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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of March 8, 2021
In this Issue:
  • City of Buda Earns Tree City USA Designation For 2nd Consecutive Year
  • Green Waste Pickup
  • Groundwater Awareness Week
  • Winter Storm Recovery Assistance
  • Governor Abbott, TDEM Urge
  • Texans to Submit Self Reporting Damage Survey
  • Helpful Resources for those Impacted by Winter Storm
  • Continued Use of Face Masks at City Facilities
  • COVID-19 Dashboard
  • Women's History Month
  • City of Buda Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions
  • City of Buda Solid Waste Survey
  • People 50+ Eligible for Vaccination March 15
  • Hays County COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration Call-in Help for Those With No Internet Access
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration
  • COVID-19 Enforcement Dashboard
  • How to Sign Up for A COVID-19 Vaccine in Texas
  • Beware of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
  • Curative COVID-19 Testing Still Available in Buda and Hays County
  • Buda Travel + Lifestyle Magazine
  • Water Smart Customer Portal
  • Stage 1 Water Restrictions - Effective Monday, Aug. 24
  • COVID-19 Hays County Resources
  • COVID-19 Hotline
  • COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
  • Online/Phone Options for Court Defendants
  • Pay By Phone Automated System
  • City of Buda E-Billing
  • City of Buda Job Opportunities
  • Upcoming Meetings
City of Buda Earns Tree City USA Designation
For 2nd Consecutive Year
The City of Buda recently earned designation for the 2nd consecutive year as a Tree City USA city by the Texas Forest Service and the Arbor Day Foundation. This effort was led by the City’s Sustainability Commission and Parks Commission.

City of Buda Jobs Facebook Page
The City has created a City of Buda Jobs Facebook page. This will provide easier access for those interested in working for the City of Buda. Visit our new page here: https://www.facebook.com/budatxhrFor any questions, please contact us at budahr@ci.buda.tx.us.
Green Waste Pickup
Spring is just around the corner and as you begin your Spring cleaning, remember that Green waste is available for tree trimmings, yard clippings, leaves, branches, and brush. Pick up is limited to 10 paper lawn bags and/or bundles of brush. Plastic bags or any bags containing trash will not be picked up. The Green waste material is composted or mulched at the Texas Disposal Systems facility.

Residents receive one free bulky or large brush pickup per quarter. Please schedule by contacting Texas Disposal Systems Customer Care at 800-375-8375 or customercare@texasdisposal.com. Bulky pick up is limited to 3 cubic yards of material.
Groundwater Awareness Week
Happy Groundwater Awareness Week! National Groundwater Awareness Week is dedicated to the advocacy of groundwater safety and protection and increasing its access across the country.

10 Ways to Protect and Conserve Groundwater

Go Native
Use native plants in your landscape. They look great, and don't need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region's climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.

Reduce Chemical Use
Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly - don't dump them on the ground!

Manage Waste
Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites - contact your local health department to find one near you.

Don't Let It Run
Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or shaving, and don't let it run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead.

Fix the Drip
Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water conserving models.

Wash Smarter
Limit yourself to just a five minute shower, and challenge your family members to do the same! Also, make sure to only run full loads in the dish and clothes washer.

Water Wisely
Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Reduce the amount of "stuff" you use and reuse what you can. Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum and other materials.

Natural Alternatives
Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products, are inexpensive, and environmentally-friendly.

Learn and Do More!
Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.
Winter Storm Recovery Assistance
In light of the recent winter storm and to help relieve the financial burden on residents and businesses, the City of Buda is offering winter storm recovery assistance.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
If you had a water leak during the recent winter storm, the City has a program to help. We have provided two ways below to fill out the leak adjustment form:
Visit https://budatx.watersmart.com/Leak. If you do not have a Watersmart account please select the “I don’t have an account” button and then enter your contact information before preceding to the form.
Second Option: Please fill out and return this pdf document (http://www.ci.buda.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/8755/Leak-Adjustment-Form). You can mail or email this document.

𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬
The City is waiving single trade permit fees for repairs related to winter storm and sub-freezing temperatures for 60 days. If you are making plumbing, electrical or irrigation repairs related to damage caused by the winter storm, it is important that you apply for a permit. Permit fees will be waived for repair work only.

𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝:
Residential Single Trade Inspections: $75
Or
Commercial Single Trade Inspections: $150
Online Permitting Fee: $10
Permit Processing Fee: $10

𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬
Utility late fees will be waived and the City is suspending utility disconnections for 60 days.

𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
The City will donate approximately $20,000 to local food banks and establish a contingency fund for additional relief related to the winter storm.

More on Winter Recovery Assistance: www.ci.buda.tx.us/BudaWinterRecovery
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey (https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/) to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals. 

The voluntary survey, available in both English and Spanish, can be accessed by visiting: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm. Reporting damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

For further information or assistance, call the FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. This number is also for users of 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS). TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585. Helpline services are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. If you are having technical issues, call FEMA's Internet Help Desk at 1-800-745-0243. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Winter Storm Recovery Resources
Need help after last week's winter storm? Resources may be available to assist. See the info below.

Please note: completing damage reports, e.g., on the TDEM website, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your home/auto insurance company and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Winter Shock Cleanup Hotline: 844-965-1386
Austin Disaster Relief Network: 512-806-0800
Crisis Cleanup: 800-329-8052
(For Bastrop, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties)

FEMA Texas Severe Winter Storms Disaster Page: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4586

Individuals/business owners in counties included in the President’s declaration who sustained losses: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585

TX Individual Assistance Reporting Tool on TDEM website is accepting reports of damage across the state: https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/
In the interest of public health and safety of our employees, the City of Buda is requiring all employees, patrons, and visitors to wear masks on City of Buda property, including City Hall, Buda Public Library, Buda Police Department, etc. Masks are required at City of Buda owned parks if patrons are not able to maintain six feet of distance from other people who are not from the same household. The City is following the recommended guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State Health Services.
This is not an ordinance and the City of Buda is not requiring the wearing of mask in businesses or other private or public property nor are we overruling the Governor's order. The Governors latest order specifically strongly encourages the wearing of masks.
Within the Executive Order (EO-GA-34) it states "Nothing in this executive order precludes businesses or other establishments from requiring employees or customers to follow additional hygiene measures, including the wearing of a face covering." 
The City of Buda is seeking applications from qualified individuals to serve on our various Boards and Commissions. A citizen’s point of view provides valuable insight into the operations of the City’s and Council’s decision-making process.

The link below contains a complete listing of our Boards and Commissions and their related duties:

The online application is available on our website at

You may also download and submit your application by mail to the City Clerk, 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, TX 78610, email cityclerk@ci.buda.tx.us, or fax at 512-641-5817.

2021 Upcoming Positions to be filled:

Construction Board of Appeals
4 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)

Dupre Local Government Corporation
2 positions (3 city residents; 2 from ETJ)

Economic Development Corporation
3 positions (city residents or Hays County)

Historic Preservation Commission
3 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)

Library Commission
4 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)

Main Street Advisory Board
4 positions (3 own/operate business w/in city)

Parks & Recreation Commission
3 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ

Planning & Zoning Commission
3 positions (5 city residents;2 from ETJ)

Sustainability Commission
3 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)

Zoning Board of Adjustment
4 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)

Task Force on Aging
4 positions (city residents or ETJ)
The City of Buda is seeking feedback on its solid waste services including trash, recycling, green waste, and bulk pick-up. Please take 3 minutes to complete our survey to help us plan future services.

People 50+ Eligible for Vaccination March 15
Information below from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

People 50+ will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 15. Texas will continue to protect those at the greatest risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death.

“We’ve seen a remarkable decrease in the number of hospitalizations and deaths since people 65 and older started becoming fully vaccinated in January. Expanding to ages 50 to 64 will continue the state’s priorities of protecting those at the greatest risk of severe outcomes and preserving the state’s health care system.” -Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel.

