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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of Aug. 17, 2020
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In this Issue:
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Stage 1 Water Restrictions - Effective Monday, Aug. 24
- Water Smart Customer Portal
- Irrigation System Tips
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Free COVID-19 Testing in Kyle and San Marcos - Monday, Aug. 24 - Saturday, Aug. 29
- Paying It Forward Is A Budaful Thing
- City of Buda Receives Prestigious Budget Presentation Award
- City Public WiFi Enhanced Downtown
- Question of the Week
- Main Street Improvement Project Update
- Still Budaful Small Business Loan Program Now Open
- Buda Census Self-Response Rate
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Budget/Tax Rate Hearings - Sept. 1 & Sept. 15
- City of Buda Community Survey
- Social Distancing Activity Guide
- Buda City Facilities Still Conducting Business Virtually
- Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement/Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- Pay By Phone Automated System
- City of Buda E-Billing
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
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Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020
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Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, Stage 1 Water Restrictions will go into effect for City of Buda water customers in accordance with the City’s adopted Water Resource Management and Drought Response Ordinance. This is due to the lack of consistent precipitation, and higher than normal demands on our water production system.
Under Stage 1, irrigation with hose-end (sprinkler attached to a hose) and automatic sprinkler systems is restricted to twice per week. Irrigation with handheld bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose, or drip irrigation system is allowed any day and at any time. Violation of the ordinance could result in a fine of up to $2,000 per offense and a surcharge on the customer’s utility bill.
𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐞𝐧𝐝 (𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬
Twice per week on designated day; prohibited between the hours of 10:00am and 7:00 pm
- Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered residential: Thursday and Sunday
- Commercial, mixed use and multi-family: Tuesday and Friday
- It is recommended that outdoor watering be limited to one of the permitted watering days each week to promote conservation
𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭, 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦
- Allowed any day and at any time
For more information on Stage 1 restrictions and water conservation tips please our website.👇
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Water Smart Customer Portal |
Minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year. Did you know that you can sign up for leak alerts through the water smart customer portal? Watch the video in the link below for instructions on how to sign up.
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This is peak lawn watering season. Ensuring your irrigation system is properly working and following the recommended watering schedule will not only save water, but will save you money. Check out the irrigation tips below. |
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Free COVID-19 Testing
Texas Division of Emergency Management
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Free COVID-19 Testing
Hays County, Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Department of Emergency Management, and the City of San Marcos are offering six days of free COVID-19 testing in Kyle and San Marcos.
Monday, August 24- Saturday, August 29
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Two Locations:
San Marcos High School
2601 Rattler Road
San Marcos, TX
Hays CISD Performing Arts Center
979 Kohlers Crossing,
Kyle, TX 78640
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
- Walk-up only
- No appointment necessary
- Please wear a mask to the testing site
- Testing available to all ages
- Do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes prior to your test.
Please allow 72 – 96 hours to receive your results. If you have not received your results, or you have questions about your appointment please reach out to 1-833-213-0643, or by email at covid@davacoinc.com.
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Paying It Forward Is A Budaful Thing |
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🙂Tony Hernandez is a perfect example of how to "pay it forward". If you shop at the Walmart Buda you have probably been on the receiving end of Tony's cheerful greeting as you enter the store. His uplifting demeanor leaves a lasting impression, especially in these challenging times. Check out our latest "Paying It Forward Is A Budaful Thing" segment featuring Tony below.👇
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City of Buda Receives Prestigious Budget Presentation Award For Third Consecutive Year |
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A big congratulations to the City of Buda's Finance Department! For the third consecutive year they have received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The award recognizes the Fiscal Year 2020 budget document for conveying financial information in a clear and concise manner.
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City Public WiFi Enhanced Downtown |
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Good news! The City's public WiFi in Downtown Buda has been enhanced. We also now have free public WiFi in the City Hall parking lot. |
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The City receives a number of great questions every day on a variety of topics. So why not highlight some of your questions? We will share a commonly asked question or topic each week in an effort to provide answers and helpful information.
