A supplement to the existing agreement for the Heritage Trail East project could see construction begin later this year, city staff said. 

What you need to know: Round Rock City Council will consider an supplement to its agreement with contractor Parkhill, Smith & Cooper Inc. for the engineering and plan updates to Heritage Trail East on July 23. 

The contract amount of $522,133 would be paid through city bonds, city documents show. 

How we got here: Planning for Heritage Trail East began in 2014, Atkins said, but a $6.3 million Texas Department of Transportation grant award required additional environmental work and a rework of designs to meet the increased scope. 

The supplemental contract would cover additional hours for land acquisition and other services provided by the contractor at "today's rates," Atkins said, as Parkhill, Smith & Cooper began working on the project over a decade ago. 

He said this agreement is one of the last steps before the project could move into the construction phase.

A new boutique bringing an homage to family history and partnerships with small vendors is set to open in Round Rock later this summer. 

What's new? Sweet Irene's, a boutique offering clothing for women and children, candles, jewelry and home decor with some stock supplied by local vendors will open in the city's downtown district in mid-August or early September, pending construction timelines. 

About the business: Locally owned by Melissa Moody, the boutique's name is a nod to her grandmother, Irene, a Dallas socialite. The interior will evoke old Hollywood glamour and Palm Springs, she said, with velvet curtains and upholstery, glass knobs and a feminine color palette. 

Once open, Moody said she plans to hold sip and shop nights to connect vendors and customers. 

 Catherine Totty began her role as the new Williamson County tax assessor-collector July 21, following Larry Gaddes’ resignation last month.

What happened: Williamson County commissioners swore in Totty at the July 21 Commissioners Court meeting.

Totty brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in banking, lending, financial services and operations.

“I look forward to working alongside the businesses as we continue the tradition of excellent service that the citizens of Williamson County have come to expect,” Totty said. “Together, we build on that foundation by providing professional, efficient and responsive service to every resident we have the privilege to serve.”

What’s next: Totty will fill the role until the November election.

The executive committees of the local Democratic and Republican parties will nominate a candidate 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.

In case you missed it: Commissioners accepted Larry Gaddes’ resignation June 12, after nine years with the county.

A new subdivision in Leander, off-campus student housing in Austin, and a pair of oil change spots are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. 900 West 23rd: This project involves the new construction of off-campus student housing.

2. Glory Hill Subdivision ($3.5 million): Glory Hill Subdivision is a new construction project in Leander for 43 single-family lots on 15.45 acres.

3. Brushy Creek MUD Sewer Capacity Project ($1.9 million): This project involves the installation of 3,000 linear feet of 12" sewer line, crossing through an existing accessible parking space located at Brushy Creek North Park.

4. Jiffy Lube ($1.8 million): This project includes the construction of a commercial building for use as a 2,226 square-foot Jiffy Lube.

5. Valvoline ($1.4 million): A 3,447 square-foot Valvoline Instant Oil Change is planned for Austin.