Hays County calls 2024 Road Bond election for November ballot

Natalie Frels • August 21, 2024

SAN MARCOS, Texas—On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved 5-0 an order calling a bond election for Nov. 5. The 2024 Road Bond would add a total of $0.02 per $100 valuation to the county tax rate, which is recommended at $0.35 per $100 valuation.


“Our residents utilize roads daily and they continue to be one of the top issues of concern,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. “It is also important to have an open process to allow our residents to determine if this is a need they are willing to fund. I believe it is important to be conscientious about this bond's financial impact on our families.”


Informational open houses will be held throughout the county in all precincts in order to better inform residents about the 2024 Road Bond prior to Election Day at times and locations to be announced at a future date.


The proposed measure totaling $440 million focuses on projects already in the planning process to ensure continuity of projects and include shovel-ready projects. The selected projects will address substandard roadways to improve safety and increase capacity. As one of the fastest-growing counties, Hays County aims to increase commuter safety, mitigate congestion and create regional connectivity.


According to the Transportation Department, key benefits of the 2024 Road Bond Program include the following:


Improve Safety and Mobility: Improved roadways are essential for enhancing safety, reducing accident rates and ensuring better connectivity across the county. This bond has east-west connectors and the addition of shoulders to existing roadways, allowing for increased connectivity and safety.


Respond to Rapid Population Growth: Hays County is rapidly growing, with the population expected to grow 267% by 2045. This rapid growth necessitates an updated and expanded transportation infrastructure to meet the increasing demands.


Address Current Infrastructure: Many roads remain unchanged despite rapid population growth. An equitable bond budget per precinct ensures that all areas of the County are properly served.


Continue Long-Term Planning: 2016 Road Bond projects that have been developed will now be built with this 2024 program. More project development will occur in the 2024 program to set up projects to be shovel-ready for future state and federal funding opportunities.


Support Economic Development: Improved transportation networks can stimulate economic growth, attract businesses and enhance residents’ overall quality of life.


“Our county’s road infrastructure and public facilities play a critical role in fostering economic growth, ensuring the safety of our residents, and providing essential services to the community,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “By calling for a countywide bond for road infrastructure, we can revitalize our roadways, attract businesses, improve public safety and address the needs of our growing community. Investing in our county’s future is an investment in every citizen’s quality of life.”


Precinct 1 projects totaling an estimated $118.5 million include:

  • Old Bastrop Highway/CR 266 (Centerpoint Road to Rattler Road)
  • Cotton Gin Road/CR 129 (Bonanza Street to SH 21)
  • FM 2001 East Interim (Graef Road to Southeast of SH 21)
  • William Pettus Road/CR 238 (FM 110 to SH 21)
  • High Road/CR 127 (East of Goforth Road to SH 21)
  • Leah Avenue (CR 269 to Cottonwood Parkway)
  • Dairy Road (Bunton Lane to Cotton Gin Road CR 129)
  • Goforth Road (Bunton Lane to Bebee Road/High Road)
  •  Bunton Lane/CR 153/Heidenreich Lane/Grist Mill Road (Violet Lane to SH 21)
  • RM 150 East (Precinct 1 Boundary to SH 21)
  • Precinct 1 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design


“The county will ask our voters to consider approving a road bond in November. As our county continues to grow, so does the need for a safer and improved transportation system. The east side has especially seen a deterioration of many major county roadways,” said Ingalsbe. “Many of the projects in Precinct 1, such as Gristmill, Cotton Gin and High Road, are west-to-east connectors from I-35 to Highway 21, which are very much needed for safety, mobility and connectivity. Also, the Old Bastrop Highway in the San Marcos area, which leads to the San Marcos High School, is important for the safety and mobility of our students and families.”


She added, “Thinking regionally is an important aspect and many of the projects throughout the county have that idea in mind. It’s great working with our local municipal partners and our friends at TxDOT to leverage funds.” 


