Marble Falls City Council

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. …

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A new finance director with an extensive background in civil service has joined the ranks of the city of Marble Falls.

On Dec. 3 during a regular city council meeting, officials announced the hiring of Baron Sauls to oversee the finance department. His official first day is Jan. 7, however, he has already started familiarizing himself with his duties and co-workers. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials indicated Nov. 19 they may work with property owners, in particular the John Kemper family, to delay and/or modify a plan to potentially annex several acres of land into the city limits.

City staff has proposed annexation of 64 acres of Kemper's property, which includes a two-acre homestead tract, located south of Lake Marble Falls on the eastern portion of the city limits.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls Housing Authority officials announced the impending dissolution of the entity, as council members approved an agreement Nov. 19 which would allow the Burnet Housing Authority program to oversee the administrative operations for local clients.

Marble Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Mark Mayfield spoke before the Marble Falls City Council with announcements about the potential future of the federally-subsidized housing authorities in Marble Falls and Burnet.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council debated Nov. 19 how to proceed with newly-passed state law which limits a municipality's ability to prohibit construction materials based on aesthetics.

Following passage by state lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott's signature during the 86th Texas Legislature, HB 2439 became law in September, prompting cities to scramble to align their codes to match the mandate. State lawmakers based the law on national building standards geared towards health and safety regulation.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council approved applying for matching grants funding two bridge crossing projects and a crossing emergency warning system to mitigate issues on city streets prone to flooding.

The FEMA grant request –- involving proposed bridges at low-water crossings on Avenue N and Nature Heights – was made Nov. 5 by Marble Falls Fire Rescue Chief Russell Sander during the regular meeting.