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𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤?
Please complete the Reservation Request link provided below in order to schedule a time to visit Garison Park.
Once our staff has received and approved your submission, we will email you important information regarding your visit. A Reservation Request DOES NOT guarantee you will be able to visit the park on your requested date as we are only allowing a limited number of visitors per day in order to promote social distancing and maintain health standards.
Please do not visit Garison Park until you have received official confirmation from our staff.
If you have any questions regarding our policies/procedures, completing the Reservation Request, or anything else in relation to Garison Park, please contact Parks and Recreation 512-523-1081 or reach out via email to Shelby Fletcher at sfletcher@ci.buda.tx.us.
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Main Street Improvement Project Update |
Work is progressing on Phase II of the Main Street Improvement Project.
Cox Commercial Construction team members finished up form work and tying rebar steel in for the placement of Concrete this week! The widening of the culvert will allow for the new right turn lane off of eastbound Main Street to Northbound East Loop Street. As you drive down Main Street this week you will notice excavation equipment working from Nighthawk Lane followed by the placement of a new ~500 linear foot x 24" Effluent Force Main that will, eventually provide reclaimed water for irrigation East of IH-35!
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Hope4 Hays County Veterans Program |
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(Information Taken From Hays County Press Release)
The Hays County Veterans Service Office has created the “Hope4 Hays County Veterans” program for U.S. military veterans and surviving spouses.
Hays County Veteran Service Officer Jude Prather said the program is designed to help with past due rent, mortgage, utilities or car payments, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance.
“It’s important we help our former military brothers and sisters,” Prather said. “This program will be a bridge to help our veterans and their families. When we served, we watched each other’s backs. During these difficult times, the Hope4 program will continue that legacy.”
Retired Air Force 1st Sergeant Wesley Matthews, M.S.W from the Hays County Veteran Service Office will manage this assistance program while also connecting veterans to other services available for them and their families.
“Our goal is to offer hope to Hays County Veterans while supplying them with solutions, a workable budget, and plan moving forward,” Matthews said.
About Hope4 Hays County Veterans: This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.TVC.Texas.gov.
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Still Budaful Small Business Loan Program Now Open |
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NOW OPEN! The Still Budaful Small Business Loan Program is offering interest-free loans for Buda businesses, including those in the ETJ, for up to $10,000. Funded and administered by the Buda Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Small Business Task Force, the program releases $100,000 for loans to qualifying businesses. Applications close on August 26th. Find out if your business is eligible and apply at www.stillbudaful.org.
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Buda Counts: Latest Census Self-Response Rates |
Good job Buda! The City's census self-response rate now stands at 74.0%. If you haven't filled out the census yet, it's easy. The #2020Census will shape funding and representation in our community for the next 10 years.Respond online today at 2020CENSUS.GOV.
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Buda City Council Sets Public Hearings
For Proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget/Tax Rate
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The City of Buda’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget was filed with the City of Buda’s City Clerk on August 5 and submitted to the Buda City Council. At the August 11 Special City Council meeting, the City Council set public hearings for the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget and Tax Rate. 👇
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭/𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭. 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 - 𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. - 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭. 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 - 𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. - 𝐀𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 (𝟒𝟎𝟓 𝐄. 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐭., 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟎𝟎)
The Fiscal Year 2021 proposed budget is a balanced budget that levies a property tax rate of $0.3423 per $100 of valuation. It is a decrease of $0.0073 cents per $100 of valuation from the current tax rate, which is $0.3496.
Proposed Budget Breakdown:
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REMINDER: City of Buda Community Survey |
REMINDER: Approximately 2,000 randomly selected homes in Buda received a Buda Community Survey recently. It came in an envelope from Texas State University. The City of Buda has partnered with Texas State University to complete the survey to gauge satisfaction on City services and to seek input on future initiatives of the City. Residents may complete the survey by handwriting responses and mailing it back to Texas State or by using the web link and access code. Please take the survey. We value your input! A web version of the survey will be made available to all residents in late August. |
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Social Distancing Activity Guide |
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Don't get stuck at home for another weekend! Get outdoors with us while keeping the fam safe and happy. The Tourism Department has put together a Social Distancing Interactive Activity Guide on all the activities you can enjoy. Check it out!
