Texas State University will purchase a 128 acre tract of property in San Marcos as part of a conservation effort around Sink Creek.

What you need to know: The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved the land purchase for $4.5 million Nov. 20, allowing the university to take ownership of an ecologically sensitive area and continue efforts to preserve it. Acquiring the property is part of a commitment to environmental stewardship on behalf of Texas State University, per a release shared by the system.

The details: The property is located northeast of Spring Lake and Spring Meadows, adjacent to the Spring Lake Natural Area, a city of San Marcos-owned park protected for several environmental features. 

What they're saying: Being located within the Sink Creek Watershed provides an opportunity for students to further study local ecology, said Robert Mace, director of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.

A Local Automotive repair shop is coming to Kyle in 2026.

The details: The locally owned and operated shop will offer brake work, oil changes, electrical work and more, according to owner Brad Hullum.

What else? Hullum opened a Local Automotive in Buda on Nov. 10, located at 3950 FM 967, Ste. 100.

• 309 Veterans Drive, Kyle

The city of Bastrop wants a Texas State University campus or satellite instructional center within the community. 

The details: Dori Kelley, business attraction, retention and expansion manager for the Bastrop Economic Development Corp., cited that the Texas State University System has previously expressed interest in expanding its footprint in Central Texas. 

“Bastrop’s unique combination of historic charm, rapid population growth and economic expansion makes it an ideal location for consideration as a potential satellite instructional center or full campus,” she said in a staff report. 

Zooming in: During a Nov. 18 meeting, Bastrop City Council will vote on whether to allow Mayor Ishmael Harris to send a letter of support to Brian McCall, chancellor of the Texas State University System.

This year, voters in communities across Texas were skeptical of local property tax hikes and supportive of larger tax breaks for homeowners and businesses, results from the Nov. 4 election show.

The overview: Voters in Community Impact’s coverage areas approved just over half of the local bond propositions and tax rate elections on the November ballot, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Statewide, 40% of tax rate elections and 45.9% of bond propositions passed, according to Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and property tax policy writer.

Zooming in: Cities, counties, school districts and other local government entities use funding from tax hikes to build new schools and facilities; hire educators and first responders; and maintain local infrastructure. However, amid high inflation nationwide, more Texas residents are tightening their belts and asking local officials to do the same, fiscal policy experts told Community Impact.

Local governments whose tax hikes were shot down are now grappling with how to make cuts while maintaining essential services, Community Impact reporting shows.