City of Marble Falls

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

As businesses adjust to phase 1 of re-opening the economy, Marble Falls city officials have provided guidance on the 25 percent occupancy limit, while encouraging merchants “to police themselves.”

Building official Mike Ingalsbe explained how he received half a dozen calls from businesses, prior to the May 1 allowance by the state for partial opening to determine how to go about following the rules. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Business owners and economic development officials noticed a rekindled interest by visitors to the downtown Marble Falls area May 1, as efforts got underway to re-open shopping venues.

“This is the day I feel like everybody is coming back to life,” shop owner Cheryl Westerman said. “We all need to have something to inspire us to get to that next level of 'What do we do now?'”

Westerman is the owner/operator of Ms. Lollipop's Party, Fun & Gifts, 302 Main Street. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council members narrowly passed approval of additional funding and budget adjustments for upgrades, new amenities and repair projects for a phase 1A parks package, during the April 21 regular meeting.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council members April 21 approved extending the municipality's disaster declaration through May 19 but not without some discussion about COVID-19 statistics and the impact of state-mandated restrictions on local businesses.

The resolution passed by a 6-1 vote at the regular meeting which was held by teleconference, due to measures to promote “social distancing” aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. …

Kelly McDuffie/Contributing Photographer
Every aspect of the Friday, April 17, Community Concert Series, including sound equipment, musical talent, videos and venue space at the Hampton Inn in Marble Falls. The public was invited to float over to the venue and listen to the live music on their boats on Lake Marble Falls. Hosts also encouraged donations to the Highland Lakes Crisis Network which assists those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Performers included, from left, Pauline Reese, Brandon Alan, George Gurganus, Jessa Myer, john Arthur martinez and Chris Reeves.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls economic development leaders forged ahead April 15 with downtown project work as state officials signaled the potential end to the pandemic crisis in the next several weeks.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced April 13 that he would begin a gradual rollout of the re-opening of the state's economy in mid May. Local officials have kept crews working in anticipation of the end of coronavirus restrictions which closed businesses and venues. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city and emergency management officials provided an update on coronavirus statistics, protocols and recommendations April 7 during a regular city council meeting.

Fire Chief Russell Sander, who is also the municipality's emergency management coordinator, shared that Burnet County has posted its sixth confirmed COVID-19 positive test since mid-March. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials discussed potential local enforcement of violations of Gov. Gregg Abbott's orders restricting operations of certain businesses as well discussed merchant adherence to social distancing requirements in the governor's decree.

The update was provided during the April 7 regular city council meeting which was conducted in teleconference call format as one of the options allowed by the state during COVID-19 restrictions.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

With the approval of the city council March 26, the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation (EDC) approved assigning the entity's finance committee to coordinate a $100,000 small business loan program for qualified merchants devastated by safety requirements connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EDC, which operates on sales tax dollars, will make $88,000 available via an existing emergency fund, supplemented with an additional $12,000 potentially provided through the entity's Community Leverage Funds program.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials will work with First United Methodist Church for possible solutions to water runoff issues onto the grounds which posed a safety hazard to the congregation and visitors to the facility.

City staff met with church representatives recently in light of problems officials reported having with stormwater drainage from city streets onto their property, 1101 Bluebonnet Dr. …