Residents press council on taxes, HOAs, I-20 sound barriers and tree protections; staff outlines next steps

Residents used both public comment and the public-hearing period at the Feb. 24 Stonecrest City Council meeting to raise a range of community concerns, including property taxes, homeowners association disputes, I-20 noise and sound barriers, street lighting, and tree protections. City staff responded with clarifications about which issues fall under city jurisdiction and with several planned follow-ups.

HOA disputes: Wesley Smith described ongoing problems with his homeowners association and private management company and said he had not received promised follow-up from city contacts. Mayor Jasmine Cabo and city officials responded that HOA enforcement is a civil matter generally outside the city's direct jurisdiction and that city staff can only try to…