Marble Falls City Council

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council received an update May 5 regarding what FEMA and the Texas Municipal League have reimbursed for October 2018 flood damage and what remains to be assessed for eligibility.

City staff updated the council during a strategic retreat session, aimed at reviewing previous and setting new priorities for the municipality, following a regular city council meeting.

“Flood recovery is number one,” City Manager Mike Hodge said.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Boaters and swimmers on Lake Marble Falls will need to navigate a few new rules regarding where they can travel and play on the waterway.

On May 5, the Marble Falls City Council approved regulations for water goers adjacent to Lakeside Park designating a swimming area and “no boat zone.” …

Special to The Highlander
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on May 5 authorized the reopening of hair and nail salons, barber shops and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade.

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

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. …

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

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. …