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Lakeway projected to have $1.6 million shortfall for upcoming fiscal year

Lakeway is projected to have a $1.6 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year as revenues are down by 5.5%, equalling $19.5 million, while expenditures have increased by nearly 6% at $21.1 million, Lakeway City Manager Joseph Molis said at a June 15 City Council meeting.

The overview: The city has historically built its budget around development growth, as the ongoing decline in high value developments is a major contributor to the decrease in revenues, Molis said.

In 2021, $2.9 million from development contributed to 20% of Lakeway’s operating revenue, yet today that number is at $750,000, or 6% of operating revenue.

“We were in a period of high growth and now we need to adjust for that,” Molis said.

The details: Three strategic options were presented to the council to improve the balance. The city can increase revenue by adjusting tax rates, fees and pursuing new revenue sources.

Improving tax base productivity may also decrease the shortfall by supporting development or redevelopment that expands the tax base and generates long term revenue.
 
coming soon
Little Spark Studio opening on Fitzhugh Road in Austin

Little Spark Studio, a children’s creative studio, is celebrating its grand opening on June 27 at its Fitzhugh Road location in Austin.

The overview: Little Spark Studio is a creative space for children offering open craft hours, themed events and birthday parties.

The studio offers curated party packages that include a complete setup and cleanup, goodie bags for each guest, a take-home craft, access to the foam play pit and a customized digital invite.

The details: The grand opening event on June 27 includes a craft, meeting a princess, exploring the studio, access to the foam pit and a popsicle. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on the Little Spark Studio website.

  • Opening June 27

  • 13617 Fitzhugh Road, Austin
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Juneteenth celebrations

Yoga on the Plaza

June 19
Austin, Leander and Pflugerville

June 20, 8-9 a.m.
Round Rock

More info

More info

 

Blue Flame Cruisers Car and Motorcycle Show

ScareWaves Movie Night

June 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bastrop

June 21, 7:30 p.m..
Austin

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

CI Texas
Federal court: Texas migrant arrest law can take effect as case continues

Texas’ sweeping immigration enforcement law can take effect for now, a federal appeals court ruled May 29.

The background: Senate Bill 4 gives Texas officials the unprecedented authority to arrest and deport migrants suspected of crossing the Texas-Mexico border illegally. State lawmakers passed the measure in late 2023, and it has largely been tied up in court since.

The latest: In an unpublished order May 29, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed SB 4 to take effect as the case continues, lifting a lower court order that had blocked portions of the law. 

What they're saying: In a joint statement, a trio of civil rights groups decried the May 29 decision as “disappointing and out of step with the Constitution,” saying that they would continue to fight the law in court.

Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the order as a “major border security victory.” State agencies have not detailed their plans to arrest, detain or deport migrants under SB 4.

 

Your local team

Darcy Sprague
Managing Editor

Taylor Stover
General Manager

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