FAQs        

What do you think are some of the major issues facing the city council at this time?

Open government-the council does not always comply with the Open Records Act. For instance, they are required to record executive sessions when employee related or real estate issues are discussed and this has not been happening recently. Additionally, when 3 or more of the council members are together, either in person or on the internet, they are not permitted to deliberate City business. This rule has not been adhered to in the recent past.

Governance-the council has never adopted any formal rules of governance, i.e. Roberts Rules of Order, or even something easier to use. As a result, council meetings are sometimes disruptive, and there is no order to how things are conducted from the dais.

Procurement-in many instances, the City does not formally procure for goods and services as it is required to do. Contracts have recently been signed and work performed for which there was no formal bid or request for proposal advertised.

Economic development-the City needs to be more pro-active with the EDC board to provide guidance regarding the types of projects the city needs to have funded and where the money could be spent. The council has stated time and again that the EDC should be autonomous, yet recently tried to hire an executive director for the EDC that would be paid for by the City. The authorization of the sales tax was passed a year ago and the City started receiving funds in December. To date, the EDC has not given any formal report on its progress to the Buda City Council and the Council has not required one. 

What are some of the challenges facing the city at this time?

The City is in the process of completing the Master Plan. Once that is complete, the City will need to adopt ordinances to put in the plan into effect. At this time, it appears that many people in the community still have not been heard regarding their concerns for future land use. Continuing discussion needs to occur to ensure that the ordinances put into effect are for the good of all of the citizens of Buda. The Master Plan is a very important document and should not be rushed. If some citizens need additional time to review it and this will allow for consensus, then by all means lets take the extra time. The adoption of the plan should wait until after the election so the new council can take additional public input and put the Plan into effect.

The City is growing, but in its business sector and in its residential sector. This growth indicates the need for police protection. While the inter-local agreement with the County has worked in the past, it is time for Buda to have a police force of its own.

The current council is trying to push through the renovation of City Hall. The City budgeted approximately $500,000 for this expansion. According to a recent report made by the building committee to the Council, the estimate to construct the renovation at this time is $1.3MM. I think alternatives to the design, or alternate locations should be considered for City Hall. It won’t be long before another expansion will be required and there is no additional room for expansion at the current site. Additionally, the City has received a grant for over $800,000 for drainage and sidewalks in downtown Buda that may in jeopardy because of the design of the proposed expansion.

Infrastructure-The City is already behind with planning concerning the expansion of the waste-water treatment plan. The Council needs to begin immediate deliberation of this issue as soon as the election is over. The contract regarding surface water needs to move forward, now that the legal issues surrounding it have been resolved.

If you have an issue that needs the attention of the City Council, please e-mail me and lets discuss it. 

Please remember that I can’t bring your issue to the table unless I’m at the table, so please vote for me on May 4th!