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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of July 6, 2020
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In this Issue:
- Buda City Facilities to Conduct Business Virtually Starting July 13
- Early Voting - Vote Center Locations - June 29 - July 10
- City Park Update - Kenny's Construction Chat
- National Parks and Recreation Month
- Main Street: Lights & Signals
- Red, White & Buda Fireworks Show
- City of Buda Nationally Recognized as Budget Friendly City for Renters
- Buda Census Self-Response Rate/Census Jobs
- Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement/Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings
- Governor Abbott Executive Order Issued June 26
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- Hays County Judge Amends Order #4 (Face Covering Order), Prohibits Large Gatherings in Unincorporated Areas - Frequently Asked Questions
- Free COVID-19 Testing in Hays County
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- New Pay By Phone Automated System
- City of Buda E-Billing
- City of Buda Water Smart Portal
- Pet Registration Information
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
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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 will return to conducting business virtually. Starting Monday, July 13 Buda City facilities, including the Buda Police Department, will begin 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.
***Buda City Hall will be accessible for voting on Election Day (Tuesday, July 14).***
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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Early Voting Ends Friday, July 10
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Although City facilities will be conducting business virtually Buda City Hall will be accessible for early voting and on Election Day in the 2020 July Primary Runoff. Early Voting runs from June 29 to July 10.
𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 – y𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎
Monday, June 29, 2020 – Thursday, July 2, 2020
8 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, July 5, 2020
10 AM – 5 PM
Monday, July 6, 2020 – Friday, July 10, 2020
7 AM- 7 PM
𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Buda City Hall
405 East Loop Street
Building 100
Hays Hills Baptist Church
1401 North FM 1626
Election Day: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 7 AM – 7 PM
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This week concrete was placed for the splash pad at City Park. Work on City Park should be wrapping up in the coming weeks. Project Manager Kenny Crawford has more in the latest installment of Kenny's Construction Chat.
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National Parks and Recreation Month
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A big shout out to our Parks and Recreation Department. July is National Parks and Recreation Month and our crew works hard year round. Give them a friendly wave if you see them out and about!
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Main Street: Lights & Signals
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The installation of the new pedestrian luminaries and traffic signals are coming along quite nicely. The entire length of the project will have new sidewalks well lit by an LED system to increase safety and visibility for our citizens. The traffic signal installation will continue through the next week! The 36" footings for the 40'-44' long massive signal arms go as deep as 13'! Soon, you will see the signal arms mounted across the road and the wires will begin to come down!
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Red, White & Buda Fireworks Show
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If you missed the Red, White & Buda Fireworks show you can watch it below. This is the show from City Park.
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City of Buda Nationally Recognized
As Budget Friendly City for Renters
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The City of Buda has landed on another impressive list. Buda has been nationally recognized by LendEDU as one of the most budget-friendly cites in the country for renters. Lend EDU used real estate data from the U.S. Census Bureau to compile the list. Each city was ranked according to its rent-to-income ratio, or the proportion of a city's median household income that goes to annual rent costs (including utilities). A lower percentage was more favorable. Specifically, Buda had an average annual rent cost of $15,312 and a median household income of $79,318 for a rent-to-income ratio of 19.31%. It is generally recommended that a renter's rent should cost no more than 30% of their annual income, so these numbers speak to Buda's proximity to high-paying jobs relative to the affordable housing in the area. Buda's low rent-to-income ratio ranked #678 in the country and #45 in the state of Texas.
You can see the full report here:
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Buda Counts: Latest Census Self-Response Rates
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Great job Buda! We have moved up from #4 to #3 in Hays County when it comes to census self-response rates. Let's work together to get that number higher! Respond online today
2
020CENSUS.GOV
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Are you looking for extra income? When you apply for a
#2020Census
job, you can work flexible hours and help your community. Apply today at
2020census.gov/Jobs
! Join the Census and make a difference!
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order 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 facecovering 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.
Local law enforcement and other local officials, as appropriate, can and should enforce this executive order, Executive Order GA-28, and other effective executive orders, as well as local restrictions that are consistent with this executive order and other effective executive orders. But no law enforcement or other official may detain, arrest, or confine in jail any person for a violation of this executive order or for related non-violent, non-felony offenses that are predicated in a violation of this executive order; provided, however, that any official with authority to enforce this executive order may act to enforce trespassing laws and remove violators at the request of a business establishment or other property owner.
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Governor Abbott Issues New Order Closing Bars, Tubing Businesses, & Limiting Public Gatherings
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
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County Judge Amends Order #4, Prohibits Large Gatherings in Unincorporated Areas
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Amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra modified his Order #4 that went into effect June 22. That order, among other provisions, requires people to wear masks or face coverings in public places and is in place until July 20.
The amended Order will now also prohibit outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people in the unincorporated areas of Hays County, unless otherwise permitted by recent Governor's Orders.
“This Amendment to Order #4 is one additional way we can help slow the spread of the virus,” Becerra said. “Large gatherings provide an opportunity for COVID-19, which is highly contagious, to be rapidly transmitted to many others within a short timeframe.”
Becerra added that limiting trips/travel/outings, washing hands frequently and staying at least six feet apart from others remain the best ways to slow the spread.
“I’m asking all Hays County residents to do their part to protect the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.
Below is the language from the Amended Order:
Outdoor Gatherings of 100 People or More in the Unincorporated Areas
Gatherings, in the unincorporated areas of Hays County, of 100 people or more, unless otherwise authorized by the Executive Order(s) of Governor Greg Abbott, are prohibited and shall not be authorized by the Hays County Judge.
In accordance with the limitations contained in the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott, any peace officer or other person with lawful authority is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this Amendment in accordance with the authority granted under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on questions received from the public, media, municipalities and local businesses, Hays County compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to help clarify and provide guidance about the Order. We have included the link below.
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Free COVID-19 Testing in Hays County
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Share this with anyone who wants to get tested for COVID-19. No pre-registration needed. Walk-up service. Need not be showing symptoms.
Sun., July 12 to Thursday., July 16
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
San Marcos High School
2601 Rattler Rd, San Marcos
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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 WaterSmart Customer Portal Open
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Minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year
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Sign up for leak alerts.
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Pet Registration Information
Buda Animal Control
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Due to COVID-19, Buda Animal Control is taking some extra precautions to make it easier and safer for you to register your pet. If you need to have a microchip implanted you MUST first schedule an appointment then complete the required forms and submit all required documentation at least two days before your scheduled appointment. Once you arrive please remain in your vehicle and call 512-523-1034 and let us know that you are out front. The microchip and registration is free through September 30 and registration will be for the lifetime of the pet. You will need to keep vaccinations up to date.
Per City Ordinance, all animals over the age of four (4) months must be implanted with a microchip and registered with the City of Buda.
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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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