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Buda City Facilities To Conduct Business Virtually
Starting Monday, July 13
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Due to the continued rise of active COVID-19 cases in Hays County, the City of Buda is conducting business virtually. Buda City facilities, including the Buda Police Department, are conducting business virtually until further notice. This means there will be no walk-ins, with all business being done via telephone and computer. The City of Buda will continue to monitor this evolving situation and make further adjustments if needed.
You can contact City Departments directly at the numbers below:
Public Works (512-312-2876)
Buda Police Department -Non-Emergency (512-393-7896)
Parks and Recreation (512-523-1081)
Utility Billing (512-295-8845)
Municipal Court (512-295-2562)
Planning, Permitting, and Engineering (512-312-5745)
Visitor’s Center (512-295-7170)
For more information on Buda Library Services:
Starting Monday, July 13 the Buda Public Library will be available by phone at 512-295-5899 Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buda Public Library Curbside Service will be Mondays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. People who can’t pick up during those times can email librarian@budalibrary.org to arrange another pick-up time.
Check-ins will continue to be delayed, but grace periods will account for this.
Utility billing payments may be paid online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx or through the automated phone system at 1-866-279-0787. Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas, or by utilizing the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. Customers can contact utility billing staff directly by email at utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us or over the phone at 512-295-8845.
Additional online resources:
You can view City Council meetings online here:
Municipal Court
Although operations are closed to the public, individuals may still contact the Court by phone and email to get information and handle their cases; many options are available that do not require a personal appearance.
All in person court dockets will be rescheduled after August 10; individuals will be notified by mail of their new court date.
All due dates will be extended until August 10, including:
- Initial appearance dates (as indicated on citation)
- Payment dates (payment plans, extensions, etc…)
- Deferral dates (driving safety course, other deferrals)
- Community Service
All individuals are encouraged to call 512-295-2562 or email the court at budamunicipalcourt@ci.buda.tx.us in lieu of making personal appearances to handle court related business.
Buda Municipal Court also has online payment options at
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Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order in July requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”
𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Following a verbal or written warning for a first-time violator of this face covering requirement, a person’s second violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 per violation.
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Hays County has provided a list of resources for residents who have lost their jobs or need food, mental health support, or other assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Hays County has a COVID-19 hotline. The number is 512-393-5525 and it is operational Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
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(The information coming from Hays County will continue to change. Please follow Hays County at www.haysinformed.com)
An online dashboard created by City of San Marcos provides the public with a current count and other statistics related to COVID-19 cases in Hays County in near real-time.
The data on the dashboard shows a snapshot of COVID-19 related information for the County, as well as the number of active and recovered cases per City.
For example, the public can see the current number of confirmed cases as of that day. The data includes the cases considered active or in recovery, along with the number of tests administered. The data is also available in map format.
County residents may visit
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As a reminder, you can visit the City's website at www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation for the latest on COVID-19. This page includes the Governor's Order, Hays County Order, and Mayor George Haehn order. We have also embedded the COVID-19 Dashboard from Hays County with the latest number of cases.
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Pay By Phone Automated System |
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The City of Buda has launched a new way for customers to pay bills by phone. You will be able to call 1-866-279-0787 and pay through an automated system over the phone.
- Save postage by paying your bill by phone.
- Access your updated account instantly.
- Hear real-time balances, payment amounts, and due dates
- Enter your information securely through an automated system
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City of Buda
Job Opportunities
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Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest employment opportunities.
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Thank you for subscribing to "The Big Picture" weekly newsletter! It's a "Budaful" way to keep up with the latest City news.
Sincerely,
City of Buda
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405. E Loop St., Building 100
Buda, TX 78610
512-312-0084
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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