City of Marble Falls

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

The city of Marble Falls and downtown merchants support a revitalization plan for a corner on Main Street, but some business owners differ sharply with planners on what it should look like.

The Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation board of directors on Feb. 18 approved allocating $20,000 for the 209 Main Plaza project in the southeast corner of Third and Main Street. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials denied a special events permit application Feb. 7 based on traffic plan and timeline disagreements for the Adult Soapbox Classic, while planners were in the midst of organizing the 11th annual event scheduled in April.

The denial was given to event organizer Shannon Heep from Marble Falls Police Chief Mark Whitacre in the form of a letter, which included a “right to appeal” process. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Business representatives of the Lampasas-based Putters and Gutters Fun Center have confirmed plans for a Marble Falls location to include a 20-lane bowling alley, miniature golf course, skating rink, arcade, eatery and live music venue, officials said.

“Marble Falls has needed and wanted children's activities for a very long time,” said Business Development Coordinator Midge Dockery of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Two business owners expressed concerns at Marble Falls City Council Jan. 21 about the annual Adult Soapbox Classic, which they say obstructs potential customer foot traffic and at times forces them to close up shop due to street closures.

The owners of a consignment store and confectioneries shop – both located on Main Street – appeared before the council prior to the body's vote on agenda items approving hotel/motel occupancy tax (HOT) funding for entities including $10,000 in for the derby event. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A preliminary financial summary of the city of Marble Falls revealed that the municipality is still feeling the repurcussions of the October 2018 flood, which caused millions of dollars in damage to private and public property including infrastructure.

On Jan. 21, the Marble Falls City Council heard a report from Finance Director Baron Sauls on the 2018-19 preliminary financial summary.

The budget totaled $11,445,187 with a beginning fund balance as of October 2018 of $1,796,701. …

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

First United Methodist Church spokesman Keith Russell explained to Marble Falls City Council members Jan. 21 how his congregants would prefer not to walk on so much water.

“It's a drainage concern. We have a lot of elderly people,” Russell said. “Our parking lot just becomes a flood zone.” …

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city leaders have refined drafted goals for 2020 and beyond with an emphasis on infrastructure, flood recovery and continued recreation upgrades and improvement, officials said.

“Every year city council and staff convene to conduct strategic planning for the upcoming year,” Mayor John Packer said. “This year, the priorities focused on ensuring quality service to the community through improved infrastructure, better streets and a great park system.” …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials have tabled a proposal to proceed with folding Los Escondidos subdivision into the city limits in light of state law prohibiting involuntary annexation and the smattering of development agreements among 38 lots.

“The council does agree it would be unfair for us to only access a portion of the lots. To have them come in and pay taxes and not have the others pay,” said City Manager Mike Hodge …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials vowed to address growing traffic concerns by a neighborhood fed up with speed and cut-through vehicles off FM 1431 and U.S. 281 into a historic district.

During the Dec. 3 regular meeting, several residents attended who live east of U.S. 281 in the Avenue E area of the city. …

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council approved refinancing of $4.405 million in debt at a lower interest rate as well as contracting with state-mandated bond counsel for legal purposes in handling bond investments.

The council voted unanimously to authorize the refunding and re-investment of a 2010 series of certificates of obligation (C.O.) following a presentation by financial advisors for the municipality, during the Dec. 3 regular council meeting. …