Council covers funding, water planning and safety

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                                        

     The Lockhart City Council covered a full slate of civic matters during its June 17 meeting, ranging from community support funding to water supply projections and public safety upgrades.

    Eight non-profit organizations stepped up to the podium to request funding from the City of Lockhart for the upcoming fiscal year. Each group shared its mission and impact on the local community as part of their pitch for city support. Requests totaled over nearly $90,000.

    Here’s a breakdown of what was requested:

• Ascension Seton Hays Foundation Care-A-Van – $10,000

• Caldwell County Food Bank – $10,000

• CASA of Central Texas – $12,000

• Combined Community Action (Meals on Wheels) – $8,000

• Golden Age Home – $10,000

• Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center – $10,000

• Lockhart Area Senior Citizen Center – $4,000

• Take Me Home – Advocates for Transport – $25,000

     City Council will review and make final decisions on funding allocations during its July 1 meeting. Meanwhile, the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) is expected to present at a future meeting regarding additional funding considerations.

     TRC, the City’s engineering consultant, presented updated projections on Lockhart’s water demand, factoring in recent and upcoming development. Recommendations were shared on upgrading the city’s well field infrastructure as outlined in the Water and Wastewater Master Plan.

     Council also discussed the GBRA WaterSECURE project, a regional initiative focused on securing long-term water supply. City staff recommended entering into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GBRA to explore potential collaboration.

     The council approved a lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management to replace four police vehicles. Additionally, council gave the go-ahead for the funding of new emergency equipment, radios, cameras, and other installations, for recently acquired vehicles.      An appeal for a Special Use Permit (SUP) allowing the placement of a manufactured home at 105 Cedar St. was approved. The Planning & Zoning Commission had previously denied the request, but City Council overturned that decision with the stipulation that covered parking be added to the property.

     Lockhart’s historic Fire Station No. 1, located at 201 W. Market St., is closing for renovations that will last into early 2026. Built in 1914, the building will receive a major interior remodel, safety upgrades, masonry work, window repairs, exterior repainting, and roofing improvements, including asbestos shingle replacement. While the station is closed, all operations will move to Fire Station No. 2 on Borchart Loop. Firefighter staffing and EMS services will continue without disruption.

    A collaborative project between the City of Lockhart and TxDOT will soon bring major improvements to the busy intersection of Mockingbird Lane and San Antonio Street. Design is complete, with bidding starting in August and construction kicking off in November.

    Highlights of the project include:

• Wider lanes and a new center turning lane

• Improved pedestrian access

• New curbs and gutters

• Permanent traffic signals with arm masts

     The work, which should wrap up by March 2026, is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, especially during school commute hours, and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

    Interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your area? The Lockhart Police Department is hosting a city-wide informational meeting on Wednesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. Attendees will learn how to organize a group, recruit neighbors, and build a communication plan to help keep their community safe.