Round Rock · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Round Rock public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Roadway Infrastructure Improvements
The council approved several change orders and interlocal agreements for local road projects, fiber optic expansion, and transit center repairs.
Water Infrastructure and Fire Station Land Acquisition
The city is updating real estate agreements with Nelson Homestead Family Partnership to secure land for a new water storage tank, pump station, and fire station. These projects are critical for expanding public safety and utility infrastructure to support growing neighborhoods.
New Public Safety and Utility Infrastructure Sites
Round Rock is expanding its footprint by securing land for a future fire station and a water storage tank/pump station.
FY 2027 City Budget and Tax Rate
The city is moving forward with a $684.1 million budget and a tax rate increase to 42.3 cents per $100 valuation, funding public safety staffing and voter-approved bond projects. The typical homeowner will see about an $11.64 monthly increase on their property tax bill.
2026 Property Tax Rate
The city is setting a maximum tax rate of 42.3 cents to cover rising costs for public safety and debt from past bonds.
Five-Year Funds Allocation Plan
The city approved a $349.4 million spending plan dedicated heavily to transportation improvements, economic growth, and parks across Round Rock over the next five years.
Historic Design Guidelines Update
The commission was scheduled to discuss updates to the guidelines that govern historic commercial and residential properties.
Traffic Safety at Chandler Creek and Kenney Fort
The city is installing a four-way stop at East New Hope Drive and Mayfield Ranch Boulevard after traffic studies showed it met safety warrants.
Data Center Development
A resident raised concerns about the impact of data centers on electricity and water usage, questioning the council's previous approval.
Historic Property Tax Exemption Program
The city offers a 75% tax break on city property taxes for historic homes, provided owners keep up with maintenance. The commission is cracking down on owners who repeatedly fail to fix issues like rotting wood or structural damage.
Emergency Preparedness
The city is updating its emergency operations plan and formalizing agreements to ensure they are reimbursed for helping with state-wide disasters.
Fire Department Staffing and Proposition B
Residents and union officials are pushing for higher staffing levels to meet national safety standards, while city leadership is concerned about the costs and potential legal issues of adding these requirements to the city charter.
Charter Amendment Election
Voters will decide on two charter amendments in May that were initiated by citizen petitions. The Council noted these were pushed by a billboard company.
Gattis School Road Commercial Development
A developer wants to build a small retail center on a 9-acre site that currently houses horse stables. Neighbors are worried about traffic and safety, but the city says the C2 zoning limits the types of businesses allowed to keep it neighborhood-friendly.