Approximately 7.1% of Bastrop County’s registered voters have cast a vote for party nominees for races that could shape local leadership, as the second week of early voting for the March 3 primary election began Feb. 23.

The details: As of Feb. 22, there were 4,410 voters—2,127 Democratic and 2,283 Republican—in week one, according to the Bastrop County Elections Department.

As Bastrop ISD staff, administrators and trustees kick off planning for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the district's chief financial officer has named a few factors warranting consideration. 

Current situation: Student enrollment growth, state funding and property values are some of the top concerns CFO Mike White said are on his radar in a Feb. 17 budget update. 

What you need to know: White presented a preliminary budget outlook for the district, stating that his staff has not yet prepared an official proposal for how the district will allocate funds in the coming school year, but are in the process of "baking the cake."

Per the district's budget schedule, a proposal will be considered in May.

Why now? He said the district has not observed the projected student growth included in previous demographic updates from firm Zonda Education for the 2025-26 school year.

A Place to Call Home RV Park opened in the Bastrop area, offering travelers and long-term residents a place to park—and put down temporary roots. 

What we know: The business, which opened in early January about four miles from downtown Bastrop, has a variety of features and amenities, including: 

• 50- to 80-foot sites
• 30-, 50- and 110-amp hookups
• A restroom, shower and laundry facility 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Gas grills 
• A stocked catch-and-release pond for fishing
• Basketball hoops 
• A large pavilion with a fire pit 
• A dog park

• Opened Jan. 1
• 333 B J Mayes Road, Bastrop

Check out six upcoming or ongoing transportation projects around the Austin metro.

Austin Light Rail: The 10-mile rail system will initially feature 15 stations along the alignment and all-electric trains running every five to 10 minutes throughout most of the day.
Update: Austin Transit Partnership approved a $60 million design-build contract for the first phase of the project Feb. 18.

• Timeline: construction expected to begin in 2027
• Cost: $7.1 billion

• Timeline: 2026-28 (Phase 1A)
• Cost: $30 million (Phase 1A)