[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-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",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_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",6179603,"mediaKeyId","5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319","parentId",5125855,"title","Council schedules citywide all‑council town hall July 19","audioSeconds",36,"startMs",972735,"endMs",1008960,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319&start=972&end=1008","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319/thumbnail_972735.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179603/Elgin/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-schedules-citywide-allcouncil-town-hall-July-19","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179603-177da10f0ef95959611e01c5b997c74c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=Ply~xsp14oxWSYznzKQQHIvsacQCHA~srg6qacfYMBt2OeFDBbEgmCDuMXV793WQ0LhLXYWl7~0CBiom1fVqLNz5FnWrRWMLwhMQ4wKhJhokhM4Keb~872dqFI~H1mjgRLkwbCWHodYMB8eb5ShXEFu-~ltAeVCcYJe01MII1hGY-Gzt0UXMh4HnZVJ7ESC0cCXccaBashb2ac-jVPTUrCaEGVQ3rqyZAw6Gy0MP2zzk66l2SsiqUz2EIscAJESggHwv9BGTnCL80nMNiFR3ZphvYD67c1VqnbAwc~ynF6JWxcbWGEafQMCKUJMnsUcZgNgbMHF4cC0zdCES0O6igQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Elgin, TX","date","2025-07-02T15:43:58Z","article","Elgin — Council member Love announced that the city will hold a citywide all‑council town hall meeting on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the EISD Administration Building.

“July 19, Saturday, July 19. This is for all of our residents here in Elgin. We will be holding a citywide all council town hall meeting. It will be held at the EISD, Ad Administration Building. It's gonna be from 9AM to 11AM,” Council member Love said.

Staff said an agenda and additional details will be provided in advance; the announcement was given to allow residents ample notice to attend.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Elgin Regular Counil Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council member Love announced a citywide town hall for Elgin residents on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the EISD Administration Building; staff said an agenda and more information will follow.","taxTitle","Elgin, Bastrop County, Texas","taxId",54079,"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},6179607,"Council reviews Charter Review Committee recommendations on elections, transit language and budget transparency",1219,5155125,6374460,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319&start=5155&end=6374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319/thumbnail_5155125.jpg","/articles/6179607/Elgin/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-reviews-Charter-Review-Committee-recommendations-on-elections-transit-language-and-budget-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179607-107fb48484cc3ea633b9ef7869f1a71e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=LAXk1YatakPKdXTlNDVz1DJqS5gmVVL5qGD2WiJKbIna~Jf0ToI2wmQX-nINGpz4Y6e9BktufbECWx8e4JVlIljKYIa2MHlchyOQyOKfeegdSvLXmO0GbzFtUAf718Nkx8-YFxrlo28v7j46olZb0CHjO2hddiEVfRPsaf5U2j7w7QiwaJvbS2sg9bTX2mR5LloPJ0rqDkuj5zyPlcZqequcYV3L8j-K5MJ-4KN~HXwVTVPwrjsOCiNyvdHBBDB1b1NDMjYHtcbyAO8bgZfvWMoURGh7fgp-NL31MytdqCOWpj1QLjZoFkj9qC1eBgNBw9crUmh1~G~llAph3HQ-oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elgin — The City Council discussed recommendations from the Charter Review Committee, including proposals to change election terms and timing, to remove or modify a charter clause referencing public transit and to add language making the city budget explicitly available to the public.

Committee co-chairs presented draft propositions and council members asked clarifying questions on several items. On proposed changes to election timing, staff explained that, if adopted, some council seats elected in 2026 would carry four‑year terms and the city would move to staggered four‑year terms so that subsequent elections would occur in alternating years with two‑year gaps between some election cycles.

On a proposed edit to the charter’s list of city powers, council members asked why the committee proposed removing — rather than striking entirely — a clause that currently authorizes spending on “mass transit facilities.” A council member recalled the clause was added previously after citizen petitioning related to regional transit planning. Committee members said the draft change crosses out the existing phrase but does not add new language; lawyers on staff are available to clarify whether the provision should be removed entirely.

Council members also discussed a proposition that would add the phrase “make the budget available to the public” to the charter. Staff reminded the council that state law already requires public availability of budgets, and council members said they would raise the question with the committee about whether repeating that requirement in the charter is necessary.

