Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burnet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with high priority
CAMPO Regional Transportation Plan & Committee Appointments
The county is looking at adopting a comprehensive transportation plan to guide future road improvements and traffic management. This plan helps map out where infrastructure dollars will go as the area continues to grow.
Subdivision and Replat Requests
The court approved the purchase of a new distributor truck for road maintenance and reviewed multiple subdivision replats and final plats across the county.
Utility Rates
Burnet just approved a yearly 3% rate hike on your water, sewer, and electric bills starting this October and lasting until 2031 to pay for fixing up local infrastructure. Expect your monthly utility bills to slowly creep up every year for the next several years.
New EMS Provider Authorization
Lonestar Faith, LLC applied to operate as a new emergency medical services provider in Burnet County. The Commissioners Court reviewed and approved the necessary government letters and health code determinations to support expanded ambulance and medical response coverage.
Elected Officials Cost of Living Adjustment
The court discussed proposed salaries for appointed positions such as the Chief Public Defender, Elections Administrator, and Chief Magistrate, as well as removing appointed roles from the standard Step & Grade classification system. Decisions here affect leadership retention and personnel management.
County Fleet Policy
Officials debated the rules for assigning take-home vehicles and reviewed risk management strategies like driving record checks and remedial training.
Grant Funding for District Attorney and Auto Theft Task Force
The county accepted significant state grant awards, including up to $400,000 for the District Attorney's capital murder case costs with no local match required, and over $930,000 combined for automotive crime prevention task forces requiring local matching funds.
State Law Enforcement Grants
Burnet County applied for state grants through SB22 to boost funding for the Sheriff's Office, County Attorney, and District Attorney without needing local matching funds.
Creation of Chapter 54 Magistrate Board
The county created a new Magistrate Advisory Board to help set charges, responsibilities, and compensation for magistrates.
Flood Recovery and Recognition
Burnet residents are picking up the pieces after recent floods wiped out homes, sparking a push for better city infrastructure and smarter flood policies. It’s a wake-up call that our current defenses aren't cutting it and need a serious upgrade to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Code Enforcement
Burnet County flood victims are getting hit with code violation fines while they're still trying to rebuild their homes. It’s a frustrating clash between city bureaucracy and people just trying to get back on their feet after a disaster.
Disaster Recovery Funding
Burnet County is dropping $4.4 million to buy out homes wrecked by last year’s floods. It’s a huge win for residents looking to finally cash out and move on from the disaster.
Infrastructure Opposition
Burnet County and city officials are pushing back against a state-planned power line project that threatens to cut through local land. It’s a classic battle over who gets to decide how our community looks and grows.
Council Vacancy and Special Election
Burnet has an open City Council seat to fill, which means taxpayers are on the hook to fund a special election. It's a quick chance for new leadership, but it also means the city has to spend extra cash to make it happen.
Municipal Incorporation
A legal battle to block a new city from forming in Burnet County just hit a dead end, giving the green light for the municipality to officially move forward. This clears the way for local residents to start setting up their own city government and services.