City Council met in regular session this past Monday evening (July 19). City Council also participated in a budget work session earlier that afternoon. Here is a recap from those meetings:
Budget Work Session:
City Council received an update from the Arts Committee and Heritage Committee on their proposed budget items for FY 2022. Other committee proposed budgets were discussed as well. City Manager Julie Oakley also gave an update on city revenue explaining that sales tax increased from eight percent to nine percent comparing prior year actuals so far this budget cycle thanks to a strong July, along with strong revenue so far this year from fees collected through the Activity Center and Swim Center. More budget sessions will take place over the course of the next few months, with final adoption by City Council taking place the end of September and the next fiscal year beginning October 1. CLICK HERE to view the video and agenda from Monday afternoon's budget work session.
Financials:
The City of Lakeway Finance Director gave an update on the financials so far this budget cycle. The FY 2021 budget cycle ends the last day of September. So far this cycle, revenue is outpacing projections by $932,093 compared to the budget, and expenditures are below projections by $629,571 thanks in part to salary savings.
Solid Waste Rate Increase:
The City of Lakeway received a petition from Waste Connections (the City's solid waste service) to increase the base rate for residential services from $17.61 to $17.80, an increase of 19 cents pursuant to an increase in their operating costs. The rate increase would not take place until October. City Council approved the contract addendum at the meeting Monday evening.
Liebelt Cabin Restoration:
City Council voted to accept an unconditional donation from Lakeway Civic Corporation (LCC) in the amount of up to $40,000 for the Liebelt Cabin restoration project. LCC will reimburse the City for costs of the restoration project up to that amount upon completion of the project.
314 Clubhouse:
City Council voted to approve the proposed development agreement with modifications between the City of Lakeway and 314 Clubhouse, LLC. The development agreement allows for the City to have more control over the construction process. Following last month's city council meeting regarding this item, the developer held meetings with the PUD/development committee and another virtual meeting with neighboring property owners to help address resident concerns voiced and received from the June City Council meeting.
City Code Revisions:
City Council discussed the priority on revising several codes including the short-term rental ordinance, camping ordinance, golf cart ordinance and building and development regulation ordinance. Because of the complexity in how the ordinances are intertwined in other city codes, it was discussed that the revisions will take time to complete. Councilmembers agreed to have staff start with revisions to the building and development regulation ordinance, then golf cart ordinance, along with the airpark ordinance next (new addition), then the remaining ordinance revisions will occur later in the fall.
If you're interested in watching the video from Monday evening, or reviewing the full City Council agenda, CLICK HERE.
