Some Hutto ISD employees may qualify for a future pilot program to incentivize administrators, as district staff works to plan the district's financial future ahead of the 2026-27 budget year. 

In a nutshell: In an April budget update, HISD Chief Financial Officer Caleb Steed said the district expects to meet its financial goal of a balanced budget for the 2026-27 financial year, following district-wide budget reductions and amid higher property values. 

The specifics: While home values have decreased on average, Steed said commercial and multifamily property values have grown, increasing expected revenues by about $5 million. He said his department is also planning compensation increases for certain positions, as well as a first-time program to incentivize campus performance by rewarding administrators. 

Because the district originally planned for a flat budget, where expenses and revenues were the same as the year before, the additional funding will turn a projected $3.5 million shortfall into a balanced budget, where revenues and expenses are equal. 

Concerts, festivals, fundraisers and more are lined up for Pflugerville, Hutto and the surrounding area. Check out this list of 17 events.

7th Annual Hippo Stampede 5K: The Hutto Women’s Alliance will host its annual 5K fundraising event, meant to help provide Hutto High School seniors with scholarships. The race will take place at Adam Orgain Park, suitable for both runners and those who choose to walk. Top finishers will receive placement medals and special recognition.

• April 25, 7:30-8:20 a.m.

Enchanted Pforest Renaissance Pfair: Hanovers in Pflugerville will host a renaissance fair featuring games, live performances, costume contests and a market with unique artisan vendors.

• May 17, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Check out the latest upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects around the Austin metro.

Ongoing projects
Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction
Project: The project will improve the storm drain system in part of the Oak Knoll neighborhood to reduce the risk of flooding. 
Update: According to Austin Capital Delivery Services, crews will next install storm drains along Woodcrest Drive and Columbia Oaks Court, during which time a 24-hour flagger station on Columbia Oaks Drive and J. Gregg Cove will be set up to control traffic.

• Timeline: 2025-27

• Cost: $9 million

• Funding source: city of Austin 2018 bond

Completed projects 
CARTS boosts metro-bound Bastrop County routes to cut traffic, emissions
Bastrop County commuters gained new transit options March 2 with the launch of two regional bus routes culminating in downtown Austin: one connecting Bastrop and Smithville, and the other connecting Georgetown and Round Rock. Riders can park at CARTS Park & Ride locations and take coach buses into Austin, offering an alternative to driving and downtown parking.

Child care scholarships, after-school care and other efforts are underway to grow a voter-approved initiative to provide more affordable child care for low-income families in Travis County.

The big picture: In 2024, voters approved increasing the county's tax rate to generate $75 million for Raising Travis County. So far, the county has awarded more than $28 million to the Workforce Solutions Capital Area nonprofit, local school districts and other community organizations.

An additional $17 million in child care contracts is set to go before the Travis County Commissioner Court for approval.

Current situation: The county has awarded $17.34 million to Workforce Solutions Capital Area to cover 1,000 child care scholarships annually for children up to 3 years old. The organization has also received $4.16 million for quality improvements, including teacher raises or curriculum, Meunier said.

Looking ahead: Travis County is seeking to offer contracted slots by paying child care providers to reserve seats for low-income families. The county also plans to assist providers in offering child care during nontraditional working hours.

Nearly eight months after a Democratic walkout over congressional redistricting, a GOP-led Texas House committee moved to charge 52 of their Democratic colleagues up to $8,354.25 each in fines.

What happened: After six hours behind closed doors, the House Administration Committee approved the fines in a brief public session April 10. The panel's six Republicans voted to impose the fines, while the five Democrats voted against them.

The background: Over 50 House Democrats left the state in early August to fight a plan to redraw Texas’ congressional boundaries. They remained out of Texas for two weeks, impeding the progress of legislation during two special legislative sessions, although the congressional map and more than a dozen other bills ultimately passed after the Democrats returned to Austin.

Something to note: The fines were reduced by $1,000 per person to reflect two days when the House was not in session, lawmakers said. Some Democrats were also charged lower amounts because they did not participate in the full two-week walkout or their absences were partially excused.