Landowners awarded $3,000,000
DSISD hires interim superintendent
page 2
Tiger VB sweeps Hays in 3
page 3
News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 45
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 4
75¢
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Dripping Springs seeks funds for sidewalk along 290 BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
Worries are growing among community memAn application aimed at bers who oppose the city’s obtaining grant funding plan to apply for the Safe for a proposed sideRoutes to School (SRTS) walk that could connect grant, citing a sidewalk on Dripping Springs High to busy roadways is a danDripping Springs Middle gerous proposition. School was given the The Dripping Springs green light by city leaders City Council Aug. 13 earlier this month. approved a resolution in
support of applying for SRTS funding for the project, which would call for a 10-foot sidewalk from Roger Hanks Parkway at Dripping Springs High to the U.S. 290 intersection. The proposal also calls for a 5-foot sidewalk along old U.S. Highway 290 to Meadow Oaks
Driftwood lawmaker joins call for gun reform special session
“There are no sidewalks in that area, minimal safety infrastructure. We know kids are already walking that path to get to school. We want to help students be safer while using their current route.”
Drive, with a signaled pedestrian crossing U.S. 290 at Meadow Oaks Drive connection to more sidewalk on the east side of U.S. 290 near Dripping Springs Middle School. The SRTS grant, provided by the Texas Depart-
290 SIDEWALK, 6
–Jason Lutz, Dripping Springs City Planner
First day memories
GUN REFORM, 6
County polling places being revised BY CAMELIA JUAREZ A fight is on when it comes to which end of the county will get new polling locations and which will be cut back. A public discussion was held about future voting poll locations nearly five days before jurisdictions are required to turn in their list of polling locations to the court. The voting locations discussed are for the Nov. 5 general election, including constitutional amendments, and also Buda and Kyle city elections. Residents and college students spoke up about
BY MOSES LEOS III A Driftwood-area lawmaker is joining a handful of state legislators asking Texas’ top elected official to call a special session to talk gun reform. While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott quashed the request for now, State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) hopes to generate some discussion on the topic, perhaps even reform, sooner rather than later. Calls for Abbott to call a special session comes weeks after a Plano man entered an El Paso Walmart Aug. 3 and killed 22 people, all of them Latino, under the premise of preventing an “invasion” of migrants. Lawmakers that had called for a special session include Zwiener, State Rep. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) and State Rep. Gina Hinajosa (D-Austin), according to a Texas Tribune report. However, Abbott said during a town hall in Tyler that a special session wasn’t needed for action to take place, per the Texas Tribune’s report. Abbott plans to host a domestic terrorism task force Aug. 30. Zwiener said lawmakers cannot wait until the next legislative session in 2021
Where will you vote?
PHOTO BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
Smiles, and perhaps a tear or two, were shed Tuesday as Dripping Springs ISD welcomed students back to class for the first day of the 2019-20 school year. See more photos, page 4.
Developers bringing new trails, parks and cash to improve parks BY CAMELIA JUAREZ Dripping Springs city leaders are contemplating proposals from a handful of developers who could provide for a trail, turn a private park into a public park and provide cash for future parks improvements. On Tuesday, the Dripping Springs City Council was slated to take up agreements with the Driftwood
Developers could surpass a city requirement of contributing an acre of parkland for every 25 single family homes built for public use by offering cash-in-lieu to keep property private. Golf and Ranch Club, the Grotto and Bunker Ranch housing developments. Jason Lutz, Drip-
ping Springs Planning Director, said developers could surpass a city requirement of contributing an acre of park-
land for every 25 single family homes built for public use by offering cash-in-lieu to keep property private. The Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club, located along FM 967 in Dripping Springs’ Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) will provide a $49,152.41 cash-in-lieu payment because they are planning a private
IMPROVED PARKS, 3
Dripping Springs, Wimberley ISDs earn As BY MOSES LEOS III Despite a drop in scores at a handful of campuses, Dripping Springs ISD maintained an overall A grade in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) 2018-19 A-F Accountability ratings. Those ratings, released Aug. 15, showed DSISD scored an overall 91 – which was down a point from the 92 in 2017-18 – across the three domains used by the TEA to measure campus accountability. Domains include student achievement, which factors include State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results, college and career
Domains include student achievement, which factors include State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results, college and career readiness of students and graduation rate, as well as academic growth of students on STAAR exams and performance relative to similar districts or campuses. readiness of students and graduation rate, as well as academic growth of students on STAAR exams and performance relative to similar districts or campuses. The accountability ratings also measure how different popula-
tions of students are performing in the district. Per the results, DSISD experienced a four-point drop in both the school progress and closing the gap domains. The latter criterion went from a 91 in 2017-18 to an 87 in
2018-19. Individual DSISD campuses also saw a decrease in grade scores as well. Only two campuses, Dripping Springs High and Sycamore Springs Middle School, earned an A from the TEA. In 2017-18, four DSISD campuses scored a grade equivalent to an A. The 201819 result was the first time the TEA issued a formal letter grade to individual campuses. Prior to the change, campuses were designated as Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard or Improvement Required.
