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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of May 25, 2020
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In this Issue:
- Buda Public Library Grab & Go Service Begins Monday, June 1
- Still Budaful Stimulus 2.0 Expected to Launch June 3
- Congratulations Class of 2020!
- Boards and Commissions Application Deadline Extended - May 31
- City of Buda Accepting Human Services Applications - Deadline is June 3
- Governor Abbott Expanded Openings and Phase 2 of Open Texas
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- Mayor Haehn Amended Order
- Baylor Scott & White Drive-Thru COVID 19 Testing
- Buda Counts: Latest Self-Response Rates
- City of Buda E-Billing
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- City of Buda Water Smart Portal
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
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Buda Public Library Grab & Go Service
Starts Monday, June 1
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On Monday, June 1 the Buda Public Library will open for limited Grab & Go service. It is strongly recommended that visitors wear face coverings and observe social distancing recommendations.
Buda Public Library Hours Limited Grab & Go Service
Monday - Thursday
11 AM - 5 PM
Friday & Saturday
1 PM - 5 PM
Please continue to use our convenient curbside service and phone services whenever possible.
Curbside pickup of reserved items is available:
Monday & Thursday
10 AM - 12 PM and 3 PM - 5 PM
Please observe the following restrictions when visiting the library:
- Follow CDC recommendations to keep yourself and others safe
- Stay home if you are sick or have any symptoms of becoming sick.
- Stay at least 6 feet from people that you do not share a household with.
- We strongly recommend that you wear a face covering while in the library.
- Library capacity will be limited to 30 patrons at a time.
- Children may not be left unattended in the library at any time.
- Please keep your visits brief.
- The outdoor book drop is open for returns. Returns will not be accepted inside. All returned materials will be held in quarantine for 72+ hours. No fines will accrued until after June 16.
- Computers are available by appointment only. Patrons will be limited to one hour sessions and computers are to be used for specific, necessary tasks rather than for general entertainment. Patrons will need to have a library card to access computers. In order to maintain social distancing, patrons will need to be able to use the computer without staff assistance.
- All programs and storytimes will be offered virtually. Summer reading logs and supplies are available for curbside pickup.
- Work tables, study rooms and meeting spaces are not available at this time.
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Still Budaful Stimulus 2.0
Expected to Launch June 3
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In April, the Buda City Council authorized the Still Budaful Stimulus Program to assist businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the program has provided much-needed relief to over 70 businesses in Buda. With the lingering financial impacts of the pandemic on the business community, the City of Buda’s Small Business Task Force plans to launch
“Still Budaful Stimulus 2.0”
on June 3, 2020! The launch of this program is conditional on City Council approval on June 2, 2020.
The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) is adding an additional $250,000 in funds to provide relief to Buda businesses in need. Still Budaful Stimulus 2.0 is an expansion of the original program and will assist businesses who were not eligible in the first round of the stimulus plan (more details will be available June 3). Online applications will be accepted at
www.stillbudaful.org
from June 3 through 5 p.m. on June 10. Please get your applications in during that time frame.
“The EDC is proud to support Buda businesses with the Still Budaful Stimulus 2.0. Every business in our community is important and we are doing all we can to help as many businesses as possible,” said Jennifer Storm, Buda EDC Board of Directors President. “Reinvesting in Buda businesses creates opportunity for our community to weather the storm. The businesses that make up the fabric of Buda help create the community we love. Simply focusing on recruiting business to Buda is not enough; supporting them through the good times and bad is critically important.”
Under the first round of the stimulus program almost $840,000 was poured back into the Buda community! This includes funding from the Buda Economic Development Corporation, the City of Buda’s General Fund, and Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds.
“We have been honored to facilitate this process,” said Lysa Gonzalez, City of Buda Tourism Director. “Buda’s businesses are the backbone of the community. The additional funding from the Buda EDC will ensure that we reach even more business owners in Buda and provide them with the help they need during this challenging time.”
About the Small Business Task Force:
The Task Force consists of: Buda City Council Member Evan Ture; City Manager of the City of Buda Kenneth Williams; Assistant City Manager for the City of Buda Lauren Middleton-Pratt; Finance Director for the City of Buda June Ellis; Director of Tourism for the City of Buda Lysa Gonzalez; Main Street Program Manager for the City of Buda Maggie Gillespie; Buda EDC Board President Jennifer Storm; Buda EDC Executive Director Traci Anderson; Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director J.R. Gonzales; and City Attorney for the City of Buda George Hyde. Unlike the other members of the Task Force, Mr. Hyde reviews applications for legal compliance only.
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Congratulations to the Class of 2020
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Congratulations to the Class of 2020! High School Seniors took to the streets of West Buda this week to celebrate graduation. All of us with the City of Buda are proud of you! Watch the video below for a special message from City Manager Kenneth Williams, Mayor Haehn, councilmembers and staff.
