[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6661375,"mediaKeyId","2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8","parentId",2414261,"title","Council hears finance team analysis showing long-term capital gap; options include tax-rate tradeoffs and additional grants","audioSeconds",4652,"startMs",4048000,"endMs",8700000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8&start=4048&end=8700","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8/thumbnail_4048000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6661375/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Council-hears-finance-team-analysis-showing-long-term-capital-gap-options-include-tax-rate-tradeoffs-and-additional-grants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661375-2743306f1928dbbaed0a484bcc6f3f09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183464&Signature=f2aiPk7pqRq763qDSU-Pw43XUXuvJOkiBL28QH1ywQyL8TLN0xUSz5SC0t1Z~FtglITVNmugejH3U9krEhqk8-qHSKf3r32aOsk163lQRYXVkmJtzLTxkzlkw0MCdgRVrFN~ZAplUFOMdza~MPMKz2BLp2nlqauv-Dzcn3lS6jEKrYIt9Jub9ncRGAku~G2iDelaA2MyCGwYO159egoClStvnk5xGoCF9fEt2h4iBJmmVAUBvzBIUb0lnkkYozO78A8tr1YuX3xN1JSxzcJBiaGQH87liS0iHmY82qqpuSP03E1didrqWlAIbWwnJtLi8Np1p2qEPWDPn26xEsghRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lago Vista","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","A consultant and city finance staff told the Lago Vista City Council that, under current assumptions, planned capital projects and recent debt could produce a multi‑year shortfall unless the city increases debt‑service tax revenue, secures additional grant funding, or reduces planned capital spending.

Thomas, a financial adviser engaged to model tax‑rate and debt scenarios, presented updated projections that included a no‑growth scenario and a hypothetical 7% decline in assessed values followed by 2% annual growth. The model showed that without changes—either higher I&S (interest and sinking) tax collections or supplemental utility transfers—bonding capacity for additional capital projects would be limited.

Thomas and council members discussed typical levers: increasing the I&S portion of the property tax (the council can offset that with a lower M&O—maintenance and operations—rate to keep total tax rate unchanged); making a larger transfer from utility fund unrestricted surpluses into debt service; pursuing low‑cost State Revolving Fund (SRF) or Water Development Board financing; or staging and delaying projects in the CIP.

Finance Directorate and the city manager said the city currently holds meaningful reserves: roughly $18 million in utility reserves and about $6–7 million in general fund reserves, and that transfers from utility to other funds have ranged from $1 million (assumption in one model run) to $3.5 million in recent years. Councilors and staff noted that the city used $2.0 million annually historically and $3.5 million most recently, but warned that continued reliance on reserves reduces financial flexibility and credit strength.

Councilor Norman and others asked for a clearer, regular forecast and suggested monthly or quarterly financial dashboards. Councilor Roberts and others proposed an aggressive review of operating expenses to tighten non‑personnel spending; Councilor Som proposed setting formal department targets based on recent actuals and making exception requests for additional funding only when justified.

On water treatment specifically, staff said newer engineering estimates for Treatment Plant No. 3 reduced projected capital costs compared with earlier figures; council asked staff to return with comparative estimates (type‑1 vs. type‑2 treatment) and with the economic and operational tradeoffs for effluent reuse and sales. Staff also said SRF and Water Development Board programs remain options under active review.

