Cedar Park officials are advancing a proposed $216 million budget that would increase the average homeowner’s annual property tax bill by $49, or 2.5%.

What residents should know: City Council is set to hold public hearings Sept. 3 and Sept. 10, with a final vote on the budget and tax rate scheduled for Sept. 10. Finance staff are proposing a tax rate of $0.377930 per $100 valuation, about 5% higher than the current rate. The increase comes as the city faces rising maintenance, repair, fuel and service contract costs, while taxable property values decreased in 2026 for the first time since 1989.

A closer look: The $216 million budget includes $85 million for the general fund, with about 70% dedicated to employee compensation. Key areas of investment for the upcoming fiscal year include public safety, infrastructure maintenance, employee benefits and repairs to city facilities. The budget also accounts for new facilities, including the recently opened public safety training facility and RE|CREATE.

What began as a hobby quickly became Exclusively Classics, a classic car restoration company that’s stood the test of time, much like the cars. After 26 years, Philip Counts purchased the company from his father, Richard Counts, who recently decided to sell the business in order to focus on his work in Alzheimer's and autism research. 

Zooming in: The restoration of each vehicle is conducted with meticulous care and transparency with clients from a team of seven highly skilled mechanics. Ensuring every customer feels at ease and well-supported is a major point of pride for the business, Phillip said. Though ownership is transitioning, the core mission of supporting the classic car community and upholding the shop's legacy remains the same.

Quote of note: “I'm really proud of the reputation that we've built ... We don't want anyone to feel afraid to walk in here,” Philip said. “[The client] doesn't need to know all of this, that's what we're here for ... so that you can enjoy your car.”

Williamson County officials scheduled two upcoming listening sessions regarding the Justice Complex project on Aug. 22 and Aug. 27.

The events will allow residents to provide comments and feedback on the proposed jail and courthouse in Southeast Georgetown, according to a county news release.

What residents need to know: The come-and-go events will not have a formal agenda or presentation. Both will take place at the Williamson County EMS North Campus at 3189 S.E. Inner Loop.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, the listening session will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and on Thursday, Aug. 27, residents can attend the event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The history: Commissioners originally purchased 255 acres of land in southeast Georgetown on May 19 to house a new centralized justice center.

While officials say the location would allow for efficient government services, near the new administration building and other government buildings, residents have raised concerns over its proximity to schools and neighborhoods.

The Texas Education Agency released public school accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 14.

"We use [A-F ratings] as a way to evaluate our own performance as adults, and then build action plans so that the way that we run our schools next year can be even better than last year," Education Commissioner Mike Morath said during an Aug. 14 news conference.

The overview: Across the state, 85% of campuses received a C rating or higher, which is considered “acceptable" academic performance.

Schools are rated based on three criteria: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.

Zooming in: At least one district, Austin ISD, is at risk of being taken over by the TEA after two of its middle school campuses received their fifth consecutive failing grades this year. State law requires the agency to shutter those campuses or take control of the district.

Any potential state-mandated closures or takeovers will not happen immediately, as districts with concerns about their ratings have through Sept. 11 to appeal scores to the TEA.