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The deadline has been extended to May 31, 2020 for citizens interested in applying for the City’s boards and commissions. City Council is currently accepting completed application forms. Several of our boards and commissions accept residents living in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
The link below contains a complete listing of our Boards and Commissions and their related duties:
You can also download a copy of the application:
Submit application by mail: City of Buda, c/o City Clerk, 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, TX 78610
Again, the deadline to submit a completed application is May 31, 2020. For additional information, contact the City Clerk at 512-312-0084.
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The City of Buda is accepting Human Services Grant applications. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
More information on how to apply here:
The City of Buda accepts grant requests for projects or programs that:
- Are likely to have an impact on the quality of life of a significant number of people in the Buda community.
- Address issues or problems that the City of Buda as a governmental agency does not currently address.
- Propose practical ways to address community issues and problems
- Stimulate others to participate in addressing community problems
- Are cooperative efforts and minimize or eliminate duplication of services
- Are sustainable over time
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Governor Abbott has expanded openings to include indoor and outdoor waterparks, driving schools, and food courts. You can find more information on the governor's website here:
https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas
Now in Effect
- Driving schools may operate up to 25% of their total listed occupancy for classroom instruction.
- Driving schools must ensure at least 6 feet social distancing between students and instructors except when receiving in-car instructions or if participating in a DPS road test.
- Food Courts can now open. Malls must ensure proper social distancing, limit tables to no more than six people and clean tables after each use.
Expanded Openings - May 29
- Indoor waterparks may operate up to 25% of the total listed occupancy.
- Outdoor waterparks may operate up to 25% of the normal operating limits as determined by the waterpark operator.
- Waterpark operators must close any components of the waterpark that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, amusement, and video game areas.
Expanded Openings - May 31
- Adult recreational sports may begin holding practices without spectators.
- Those sports may begin holding games or similar competitions, with or without spectators, on or after June 15, 2020.
- Spectators should maintain at least 6 feet social distancing from individuals not within the spectator's group.
May 31 Openings
- Day Youth Camp Operators may open with safety precautions in place.
- Overnight Youth Camp Operators may open with safety precautions in place.
- Professional basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, softball, and tennis leagues may apply to the Department of State Health Services for approval to hold professional sporting events in Texas. Spectators may not be physically present on premises.
June 1
- Schools will be able to offer summer school as soon as June 1, as long as safe social distancing practices are in place. Governor Abbott added that the state has significantly boosted capabilities to respond to COVID-19. In the first half of May, Texas more than doubled the number of COVID-19 tests given in March and April combined. More than 25,000 tests are being administered per day with 600 testing sites in place. Texas has also distributed more than one-million face masks per day.
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Mayor George Haehn has amended his May 1, 2020 order to mirror the Executive Order (GA-21) issued by Governor Greg Abbott on May 6.
Here are the key highlights for City and HOA-Managed Parks:
- Pavilions and playscapes are now open. Please observe social distancing guidelines.(This is the only major change)
- Reservations of any parks facility is still not allowed until further notice.
- Water fountains remain closed. Please bring your own water.
- Basketball goals unavailable until further notice.
- Green Meadows Splash Pad remains closed until further notice.
- Citizens should observe social distancing guidelines, as defined in Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-21, in public spaces to the extent possible. Masks covering the mouth and nose are encouraged, but not required.
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Baylor Scott & White Health is expanding access to COVID-19 testing and treatment options in Hays County.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Buda has added a drive-thru specimen collection site and increasing resources to better serve the needs of the community. Pre-screening is required.
Those who have questions or concerns about their risk of infection with COVID-19 can visit Baylor Scott & White’s free online screening questionnaire at
www.MyBSWHealth.com
and on the MyBSWHealth app, which can be easily downloaded by texting BETTER to 88408. Patients can also visit with a Buda-based provider through a video visit.
After a consultation, a provider may send a patient for specimen collection, which could include use of the new drive-thru site. Patients must first take the online questionnaire or visit with a Baylor Scott & White provider to receive guidance before arriving to a site for specimen collection.
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Buda Counts: Latest Census Self-Response Rates
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Keep it up Buda! The City's census self-response rate is still currently higher than the state's rate, but let's get that percentage higher. If you haven't filled out the census yet, it's easy. The
#2020Census
can help our community for the next 10 years. Respond online today at
2020CENSUS.GOV
.
Here are the response rates for Hays County cities as of May 29.
Buda 69.4%
San Marcos 41.3%
Dripping Springs 58.8%
Uhland 51.7%
Hays 69.9%
Village of Bear Creek 73.9%
Kyle 62.0%
Woodcreek 57.8%
Mountain City 86.3%
Wimberley 53.0%
Niederwald 50.2%
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The Census has resumed delivery of response packets in areas that do not receive mail directly to their home. Respond using your Census ID number to complete your #2020Census form online at 2020census.gov, by phone or by mail. If you responded without your Census ID, we may not be able to match your response with where you live and may result in the need to visit you in person to collect your data.
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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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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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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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