ATX-BAS: Impact 11/11/2025

From Bastrop city officials launching a new department to a $1.7 million street rehabilitation contract, here's the latest government-related news impacting Bastrop County.

City launches Discover Bastrop, questions efficacy of EDC
Bastrop officials are sharpening their focus on tourism and community storytelling through a new department called Discover Bastrop.

Bastrop officials deny rezoning request for Pecan Street fourplexes
Bastrop City Council denied a rezoning request for a proposed development at 1005 Pecan St. during a regular meeting Oct. 21.

Bastrop approves $1.7 million street rehabilitation contract
Bastrop City Council approved an approximately $1.7 million construction contract with Texas Materials Group for the rehabilitation of Childers Drive, Farm Street, Linden Street and Water Street during a special meeting Oct. 14.

Smokey Mo’s BBQ is now serving up slow-smoked brisket, turkey, pork and more for Bastrop residents in the Burleson Crossing shopping center.

The details: The location—which offers dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering—marks the 22nd in Texas.

The why: “Expanding into Bastrop is a meaningful move as we continue scaling with purpose,” Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s BBQ, said in a previous statement. “This community is growing fast, especially with its emergence as a tech hub east of Austin, and it aligns perfectly with our model.”

The cost: Construction began in late July and was estimated to cost $650,000, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• 707 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 124, Bastrop

A golf tournament presented by The PGA Tour and Good Good Golf will take place at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa’s Fazio Canyons Course on Nov. 9-15, according to a news release.

The overview: The inaugural Good Good Championship will be broadcast on NBC’s Golf Channel, taking place during the FedExCup Fall at Omni Barton Creek.

The event will feature a field size of 120 players, with 500 FedExCup points awarded to the winner.

The details: “The PGA TOUR is proud to return to the great City of Austin for the first time since 2023 for the Good Good Championship, an exciting new event as part of the FedExCup Fall,” said Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR chief competitions officer in the news release. “We are pleased to partner with Good Good Golf and Omni Hotels & Resorts on this unique event as the PGA TOUR further connects and engages with our game’s younger fans.”

Gov. Greg Abbott announced his bid for a fourth gubernatorial term Nov. 9, laying out an ambitious six-pronged plan to make “out-of-control property taxes finished in Texas.”

The details: Abbott's goals include eliminating property taxes charged by public school districts, which make up the majority of an average homeowner’s property tax bill. Some conservative groups and lawmakers pushed for an end to school property taxes during recent state legislative sessions.

The governor’s plan to limit local tax increases includes:

• Limiting annual local government spending
• Requiring approval from two-thirds of local voters for all tax hikes
• Allowing local residents to petition for an election to roll back tax rates
• Requiring property appraisals to occur once every five years
• Capping appraisal increases at 3% per year, down from 10% today
• Asking voters to eliminate school property taxes