DISTRICTS EARN As, 2
VOTING LOCATIONS, 3
Scootertruck wreck leaves one dead STAFF REPORT Authorities have identified a San Marcos woman as the victim in an Aug. 18 wreck on Post Road involving a motorized scooter and a vehicle driven by an off-duty Hays County Constable. According to a Department of Public Safety preliminary report, authorities were dispatched at around 7 p.m. Sunday to a fatal auto-pedestrian incident along Post Road roughly 1.5 north of San Marcos. Per a preliminary investigation, a woman, identified as Sarah Marie Gee, 31, was operating a motorized scooter going north on Post Road when she crossed the double center line into southbound traffic. Gee’s scooter then struck a 1998 flatbed trailer that was being hauled by a Dodge Ram pickup operated by David Peterson, 64, of San Marcos. Peterson is the Hays County Pct. 1 Constable but was not on duty at the time of the incident. Gee was pronounced dead at the scene by Hays County Pct. 1.1 Justice of the Peace Maggie Moreno, who ordered an autopsy. This story is developing. DPS officials are still investigating.
Page 2
News-Dispatch
News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262
Landowners awarded $3 million in Kinder Morgan condemnation cases BY MOSES LEOS III
PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com
REPORTERS Exsar Arguello Katie Burrell news@haysfreepress.com
PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Thursday, August 22, 2019
More than $3 million was awarded to four Blanco County landowners involved in condemnation proceedings with Kinder Morgan and its Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) over the past two weeks. Those decisions, made by a court-appointed panel, is leading officials with the Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense (TREAD) coalition to double-down on allegations Kinder Morgan is “lowballing” landowners for use of their land. According to a TREAD press release, the panel awarded settlements to owners of the Campbell Ranch, Neill Ranch and Gloore Ranch in Blanco County; the largest of the three awards was set at $1.3 million. TREAD officials said none of Kinder Morgan’s
TREAD officials said none of Kinder Morgan’s appraisals for either of the three properties exceeded $21,000. In one instance, TREAD officials estimated the panel’s award to one property owner was 81-times what Kinder Morgan had appraised their land at.
assessment. Patrick Reznick, an attorney representing Walsh, alleges Kinder Morgan only wants to compensate landowners for part of the land impacted by the 120-foot easement, but does not account for a possible appraisals for either of the extends from far west land. The panel’s award three properties exceeded Texas to the Houston area was 11-times higher than “20-40 percent devaluation (of property) caused $21,000. In one instance, with the pipeline cutting Kinder Morgan’s $16,000 by the pipeline. TREAD officials estimated through the Hill Country, initial appraisal. “Their appraisal formuthe panel’s award to one including Hays, Blanco According to TREAD, la is inherently flawed,” property owner was 81 and Caldwell counties. a condemner can petiReznick said. times the amount Kinder Kinder Morgan officials tion a court to appoint a Elyse Yates, spokesMorgan had appraised estimate the pipeline will three-member panel of person for TREAD, said their land. be operational by the 4th real estate professionlandowners have been Chris Oddo, an attorney quarter 2020. als if a landowner and a for owners of the three “The commissioners pipeline company cannot “trying for months” to ranches, said commiswere laser-focused on the agree on eminent domain help Kinder Morgan “understand the unique sioners were considering facts and circumstances negotiations. The panel challenges” of the PHP the impact of the 42-inch, of each case,” said Oddo. considers the case and in the Hill Country and 430 mile pipeline could Decisions on the delivers an award, based have on the Hill Country. Campbell, Neill and on information from both defending their rights as property owners. Oddo said the “substanGloore ranches comes parties. “They won’t be intimtial consequences” of the after a three-party panel However, TREAD offipipeline are reflected in awarded Blanco County cials said Kinder Morgan’s idated by this compathe panel’s decision. landowner Matt Walsh appraiser was not present ny’s tactics,” Yates said. Kinder Morgan’s PHP $233,500 in damages for at two of the four hearings “TREAD will be there every step of the way.” is a $2 billion project that Kinder Morgan’s use of his to defend the company’s
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES
Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be
Tigers hit the ground running in scrimmage BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
An explosive offense and speedy defense is what the Dripping Springs Tiger football team showcased in Saturday’s full-contact inter-squad scrimmage, which closed the first week of fall camp. With a full week of practice in the books, Tiger head coach Galen Zimmerman said he likes what he’s seen so far from his team as they march toward their Aug. 31 opener on the road at Kerrville Tivy. “I felt like after one week of practice and one day of true pads there is a lot of positives on both sides, and things that we can definitely build on,” Zimmerman said. “The things that are out there that we need to fix are definitely fixable. I think there is a lot of excitement about this year and there should be.” While the Tigers are still ironing out the fine details of positioning and technique, Zimmerman applauded his team on their work ethic and playing hard on every snap. Having a team full of players who go full speed every play allows Zimmerman and his coaching staff to focus on teaching the finer details in practice. “We’ve got a lot of kids that play hard, extremely hard and want to be good,” Zimmerman said. “Want to please their teammates, and their coaches and their parents. I feel like we have
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
During the course of Saturday’s inter-squad scrimmage, Dripping Springs Tiger wide receivers practiced until they could catch the ball with their eyes closed. Well, sort of. Dripping Springs opens the season Aug. 31 at Kerrville Tivy.