Precinct 2 projects totaling an estimated $104 million include:

  • Windy Hill Road Interim (Purple Martin Avenue to FM 2001)
  • Windy Hill Road Roundabout (Windy Hill at Shadow Creek Boulevard)
  • Windy Hill Road Ultimate (Purple Martine Avenue to FM 2001)
  • FM 2001 Gap (FM 2001 West to Existing FM 2001)
  • Hillside Terrace (I-35 to FM 2001)
  • Goforth Road (CR 158 to RM 150)
  • RM 150 East Preliminary Design (Lehman Road to Precinct 2 Boundary)
  • Precinct 2 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design


“There are numerous reasons for calling for the proposed road bond, but specifically we need to improve the safety and mobility of our road infrastructure to combat the rapid growth in our county and also to support the economic growth that is here now,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen. “It is important to address the dated road infrastructure that exists in our rural communities and continue the proactive long-term planning of our roads.”


Precinct 3 projects totaling an estimated $109 million include:

  • Centerpoint Road (I-35 to FM 2349/Hunter Road)
  • Old Kyle Road (RM 12 to RM 3237)
  • Yarrington Road (West of Arroyo Ranch to Old Stagecoach Road at RC 16)
  • Yarrington Road (I-35 to Old Stagecoach Road)
  • Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (U.S. 290 to Precinct 3 Boundary)
  • Precinct 3 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design


“In order to keep up with the rapid growth in Hays County, we will introduce to the voters the option to make continued investments needed in infrastructure,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell.


Precinct 4 projects totaling an estimated $107.7 million include:

  • Darden Hill Road/CR 162 (East of Sawyer Ranch Road to RM 1826)
  • Darden Hill Road Extension (RM 150 West of Springwood Road to West of Sawyer Ranch Road)
  • RM 150 and RM 12 Intersection Improvements (RM 150 at RM 12)
  • Fitzhugh Road/CR 101 (RM 12 to Travis County Line)
  • Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (Precinct 4 Boundary to RM 12)
  • Sawyer Ranch Road Pedestrian Walkway (Meadow Creek Drive to Darden Hill Road)
  • Sawyer Ranch Road (U.S. 290 to Darden Hill Road)
  • SH 45 Southwest Extension (FM 1626 to I-35)
  • Old San Antonio Road Study (Main Street to Travis County Line)
  • Precinct 4 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design

“Transportation and mobility and the ability of our residents to traverse the county safely is one of the highest priorities of the county,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “Given the massive growth in Hays County, and specifically in the Buda and Dripping Springs areas, the county must constantly identify needed improvements and changes, and the projects proposed in this bond have been well identified throughout to provide for the safe movement of our residents throughout the county.”


The 2024 Road Bond will now go before voters in the November election.


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Public Notice: HCSO Civil Service Commission

By Jose Garcia • September 10, 2025
To view the original notice, Click here

Hays County invites community to provide feedback on Development Regulation revision

By Natalie Frels • August 29, 2025
HAYS COUNTY, Texas – Hays County has launched a comprehensive revision of its Development Regulations and is seeking public input to inform future development policies and practices. To kick off the project’s community engagement phase, several open-house meetings will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in locations across the county. These sessions will allow residents to hear directly from Hays County staff and consultants from Freese and Nichols, Inc., who have been tasked with reviewing, analyzing and recommending updates to the County’s existing development regulations. The upcoming revision will be the first comprehensive update to Hays County’s Development Regulations since they were initially created in 2010. The new regulations will impact a wide range of development-related issues, with an emphasis on water availability, water quality, and erosion control, as well as floodplain management, environmental protection, and transportation infrastructure. “This is a vital process in revision,” said Marcus Pacheco, Development Services Director. “We want the community involved not just during this initial stage, but throughout the project. This is a long-anticipated update over 15 years in the making, and hearing from our residents is essential in creating meaningful, effective policies that reflect the needs and priorities of our growing county.”  Community Open House Meeting Schedule – Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 · Dripping Springs Ranch Park 2 - 3:30 p.m. 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 · Wimberley Community Center 2 - 3:30 p.m. 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, TX 78676 · City of Buda Multipurpose Room 7 - 8:30 p.m. 405 E. Loop Street, Bldg. 100, Buda, TX 78610 · San Marcos Library, Meeting Room A (104) 7 - 8:30 p.m. 625 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666 Community members will hear an overview of the project’s goals, initial findings and the project’s expected timeline. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback, share concerns and suggest ideas to help guide the revision. For questions or to provide feedback about future meetings and progress updates, please contact the Hays County Development Services Department at 512-393-2150 or visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/Development-Regulations-Re-Write.

