The New Braunfels City Council approved a resolution on Feb. 9 to create the Botanical Farm Municipal Utility District, or MUD.

A MUD is a political subdivision of the state that allows developers to finance infrastructure—including water, wastewater, drainage and roads—through bonds repaid by property owners within the district. An elected board would govern the district and could levy taxes and fees to cover infrastructure costs and long-term maintenance, according to agenda documents.

What you need to know: The 250.25-acre tract is located in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction in Guadalupe County near Union Wine Road, Youngsford Road, FM 1044 and Elmons Road. The approval allows O Union Wine Rd LLC and Lennar Homes of Texas Land & Construction to move forward with establishing the district through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, according to agenda documents.

What’s next: The formation of the MUD begins following its approval from City Council, but the district must create a strategic and operational plan before it fully acts as a board, according to agenda documents.

New Braunfels ISD trustees approved a no-cost change order to extend the substantial completion date for Phase 2 construction at Long Creek High School at a meeting Feb. 9.

What happened: Voters approved funding for Phases 1 and 2 of the former Ninth Grade Center—now Long Creek High School—in November 2021. Phase 1 was completed in 2025; Phase 2 is nearing completion, according to agenda documents.

Permit delays and design changes pushed the substantial completion date from Jan. 4 to March 30, according to Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, the firm overseeing construction.

The adjustment will not result in additional costs, according to agenda documents.

Administrators said broadcast studio components were previously removed from the contract and may be reconsidered in the coming months. Any proposed additions would be brought back to the board for consideration at a later date, according to agenda documents.

The Hays County Commissioners Court approved the first countywide water study since 2011 at a Jan. 20 meeting. The study will help commissioners better understand the current water conditions in the county and plan for long-term sustainability that supports responsible water management.

Current situation: Significant growth in Hays County has increased development pressure over the last decade, according to the county. The region continues to face significant water challenges as the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District nears its first-ever Stage 4 drought.

The final results of the study are expected at the end of an 11-month period and will not exceed a cost of $542,360.

Looking ahead: The water study, to be conducted by HDR Engineers Inc., will combine updated data, flood assessments, infrastructure evaluations and community input to help guide county officials as they work to support growth and maintain healthy and sustainable water resources, according to the city.

The commissioners may also consider a moratorium proposed by Becerra on the approval of permits for new developments that use excessive amounts of water.

Shoppers at the San Marcos Premium Outlets will soon have a shop geared toward luxury leather products.

Overview: Cuadra is the newest retailer to finish out its brick-and-mortar location in the San Marcos outlets.

The retail business completed its building renovations and alterations on Feb. 16, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations filing.

What’s offered: The store sells boots, shoes, apparel and accessories made from exotic leather for both men and women. Specific products include:

• Dress shoes
• Sneakers
• Belts
• Wallets
• Handbags
• Jackets
• Vests

• Opening in late February
• 3939 N. I-35, Ste. 927, San Marcos