“I felt like after one week of practice and one day of true pads there is a lot of positives on both sides, and things that we can definitely build on. The things that are out there that we need to fix are definitely fixable. I think there is a lot of excitement about this year and there should be.” –Galen Zimmerman, Tiger Football Head Coach
a lot of guys that you don’t have to really pride along and get them to work hard, they are going to work hard.
So I feel like that’s kind of our strength right now.” A point of emphasis for both the offense and defense
through fall camp has been preventing pre-snap penalties, limiting dropped passes, while also winning the turnover battle and getting more sacks than allowing them. Zimmerman said those four categories are some of the biggest game changers on Friday nights. “We’ve got the ability to make big plays, but we’ve got to eliminate the negatives,” said Zimmerman. During the scrimmage, the offense displayed its explosive play potential with multiple touchdowns of over 50 yards. The Tigers return some
fire power with senior quarterback Zach Tjelmeland, senior running back Curtis Cox, along with senior Kevin Kelly and junior Jack Masters in the trenches of the offensive line. Junior Cameron O’banan, who is seeing time at both wide receiver and quarterback, and junior wide receiver PJ Howe were players who have stepped up on the field and in a leadership role, Zimmerman said. On defense, the Tigers return a couple key players from last year’s squad. Senior linebackers Jakob Joy and Hunter Northrup, senior nose guard Colby Collins, and junior defensive back Austin Hulon will provide leadership and playmaking ability on that side of the ball this season. For Zimmerman and the Tigers, the expectation every season is to make the playoffs, and that is no different this season. Dripping Springs will have one last tune-up in an Aug. 23 scrimmage against New Braunfels before it hits the ground running. “We start school (this week) and scrimmage New Braunfels on Friday, kind of see where we are with somebody else with a 6A program that’s pretty good,” Zimmerman said. “So we will be tested and that will be good to see.” The Tigers travel to Kerrville Tivy Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Dripping Springs hosts Hays Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. for its home opener.
edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
Districts Earn As Continued from pg. 1
According to the results, all but one campus, Dripping Springs High, lost at least one point in the overall score. Drip-
ping Springs Elementary experienced the largest dip by going from a 90 in 2017-18 to an 85 in 201819. Per the results, Drip-
ping Springs Elementary scored C grades in school progress and closing the gaps. In a statement prior to
Women IN BUSINESS make the move.™
REAL ESTATE
Melanie Fenelon ®
REALTOR , GRI, CLHMS
Specializing in residential, acreage and farm/ranch properties
Dripping Springs • Wimberley Driftwood • Lakeway • Spicewood South, Southwest and Central Austin
melanie.fenelon@compass.com
•
(512) 658-0773
Angie Dahl
DeMasters-Daniel insurance agency DeMasters Daniel Insurance has been serving the Hill Country since 1983 as an independent insurance agency providing personal and commercial insurance products. Let our office help you shop your insurance coverage. Our staff is committed to deliver personalized service to each and every client. Look for upcoming agent introductions.
At the corner of RR 12 and E. Summit Drive in Wimberley
dd-ins.net • 512-847-5549
107 E. Summit Dr, Wimberley, TX
his departure from the district, outgoing Superintendent Bruce Gearing said the district measures success in many ways as they develop “life-long learners and positive contributors to the world. “While we don’t focus our instruction on the state assessments on which these ratings are based, our students generally perform well,” Gearing said. “Our greater focus is presenting students with authentic learning experiences that develop skills they will use the rest of their lives.”
year previous. Jacob’s Well Elementary and Scudder Primary both secured an 83 in 2018-19, which was a three-point rise from the 80 in 201718. Wimberley High also jumped two points from an 87 to an 89, while Danforth Junior High fell two points from an 89 to an 87. In a statement, WISD assistant superintendent Dee Howard said the rating reminds the district of the “important work ahead” as the district staff focuses on the new school year, which began Aug. 15. WIMBERLEY ISD ALSO Dwain York, WISD MAKES THE GRADE IN superintendent, lauded 2018-19 teachers, staff, administrators and students for A pair of As in student their efforts. achievement and school “At WISD, we witness progress helped Wimberfirsthand every day how ley ISD score a 92 out of 100 in the TEA’s rating sys- teachers and students tem, an increase of a point work together to achieve success at all our campusfrom a year previous. es,” York said. “Today, we While none of the experience how it all bedistrict’s four campuses gins, and are really exited scored higher than an 89 to hear that we have once in the TEA’s new A-F sysagain been delivered an A tem, three of the four improved their scores from a rating by the TEA.”
