Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Round Rock public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
41 issues
Water Infrastructure and Fire Station Land Acquisition
The city is updating real estate agreements with Nelson Homestead Family Partnership to secure land for a new water storage tank, pump station, and fire station. These projects are critical for expanding public safety and utility infrastructure to support growing neighborhoods.
Gattis School Road Segment 2 Right-of-Way Acquisition
The city acquired necessary right-of-way for the Gattis School Road Segment 2 improvement project, which will widen the road to four lanes and add a shared-use path.
Utility Rate Adjustments
Residential, commercial, and downtown garbage rates are officially locked in following the final reading of a municipal code update.
Graffiti Abatement Ordinance Revision
The city updated its graffiti removal ordinance to give property owners 15 days to clean up vandalism while providing free cleanup services. Officials stressed that property owners are victims and will not face liens or financial penalties.
New Public Safety and Utility Infrastructure Sites
Round Rock is expanding its footprint by securing land for a future fire station and a water storage tank/pump station.
October 8 Agenda Preview and Staff Briefings
The City Council will preview upcoming agenda items for their October 8 meeting and discuss reports with city staff.
Old Settlers Buildout Project Change Order
The council will vote on a contract change order with Spawglass Constructors for ongoing work at the Lakeview portion of Old Settlers Park. This affects park amenities and municipal capital improvement spending.
The District Development
Mark IV Capital requested and received a waiver from rules prohibiting alcohol sales within 300 feet of public schools for parcels in The District. This change removes a major roadblock for future restaurants and retailers looking to open in the mixed-use development.
Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Update
The council will hear a quarterly report from the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, highlighting local economic development and business initiatives.
Heritage Trail East Construction and Master Plan Update
Approval of a $6.59 million contract to Patin Construction to bridge the gap in the Heritage Trail between Mays and Georgetown streets, completing a major east-west pedestrian corridor.
Parks Master Plan and Trails Network Expansion
The council adopted the Round Rock Trails Plan update to Playbook 2030, charting a connected network of multi-use trails and discussing economic development opportunities along trail corridors.
FY 2027 City Budget and Tax Rate
The corporation finalized its operating budget and long-range funding plan to guide economic development and transportation projects in Round Rock.
2026 Property Tax Rate
The city is setting a maximum tax rate of 42.3 cents to cover rising costs for public safety and debt from past bonds.
Five-Year Funds Allocation Plan
The corporation finalized its operating budget and long-range funding plan to guide economic development and transportation projects in Round Rock.
ESD-9 Sales Tax and Property Tax Interlocal Agreement
An updated agreement with Emergency Services District No. 9 will bring in an estimated $3 million in new sales tax revenue on top of $5.5 million in property taxes to help fund local fire operations.
Roadway Infrastructure Improvements
The city is adding $15.5 million to its road program to secure necessary right-of-way land for Kenney Fort Boulevard and Wyoming Springs Drive. These projects are part of the city's master plan to handle rapid regional growth.
Transportation Capital Improvements Program Funding Amendment
The city is adding $15.5 million to its road program to secure necessary right-of-way land for Kenney Fort Boulevard and Wyoming Springs Drive. These projects are part of the city's master plan to handle rapid regional growth.
Section 106 Federal Rule Changes
Proposed federal changes could weaken the review process for historic sites, making it easier for projects to bypass preservation oversight.
Historic Design Guidelines Update
The city is updating its historic design guidelines. Residents are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback before the September work session.
Palm House Restoration
The city is moving forward with restoring the historic 1873 Palm House, which will be relocated to the Old Settlers Association grounds for public use.
Multi-Family Housing Policy Update
The city is updating its 14-year-old rules on apartment construction to allow for more modern, urban-style developments that better fit current market needs.
Public Transit Services
The city is evaluating its transit system, including the 'Round Rock Rides' on-demand service and fixed-route buses, to ensure efficient service as the city grows. The Council is securing federal funding and extending partnerships to maintain current operations while planning for future transit needs.
Data Center Development
A resident raised concerns about the impact of data centers on electricity and water usage, questioning the council's previous approval.
Home Repair Grant Funding
The city is looking to use leftover COVID-19 relief money to help residents with essential home repairs like plumbing and HVAC. This will help clear a waiting list of 5-12 families.
Preserve at Stone Oak PUD Amendment
A developer wants to add retail to a residential area. Neighbors are worried about traffic and noise, so the city is requiring buffers and specific design rules.
FLOCK Camera Surveillance
A resident expressed concerns about the expansion of the FLOCK camera program, citing privacy and civil liberty issues.
Downtown Food Vendor Permits
A local vendor requested a path to legally operate a hot dog stand in downtown Round Rock after hours.
Meadows Neighborhood Drainage and Utility Upgrades
The city is evaluating how to handle aging water and sewer lines in areas outside city limits, like the Meadows at Chandler Creek, to avoid high costs for local taxpayers.
Citizen Agenda Access
The city repealed a rule that let residents put items on the agenda. Residents are worried this limits their ability to bring up complex issues.
Board and Commission Appointments
Round Rock is currently taking applications for open spots on its local advisory boards and commissions. It's your chance to actually get involved and help shape local decisions instead of just complaining about them.
Economic Development Incentives
The board is looking at ways to bring new businesses to Round Rock, which could mean more jobs and a stronger local economy.
Roadway Impact Fee Program
Developers are paying fees that help the city build roads and water systems, which saves taxpayers millions of dollars.
Historic Property Tax Exemption Program
The city offers a 75% tax break on city property taxes for historic homes, provided owners keep up with maintenance. The commission is cracking down on owners who repeatedly fail to fix issues like rotting wood or structural damage.
Commercial Parking Requirements
The city is considering removing minimum parking rules for businesses to help them grow and reduce excess pavement. This could make it easier for new shops and restaurants to open in existing centers.
Emergency Preparedness
The city is updating its emergency operations plan and formalizing agreements to ensure they are reimbursed for helping with state-wide disasters.
Mayoral Election
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan is returning for his fourth term, which means the city will keep the same leadership as it deals with major growth and new projects. If you live here, you can expect steady, unchanged management while the town continues to boom.
Parks and Recreation Fee Increases
Round Rock just raised the prices for renting city pavilions, sports fields, and visiting Rock'N River water park. If you're planning a neighborhood bash, a little league game, or a summer pool day, expect to shell out a bit more cash.
Kenney Fort North Development
A major development project is changing its design to focus on trail access and mixed-use spaces. Neighbors are worried about how this will change the feel of the area and impact traffic.
Slate PUD Development
A developer wants to add a medium-density apartment option to the Slate project. Neighbors are worried about traffic and privacy from balconies.
Digital Billboards and Public Safety
Round Rock voters are deciding on Proposition A, a measure linking digital billboards directly to public safety rules in the city. Your vote today will set the standard for how these bright screens are managed near our roadways.
Election Candidacy
Round Rock's mayoral race got a bit chaotic when a candidate was knocked off the ballot for being ineligible, but you'll still see their name printed on it anyway. It's creating some voter confusion, but election officials are dealing with the fallout.