Rice Stop is officially open in Hutto, serving authentic Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.

The details: The restaurant held its soft opening on June 18. Rice Stop aims to bring authentic flavors with dishes including staples like egg rolls, orange chicken, lo mein, banh mi, and fried rice or vermicelli bowls.

Rice Stop also offers a variety of boba tea options, such as classic milk teas, fruit-infused teas, and specialty drinks with customizable toppings like tapioca pearls, grass jelly, or fruit jellies.

• Opened June 18

• 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto

Pflugerville ISD is slated to see a $15.6 million budget shortfall in 2026-27, following the board of trustees' adoption of the budget June 18. 

Breaking it down: PfISD's general fund budget is projected to consist of $296.8 million worth of revenues against $311.4 million worth of expenditures and $1 million in other uses, resulting in the $15.6 million shortfall.

What else? The food service budget proposes $16.3 million in revenues and $16.1 million in expenditures, resulting in a surplus of $173,000. The debt service budget includes $86.2 million in expenditures and $86.6 million in revenues, resulting in a surplus of $429,000.  

Some context: Some of the assumptions that went into the 2026-27 budget projections included an enrollment of 24,521 students and an unchanged tax rate of $1.1069. 

Stay tuned: The board will receive the certified property values from the appraisal district in July and, after a public hearing is held, will adopt the tax rate in August once the rate is calculated. 

Williamson County commissioners will appoint a new tax assessor-collector for the county following the retirement of Larry Gaddes.

The county is currently accepting applications for the position.

What happened: Commissioners accepted Gaddes’ resignation at a June 9 meeting, after nine years with the county. He is one of nine tax assessor-collectors in Texas to earn the designation of certified tax administrator, according to county documents.

Gaddes will take on a new role as deputy executive director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, according to a county news release.

How it works: The commissioners will interview candidates and appoint a new person to fill the role until the November 2026 election. Those interested in the role can apply by sending a resume and qualifications to [email protected].

The executive committees of the local Democratic and Republican parties will vote to nominate an individual to place on the November ballot. Voters will then decide on a new Williamson County tax assessor-collector who will serve a term until Dec. 31, 2028.

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area June 15-18. 

1. The Lodge Card Club reopens in Round Rock

2. Hays County denies agreement with 340-acre development over Edwards Aquifer recharge zone

3. Sweet Lemon Kitchen owner brings cafe to Georgetown's new entertainment district

4. 5 things to know: Bastrop data centers, SpaceX incentives and more

5. Austin Public Library postpones reopening, closure of 2 branches

6. Corral Prime Meat Market now open in New Braunfels