Thursday, August 22, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Dripping Springs ISD hires interim superintendent BY MOSES LEOS III Just before students returned to class this week, Dripping Springs ISD elected leadership tabbed a longtime administrator to guide the district on an interim basis. Nola Wellman, who had served as the Eanes ISD superintendent from 2004 to 2014, was named as the interim DSISD superintendent by board trustees in an Aug. 19 special called meeting, according to a press release. Wellman will serve in an interim role until a permanent superinten-
dent is found at a later date. Wellman will bridge the gap left by Bruce Gearing, who will leave WELLMAN DSISD at the end of August to assume his new position with Leander ISD. Since her retirement following her tenure at Eanes ISD, Wellman has worked as a consultant with several companies providing services related to education. Wellman came to Ean-
es following 16 years at the Cherry Creek School District in Denver, where she held multiple positions, including five years as assistant superintendent. Wellman is expected to start full-time at DSISD Sept. 3. Wellman earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, her master’s degree from Colorado State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Denver, per the release. “The Board is thrilled to have such a distinguished, retired superintendent joining our ranks to help lead the district
through this interim period,” said Board President Carrie Kroll. “Dr. Wellman has devoted her career to public education. She is passionate about educating children and the Board feels confident that she will ensure all children in DSISD continue to have access to an exceptional, personal education.” Wellman’s hire as the interim superintendent was one of several processes DSISD leaders have taken to fill the superintendent role. On Aug. 15, DSISD trustees developed the process and timeline
for the search for a new, permanent superintendent, and interviewed candidates for an interim superintendent. The search and hiring process for the permanent superintendent, which is being led by Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services, will include several opportunities for stakeholder input in a series of public forums on Sept. 5. An online survey will be available on the district website for residents to offer their input. DSISD plans to conduct interviews for the
Voting Locations: Where will you vote
Improved Parks
Continued from pg. 1
more voting locations in Kyle and on the east side of the county, about fewer in Wimberley, and adding a voting location on Texas State University’s campus. Several citizens expressed a need for more polling locations on the east side of Hays County, especially east of I-35. A general breakdown by county commissioner precinct shows Buda and parts of Kyle in Precinct 2 with 35,619 registered voters. Precinct 4, which takes in Dripping Springs and comes into western Kyle has the most voters at 36,799. Precinct 1, which includes just south of Kyle and a large portion of San Marcos has the lowest numbers – 30,593 voters. Precinct 3, which includes western San Marcos and the college and west to Wimberley has 32,849 voters. However, even with those numbers, finding the right voting location is difficult. Sandra Dinarello, a
member of the county election committee, explained the difficulties of finding a polling place on the east side of Kyle that meets the voting location requirements. “I personally drove through the east side of Kyle and Buda looking for locations that meet the requirements. We had brainstormed ideas, but it is difficult to find places with storage, strong Wi-Fi, parking and ADA. Whoever tells me ‘Well, you ought to check out the east side,’ I am going to challenge you to give me some places,” Dinarello said. A number of concerned citizens felt that there were too many polling locations in Wimberley and not enough in Kyle, based on the population growth of each town. However, Election Administrator Jenifer Anderson assured citizens that the current list is not final. “I know we are going to add to Kyle. I want to
emphasize is that this is just a recommendation process. People are saying ‘Why do we have six locations in Wimberley?’ Well, we have six recommendations in Wimberley,” Anderson said. There was also a bit of discussion about what to do about voting at Texas State University. A University of Texas student Zachary Price said he helped convince Travis County Commissioners to add a two polling locations to the University of Texas campus. Price said the statistics used for the University of Texas apply to Texas State. “Based on the number of voters coming out in the university area, there should be seven to eleven polling locations on campus. Those numbers back up every large university in the state and if Texas State does not have a polling location it is likely to be the only large university in the state without an
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase The Hays County ESD #6 will hold two public hearings on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year by 20.08 percent (percentage by which proposed tax rate exceeds lower of rollback tax rate or effective tax calculated under Chapter 26, Tax Code). Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. The first public hearing will be held on August 21, 2019 at 5:00 PM at Holloway Central Station - 400 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. The second public hearing will be held on August 28, 2019 at 5:00 PM at Holloway Central Station - 400 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. The members of the governing body voted on the proposal to consider the tax increase as follows: FOR:
Robert Avera Marilyn Miller Steve Janda
AGAINST:
N/A
PRESENT and not voting:
N/A
ABSENT:
N/A
Jennifer Rodriguez Brad Ruoff
The average taxable value of a residence homestead in Hays County ESD #6 last year was $389,881. Based on last year's tax rate of $0.0785 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $306.06. The average taxable value of a residence homestead in Hays County ESD #6 this year is $421,825. If the governing body adopts the effective tax rate for this year of $0.0737 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $310.89. If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of $0.0885 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $373.32. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and express their views.