Ending: Council directed staff to refine the five‑year and 10‑year fiscal forecasts, tighten departmental expense targets for the upcoming budget and return with a CIP prioritization and a schedule for bond issuance and grant applications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lago Vista - Special City Council - Feb 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A financial presentation to the Lago Vista City Council showed a potential medium‑term capital funding gap driven by planned water and wastewater projects, recent debt and conservative revenue assumptions.","taxTitle","Lago Vista, Travis County, Texas","taxId",69620,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661380,"Lago Vista council reviews multi-year work plan, asks staff for clearer priorities and timelines",197,213000,410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8&start=213&end=410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8/thumbnail_213000.jpg","/articles/6661380/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Lago-Vista-council-reviews-multi-year-work-plan-asks-staff-for-clearer-priorities-and-timelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661380-ce3937a1de41e0cb81683ce0b12a0238/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183464&Signature=ZiVcB5O1SUITwyk~TfdxruxjP1P2LRpmDwv~XfIU4Nb16IBjet0hkCBYwXeNC1H~vAuO6gDzDxnyCccd3s5scAx7WpdZV9GS-M8uKNe8Tt9718rPU58fDl-ZCnOuo2gwQLa3wMfvfr0UObnpNTGm3Eklo3hQ6UAsdk-veuMxtYixF5BuObt49tk9uSFhH9-EZ~kBAvRYNwrJlu0Qhdp2v5JT5huquTYVx2l4YRBGCr5hVNE5VIsWhO~y~g7Lb8x22YGtOBzmA3rug~ZYGbl9SNpecSdLT8-Aq9-IhZeDf7do~aOtpLW~gHVrbWeWybYjv4OnhF54Nj0CAuE~8ZeCpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Taylor presented an overview of Lago Vista’s draft work plan for 2024–2029 and walked the council through capital projects, department objectives and next steps.

The presentation reviewed projects including the Sunset Park driveway (design under Texas Department of Transportation review), the city’s street rehabilitation tranche (bids due this spring), upgrades to water treatment facilities and an elevated storage tank, plans for the golf course effluent irrigation and construction of Effluent Pond 17, and the upcoming launch of a Civic Academy in early summer. Taylor said engineering for the water treatment plant No. 3 upgrade is ongoing and that the project is likely to land in a three- to five‑year window.

Councilors pressed staff to clarify which items are highest priority and when decisions will be made. Councilor Roberts said finance-related items should be elevated if they affect transparency and reporting; Councilor Prince asked for a formal review process so the council can update goals and choose which initiatives to fund in the coming budget cycle. Taylor said staff will convene the review group to revise the impact‑fee schedule for water, wastewater and roads and will return with a timeline for committee work and recommendations.

Several council members and staff also discussed digital services and customer-facing technology. Taylor described plans to pilot a website chatbot with CivicPlus and noted staff want to train it to reduce repetitive phone calls and email inquiries; IT and court staff will be involved in testing. Councilors asked that any rollout include staff training and a short pilot with internal users before public launch.

On parks and recreation, staff reiterated that final action on park master plan implementation awaits adoption of the comprehensive parks master plan. For the public safety and police accreditation objective, Police Chief said the department is submitting its self‑assessments electronically and expects an on‑site assessment once documents are accepted.

The council asked staff to return with clarified timelines and a red/amber/green progress dashboard for CIP projects. Taylor said staff will bring a revised work plan back at the next session for council amendments and will collect department priorities and proposed objectives for the strategic plan.

Ending: Councilors agreed to return to the work plan first thing at the reconvened meeting tomorrow so members can propose edits and establish priorities for the budget and implementation over the coming year.","City staff walked the council through the draft 2024–2029 work plan and related capital projects. Council members pressed for clearer project priorities, timelines and funding plans; staff said several projects await engineering estimates and grant opportunities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661363,"Council agrees to brief on short‑term rental tracking software, legal counsel says local data should guide regulation",767,13173000,13940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8&start=13173&end=13940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8/thumbnail_13173000.jpg","/articles/6661363/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Council-agrees-to-brief-on-shortterm-rental-tracking-software-legal-counsel-says-local-data-should-guide-regulation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661363-0de01d720e1dd69210a3e0d38d1a1c8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183464&Signature=EgBSETj6KXbagmFsYdcpK1KCISEYe5jqeiqSmZxw4XBdAfSTsIWIo4H9RK4BZ7eeSqwUz2hVKD78y9cSuIb3Uq6Lw0l5-SHDT~MWSTfedwyvGaHwuqYb4rZD3FheyRcUnYDAhjxx6jrUDPbYMpdm5ezTvIKG1KgOddbmW2aktzutBRZAhr56Gf5oDLXevJYRRq5fuUTgZu27FBX1adH2Y8OmhRgWJhr54MPEiV7emSlS2OyQiZbVcufXWWC79HNorSKvp1~rHmp0uWjOlnEry2jCigsKjcby0o8dZLA8leuBFx2ZdX61OMQSe0nQWdAr0BmnxWOL4p1hkJW6wTV50A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council discussed whether to consider new short‑term rental (STR) restrictions before the city receives data from proposed STR tracking software.

