During a Sept. 15 meeting, the Buda City Council adopted its fiscal year 2026-27 budget, raising the tax rate and expected property tax payments for an average home.

The gist: The approved $57.28 million budget continues city investment in areas including public safety, water supply and infrastructure, streets, parks and operations, according to a Buda news release.

Diving deeper: The council approved a property tax rate of $0.3895 per $100 of taxable value, a $0.0319 per $100 increase from FY 2025-26.

The tax rate increase was driven by a decline in assessed taxable property values and the city’s rising debt service obligations related to capital investments, such as the voter-approved 2021 General Obligation Bonds, according to the release.

A closer look: Qualified voters in Buda have the opportunity to petition the adopted rate, requiring an election to be held to determine if the rate should be reduced.

If the majority of voters reject the tax rate, the city would adopt the voter-approval tax rate of $0.3895 per $100 of taxable value, according to agenda documents.

Popular boot and workwear brand Timberland will soon be opening a new location in the San Marcos Premium Outlets.

The whole story: The company, known for its iconic waterproof leather boots, will be opening a second San Marcos outlet location. The new store will be just across the street from the existing business, located in the Tanger Outlets.

An opening date for the store has not been announced, but the San Marcos Premium Outlets has included the new location on its website.

Also of note: In addition to the classic, durable boots made for outdoor use, Timberland offers workwear and apparel for men and women.

• Opening TBD

• San Marcos Premium Outlets, 3939 N. I-35, San Marcos

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation project updates.

Completed projects
I-35 Capital Express Central: MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge Segment
Project: The project included reconstruction and widening of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over I-35 in Austin, adding sidewalks, shade structures, a safety barrier, and rebuilt I-35 entrance and exit ramps in both directions.

Update: The bridge is now fully operational, as two lanes reopened in each direction in early August. Crews are finishing shared-use paths and wider sidewalks.

• Timeline: 2024-26

• Cost: $34.4 million

• Funding source: TxDOT and CAMPO

Ongoing projects

Spicewood Springs Road Regional Mobility Project

Project: The project includes widening the two-lane road in Austin into a four-lane road with left-turn bays, pedestrian and bicycle shared-use paths, and improving the storm drain system.

Update: An August update stated that weather-related delays pushed the project's substantial completion from late 2026 to summer 2027. Starting in September, work will be underway on shared-use pathways on both sides of Spicewood Springs Road.

• Timeline: 2023-27

• Cost: $31 million

• Funding source: city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond

To cast votes for a U.S. senator, governor, state attorney general and dozens of other races during the Nov. 3 midterm election, Texans must ensure they are registered to vote or have submitted an application by Oct. 5.

How it works: To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Reside in the county they apply to vote in

• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day

• Not have been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court

Getting registered: Eligible Texans must submit a paper voter registration application by Oct. 5. The online form must be printed, signed and mailed to the applicant's local elections office.

One more thing: Voters who are already registered have through Oct. 5 to update their name or address, if needed.

Some voters may appear on the state "suspense" list if local officials cannot confirm their address, although they will still be able to vote in the election.

More information: Learn more about federal, state and local races at communityimpact.com/election.