Public Notice - Salary Grievance

By Jose Garcia • August 27, 2025
To view the original notice, click here . Hays County Salary Grievance Hearing – September 3, 2025 NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS This Notice is posted by the Hays County Judge pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551) and Chapter 152 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Hays County Salary Grievance Committee will hold a Public Hearing at 1:30 P.M. on the 3 rd day of September, 2025 , in the Hays County Courthouse, Room 301, San Marcos, Texas. A Public Hearing will be held concerning the following subjects: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL 1. Presentation from counsel regarding Salary Grievance Committee procedures. 2. Hearing(s) regarding Grievances filed by elected officials in response the FY2026 budget. 3. Deliberation of Committee regarding Grievances filed. 4. Vote of Committee for each Grievance by paper ballot (or by other means, as determined by Committee). ADJOURNMENT Posted by or before three business days before the meeting SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS ______________________________________________ COUNTY CLERK Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Hays County Judge’s Office at (512) 393-2205 as soon as the meeting is posted (Three (3) business days before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available.

Hays County to host public meetings for the Road Improvements Program

By Natalie Frels • August 25, 2025
HAYS COUNTY, Texas – Hays County will host a series of public meetings to share updates about its Roads Improvements Program, including funding strategies and an overview of proposed projects. These public meetings are a part of the County’s continued effort to be transparent and collaborate with community members. https://www.hayscoroads.com/ Public Meeting Details Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Precinct 1 Location: Price Center, Garden Room 222 W San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666 ​ Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Commissioner Walt Smith, Precinct 4 Location: Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 ​ Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025 Commissioner Morgan Hammer, Precinct 3 Location: Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676 ​ Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  The open-house style meeting will allow attendees to speak with County Commissioners and the transportation team, learn about proposed projects, ask questions, and provide feedback. Public meeting materials and project information will be available online at HaysCoRoads.com starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 27. Program Background In November 2024, Hays County voters approved the 2024 Road Bond package. In June 2025, a Travis County district judge ruled that the road bond package was void, claiming non-compliance with a public notice requirement. The County is currently appealing this ruling while working to keep these projects moving forward. To uphold the voters’ decision to move these projects forward, the Commissioners Court unanimously voted in a July Commissioners Court meeting to move forward with the issuance of Certificates of Obligation (CO). The COs would fund planning and design for all projects included initially in the bond, except the SH 45 Extension project, which is not funded. Additionally, it would allow construction for eight of the 14 projects included initially in the bond.

Public Notices Related to Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

By Jose Garcia • August 23, 2025
Below you will find a drop down menu containing Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Notices for the public.

Jury sentences Omar Galvan-Ochoa to life for murder

By Natalie Frels • August 21, 2025
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that a 29-year-old Kyle man, Omar Galvan-Ochoa, was found guilty of murder this week by a Hays County jury and was sentenced, on August 19, by that same jury to life in prison along with a $10,000 fine, the maximum punishment allowed by law for the offense of murder. The evidence showed that on September 6, 2023, 46-year-old Aliaksandr Bushtser was filling his vehicle with gas at a Valero station in Buda when the defendant drove into the gas station and shot Bushtser three times in the back in an act of unprovoked, senseless violence. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office obtained surveillance video from the gas station, which showed the truck the defendant was driving when he shot and killed the victim. Due to the quality of the surveillance video, detectives could not make out a license plate for the vehicle, but they were able to ultimately identify the vehicle, owned by Galvan-Ochoa, by utilizing FLOCK camera images. The identity of the killer was further confirmed by a local resident, who saw the driver of the truck during a separate altercation minutes after the murder and called 911 to provide the license plate number of the truck. Galvan-Ochoa later tried to evade police before his capture. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Schmidt and Christopher Griffith. Following the verdict, ADA Schmidt said, “Bringing this killer to justice was truly a team effort. We’d like to thank the Hays County Sheriff’s investigators, officers from the Kyle Police Department who assisted in apprehending the defendant, officers from the Buda Police Department who responded to the scene of the murder, the victim assistance coordinators who went above and beyond, the legal assistants who helped with voluminous discovery in this case, the DA investigators who tracked down many witnesses, and all of the witnesses who testified in the trial. We also appreciate the time and attention of the jurors who reached a tremendous verdict. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Aliaksandr Bushtser and hope some measure of peace is found in bringing his killer to justice.” # # #

