In a recent Bastrop City Council meeting held on November 21, 2024, significant discussions centered around allegations of questionable spending and management practices within the city government, totaling over $2 million. Council member Lee raised concerns regarding the city manager's handling of various contracts and projects, particularly focusing on a $371,000 contract related to wastewater treatment.

The city manager defended her actions, asserting that the memo in question was outdated and that the city was moving at a rapid pace, making it difficult to keep track of all documents. She emphasized her commitment to preventing the city from facing bankruptcy, highlighting the need for careful financial management amid ongoing capital improvement projects. The city manager also pointed out that the engineering contracts presented to the council were not only costly but also based on outdated data, which could lead to further financial strain.

A key point of contention was the management of the wastewater treatment plant, which has faced delays and budget overruns. The city manager noted that previous engineering oversight had been inadequate, leading to a restructuring of the engineering department to bring more expertise in-house. She argued that this change would improve project management and reduce reliance on costly third-party contractors.

Additionally, the meeting addressed allegations of forgery involving the assistant city secretary and concerns about a potential lawsuit related to a vendor breach. The city manager refuted claims of dishonesty, explaining that the city had acted promptly to address the vendor's security issues and had communicated with other affected municipalities.

The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Bastrop's city management, particularly in terms of financial oversight and project execution. As the council navigates these allegations and seeks to restore public trust, the city manager's future actions and the council's decisions will be crucial in shaping the city's governance and financial health moving forward. The council is expected to continue addressing these issues in upcoming meetings, as they work towards a more transparent and accountable administration.