ATX-SBK: Impact 10/8/2025

Hays County approved a memorandum of understanding with the city of Kyle at the Sept. 30 meeting regarding the development of a county administrative facility, a city-led animal services facility, as well as an investment in improvements to Kyle Vista Park, according to county documents.

The details: Agenda documents show that Hays County will lease 13.22 acres from the city for $3.75 million, with all funds reinvested into Kyle Vista Park improvements like trails, lighting, utilities and restrooms.

Hays County will design, fund and build a new administrative facility that meets all standards and integrates with the park for shared public benefit.

In addition, the county will partner with the city on a new regional animal services facility. The facility will be owned and operated by the city, and Hays County will provide input through representation on the Animal Services Advisory Board.

What’s next: Hays County Commissioner Morgan Hammer said they would be addressing services on the west side of Hays County.

Buda residents looking for a full-service auto repair shop will soon have a new option in town.

The overview: Owner Brad Hullum said Local Automotive will be a 100% locally owned and operated business that will offer oil changes, engine repairs, tire rotations, alignments, brake jobs and electrical work. They will also work on diesel vehicles.

What to expect: Shop hours will be Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• 3950 FM 967, Ste. 100, Buda

According to a Sept. 26 press release, Target has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

The self-checkouts will roll out nationwide beginning this holiday season and in early 2026 as part of Target's ongoing checkout improvements, according to the release.

What to expect: Per the release, the innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are visually impaired while supporting those with motor disabilities.

The technology works with Target’s existing self-checkout system and includes:

• Braille and high-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
• Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated information key

Odyssey, a New York-based tech company, has been selected to manage Texas’ $1 billion education savings account program, the state comptroller’s office announced Oct. 6.

The overview: Odyssey will work with the comptroller to launch the program, deemed “Texas Education Freedom Accounts,” ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Families can begin applying for the program early next year, and those accepted will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to private school or homeschool them.

Zooming in: Odyssey will develop and manage an online platform to administer Texas’ education savings account program. State law also tasks the company with:

• Collecting applications and determining which families are accepted to the program
• Approving vendors for education-related materials and services, such as textbooks, transportation and tutoring
• Reviewing inquiries and complaints about the program
• Advertising the program and communicating with interested families