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Bastrop ISD aims for balanced budget amidst 'irregular lull' in enrollment

As Bastrop ISD administrators continue crafting a budget proposal for the 2026-27 financial year, updated projections for enrollment and clarification about legislative impacts paint a clearer picture of the district's path forward.

In a nutshell: Mike White, the district's chief financial officer, shared a budget outlook for the upcoming budget year in an April 21 board meeting and April 28 board workshop. He said the district will receive about $700,000 less in hold harmless funding related to an increase of the homestead exemption, but the budget was expected to be bolstered by one-time infusions of cash.

Amid a slowdown of enrollment, he presented potential budget options that include a 1% compensation increase at the midpoint, which would fit into a balanced budget alongside state-mandated compensation increases for teachers under HB 2.

The details: Because the district's demographic update from Zonda Education showed an "irregular lull" in student enrollment growth, the district is planning its 2026-27 budget on a "no growth" scenario, White said. This includes about a 15% reduction in nonclassroom and nonpayroll departments.
 
now open
Hartwell Performance Automotive opens in former A Plus space

Bastrop drivers have a new option for auto repairs, diagnostics and maintenance at Hartwell Performance Automotive.

What they offer: Mason Stratton opened Hartwell Performance Automotive, providing a variety of services for domestic and imported vehicles, including:

  • Air conditioning and heating repair
  • Battery testing and replacement
  • Brake repair and replacement
  • Engine diagnostics
  • Oil change services
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Steering system repair
  • Suspension repair
  • Transmission services
  • Tune-up services

What else? Nearly a month in, Stratton said business is ramping up, and he's already working on renovations to the lounge and office.

"They were both very outdated," Stratton said, adding that he plans to offer free refreshments.
  • Opened March 23
  • 301 Industrial Blvd., Bastrop
 

YOUR WEEKEND TO-DO LIST

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Williamson County Art Guild “Big Picture Show” reception

20th annual Pioneer Day

May 1, 5-7 p.m.
Georgetown

May 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Round Rock

More info

More info

 

Heritage Home Tour

BookSpring Fest

May 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
San Marcos

May 2, noon-5 p.m.
Austin

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

CI Texas
Parents, lawmakers say Camp Mystic’s license should be suspended. Health officials say their hands are tied.

Following hours of emotional testimony April 28, Texas lawmakers grilled state health officials about why they had not suspended the operating license of a Hill Country summer camp where 25 campers and two counselors died in a July 4 flood.

The details: Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said her team was reviewing Camp Mystic’s application for a renewed license and investigating multiple complaints against the camp, noting that the agency did not have the unilateral authority to suspend or revoke a camp’s license.

Rep. Drew Darby, a San Angelo Republican who authored camp safety legislation during a special session last summer, disagreed.

"The Legislature acted with specific intent to establish nonnegotiable safety standards, eliminate agency discretion and ensure no procedural mechanism could be used to keep a dangerous camp operating," Darby said April 28.

The background: State law requires that all Texas summer camps develop and annually update comprehensive emergency plans, set up warning systems to notify campers if something is wrong, Community Impact previously reported.

 

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