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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of Aug. 10, 2020
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In this Issue:
- Buda City Council Sets Public Hearings for Budget/Tax Rate
- Still Budaful Small Business Loan Program Now Open
- City Park Update
- Main Street Improvement Project Update
- Question of the Week
- Buda Census Self-Response Rate
- City of Buda Community Survey
- Social Distancing Activity Guide
- Striking A Balance Caregiver Conference
- Garison Park Trails Open By Reservation Only
- Buda City Facilities Still Conducting Business Virtually
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- 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 Water Smart Portal
- Pet Registration Information
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
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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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Still Budaful Small Business Loan Program Now Open |
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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We are so excited about the future opening of City Park! Contractors are still finishing up some last-minute items and for your safety we ask that you refrain from using the park while the work is being completed. The City will put out an announcement when we have an official opening date. Thank you for your cooperation! |
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Main Street Improvement Project Update |
Work is progressing on Phase II of the Main Street Improvement Project.
Here is a look at the work that is happening this week.
- Milling of the top 2” of asphalt the full length of the project from east to west will occur and is expected to complete today (Monday)
- Dismantling of the guard rails and posts
- Removal of the box culvert wing walls on the NE corner of Loop & Main (salvaging limestone blocks for reuse)
- Demolition prep of sidewalk to accommodate right turn lanes onto Nighthawk and Loop off of westbound Main Street
- Start of the demolition/excavation of Main Street from Nighthawk to Hawk in preparation for the installation of the 24” Effluent Force Main
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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.
❓👇
𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐌?
No. Service providers looking to serve a particular area can file in Texas for a state issued cable franchise agreement through the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The PUC of Texas has regulatory authority over cable franchises within the state of Texas. The PUC does NOT grant exclusive state issued cable franchise agreements. Therefore, it is up to an individual cable/internet franchise as to whether or not they want to serve the area.
𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄/𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐀?
Companies will analyze their potential rate of return versus capital investment when evaluating a new market. The company’s anticipated market penetration versus their competitors also influences their decision to serve an area. The bottom line is cost. The cost of installing infrastructure, especially fiber, is high.
𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄?
No. Chapter 5, Subchapter E of the Texas Utilities Code prohibits a municipality from providing telecommunications services.
We hope this information helps clarify our authority with regard to cable/internet franchise service within the City of Buda. For additional questions, you can contact our Utilities Department at 512-295-8845.
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Buda Counts: Latest Census Self-Response Rates |
The City's census self-response rate is now at 73.3%. Let's get that percentage higher Buda! 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. No matter how you respond - online, by phone, or by mail - your information is kept confidential. Respond today at 2020census.gov.
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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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Striking A Balance 19th Annual Caregiver Conference |
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The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area and Age of Central Texas are holding their 19th Annual Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference. The free conference this year is online. Space is limited and registration is required. Register online at www.TinyURL.com/SABconf2020. The conference runs from August 17 - 20.
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The 2020 Census is underway and it's your chance to shape the future for yourself, your family, and your community. No matter how you respond - online, by phone, or by mail - your information is kept confidential. Respond today at 2020census.gov.
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Garison Park Trails
Open By Reservation Only
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You can now enjoy the trails at Garison Park, but FIRST you must make a RESERVATION.
Please complete the Reservation Request form in the link below to schedule a time to visit the 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 questions please reach out to Parks and Recreation at 512-523-1081.
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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 WaterSmart Customer Portal Open |
Minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year. 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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