Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hays County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with high priority
Hays County Strategic Plan Public Engagement
Consultants presented results from community surveys and listening sessions showing strong public interest in water conservation, infrastructure, and transparency.
Juvenile Diversion Program Staffing
Local judges and justices of the peace urged the court to fund a second juvenile diversion coordinator position, citing severe caseload backlogs and lengthy wait times for families.
Trash Rate Increase
Your trash bill is about to get more expensive after the City Council gave an initial green light to a rate hike. Expect to shell out a bit more cash for garbage pickup every month.
Election Equipment Modernization and Financing
County leaders approved a three-year installment plan to purchase $2.6 million in new voting machines to replace aging hardware before the upcoming presidential election.
Sunfield and Suncreek Roadway Construction Litigation
The county is taking legal action against unauthorized roadway construction by third parties in the Sunfield and Suncreek subdivisions while terminating existing interlocal maintenance agreements.
Hays County Health District
If you're a WTCPUA customer in Hays County, you need to boil your water before using it for drinking or cooking. Check the official map online to see if your specific neighborhood is under the advisory.
Hayes Commons Subdivision and Density Variances
A proposed high-density housing development over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone faced intense community backlash over wastewater spraying, lot size variances, and traffic safety.
Development Agreement
Hays County commissioners just hit the brakes on the Hays Commons project, sending developers back to the drawing board. It’s a major stall for the proposed development, meaning the plans will need a serious overhaul before they can move forward.
Road Maintenance and Resurfacing Projects
The county approved multiple engineering and design contracts for major local road projects to handle regional traffic growth.
Eastside Campus Construction Manager at Risk Award
The county awarded a major construction management contract for the $62 million Eastside Campus project, while addressing concerns over land agreements and city coordination in Kyle.
Memorial Day Fireworks Sales and Drought Assessment
Following consultation with local emergency services chiefs, the court temporarily lifted the burn ban before formally reinstating it from March 16 through April 14, 2026, to prevent wildfire risks.
Intergovernmental Litigation
Hays County and San Marcos are officially fighting in court over a property dispute, which is a bad look for local government. This breakdown in communication means your tax dollars are likely going to lawyers instead of fixing roads or parks.