Other technical edits discussed included gender‑neutral wording and clarifications that charter provisions operate “under state law.” Committee members indicated the review is advisory; the council must decide which recommendations to adopt and whether to place amendments before voters.","Council members probed committee proposals to change council terms to four years with staggered elections, to alter a charter line about public transit spending, and to explicitly require the budget be made available to the public.",{"_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},6179612,"Council appoints Council member Love as deputy mayor pro tem",290,4869270,5159635,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319&start=4869&end=5159","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319/thumbnail_4869270.jpg","/articles/6179612/Elgin/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-appoints-Council-member-Love-as-deputy-mayor-pro-tem","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179612-12faa81d12b755f9e37fb6db91ce9e77/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=Upw9P2l1W5mLpZm1R~DF7D-BTe8hB9cyYR3YuVv8DoREy6fp5wFYfl4MRYaFQd6kRxFoVRlegJkXLdszm66IoiXf5WyhTfFwverkRRmq0QfINjwYeiee2ht-OVivRpNZN5ICSaRsXddMu8ndddRaGdP7OE8MUF17iEei~ZfYJqvxOHwAtKUyBwTUrxS7BMoXuwhWM1AXWNcSACojWJ9bj8AJb~7OYp~KhiACAAVUZg2kUgqicBZi7GczAikO6-36aZlenhYvH4HWYITI4NrAztmmtMLJIqa4UmScuQ~RDO~GLTAg6kzRvdGR8SB89WKXlX4GTNACQN0whaHYC313hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elgin — The Elgin City Council appointed Council member Love as deputy mayor pro tem, with council members saying the appointment will help build succession and provide backup leadership.

The mayor explained the council wanted to “begin a succession plan” and that Love had expressed interest in the role. The mayor added that senior council members would mentor Love as she assumes additional duties.

A motion to appoint Love as deputy mayor pro tem was made and seconded; the council recorded aye votes on the motion and the appointment was approved.

Council members congratulated Love and the council moved on to subsequent agenda items.","The City Council appointed Council member Love to serve as deputy mayor pro tem to build succession and provide coverage when mayor and mayor pro tem are unavailable.",{"_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},6179617,"Council approves ordinance annexing adjacent territory into Elgin extraterritorial jurisdiction",621,4590500,5211640,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319&start=4590&end=5211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319/thumbnail_4590500.jpg","/articles/6179617/Elgin/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-approves-ordinance-annexing-adjacent-territory-into-Elgin-extraterritorial-jurisdiction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179617-91f2518746c3737d2e80bf467af4becf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=Q9FmHKq4orfAD4huM26qUFb4CM9wrqT-2IJicwog2-o~HN9UF~oxHDVX0g6n2Vwtak~M02FLUefZqd9ojHSDBVXm-lk8ZFCJXRmctd3B8u-76WhxcA0iDd4FwqUSq0YhNA0DlO4A104uOrV7zTx5GCZsMl3Ff84RWnOHRba9cy~2TQ-TbWvrg4kQD2RLjLj60yPC1z6tMQQQtSa0DwL0qwDp6J5vjBvh6U9qlxsR5SDO80GTkTAvHlM0uIWsiagRTSZF1l~9ZSAslZcx6JKowl-FAn67ZEhouNuTTpws3e3tTk150jNcgDF4OFeGeKP7yR2ZxLgGdzkMZuRILnoN4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elgin — The Elgin City Council voted to approve an ordinance annexing territory adjacent and contiguous to the city’s existing extraterritorial jurisdiction.

City staff presented maps and legal findings supporting the annexation, saying required legal conditions had been satisfied. “When we do this and we take this property in, what you're saying is because it was contiguous, we're taking the land to there too?” a council member asked during the discussion; staff responded that maps show some parcels on both sides of the railroad tracks are already in the city’s ETJ.

After brief discussion the council voted to approve the ordinance. A motion to approve carried and the mayor declared the motion carried.

The ordinance language states the annexed areas shall become part of the city’s ETJ and that owners and inhabitants will be entitled to the rights and privileges and bound by ordinances in effect in the city’s ETJ.

Council members who voted on the record indicated assent and the motion passed; the council moved on to other agenda items.","The City Council passed an ordinance adding parcels contiguous to Elgin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); council members voted to approve the annexation after brief discussion.",{"_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},6179622,"Elgin Public Library wins $24,551 state grant for children’s sensory space",397,4056335,4453465,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319&start=4056&end=4453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319/thumbnail_4056335.jpg","/articles/6179622/Elgin/Bastrop-County/Texas/Elgin-Public-Library-wins-24551-state-grant-for-childrens-sensory-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179622-3ecd6385dec2385b75dd0a91055d457c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=jki5pHqYOweeQkQ8jJEAozBTJg0tF~Dlz7RsUzuXspoSL~ggkXAdpwTFD3ArCJZO4nidt~tuufb97d4hcgS7Ji8iZwHkV9plCWbUlin1YV2g-vxwDFYmmUG9jJloFuLqfnABU6V-z1qN9wXImOWwqSOuIKmFAzwM0vhMfqEBy4qLfr8qY1e-62Z3sk2ZJMUaxJ~c~Od~us3xCSxHwmVaDNAJMrE4kNW5k4pd~c5FQNFBZmZKu6GRbuRoKOrEi6LwsV2scuUNpmpfPipvopfN7wl4dtQa7U0voZfVPiPpMWTXf2mFqi4O2UVX0DotKfJcC-UfZd4TGostDzLGL7XLUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elgin — The Elgin Public Library announced approval of a $24,551 grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to create a sensory space in the children’s area and offer related programs.

A library representative told the City Council the project will purchase specialized equipment such as calming stations and interactive wall panels, provide staff training and host parent seminars and support groups for families of neurodivergent children.