superintendent position starting in the second week of October. Review of applications, candidate interviews, and deliberation will be conducted in Board meeting closed sessions, as permitted by Texas statute. “The Board is committed to finding an exceptional superintendent who has a clear vision to lead our district,” said Kroll. “As trustees, we will use the input we receive from the community to thoughtfully consider each candidate and ensure our selection will be a great fit for the Dripping Springs community.”
Continued from pg. 1 on-campus polling location,” Price said. Members of the court said they had discussions with Texas State officials about opening a voting location on campus. Texas State is prepared to offer free parking and utilize a newly constructed portion of the LBJ Student Center to meet voting poll requirements. However, that location is the only spot easily accessible to the public. The list of polling locations will be finalized when the court votes on the list. The list of locations under consideration include 16 places in San Marcos, six in Kyle, five in Buda, five in Wimberley, two in Dripping Springs and three with Austin addresses, but within Hays County.
golf course. “We will use those funds for improvements at Ranch Sports park, Sportsplex park or Founders park. Just a way of ensuring we have enough parkland for the community,” Lutz said. Bunker Ranch, located on the northwest side of Dripping Springs off of US 290, will provide a walking trail for students to get to school. The city made a deal with developers to use their required parkland as a trail, instead of contributing it as a public park. “We have a trail on an adjacent property that helps kids get to school. The city decided connecting the adjacent trail to Bunker Ranch would be more beneficial to
students’ safety,” Lutz said. The Grotto, also located on the northwest side of Dripping Springs, has a private drive off US 290. Developers chose to make their private park into a public park, which will include an open space, dog park and trails for pedestrians. The existing private drive will undergo improvements to allow emergency officials to access the park. “Since their property is hidden and behind commercial property, they needed to provide an easement for folks to walk down that private drive and visit that park,” Lutz said. City leaders planned to take the item up for a vote Aug. 20.
2019 Property Tax Rates in Hays County ESD #6 This notice concerns the 2019 property tax rates for Hays County ESD #6. It presents information about three tax rates. Last year's tax rate is the actual tax rate the taxing unit used to determine property taxes last year. This year's effective tax rate would impose the same total taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. This year's rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate the taxing unit can set before taxpayers start rollback procedures. In each case these rates are found by dividing the total amount of taxes by the tax base (the total value of taxable property) with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value. Last year's tax rate: Last year's operating taxes Last year's debt taxes Last year's total taxes Last year's tax base Last year's total tax rate
$4,442,393 $0 $4,442,393 $5,659,099,363 $0.0785/$100
This year's effective tax rate: Last year's adjusted taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property) $4,438,467 ÷ This year's adjusted tax base (after subtracting value of new property) $6,021,128,120 = This year's effective tax rate $0.0737/$100 (Maximum rate unless unit publishes notices and holds hearings.) This year's rollback tax rate: Last year's adjusted operating taxes $4,438,467 (after subtracting taxes on lost property and adjusting for any transferred function, tax increment financing, state criminal justice mandate, and/or enhanced indigent healthcare expenditures) ÷ This year's adjusted tax base $6,021,128,120 = This year's effective operating rate $0.0737/$100 x 1.08=this year's maximum operating rate $0.0795/$100 + This year's debt rate $0/$100 = This year's total rollback rate $0.0795/$100
Statement of Increase/Decrease If Hays County ESD #6 adopts a 2019 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of $0.0737 per $100 of value, taxes would increase compared to 2018 taxes by $245,547. Schedule A - Unencumbered Fund Balance The following estimated balances will be left in the unit's property tax accounts at the end of the fiscal year. These balances are not encumbered by a corresponding debt obligation. Type of Property Tax Fund Balance General Fund 8,419,144 Schedule B - 2019 Debt Service The unit plans to pay the following amounts for long-term debts that are secured by property taxes. These amounts will be paid from property tax revenues (or additional sales tax revenues, if applicable). Description of Debt
Principal or Contract Payment to be paid from
Interest to be Paid from Property Taxes
Other Total Payment Amounts to be Paid
0
0
0
Total required for 2019 debt service Amount (if any) paid from Schedule A Amount (if any) paid from other resources Excess collections last year Total to be paid from taxes in 2019 Amount added in anticipation that the unit will collect only 100.00% of its taxes in 2019 = Total debt levy – – – = +
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
0
This notice contains a summary of actual effective and rollback tax rates' calculations. You can inspect a copy of the full calculations at 712 S. Stagecoach Trail Suite 1120 San Marcos, TX 78666. Name of person preparing this notice: Jenifer O'Kane Title: Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Date Prepared: 08/06/2019
