The ballots from Central Texas's local elections are in, pointing to key outcomes in several city and school board elections held May 3rd. According to CBS Austin, in Hays County, a substantial $968.6 million bond package for Hays CISD secured voter backing on four out of five propositions, intending to expand several schools and add new buses equipped with seatbelts. The bonds also include funds for a new elementary school and a high school in Buda, among other multi-purpose infrastructures.
There was an upset in the Pflugerville school district, with Claudia YanĖez ousting long-standing board member Vernagene Mott, who has been in her seat since 2004, winning 65% of the 2,888 votes, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman. Dripping Springs ISD also passed a significant $402.3 million bond referendum, aimed at the construction of its second comprehensive high school, with more than 70% approval. This bond also covers renovations and technology upgrades for existing schools.
City council seats saw some shifts, with Tom Lemman winning City Council Place 5 in the City of Hays with a striking 82.50% against Kat Maerz, while in Cedar Park, Alexis Frezza is projected to take the council seat over incumbent Bobbi Hutchinson. As per the CBS Austin report, Round Rock's incumbent Hilda Montgomery secured a commanding victory in the City Council Place 6 race with 85.71% of the early vote.
In a move supporting public safety, Bee Cave residents overwhelmingly approved a plan for a $31 million public safety building with an 82.9% approval. This will accommodate the city's Police Department and Lake Travis Fire Rescue Station 603 – a decision rooted in a city proposition requiring public approval for significant land changes. Conversely, having cast their votes on bonds and upgrades across the region, Bastrop residents are now poised for a runoff election for mayor, as Ishmael Harris nearly clinched a majority with 48.6% of the vote, reported the Austin American-Statesman.
The Bastrop school board saw incumbent Chris Dillon reelected with a narrow lead of 51% of the votes and saw other board members, such as Matthew Mix and Ashley Mutschink, run unopposed, leading to straightforward wins for their seats. The conclusion of these elections emphasizes the active participation of Central Texans in shaping their local institutions amid growth and change.
