ATX-SBK: Impact 9/18/2025

Buda residents will be paying higher property taxes for this year compared to last.

The overview: Buda City Council unanimously approved the adoption of the property tax rate of $0.3576 per $100 of taxable value for fiscal year 2025-26, a 5.3% increase from the current tax rate of $0.3395 per $100 of taxable value, according to city documents.

The details: Although appraised home values decreased in 2025 compared to the previous year by $17,950, homeowners could still end up paying more in property taxes this year.

Taking appraised values into account, the effective rate increase from tax year 2024-25 is 4.3%. The effective rate reflects what homeowners actually pay once changes in property values are factored in.

Patio Dolcetto—a wine bar located at 322 Cheatham St. in San Marcos—is celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Oct. 4.

What they offer: The wine bar—owned by Ryan, Jean and Managing Partner Brittani—features a curated selection of wines, Texas craft beers, ciders, mead and non-alcoholic cocktails. Patio Dolcetto also offers an assortment of tapas-style appetizers, charcuterie and cheese boards, gourmet flatbread naan pizzas, and desserts.

The details: Brittani said Patio Dolcetto's mission has been to provide a relaxed and approachable atmosphere where patrons can enjoy affordable wines and locally sourced products.

"The love, support and vibrant art scene have played a huge role in helping us grow and thrive over the past decade. We’re so grateful to be part of such a special place," Brittani said.

• 322 Cheatham St., San Marcos

Get ready for chills, thrills and killer cocktails—Sign Bar’s immersive haunted maze, Fear Fair, opens Sept. 19.

The details: Created by immersive experience group ALT, the carnival-style attraction promises creepy clowns, eerie games and plenty of jump scares. ALT, known for its folklore-fueled productions, said the maze will blur the line “between fear, folklore and fun.”

Zooming in: Guests must at least 21 years old to attend during regular hours, but families can join in on the fun during kid-friendly matinees starting Oct. 4. These daylight sessions run on Saturdays and Sundays with lights on and no roaming actors.

What else? Before or after the maze, visitors can try Sign Bar’s special Halloween cocktail lineup with spooky creations like the Blue Lagoon of Doom, The Sanderson Sip and Leatherface’s Last Call. Food will also be available next door at Lao’d Bar.

Fear Fair runs Sept. 18-Nov. 2 at Sign Bar in East Austin, home to more than 75 salvaged signs from local businesses. Tickets start at $6.50 and are available online.