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Fresh Coat Painters of Bastrop and San Marcos began serving homeowners and business owners in January with customized interior and exterior painting services.

Meet the owner: Owner James Burkhart, who was born in San Marcos and now lives in Bastrop, said both communities are personal to him.

“I spent a good portion of my youth at my grandparents' house [in San Marcos],” he said. “Every street I drive down there brings back a memory of being in the car with them.”

What they offer: Burkhart and his team help residential and commercial property owners refresh high-traffic interior areas, trim, doors, siding and exterior features that can affect curb appeal—which Burkhart said is huge.

The business serves the following locations:

• Bastrop

• Dale

• Lockhart

• Martindale

• Maxwell

• Paige

• Red Rock

• San Marcos

Notable quote: “I want us to be a part of helping our neighbors invest in their properties,” he said. “Anyone can put paint on a wall, but taking the time to properly prep surfaces and deliver a clean, professional finish is what makes the difference.”

Residents and commuters will now have access to a website that provides updates on projects in the Hays County Road Improvements Program.

A closer look: The Central Texas and Hays County region has experienced exponential growth, and county officials said improvements are needed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow. Projects in this program focus on improving existing roadways and planning for future infrastructure needs, Transportation Director Aaron Jones said in a news release.

Quote of note: “We are working to provide as much information to our communities as possible,” said Jones in the news release. “The County is committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process and sharing project information as it becomes available.”

San Marcos residents, business owners and stakeholders in the community are invited to participate in city-led town halls discussing the city's fiscal year 2026-27 budget.

The approach: The meetings will allow the public to learn about the city’s budget process and share feedback on what community investments should be prioritized, according to a news release.
The FY 2026-27 budget will include line items allocated towards public safety, infrastructure, parks and utilities.

“We want to hear from the people who call San Marcos home,” said Mayor Jane Hughson in the news release.

The 90-minute sessions will include presentations on the proposed budget and an overview of key priorities. All three meetings will include the same information, according to the release.

The town halls will take place on:

• May 26 at 12 p.m. on Zoom
• June 3 at 6 p.m. at the San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
• June 8 at 6 p.m. at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee St., San Marcos

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro. 

Upcoming projects
MoPac South expansion
Project: The project features a number of express lanes along the 8.7-mile stretch from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane in Austin, alongside shared-use paths and pedestrian crossings, according to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Update: Public comment on the proposed project closed May 3. West Lake Hills and Rollingwood officials issued a conditional letter of support for the project in April.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: $825 million
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: 2025-27
• Cost: $7 million
• Funding source: city of Leander certificates of obligation bonds