There are about 5 million Texans between the ages of 50 and 64; more than 1 million of them are already vaccinated.

Hays County COVID-19 Pre-Registration
Call-in Help for Those With No Internet Access
From Hays County

Please share with family members, friends, neighbors, etc., who do not have internet access. A call-in number is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12-4 p.m. to sign up on the Hays County COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration list.

Those individuals who need help signing up can call 833-521-2766 and a volunteer will assist them in getting registered.
COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration
A pre-registration sign-up is now available for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Please note, this is a waiting list, not an appointment sign-up.
To put your name on the waiting list, visit

How to Sign Up for a COVID-19 Vaccine in Texas
The information below regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is shared directly from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

All Phase 1A and 1B individuals are eligible to receive a vaccine at designated hubs throughout Texas, regardless of where they reside.
  • Phase 1A: Front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities
  • Phase 1B: People over 65 or with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID‑19

Hays County is now a hub.

How to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

  1. Sign up with a vaccination hub: https://bit.ly/3qjZOMP
  2. Use the Texas COVID-19 vaccine provider map to sign up with a community provider: https://bit.ly/3oDhjHu

Please be patient as supply is limited. Hubs may have long waiting lists but more vaccine is coming.

More Texas COVID-19 vaccine information:
Beware of COVID-19 Vaccination Scams
Beware of COVID-19 vaccine scams! Scams come in all shapes and sizes. Sadly the COVID vaccine distribution is not immune. Please see attached flyer for tips on scams and agencies to report claims. When in doubt...don't let it out. Protect your personal information!
Curative COVID-19 Testing Still Available in Buda
By Appointment
COVID-19 testing is available in Buda through Curative! The testing kiosk is set up in the parking lot at Main Street and China Street near the public restrooms across from Main Street Dental. Curative is offering testing by appointment only until further notice. Curative is also now billing insurance but there is no out-of-pocket cost to the individual being tested. Testing continues to be free to anyone without insurance.


𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚 
*𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 (𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬) 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 
𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚 
𝟗 𝐚.𝐦. - 7 𝐩.𝐦. - 𝟕 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤!

For questions please reach out to Curative at 1-888-702-9042. You can also reach them by email at support@curative.com.
Buda Travel + Lifestyle Magazine
Calling all Buda Fanatics! Visit Buda, TX has released the first ever Buda Travel + Lifestyle Magazine! Check out the digital copy here https://adobe.ly/2NBGNqO or PM Visit Buda, TX a request for your own copy. 
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡?

You can register your account (for free) on the Water Smart Customer Portal. All you need is your account ID and your zip code. By signing up on the portal, you can set water usage alerts, leak alerts, keep up with your monthly usage and more!

Water Smart Customer Portal Instructional Video

Register Your Account on the Water Smart Customer Portal
Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020
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.👇

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.

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.
(The information coming from Hays County will continue to change. Please follow Hays County at www.haysinformed.com)

An online dashboard 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

You can also find the dashboard on the City of Buda's website at www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation.
As a reminder, you can visit the City's website at www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation for the latest on COVID-19.
New Online/Phone Options for Court Defendants
The City has several new options for court defendants:


  • Online Case Resolution (InSite) – The City of Buda currently uses some of the options offered through Online Case Resolution, but this upgrade will allow the City to enable additional features like Court Dismissals and Court Scheduling. Basically, any service the City offers on-site will now also be offered online. 
  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR) – Municipal Court defendants will be able to call 1-866-311-9322 to pay on citations over the phone. This is a new option being offered by the City.
  • Tyler Notify – The City has been using notifications by phone call for a while, and now we have the ability to use text messaging at no cost to the City.
Pay By Phone Automated System
The City of Buda has launched a 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
City of Buda E-Billing
The City of Buda is giving you the option to go paperless with e-billing. You can sign up online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx Check out the video above for instructions on how to sign up!
City of Buda
Job Opportunities
Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest employment opportunities.

Upcoming Meetings
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