Bastrop’s Flock camera policy could soon include additional safeguards and a shorter data retention period.

The overview: During an Aug. 11 meeting, Bastrop City Council directed staff to return with an updated Flock policy, including additional safeguards. City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said it would add “checks and balances,” comparing the goal to ensuring “the cashier isn’t also the one taking the money to the bank.”

What’s changing: On Aug. 13, Flock announced it cut its default data retention period from 30 days to seven. Bastrop Police Chief Vicky Steffanic told Community Impact the department follows Flock’s default retention period, meaning the shorter period will also be recommended as part of the update.

What we know: The city’s current policy requires searches to be tied to criminal investigations, prohibits facial recognition and bars use for citations and minor offenses. Officials have not detailed what other changes are under consideration.

What’s next: The updated policy is expected to return to City Council on Aug. 25.

Catch up on five stories you may have missed, including Bastrop ISD’s tax election, proposed solar fees and credits, challenges to data center permits, a new Cedar Creek sports complex and Bastrop’s hospital feasibility study.

1. Tax rate election: Bastrop ISD trustees called a voter-approval tax rate election Aug. 13 after adopting a $1.0809 tax rate for 2026-27, 1.3 cents above the current rate.

2. Solar rules: Bastrop solar customers could receive credits for excess electricity while paying a new monthly fee under rules advanced by City Council on Aug. 11.

3. Data center pushback: Residents are challenging two state stormwater permits tied to Cedar Creek data center projects, while county officials weigh expanded authority over large-scale industrial developments.

4. Sports complex: An 8.75-acre indoor-outdoor sports complex underway in Cedar Creek is expected to open in early 2027.

5. Hospital study: Bastrop is moving into a second phase of research examining the feasibility of bringing a full-service hospital to the city.

Check out the latest transportation updates across the Austin metro from local and state sources.

Upcoming: Bee Cave Parkway and Bee Cave Road pedestrian improvements
Project: Bee Cave Parkway and Bee Cave Road in Bee Cave will undergo pedestrian improvements, including the construction of signals, crosswalks, sidewalks and ADA curb ramps.
Update: The final package of design documents will be completed in August.

• Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in March 2027

• Cost: $1.06 million

• Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation and the Bee Cave Development Corporation

Ongoing: Austin Avenue vehicular bridges
Project: This project includes the reconstruction of two vehicular bridges crossing the San Gabriel River in Georgetown.
Update: The southbound Austin Avenue bridge decks were demolished starting in early June, and reconstruction will take approximately two months. The contractor will then do the northbound bridge decks.

• Timeline: 2024-27

• Cost: $12.8 million

• Funding sources: city of Georgetown, developer fees

Many Texas students began returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year in mid-August.

Here are five things Texans should know as the 2026-27 school year kicks off.

The details:

• 2026 school accountability ratings issued
• New rule impacts accountability-related school closures
• 100K students using new Texas Education Freedom Accounts
• Public school closures deepen across Texas
• Check out recent public education laws