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Tigers sweep Hays in three BY MOSES LEOS III
Critical points in the clutch played a vital role in the state-ranked Dripping Springs Tiger volleyball team’s 25-23, 26-24, 25-21 Aug. 13 sweep over the Hays Rebels at Bales Gym. While Hays (6-4) kept pace with the Tigers (8-4) in the first two frames, the Rebels were unable to keep an experienced Dripping Springs squad from pulling away late. Tiger head coach Michael Kane lauded Hays’ grit, which he expected having played Hays during their run at the John Turner Classic in Pearland. “I felt like today we ground some wins out and we gutted them out,” Kane said. “We weren’t passing well, but we were still able to fortunately come out with a win.” Tied at 16-16 in a tightly contested first set, Dripping Springs closed the frame by outscoring Hays 9-7 to take a 1-0 match lead. Back and forth play continued into the second frame where Hays rallied
“The kids aren’t afraid. That comes with experience. We have some kids who have been in some big games before and the state tournament, we understand what it takes. We hope to continue to build from that.” –Michael Kane, Tiger Volleyball Head Coach
to hold match point at 24-22. However, the Tigers responded with a 4-0 run to end the set and snag a commanding 2-0 match lead. Kane said getting their middle blockers involved and staying in system were key for success on the offensive side. Not being afraid to “swing to win,” as well as having experience in big matches, was equally an important role for the Tigers. “The kids aren’t afraid. That comes with experience. We have some kids who have been in some big games before and the state tournament, we understand what it takes,” Kane said. “We hope to continue to build from
that.” Dripping Springs kept momentum in the third set, building a 20-10 lead before Hays battled back. Hays cut the lead to three points at 24-21 but couldn’t get any closer. Hays first year head coach Ashley Davis lauded the Rebel’s resiliency, but said Dripping Springs was “more consistent in bigger moments.” Davis said the Rebels are still getting used to her style of coaching, along with building chemistry and trust with each other as well.
“It’s knowing everyone has each other’s back, that’s our big thing. We’re all going to fight for each other,” Davis said. “It was a good match, a good comeback. But they’re a good team.” For the Tigers, working on their first touch, as well as avoiding service errors, are the goals as they continue to march through pre-district tournament play. Dripping Springs finished 6th at the John Turner Classic, followed up by claiming the Silver Bracket championship at the Fraulein Volleyfest in New Braunfels Aug. 15-17. “We’re building off that and we’re growing some confidence,” Kane said. “I’m excited to see what happens.” Dripping Springs travels to play at the Volleypalooza in Cedar Park Aug. 22-24 before returning PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III home Aug. 27 to face Hays High’s Ryann Torress (14) prepares to defend a kill atGeorgetown. tempt from Dripping Springs junior Lauren Pyka.
Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Youth Ministries
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Dripping Springs Tiger libero Nicole Herbert passes the ball to teammates Aug. 13.
First Day Memories
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
Texas Crossword
sponsored by...
A Walnut Springs student embraces their parent as they prepare to enter class Tuesday.
Rev. Justin
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Nguyen, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
Children Ministries Family Ministries
Mass Schedule
512-858-5667
www.stmartindp.org
DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl
Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608
A pair of parents cheese for the camera with their students as they walk to Walnut Springs Elementary for the first day of classes.
A parent takes a selfie with their child in front of the Walnut Springs Elementary marquee.
See Texas Crossword solution on page 5 PHOTOS BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
We Support the Tigers Texas hometown friendly bank
512-858-5159
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Do Business Locally Is your business being seen?
We can help. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com for more information.
Classifieds
Thursday, August 22, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Employment
Page 5
20 words for $8!
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover
DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
Texas Statewide Advertising Network
Home For Sale
Be Your Own Boss Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX.
TexSCAN Week of Aug. 18, 2019
Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.
Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023
BEAUTIFUL HOME IN OAK FOREST
Immaculate! 4 bedrooms, 2.88 acres, cul-de-sac, granite, enclosed porch, decks, 2-car garage/workshop. Bonus room upstairs. $530,333. Call Barbara Gremillion, Coldwell Banker United Realtors, 512-775-2904.
Cheaper than dinner for two...
News-Dispatch
20 words for $8!
Get the News-Dispatch delivered to your home every week for only $42 a year. 10% discount for seniors. Call 512-268-7862
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover
DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
HaysNews-Dispatch
www.