Public Notice: HCSO Civil Service Commission

By Natalie Frels • August 15, 2025
To view the original notice, click here . This Notice is posted according to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551). The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission will hold a meeting at 10 am on the 20th day of August 2025 , in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building, 1 st floor, Media Room located at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. An Open Meeting will be held concerning the following subjects: 1. Call the meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Public Comments 4. Approval of July 16 th regular meeting and August 7 th , 2025 special meeting minutes. 5. Discussion and possible action to vote on the Vice Chair of the Civil Service Commission (Keller) 6. Discussion and possible action for an alternative date for the Promotional appeal hearing date and/or the regular commission meeting date that is scheduled on September 17, 2025. (Cary) 7. Adjournment Executive Sessions The Civil Service Commission will announce that it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. The Civil Service Commission may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADA Compliance Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Director of the Civil Service Commission at (512) 393-7838 or via e-mail at Sandra.Galvan@hayscountytx.gov as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available. POSTED: Date: _____________ Time: _____________ By: _____________

Notice - 2025 Road Project Certificates of Obligation

By Joe garcia • August 8, 2025
Notice - 2025 Road Project Certificates of Obligation

Former Travis County teacher sentenced to 71 years in prison for child sex abuse, possession of child pornography with intent to promote

By Natalie Frels • August 7, 2025
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 54-year-old Kevin Abeyta, formerly of Austin, Texas, was convicted and sentenced this week by a jury of continuous sexual abuse of a child, six counts of possession of child pornography with intent to promote and 13 counts of possession of child pornography. Hays County District Judge Sherri Tibbe stacked the sentences handed down by the jury, and Abeyta must now serve 71 years in prison.  In February of 2021, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Abeyta, a former art teacher at Campbell Elementary School, after an outcry of child sexual abuse. The minor child who outcried was not a student. Cpl. Chase Crow and Sgt. Mike Andrews traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where Abeyta was then living and teaching as an elementary school art teacher. Several days after Abeyta was interviewed by law enforcement, he gave several hard drives to a friend who subsequently found child sexual abuse material on them. The friend notified authorities, and the hard drives were collected and investigated by Detective Nelson Wray. More than a thousand media files were identified as child sexual abuse material, some including images and videos of the child victim. Abeyta had also been secretly filming at least one young child under her desk at school. Assistant District Attorneys Katie Arnold and Elizabeth Schmidt prosecuted this case. “We’d like to thank the investigators at Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the witnesses who testified in this case, Abeyta’s acquaintance for notifying the police about the incriminating evidence he found and the brave survivor who stood up to her offender,” said Arnold. “Without the bravery of each witness, this man might still be in a classroom putting young children at risk.” Abeyta is not eligible for parole on the first count of continuous sexual abuse.

Public Notice: Notice of County Election Board Meeting

By Natalie Frels • August 7, 2025
To view the original notice, click here . Hays County Elections has called the County Election Board meeting for the November 4, 2025 General Election. The meeting details are as follows: Location: Hays County Elections Office 120 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Time: 10:00 a.m. Per § 51.002 of the Texas Election Code, a County Election Board is established in each county for the general election for state and county officers, a special election for an officer regularly elected at the general election, and any other elections ordered by a county authority or held at county expense. For the general election for state and county officers and for a special election for an officer regularly elected at the general election, the county election board consists of the County Judge, Elections Administrator (Chair), Sheriff, Democratic Party County Chair, and Republican Party County Chair. Board Tasks · Consolidation of voting locations in special elections · Procuring and allocating supplies (§ 51.003) · Appointment of Early Voting Ballot Board (§ 87.002) · Receiving notification of logic and accuracy testing (§ 129.023) · Sheriff’s duties Members of other parties represented on the ballot may submit names for the Early Voting Ballot Board.