“The funds will be used to improve our children's area by creating a sensory phase where children with disabilities… offer specialized equipment such as calming stations and, interactive wall panels,” the library representative said. The project is planned to begin immediately and run through July 30, 2026.

A council member asked whether the training and classes will be offered in Spanish as well as English; the library representative said yes and noted there are multiple language offerings planned.

Library officials said the initiative aims to make the Elgin Public Library more inclusive and provide resources and training for parents and staff to support neurodivergent patrons.","The Elgin Public Library announced a $24,551 Special Projects Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to create a sensory space, offer parent seminars and staff training.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179627,"Elgin council hears progress report on finance overhaul, auditors’ findings likely to persist short term",1871,976460,2847550,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319&start=976&end=2847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125855-74a8d3e1d192e10127253816c664d319/thumbnail_976460.jpg","/articles/6179627/Elgin/Bastrop-County/Texas/Elgin-council-hears-progress-report-on-finance-overhaul-auditors-findings-likely-to-persist-short-term","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179627-8b65396dd5471f340d1ba39ce483fef0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=HIxwwKYDvgYWP5aPnrXDnrzsYAFY1cMcwiAhgMuYPtJu9b5Sr8I2iLqo1brngtycBXhh2McpzMzPWc2tv01yWQJkAd3Ipwy7IDCxJkjefOqs6GFOgy7xiT3AqjaRWR0IitKgERefuXcZ-Zrh06EuETArPe2YM-gVSC-ExfOyWr4Cv06mjpkerxG2KmDJufO3sG9Lm~K45StaGcQpymjJM1FjtDChYvaz6K7-btOZOAS-BRmwWC05K8EgjpSe3uER3kgBKxn0PuqCH12GUFSHNWj0yRmIE7uMAiRTryYaKXgNX0IhA2s0551Td11lFDoJt2GqedWSL52tgqj7YW7BmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elgin — City staff and consultants on Monday told the Elgin City Council they have begun a multi-year effort to correct the city’s accounting controls, prepare auditable financial statements and deliver clearer budget reports to the council and public.

The consultants and interim staff emphasized progress but cautioned that some audit findings will not disappear quickly. “We believe significant progress has been made. We still have a long ways to go,” said Isaac Turner, a city staff member leading parts of the effort.

The update matters because the city’s external audits have repeatedly flagged the same issues. Laurie Langford, a consultant with Gradient Solutions, and Pam Saunders Sanders, who has been “pitch hitting” as the finance director while also serving in HR, described recent training, software cleanup and reforms intended to reduce repeat audit findings and to prepare reliable numbers for the coming budget season.

Langford said staff and consultants reviewed more than 300 transactions requiring follow-up and described how auditors sample accounting areas: “For instance, accounts payable, we provide them with a list of every bill…” The presentation covered hands‑on training completed with the city’s financial system (Encode), creation of recorded training videos, a new budget manual and process changes to improve version control and reduce duplicate documents.

Saunders Sanders said the city provided four full days of Encode training and has produced videos and process documentation so staff can “refer back to if we get stopped again.” She said the budget packet the council will receive on July 15 will be generated directly from the cleaned financial system and “will look very different than what you’ve seen here in the last 6 years.”

On audit timing and recurrence, Langford warned council members that some findings—especially those tied to preparing complete and finalized financial statements—are the most difficult to resolve and could appear in more than one subsequent audit. “Anytime you see an audit with the finding, and then staff’s addressing of that and the same one is same things are there the next year and the third year, then there’s a problem,” she said.

Consultants urged more training and recommended routine reporting so elected officials can monitor trends. “You can do monthly reports… That will tell you in the simplest form what your budgeted amount was, what you spent during that pay period,” Langford said; she and other staff suggested starting with quarterly reports initially and moving to monthly reporting once the system stabilizes.

Council members asked about staffing, with one council member asking whether the currently posted accountant position is sufficient. Langford said, based on her experience, the city “needs 2 accountants on staff” with appropriate training and experience in governmental accounting to maintain progress once initial clean-up is completed.

City staff committed to presenting a system-generated budget on July 15 and to provide a short set of highlights at the all‑council town hall scheduled for July 19. Consultants said they will continue to document processes, pursue professional training programs for staff and recommend standards such as applying for industry awards to benchmark progress.

The presentation included repeated assurances that consultants and staff had not found evidence of malfeasance; Langford said, “We do not see any evidence of that. If we had, you would been notified.”

Council members and staff agreed on next steps: produce digestible budget and financial reports for elected officials, continue staff training and maintain documentation so controls are sustainable.","City staff and consultants outlined steps to clean up financial records, train staff and produce new monthly/quarterly reports; consultants warned some audit findings—especially financial statement preparation—may persist for multiple years.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council schedules citywide all‑council town hall July 19

Council reviews Charter Review Committee recommendations on elections, transit language and budget transparency

Council appoints Council member Love as deputy mayor pro tem

Council approves ordinance annexing adjacent territory into Elgin extraterritorial jurisdiction

Elgin Public Library wins $24,551 state grant for children’s sensory space

Elgin council hears progress report on finance overhaul, auditors’ findings likely to persist short term