.com
ACREAGE
Air Conditioning
APC
Service Pros, LLC
Air Conditioning • Heating • Electrical
Central Garage, LLC Complete Auto Repair
(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252 1 120 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard
Glass Service
Service • Repair • Installation
512-410-7739 www.APCServicePros.com TACLB015741E
Licensed and Insured
TECL 24139
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
• Contract Glazing • Storefronts • Insulated Glass
• Furniture Tops • Tempered Glass • Mirrors
Framed & Frameless Tub & Shower Enclosures
512 312 2767
5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX Stefnie at shallmark@dynamicglass.com
Dirt
Dirt Cheap Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix
Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
512-965-3465
robinnds@aol.com
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch
Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com
Financial Planning Financial Planning
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Planning Planning Financial Investment Planning• Insurance
Investment Planning
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
Taking care of your yard so you can play!
LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
Get your honey-do list done right.
ReliableHandymanTX.com
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
20+ Years of Experience • Insured
512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com
Shoe Repair • Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
Roofing & Repair Veteran Insulated Siding Energy Efficient Upgrades owned and Gutters & Protection operated Austin, TX 512.488.1810 brian@discountroofusa.com
AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including: Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387
8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961
Tree Service
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 100% OMRI Listed – For Organic Use. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com.
Lawn Care
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE
KILL SCORPIONS! Harris Scorpion Spray/ Odorless/Non-Staining. Effective results begin after spray dries. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com.
NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
Handyman
Roofing
Pool Service
homedepot.com.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com
Reliable Handy Man Commercial & Residential
Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.
Looking for hunting/recreational/retirement property. We have some of the best in Texas, from the Hill LEGAL ASSISTANCE Country to South Texas. Large acreage or small, 30 18-Wheeler Wrecks – It’s easy to blame the driver year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. www. when a big rig is involved in a wreck, but the truth is ranchenterprisesltd.com. 800-876-9720. usually much more complex. When trucking company management cuts corners in training, equipment and CHARITY maintenance, the rest of us pay the price. If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a truck Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free wreck, call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers visit www.YourCarWreck.com. to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after www.boatangel.com. exposure to Roundup herbicide? You may be entitled to compensation. Call: 800-801-2870. Law Offices of LOG HOMES Foster & Houston PLLC, Principal Office: Austin, TX; Log Homes – 4 Log Home kits selling for balance Co-counsel may be associated. owed, free delivery. Model #101 Carolina, bal. $17,000; MISC. FOR SALE Model #203 Georgia, bal. $19,950; Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $14,500; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500. View KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Sprays, Traps, Kits, Mattress Covers. DETECT, KILL, PREVENT plans at www.loghomedream.com. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot,
Service Directory Automotive
TRUCK DRIVERS
Window Treatments
Texas Crossword Solution
Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters Custom window treatments at affordable prices!
Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman & more. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation.
Call 512-847-8970
for free consultation & price quote.
www.MadeinTheShadeofwimberley.com
See puzzle, page 4
Like us on Facebook
NewsDispatch Providing you with your most important local news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, August 22, 2019
290 Sidewalk: DS plans project Continued from pg. 1
ment of Transportation (TxDOT), is a 100% match grant, meaning the city will pay up front then TXDOT will reimburse the city. Lutz said the project has an estimated price tag of $1.7 million. Dripping Springs City Planner Jason Lutz said DSISD students are currently walking along U.S. 290 to get to school. “There are no sidewalks in that area, minimal safety infrastructure. We know kids are already walking that path to get to school. We want to help students be safer while using their current route,” Lutz said. The sidewalk proposal includes a path from the middle school to the high school, which could be used by DSISD as an emergency evacuation route. If there is an emergency in either school, students would be directed along this path to a nearby Tractor Supply Company, said Lutz. “If we can install the sidewalks, we will be able to help that path. We want to make it as safe as possible for students to get to the safe harbor,” Lutz said. While student safety is the main goal, Lutz said the sidewalks could also benefit senior citizens.
“There are some areas along Old 290 that elderly folk walk back and forth to the post office. They walk in the street without sidewalks, so that was an additional reason to improve the safety of routes people are already utilizing,” Lutz said. However, one DSISD parent said they disagreed with the city’s assessment, saying they’ve seen only three students who regularly walk along U.S. 290 to get to class. The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, drives her two children to the middle and high school. She said she disagrees with the sidewalk proposal because the highway is dangerous. “Students between the age 11 to 15 are distracted by their phones. The highway is fraught with death and disaster, especially because 18-wheelers turn off their air brakes near the school,” the parent said. Lutz said TxDOT will announce its selections for the SRTS grant in January. If Dripping Springs’ project is approved for grant funding, city leadership will hold a public hearing to decide if the community wishes to move forward with the project.
Donate A Boat
Gun Reform: Driftwood lawmaker seeks special section
or Car Today!
