ATX-LLH: Impact 10/2/2025

Liberty Hill ISD is seeking to generate $10.7 million in additional revenue through asking voters to approve a $0.07 tax rate increase.

The overview: At a Sept. 15 board meeting, district officials presented the results of a financial efficiency audit ahead of LHISD’s voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, Nov. 4. The third-party audit found the district received less per-student funding and had a lower maintenance and operations, or M&O, tax rate than its peer districts and the state average.

What they're saying: “Your peers have a higher tax rate, generally, and so with the election you would bring your tax rate closer in line with that and then that would help offset the funding gap that you’re seeing,” said Leo Lopez, chief financial officer for independent financial auditing firm Moak Casey.

The impact: If the VATRE is approved, the higher tax rate would allow LHISD to generate $10.7 million in additional revenue that could go toward student programs, safety and security initiatives, and teacher retention and recruitment.

Leander and Cedar Park gained several new options for dining, shopping and exercise. Here is a roundup of some recent business news in the region.

Now open
The All Good
The new neighborhood bar offers more than 20 beer and wine varieties on tap, many from local Austin breweries. The bar will also serve 10 signature cocktails, including the Mex-spresso Martinez—made with Dulce Vida Tequila, cold brew nitro coffee, simple syrup and Cantera Negra Café. In addition to a full drink menu, JABS food truck will also provide smashburgers.

• Opened Sept. 26
• 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 500, Cedar Park

• Opened Sept. 26
• 2450 Hwy. 183, Leander

Thousands of music fans will gather at Zilker Park for the Austin City Limits Music Festival, taking place Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 10-12.

What you need to know: Zilker Park is closed to public access Sept. 22-Oct. 19, with road closures nearby. Expect lane reductions or full closures on Stratford Drive, Barton Springs Road, Jessie Street, Azie Morton Road, Stephen F. Austin Drive, Veterans Drive, Rollingwood Drive, and eastbound Bee Cave Road. Limited or shuttle-only access will also be in effect on streets near the park.

The city’s transportation and public works department has an interactive street closure map to view road closure and lane reduction schedules. Parking will be restricted, with several Zilker lots closed through Oct. 19. Limited parking is available at Butler Shores, Riverside Drive, Veterans Drive, and Polo Field. Heavy congestion is expected near MoPac.

What else? Cyclists should anticipate dense pedestrian traffic. Barton Creek Greenbelt, Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and Barton Springs Pool—south gate only—remain open.

Williamson County will be under a burn ban for up to 90 days due to drought conditions, following commissioner approval Sept. 30.

The details: While the burn ban is in effect, residents may not burn combustible materials, including leaves, grass, brush and trees, outside of an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks. Violations are punishable with a fine of up to $500.

The order will be in effect for 90 days unless lifted earlier by the commissioners or County Judge Steve Snell if drought conditions improve.

The cause: Drought conditions, especially on the east side of the county, have contributed to high and very high fire danger risk this week, Williamson County Fire Marshal Mike Lugo said at the meeting.

“We’re trying to stay ahead of the fire risk [and] fire danger,” Lugo said.