City Attorney Adam (addressing council legal risks) explained that Texas case law requires local, objective evidence before a city can adopt STR‑specific restrictions that treat STRs differently from long‑term residential uses. He summarized court decisions that have struck down regulations where municipalities relied only on complaints or generalized objections rather than measurable local data showing safety or nuisance problems unique to STRs. In short, Adam told the council that cities may regulate STRs differently only when they can support the distinction with local, quantifiable evidence (for example, demonstrably higher complaint rates tied to specific addresses); blanket rules or retroactive restrictions are vulnerable to legal challenge.

Councilors and staff agreed to move ahead with the planned STR compliance software procurement and to return with a staff briefing that includes the enforcement pathway, sample permit terms (for example permit expiration intervals), and what data the software will provide (phone‑line incident reporting, complaint counts by address, and automated matching to STR platform listings). Staff noted the current STR permit language could be clarified administratively (for example, by adopting an expiration term such as a two‑year permit) without immediately imposing new criminal penalties or fines.

Councilor Som and others asked that staff work on an education and outreach program for hosts and neighbors so residents understand rules and reporting tools; staff said they will participate in pilot testing the software and report back within the quarter.

Ending: City attorney will deliver a legal briefing on constraints and defensible bases for STR ordinances; staff will implement the STR tracking software pilot, circulate sample permit language and enforcement options, and return to council for a policy decision after the first round of software data is collected.","Council asked staff to proceed with planned short‑term rental (STR) tracking software and requested a legal briefing on what types of STR restrictions Texas courts allow. City attorney said courts require local, objective data to justify STR‑specific restrictions; staff will return with enforcement options and software implementation timing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661365,"Transit contract prompts fresh questions as Lago Vista council weighs value and service",423,9141000,9564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8&start=9141&end=9564","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8/thumbnail_9141000.jpg","/articles/6661365/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Transit-contract-prompts-fresh-questions-as-Lago-Vista-council-weighs-value-and-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661365-e99308a7d6e65160cdb3af15545dcc5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183464&Signature=LfGcXEKKVNwW-y6qT0OV5cp6E~jzTMLyQncycO7A6gwMbwPnd2Khx~pSU2XkEbTRZ90J4fIrepCWGXsWGDgkJ4nCUmDgaoCeBhNb51NCQuJFTMcEYnX1M0uzTMGDqSG5E9CMzpwyGcpRRM0T4JCSGG~s8JofRsJjhLLVh0pnigFCdGi~smKamO6gxkX-Ya5WDjDZfJ4U82uLZPKn-t61iBj67oTXXqsPD3vih3g-po5JEiXtrI8M9q~6TNqeU~7ITBC9qUwuP7zKI7-uUmA9Vl9RQES3Z3moS~hCLNaieD4GFMn5BWRzxn5KTAt~db3L-PfaJUVn0~fcT5u2lsG~jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors examined recent ridership and cost data for CapMetro service after several council members raised concerns about cost per ride, routing and coverage.

Staff said 2023 saw 18,848 boardings that were charged to Lago Vista and that total city payments for the year were about $1.141 million, which equates to roughly $60.54 per boarding under that accounting. For 2024 the city reported average monthly ridership of about 194 riders and total annual payments near $1.2 million, which staff noted would imply a much higher subsidy per individual rider in that simplified calculation.

Councilors said the numbers highlight service and value questions: routes do not serve substantial parts of the city (some neighborhoods south of Boggy and other edges receive limited direct service), schedules are limited, and CapMetro’s contract operations are run by third‑party providers. Councilor Prince and others suggested the city pursue clear performance metrics and to request CapMetro provide a service map and recent operating data; several councilors recommended asking the school district about pupil trips that use CapMetro instead of school buses.

Staff and councilors discussed alternative approaches: demand‑response or targeted on‑demand service, senior/shuttle programs, or interim city‑run options to cover service gaps if the city exits CapMetro in the future. Several councilors noted the need for citizen outreach explaining alternatives and the implications of a future ballot measure if the city seeks to exit CapMetro’s regional taxing mechanism.

