From new construction and development changes to data center bans and forensic audits, check out four government updates from across Hays County.

1. Construction to begin on new Buda park with swimming hole, trails: A new park situated on 40 acres of natural area along Onion Creek is expected to break ground in Buda this summer.

2. Kyle Vista Park no longer considered for Eastside Campus: On June 23, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to no longer consider Kyle Vista Park as a potential location for the approximately $65 million Eastside Campus administrative facility.

3. Kyle approves forensic audit amid $14.2M shortfall: The Kyle City Council approved a request for a forensic audit to evaluate any financial misconduct amid a $14.2 million budget shortfall with a 5-2 vote.

4. San Marcos council votes to prohibit data centers: The San Marcos City Council passed a final vote approving a multitude of amendments to the city’s Land Development Code and Design Manual, one of which places an absolute restriction on data centers.

Highland Homes, a single-family homebuilder founded in 1985, currently builds homes in 11 Austin-area neighborhoods. The company has started selling homes in a new section of the 6 Creeks housing development in Kyle.

The gist: The home builder now offers homes in the 6 Creeks development for 70-foot homesites, plots where the street-facing side spans 70 feet.

With prices starting in the $700,000s, Highland Homes offers 10 floor plans in the Kyle development, ranging from 2,756 to 4,438 square feet, with up to six bedrooms and five full bathrooms, according to a news release.

Diving deeper: In addition to the 70-foot homesites, Highland Homes currently offers homes designed for 45-foot, 55-foot and 60-foot homesites in the 6 Creeks development.

A model home for the 70-foot homesites is currently under construction and expected to open in August. The model home, along with a model home for the 55-foot homesites, will be located across from a second community amenity center expected to break ground in late 2026.

The Austin Community College district board of trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-27, keeping the district's tuition and mandatory fees unchanged for the 13th consecutive year and continuing to fund the college’s free tuition program.

The details: Under this budget, local students will continue to pay $67 per credit hour—or $85 including mandatory fees—while the out-of-district price is held at $201 per credit hour.

The budget also includes a 2% annual raise and a $1,700 one-time lump sum for full-time employees in addition to retaining the district's $23/hour minimum wage.

What they’re saying: The budget for FY 2026-27—which begins Sept. 1—is funded through state appropriations, property tax revenue, and tuition and fees, of which the first two are currently seeing shifts.

A New Braunfels music venue has filed for bankruptcy with the hope of supporting its long-term future.

What’s happening: Whitewater Amphitheater officials voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, according to a July 7 news release. The filing aims to provide the venue the time and flexibility to complete financial restructuring.

Whitewater Amphitheater owner William Korioth said the decision allows them to continue delivering live music that guests have come to expect.

“Our focus remains on our employees, our guests, our artists, our partners and preserving everything that has made Whitewater special,” Korioth said in the release. “We look forward to continuing to welcome fans to Whitewater as we position the company for long-term success.”

Additional information will be provided as appropriate during the restructuring process, the release states.

A storage facility and additions to Dessau Middle School in Austin, along with Costco renovations in Pflugerville, are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Tri-Supply Austin ($13.5 million): This project involves new construction for a warehouse and office spaces.

2. Driftwood Storage ($5.5 million): This project involves expanding an existing self-storage facility by adding seven single-story buildings.

3. Minimax and Max Express ($4 million): This project involves the construction of a new convenience store and car wash with related site work.

4. Dessau Middle School additions ($2.5 million): This project involves a multipurpose room addition with locker rooms and an office, connected to the existing campus.

5. Costco Renovations ($320,000): Improvements to the Pflugerville Costco food court will begin in September. The project includes the removal and replacement of fixtures and finishes.