As Round Rock ISD staff forecast a multi-million-dollar shortfall for the district's self-funded health insurance going into 2027, the district is proposing an increase to employee healthcare costs.

The big picture: Historically, RRISD has absorbed cost increases for healthcare using its fund balance. However, costs have risen for many things in recent years, including healthcare claims, and the district can no longer prevent these increases from being passed on to employees, Chief Human Resources Officer Eddie Curran said Sept. 17.

The options: Curran said the district is exploring more expensive plan options or could choose to end its self-funded health plan and join the state's Teacher Retirement System ActiveCare program.

What they're saying: Tammy Conrad, the president of the district's teachers union, Education Round Rock, called on the district to find another option that does not potentially wipe out any pay increases that could come from the passage of the VATRE.

A longtime business is going back to an old name in downtown Round Rock as it prepares to expand.

What's in a name: The bar and restaurant formerly known as Sociedad rebranded to its original name of Alcove, owner Michelle Ly confirmed in September.

Opening Sept. 25, The Fair is a country-western-inspired venue with a stage, pool table and full bar, as previously reported by Community Impact. It is an expansion of Alcove's total venue space, and will offer the same menu.

Ly said Alcove and The Fair are both nods to the building's history, as businesses by those names operated there previously.

In their own words: With a renovated space and revamped menu, Ly said the next iteration of Alcove is a modernized version of the original concept.

"I think the biggest thing is that we can offer an elevated date night spot, live music on the patio or a country western theme—three separate feels in one location," Ly said.

• 117 and 119 E. Main St., Round Rock

The Williamson County Art Guild, a 200-member group of artists and art-appreciators, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The details: Since starting in 1976, the art guild has become a “bigger presence” in the community, past President Lynn Kessel said. The guild participates in a number of projects, often partnering with local businesses to create artwork around town. They also host art events and exhibitions throughout the county, she said.

The guild opened a gallery on Rock Street in Georgetown in October 2023. The addition of the gallery builds stronger relationships between members and stronger ties into the community, Bradstreet said.

The celebration: To celebrate half a century, the guild is taking it back to the 1970s with a disco party 6-9 p.m. Sept. 26. Named the “Peace, Love & Art Affair,” the festivities include music, refreshments, a silent auction and a quick-draw artist.

One more thing: To commemorate the long line of people involved with the guild, the guild is showing the “Legacy Exhibit.” The 100-piece exhibit, opening Nov. 14, will be shown both at the Georgetown Public Library and the Williamson County Art Guild Gallery.

Republican challenger Theodore Schramm is running against Democratic incumbent John H. Bucy III to represent District 136 in the Texas House of Representatives. Read Q&As with each of them below.

The big picture: District 136 includes portions of Round Rock, Cedar Park and northwest Austin. Bucy has served the district since 2019.

Learn more: Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.

Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Nov. 3.