Continued from pg. 1
to address gun reform and said that “Texans are asking us to take action now.” Zwiener cited previous mass shootings in Southerland Springs and at Santa Fe High in recent years. Those events are part of a trend of mass shootings, which include Parkland High and in Las Vegas in 2017. Democrats in the Texas House and Senate were ready to act on gun legislation during the last two legislative sessions in 2017 and 2019, Zwiener said. Zwiener said one area of gun reform that could be tackled quickly is through stronger safe storage laws. State Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin) got the furthest on the topic when she introduced a public safety announcement on the importance of putting firearms away in a safe when not in use. However, proposed legislation on the matter never got on the House floor. It was later tacked onto another bill as an amendment that did not receive any votes. Zwiener said a law making gun owners liable for incidents when firearms are not stored properly could encourage safety. Such a proposal has support from Democrats and some Republicans.
“This is a concrete thing we can do that can reduce accidents and teen suicides, and reduces the risk of a firearm being stolen and later used to commit a crime,” Zwiener said. Support is also growing for implementing “red flag laws,” which would prevent those with a history of mental illness or domestic abuse or violent crime from obtaining a gun, Zwiener said. By enacting “red flag” laws, it could offer a safety net for victims of abuse who try to leave their partners. Most abuse victims are murdered by their partners when they attempt to leave. But gun reform such as limiting the size of ammunition magazines and reducing access to semi-automatic military-style rifles could be “trickier” to impose, Zwiener said. Zwiener felt most gun owners “don’t need” a
60-round magazine to go hunting or a semi-automatic rifle such as an AR15 in most cases. The suspect in the El Paso shooting used a semi-automatic, high capacity magazine assault-style rifle. In order to make changes, those advocating gun reform must also change the state’s mindset when it comes to firearm regulations. In Texas, handgun ownership means going through strict regulation as the weapon is meant to be concealed. However, long guns, such as an AR-15, do not need a permit and can be displayed in most public settings. Zwiener also wants to change the age of obtaining long guns from 18 to 21, as 21 is the age requirement for obtaining a handgun license in Texas. Zwiener said lawmakers must understand they are not dealing with firearms similar to “grandpa’s
WE BUY
hunting rifle” anymore. While she said most state elected officials are on board for more gun safety protections, she fears Republican lawmakers might be afraid to take action as they don’t want to be called “bad on guns” and be “primaried out” prior to the November elections. “I hope we take meaningful action before next session. It is a year and a half before we meet again and we’re losing lives,” Zwiener said. “I don’t care if it’s because of the governor’s roundtable or special session. But it needs to happen.”
“2-Night Free Vacation!”
800 - 700 - BOAT (2628) (2628)
w w w.boatangel.com
sponsored by boat angel outreach centers
STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
18-Wheeler Wrecks It’s easy to blame the driver when a big rig is involved in a wreck, but the truth is usually much more complex. When trucking company management cuts corners in training, equipment and maintenance, the rest of us pay the price. We have represented families for years who have been harmed by these parties. If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a truck wreck, call us today. Evidence can disappear so CALL NOW.
EXPERIENCE
COUNTS
Lawyers with more than 100 years combined expertise.
Ryan A. Krebs, M.D., J.D. Doctor-Lawyer in Full-time Law Practice
Richard A. Dodd, L.C. Timothy R. Cappolino, P.C.
Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
NO FEE FOR FIRST VISIT
OffiCes in HOustOn/COnrOe, temple and austin, prinCipal OffiCe in CamerOn
1-800-460-0606 www.YourCarWreck.com
JOIN BY LABOR DAY
0 JOIN FEE
$
SAVE $49
+ 50% OFF
PROGRAM REGISTRATION*
OIL, GAS, &
*Restrictions apply. See website for details.
MINERAL RIGHTS
Both non-producing and producing
including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.
CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422
LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800
LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com
KEEP THE
SUMMER FUN GOING Every Purchase. Every Time. No Annual Fee Unlimited Cash Back $0 Balance Transfer Fee $0 Cash Advance Fee
Family Time
Senior Programs
Dance & Gymnastics
Youth Sports
Springs Family YMCA Benefits • FREE Group Exercise Programs • FREE Child Watch for Y Members • FREE Y Active Sessions with a Personal Fitness Coach • Full-Size Gymnasium for basketball, pickleball, volleyball and more • Swim Lessons, Pools & Water Exercise • Two Lighted Tennis Courts • DISCOUNTS for Y Members on Sports Leagues, Swim Lessons, Camps & More!
Register Now
FALL YOUTH SPORTS • • • • • •
Soccer Flag Football Volleyball Swim League Martial Arts Dance/Gymnastics
Springs Family YMCA Apply today at rbfcu.org Membership eligibility required. Subject to credit approval. Rates and terms subject to change; other restrictions may apply.
27216 RR 12 South in Dripping Springs (512) 894-3309 l AustinYMCA.org FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE