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Smithville council orders November local‑option election on full alcohol sales
Summary
After an overview of confusing licensing rules and expected economic benefits, the council voted to order a local‑option election to allow legal sale of all alcoholic beverages; staff estimated the city share of election costs at about $8,000.
Council voted to call a local‑option election on whether Smithville voters should allow the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages, including mixed beverages, in the city and surrounding precincts.
Adena Lewis, who said she served as Smithville chamber president and now works at the county level in tourism and economic development, outlined why the change matters: current licensing lines split eligibility and have blocked full‑service restaurants and other investments in parts of Bastrop County. She said a legislative carve‑out and coordinated precinct elections would make licensing consistent and allow new businesses to apply for licenses after the November canvass.
Council discussed the cost implications for the city. Staff estimated the additional expense of running the election at roughly $8,000; members said that cost would be rolled into next fiscal year and shared proportionally when ballots are canvassed countywide. The council moved, seconded and approved a resolution to place the item on the November ballot; the order must be called by Aug. 17 to meet election processes.
The vote was recorded by roll call and the motion passed.
