Round Rock residents receiving city utility services for water, wastewater, stormwater and trash could see higher bills beginning Nov. 1, when increased rates take effect.

Current situation: Water, wastewater and stormwater rates will increase by about 6% for residential customers, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Trash fees will also increase by just under 4% for residential refuse service customers.

Why now? City officials approved higher fees for utility services earlier this year in response to higher operational costs and a request from Republic Services, the city's refuse service provider.

Public Works Director Michael Thane said the increase in rates for water-related services is due to an increase in the electric costs paid by the city to pump and move water.

What's next? Thane said the approved three-year rate update also includes a 3%-5% increase each year for the next two years.

A $9.7 million renovation is expected at the Round Rock location of warehouse retailer Sam's Club, a project filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows.

The details: The project’s scope includes an interior remodel adding 4,000 square feet for pickup order storage, a new cafe and coolers. Construction is expected from June to October of next year. 

• 130 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 300, Round Rock

St. David’s HealthCare CEO David Huffstutler will retire in March 2027, the health system announced Oct. 15.

What we know: Huffstutler has led the system, the fourth-largest private employer in the Austin area, since February 2011. The system grew from 60 sites of care to more than 200 in Central Texas during his tenure, per the announcement. It now has nine hospitals. He will stay on as president and CEO through March and is also president of HCA Healthcare’s Central and West Texas Division.

What’s next: HCA Healthcare, the system’s hospital operating partner, is searching nationwide for his successor and expects to announce a choice in the next few months.

Halloween weekend in Austin means costume parties, crowded bars and late nights. An Integral Care trainer says the safest celebrations start with a plan and a group of friends willing to look out for one another.

How to prepare: Before heading out, Leylee Morris of Integral Care recommended people know who they’re going with and share locations, decide how they’re getting home, pick an emergency contact and keep phones charged.

Downtown: APD expects 80,000-100,000 people downtown. East Sixth Street will close to vehicles between Brazos and Red River streets, and towing begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. No refusal is in effect.

Trick-or-treating: Parents should know their child’s route, carry a flashlight, stick to well-lit homes and inspect all candy before kids eat it, APD Cpl. Jose Mendez said.

Community resources: Morris recommended saving Integral Care’s 24/7 helpline, 512-472-HELP (4357). People should call 911 immediately if someone is unresponsive, unconscious or not breathing, she said.