ATX-BAS: Impact 10/21/2025

The Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center could get an upgraded roof.

Although the project was previously estimated to cost $325,000, the expected price tag is now $117,510, according to city documents.

The details: Nations Roof, the lowest bidder, will oversee the repairs if Bastrop City Council approves a contract during an Oct. 21 meeting.

“The roof of the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center has experienced significant weathering and deterioration of its protective surface,” Doug Haggerty, fleet and facilities director, said in a staff report. “Staff has evaluated several options for roof rehabilitation and determined that a restorative silicone roof coating system is the most cost-effective and durable approach for extending the roof’s service life.”

Bastrop is planning approximately $2.9 million in park upgrades, according to city documents. 

“Council had the opportunity to borrow some money with no impact to the tax rate, and also had the ability to pay down other debt because of some savings we did in the debt fund,” Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said during her State of the City address in early September. “The council chose to invest [those savings] into quality-of-life projects.”

The details: The nearly $2.9 million will be applied across four parks: 

• Minerva Delgado Park, 709 Laurel St.: $1.7 million 
• Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St.: $661,253 
• Fireman’s Park, 600 Hill St.: $256,615
• Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Drive: $250,048

Across the state of Texas, families brave overwhelming medical situations in which they often have no options but to stay in hospital rooms while supporting their children needing care. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas has worked since 1985 to ease these experiences with comfortable sleeping spaces, food services and more.

The history: Since its launch, the nonprofit has expanded with family rooms available at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus, Seton Medical Center Austin, St. David’s Medical Center and St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.

Each family room contains a living room, a kitchen and dining area, sleeping rooms, shower and laundry facilities, a quiet room and snacks and beverages.

“No family ever dreams of having a child in a hospital,” COO Kristin Coulter said. “The certainty when they’re told that their child has a diagnosis or is critically ill to have a resource like Ronald McDonald House come alongside them and walk along that journey with them is very comforting.”

• 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1/2, Austin

As water restrictions and shortages become more common in Texas communities, state lawmakers are asking voters to approve $20 billion to fund new water supply projects and improve existing systems over the next 20 years.

The overview: If voters approve State Proposition 4, which is on the November ballot, the state will create a dedicated funding stream to help local utilities access more water and upgrade their infrastructure. Without the new funding, Texas’ water crisis could deepen, experts say.

“We’ve got 1,500+ people moving to Texas every day, and not one of them is bringing a single drop of water with them,” Dean Sharp, who leads the management division of the Texas American Water Works Association, said Oct. 16.

Key takeaway: Despite the $1 billion annual price tag, Proposition 4 would not create any new state taxes or increase costs for Texans, lawmakers and experts said. Beginning in 2027, the money would come from existing sales tax revenue and be deposited in the Texas Water Fund, a state account that voters approved in 2023.