material only for an athletic, interlocking, court style surface fir basketball and hockey at the Ash Pavilion at Gregg Clarke Park. AG CM has provided ba sic specifications for the style of athletic, interlocking, surface court that the City is desiring. The city is seeking a company with athletic court surfacing ex perience as well as experience working with public municipal agencies. Proposals marked

ATHLETIC COURT SUR FACE FOR ASH PAVILION AT GREGG CLARKE PARK: RFP 2022 12 PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 262 3939

the due date has passed. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

The complete RGP can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Novem ber 15th, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Indian Hills Ranch, Lot 9, Replat

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed Electronic Bids ad dressed to North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 2, Attention Erica Allison, Presi dent, Board of Directors, will be electronically received, until 3:00 p.m. Local Time, Friday, November 18, 2022, and then publicly opened and read at Kimley-Horn, 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 2, Suite 100,

opening of sealed Bids at the address above, you may view the public opening of sealed Bids via Microsoft Teams. To join via Microsoft Teams, call to the following number: +1 984-204-1608

Phone Conference ID: 989 273 680#

Scope of Work of the Contract Documents includes the following: Furnish and install approximately 1,097 LF of new roadway along with drainage, water, and waste water infrastructure in Plum Creek. Drainage improvements include approximately 426 LF of drainage pipes, approxi mately 487 LF of 6’x4’ culverts, and 10 LF of 5’x3’ culverts. Water improvements include approximately 606 LF of water line and appurtenances. Sewer improvements include ap proximately 101 LF of sanitary sewer line and appurtenances.

Bids received after the clos ing time will not be considered. A MANDATORY pre-bid con ference will be held remotely on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Local Time, via Microsoft Teams. Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is MANDATORY, and no Bid will be opened unless the bidder or repre sentative was present at the pre-bid conference. Bidders may call into the MANDATORY pre-bid conference through the following number: +1 984-204-1608

Phone Conference ID: 964 337 888#

Each Bid must be accom panied by a Bid Bond or a certified or cashier’s check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than two per cent (2%) of the total amount Bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract Documents and execute the Bonds on the forms provided and provide the required insurance certificates within seven (7) days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor. If a certified or cashier’s check is provided, the successful bidder shall deliver, at the bid opening address, the original certified or cashier’s check within twen ty-four (24) hours of receipt of the bid opening.

Copies of the bidding documents may be reviewed and obtained from www.Civ castUSA.com: search: PLUM CREEK PHASE 1 SECTION

12C Ð WATER, WASTE WATER, DRAINAGE, AND PAVING FACILITIES. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications, plans, soils re port, and environmental reports for this Project. There is NO charge to view or download documents.

Bidder must submit its Bid and Bid Securities in com pliance with Owner’s Order Adopting Section 49.2731 Electronic Bidding Rules and all Bids and Bid Securities must be submitted through www.CivcastUSA.com.

Search: PLUM CREEK PHASE 1 SECTION 12C Ð WATER, WASTEWATER, DRAINAGE, AND PAVING FACILITIES.

Bidder must register on this website to submit a Bid and Bid Security and there is no charge to submit Bids and Bid Securities on this website.

By submitting a Bid, Bidder acknowledges and agrees that the Contract Documents may be accepted, executed, or agreed to using an Electronic Signature, as defined by and in accordance with Owner’s Electronic Signature Rules for Construction Contracts.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Success ful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project.

The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to this Bid and the Contrac tor agrees that the Contract Documents can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General contractors, Construction Manager-at-Risk, for: Wallace Middle School Improvements - PACKAGE 2, is requesting competitive proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via

Fax to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 Fax or via email to bidaus@bartlettcocke.com no later than 2:00:00 PM on 11/17/2022. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Angela Erickson via email Aerickson@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 Phone to make arrangements.

Small, Woman Owned, Dis advantaged, HUB, HUBZone, 8(a), Minority, and all similar firms are encouraged to submit proposals on this project. Bart

lett Cocke General Contractors is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General contractors, Construction Man ager-at-Risk, for: Hays CISD - Academic Support Center Ð GMP #1, is requesting competitive pro posals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via Fax to (512) 326-

received after this time will not be accepted.

Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Geoff Sandars via email Gsandars@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 Phone to make arrangements.

Small, Woman Owned, Dis advantaged, HUB, HUBZone,

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY RATING

Hays CISD will hold a public hearing in conjunction with the regular board meeting at 5:30pm., Monday, November 14, 2022 in the Kunkel Room at the Historic Buda Upper Campus, 300 San Antonio Street, Buda, Texas 78610. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Hays CISD’s rating on the state’s financial

The COVID Effect: increased demand for shelter and community support

BY DESIREE NORMAN, HCWC MCCOY FAMILY SHELTER PROGRAM DIRECTOR

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The following article is part five of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. One in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Locally, the HaysCaldwell Women’s Center serves victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Last year, HCWC served 2,055 victims of abuse primarily from Hays and Caldwell counties, and 816 of those were victims of domestic violence. In 2021, the United Nations coined the phrase

“shadow pandemic” in a report that examined the unprecedented increase in violence against women that occurred during the COVID pandemic. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine estimates that domestic violence cases increased by 25% to 33% worldwide during the pandemic. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is reporting an all-time high of over 80,000 contacts monthly from individuals seeking assistance for interpersonal abuse.

Similarly, HCWC has experienced a significant increase in individuals seeking information and assistance through our HELPline, with our call volume up 13% through August 2022.

Risk factors inherent in

the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions have had unintended consequences for those experiencing domestic violence. The transition to work from home and online school, which resulted from stay-at-home orders, has isolated survivors and reduced outlets for support, such as coworkers, teachers, family, and friends. Loss of employment and income and inflation caused by ongoing supply chain issues has increased financial stress within relationships. Efforts to keep everyone safe in the midst of the pandemic have unintentionally increased the number of individuals experiencing violence within their homes and the severity of violence many are experiencing.

As a result of heightened demand for safe accommodations, in 2021, HCWC experienced an unprecedented 52% increase in shelter “bed days” (the equivalent of daily attendance). To date in 2022, that number has increased an additional 6%, and the total number of individuals entering shelter has increased 30%. While these statistics are unsettling, they are not surprising. HCWC’s McCoy Family Violence Shelter remained at or beyond capacity for the majority of the year, often utilizing overflow spaces to accommodate survivors seeking safety.

Recently, the Hays County Commissioners Court awarded HCWC $644,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP)

funds to help mitigate some of the increased expenditures that resulted from enhanced health and safety measures due to COVID. With a portion of this funding, HCWC is planning an expansion of our existing shelter space.

Construction is slated to begin in the next few weeks to add four additional bedrooms in our existing family violence shelter and increase our total capacity by approximately 10 individual beds to better meet the demand we have experienced during the past two years.

The County Commissioners are not the only entity that have increased support during this difficult period.

HCWC has experienced an overall increase in local support which allowed

the Center to complete the construction and open Marla’s Place, The Marla R. Johnson Family Housing Center, to provide longer term housing to those fleeing violence and abuse. HCWC has been able to leverage their community partnerships to provide life-saving services to more and more community members.

To learn more about HCWC and the agency’s response to the growing needs in the communities we serve please join us for our Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Email info@ hcwc.org for a meeting link. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact our HELPline at 512-396-4357. Advocates are available 24/7 daily.

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Boo-da Halloween deemed a spooky success

PHOTO BY ASHLEY KONTNIER

Hiro models for a close-up in his lion costume.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY KONTNIER Avalon (11), Kaiden (10) and Wyatt Oldham (5) pose with Momo after completing the YMCA haunted house.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY KONTNIER

The city of Buda held its 20th annual “Boo-da Halloween” event on Saturday, Oct. 29. The 2022 event boasted more than 45 businesses and 10 sponsors. City staff estimates that there were approximately 3,500 citizens in attendance. Buda Parks and Recreation Director Greg Olmer had a few words to share, “The city would like to thank all the participants, vendors and sponsors for our 20th anniversary of ‘Boo-da Halloween,’ we look forward to another great event in 2023!” Pictured above, Buda City Park is full as far as the eye can see.

What better way to spend a Saturday, than to explore the outdoor market in Historic Downtown Buda?