Lago Vista council narrowly tables lifting of stage 2 water restrictions, 4–3

The Lago Vista City Council voted 4–3 to table a resolution to lift LCRA stage 2 water restrictions and return to normal watering conditions, saying the issue requires further study of the drought contingency plan language and infrastructure capacity.

Councilmember Benefield moved to table the action to the next meeting; the motion passed with four votes in favor and three opposed. The roll call at adoption recorded dissent from Councilmembers Prince, Roberts and Mayor Kevin Sullivan.

Discussion centered on whether the council is bound by the drought contingency plan's language that directs a return to normal watering when combined storage thresholds are met, or whether the council should retain discretion. Benefield argued the plan's mandatory language risked removing staff and council discretion. "If the word in the contingency plan said, may go back to normal conditions, I understand we shall go to higher plans as the water goes down," he said, urging tablement to allow for adjustments.

Opponents highlighted that the drought contingency plan was a public agreement and cautioned against changing it hastily. One councilmember noted the plan specifies return to normal when combined Travis and Buchanan storage exceeds a threshold and said the council should honor that commitment unless they adopt a deliberate amendment.

The clerk recorded that the motion to table passed 4–3; no immediate change to watering rules was made. Councilmembers said they will revisit the item and consider whether to amend the contingency plan language (for example, replacing "shall" with "may") or to confirm infrastructure capacity and enforcement mechanisms before making a change.

Next steps: The item will return to a future council meeting with staff analysis on water production capability, enforcement implications of any change, and recommended language if the council decides to amend the drought contingency plan.