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New Lago Vista council sworn in; mayor outlines water, emergency preparedness and innovation priorities
Summary
At a Nov. 4 special meeting, Lago Vista swore in Mayor Shane Som and three councilmembers; Som said his early priorities include funding water infrastructure, emergency preparedness and a 2026 strategic plan and announced a Texas Water Development Board visit.
Judge Eckert administered oaths of office at a special Lago Vista City Council meeting on Nov. 4, swearing in Shane Som as mayor and three incoming council members: Karen Gomez (Place 5), Amanda Chavarria (Place 3) and Jess Hall (Place 1).
Following the ceremonial swearing-in, Mayor Shane Som outlined his early policy priorities, saying he entered the office "with great optimism" and that his first focuses will be funding the city's water infrastructure and improving emergency preparedness. Som announced that the Texas Water Development Board will visit Lago Vista to tour facilities and review prior funding applications, and he expressed confidence the city will eventually receive state funding for projects.
Som emphasized modernization and service improvements at City Hall: development services will roll out new CivicPlus permitting software to speed permitting, the city has formed partnerships with Texas State University’s LBJ School of Public Affairs to modernize systems, and code enforcement has been moved back into City Hall and renamed code compliance to emphasize education and partnership.
He also announced two mayoral initiatives: a mayor’s advisory task force on emergency preparedness and a mayor’s advisory council on faith and service to engage local churches in civic work. Som said a strategic plan for 2026 will be developed and requested council participation.
Outgoing Councilmember Paul Roberts offered farewell remarks, saying he was "humbled to serve" and highlighting work over his term to pass ordinances aimed at protecting citizens and adjacent property owners and preserving open spaces. The council presented Roberts a service trophy in recognition of his years of service.
City Manager Charles West thanked Roberts and said staff are preparing to work with the new council. Chair Paul Prince called the meeting to adjourn at 6:07 p.m.
