Council approves purchase of portable stage for city events after debate over rentals

Lockhart City Council voted 6–1 to authorize up to $10,000 to purchase a portable stage intended for city‑sponsored park and community events. Council members debated whether the city should rent the stage to outside groups; the majority favored purchase for city use with a later policy discussion about rentals and fees.

Parks and Recreation Director Travis Hughes outlined features of table‑style modular platforms, recommended a 16‑by‑12‑foot starting configuration and said two staff members can set up and tear down a stage in roughly one hour each. Hughes said the manufacturer offers a 10‑year warranty and that panels are modular and expandable.

City staff provided an estimated purchase price around $10,000 including stairs, guardrail and skirting; additional panels were discussed at approximately $500–$600 apiece if the council wanted a larger footprint. Courthouse Nights organizers told council the current wooden stage is 15–20 years old and that a newer, sturdier stage is a public‑safety and presentation priority for downtown events. A community performer said recent lineups include larger acts and asked that the stage accommodate typical local band setups.

One council member said the city should not operate a rental business and would vote no if the motion included rental operations; another said the city should keep the stage in house for city events and consider rental policy later. The formal motion authorized purchase of a portable stage not to exceed $10,000; the council passed the purchase 6–1.

Votes at a glance

- Purchase portable stage for city events (not to exceed $10,000): approved 6–1 (one councilmember opposed).