Ending: Council asked staff to seek a CapMetro briefing on the service map and recent usage patterns, to analyze alternate models with cost estimates, and to prepare public communications that would explain service options if the city contemplates a future ballot question.","Councilors reviewed trip counts and costs for CapMetro service and discussed whether the city should continue participating or pursue alternatives. Staff and councilors asked for better service metrics, clearer route coverage, and options for reallocating annual payments if CapMetro service remains unsatisfactory.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661370,"Council discusses Lago Vista Airport options as negotiations with POA and FAA remain unresolved",3227,9958000,13185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8&start=9958&end=13185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414261-585456578f4077c99a36c1a82df25db8/thumbnail_9958000.jpg","/articles/6661370/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Council-discusses-Lago-Vista-Airport-options-as-negotiations-with-POA-and-FAA-remain-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661370-98204c47052d9b2c3553a5df8fa66c2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183464&Signature=WfJReulwjntG2DgXOlzVf9rcEMuQ0Wvw3uCzfDsFQ5BtKWQ03wFXfJUnBFlVdAIUn87F7hlXRsN8OTdKP92yTEXN54V2lI8lKjecBfTTp3RIGEIjLrbTYtramraEgSATtPIJBVRmnNgeBrS6Gr6H8ij1hnnMb3xQDK89FnyYxoP2flI05FRHMo5UIynKNOPB0VEZFOIOW3KhO1MaWjkSA7cm9kxPqguv~BnjZKPtsxdDaw8hN~33dIG9PGfzS5gM~ep9q0mltW2PtOBfCcZn15N-eU5D06x9mJ5FEzdb~nWen6LxoeWWj3zGzgyGDnZCbCGfPopxVMxRFo12BDHf6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lago Vista council members and the Airport Advisory Board discussed the city’s relationship with Lago Vista Airport after negotiations with the property owners’ association (POA) stalled.

Mayor and staff reviewed the options presented by staff and the Airport Advisory Board: (1) pursue FAA relief or a grandfathering exemption (the transcript references “section 185” and related FAA setback issues), (2) explore turning the airport back to the POA under CC&Rs, (3) seek another public entity such as Travis County to take ownership, or (4) pursue a new path to bring the facility into long‑term compliance with federal standards.

Airport Advisory Board Chair Rob Peck said the board is frustrated with slow progress and urged a joint work session with council and the AAB so members can review engineering findings, FAA and TxDOT feedback and the CC&Rs that were recorded in 1990 and affected the city acquisition in 1994. Peck asked council to consider changing the council liaison to the Airport Advisory Board; several council members signaled willingness to discuss a liaison change at the next council meeting. Peck also said the board will present a resolution at the next council meeting asking that the AAB chair and council liaison be the city’s formal representatives to FAA/TxDOT on airport matters.

Staff and councilors discussed whether pursuing FAA grandfathering under the cited regulatory sections would resolve setbacks and pavement‑structural issues. Several participants said FAA relief would not solve base‑failure issues on the runway and that full compliance might require property buyouts or significant pavement reconstruction; staff also said TxDOT/FAA engineers advised that some runway reconstruction would require adherence to modern setback standards. Council members asked staff to ask bond counsel and airport legal advisors whether certain bond‑funded projects could be reallocated among CO/bond proceeds.

Ending: Council agreed to schedule a sectionalized follow‑up: the Airport Advisory Board will bring a formal recommendation and a resolution to the next council meeting, staff will seek legal clarification about bond covenants and deed language, and council will consider a liaison change after the AAB’s March 6 presentation.","Council members and the Airport Advisory Board discussed several options after months of stalled talks over a maintenance and funding agreement for Lago Vista Airport, including pursuing FAA grandfathering, transferring ownership, or asking the POA to assume operations. The advisory board requested a joint meeting and a new liaison appointment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears finance team analysis showing long-term capital gap; options include tax-rate tradeoffs and additional grants

Lago Vista council reviews multi-year work plan, asks staff for clearer priorities and timelines

Council agrees to brief on short‑term rental tracking software, legal counsel says local data should guide regulation

Transit contract prompts fresh questions as Lago Vista council weighs value and service

Council discusses Lago Vista Airport options as negotiations with POA and FAA remain unresolved