Georgetown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Georgetown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Library Programs and Statistics
The library continues strong usage — about 372,000 visits last fiscal year — with youth and adult programs, an RFID tagging project underway, and a library building party planned for January 2027. A patron suggested the city consider a second library branch as Georgetown grows.
Belford Condominiums multifamily proposal near San Jose neighborhood
A developer wants to put about 150 condos in three buildings on 8 acres near S College and Pine Streets, next to the historic San Jose neighborhood. Staff says no, partly over the 55-foot building height and traffic through Pine Street. The commission's recommendation goes to City Council, which makes the final call.
Bluffview Public Improvement District Assessment Ordinance
The Heirloom PID moved to final steps: assessments were levied on properties in the district to repay bonds funding streets, utilities, drainage, and park improvements. No one spoke at the public hearing.
Southwestern University 560 & Customer Service Center Groundbreaking
The city is marking the start of a new development project involving Southwestern University and a new customer service center. This event celebrates community growth and improves future access to city services.
Serenity Ranch ETJ MUD consent agreement
A 112-acre mixed development east of I-35 near County Road 150 won first-reading approval 4-2 after a motion to deny failed. Supporters point to County Road 150 widening and a future arterial segment; critics question $61 million in MUD debt (about $57,000 per lot) and whether an ETJ project delivers real benefit to the city.
Wolf Ranch Parkway expansion and eminent domain
The city will widen Wolf Ranch Parkway from SH 29 to Rivery Boulevard, adding lanes, a raised median, turn lanes, a shared-use path, and a roundabout at Memorial Drive. After the Wolf Ranch HOA stopped responding to offers, the council authorized eminent domain 5-1 to acquire the needed land.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project Implementation
The city's 13-14 year old electric meter system is past its useful life and no longer supported. The council approved a $9.5 million contract with Landis & Gyr to swap out all 36,000 meters over two years, with about five minutes of power interruption per customer during exchange.
Downtown Sidewalk Cafe and Street Patio Pilot Program
Downtown restaurants could soon turn parking spaces in front of their businesses into street patios under a two-year pilot covering nine blocks. The council capped it at two patios per block (about 72 spaces citywide) to address parking concerns, with flat fees and a second reading still to come.
Accessory Structure Construction and Setback Exception at 308 E. University Avenue
Kendra and Scott Irvine are seeking approval for new accessory structures, fencing, and a 5-foot garage setback encroachment at their Old Town property. The site features a 2009 reconstruction of the historic Booty House alongside an 1890 detached garage.
Historic Home Expansion and Demolition at 1409 Olive Street
Nathan and Marietta Flood are requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for a garage addition, window replacements, and deck updates at their 1885 Folk Victorian home, which was once the residence of Judge Harry N. Graves. The project requires a 10-foot encroachment into the required garage setback.
Parmer Ranch Development Agreement Amendment (2026-2-DA)
An amendment to the Parmer Ranch development agreement proposes converting a 21.8-acre tract at Williams Drive and Parmer Ranch Boulevard from single-family residential to commercial and multi-family uses.
Arts and Culture Program Updates
The city is updating its arts and culture strategic plan with five draft goals: strengthening the Art Center, growing public art, developing the downtown cultural district, finding more arts spaces, and pursuing funding. The board will vote on the goals in July, with the full plan finalized by September.
FY2027 GTEC Budget and Administrative Services Contract
The board is set to elect its Vice Chair and Secretary, alongside reviewing its regular meeting schedule.
Economic Development Negotiations (Projects Hay, Pulse, and Z Star)
The corporation went into closed session to discuss a secret business prospect and possible incentive deal. If an incentive is offered, it could involve public money to attract or keep a company in Georgetown. The company's identity and the terms weren't disclosed.
Solid Waste Disposal Rate Adjustments
The city is reviewing adjustments to solid waste and recycling rates for residents and businesses to cover operational costs and maintain service quality. These changes will impact monthly utility bills across different customer tiers.
Facade Grant Fund
Property owner Tom Guyton is seeking Main Street facade grant assistance to repair historic stucco and wooden window frames on his building at 212 W. 7th Street. The project aims to preserve the historic exterior character of the downtown commercial property ahead of a planned November start date.
Police Promotional Examination Appeals
The Civil Service Commission is reviewing numerous candidate appeals for the Paramedic II promotional exam alongside a candidate disqualification. These decisions directly affect career advancement opportunities for local emergency medical personnel and ensure the integrity of civil service testing standards.
Downtown Facade Improvements at 212 W. 7th Street
The commission evaluated architectural changes and restoration proposals for commercial properties on South Austin Avenue and East University Avenue within historic overlay districts.
Cedar Hollow Waterline Replacement Project
A $1.28 million contract would move an aging wastewater main out of residents' backyards into Church Street, making it far easier and safer to maintain.
Parks Capital Improvement Program
The advisory board reviewed ongoing capital improvement projects and updates on the department's cost recovery process, ensuring alignment with community recreation needs and financial sustainability.
Exterior Renovation and Additions at 205 E. University Ave. (Texas Municipal Center)
The Texas Municipal League is undertaking a major renovation of the 1961 building at 205 E. University Ave., adding new facades and two additions while respecting the mid-century modern architecture. Local residents and officials support the thoughtful design, which promises to enhance the downtown district.
Ride GTX Transit Program
Council weighed changes to the Ride GTX microtransit service to manage rising costs, supporting service hour reductions, a fare increase from $4 to $5, and a monthly trip cap.
Woodside MUD Amendment and Sun City Expansion
Council approved expanding Sun City by 143 homes through a Woodside MUD amendment, sparking debate over whether the community's infrastructure can handle more residents.
FY 2026 Third Quarter Financial Review
The board reviewed budget revenues, sales tax collections, and capital improvement expenditures for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.
9th and Main Street Parking Garage Retail Space
GTEC expects to put roughly $20 million in 4B sales tax money toward a parking garage at 9th and Main Street downtown. The public hearing covered its eligibility for these funds.
Blue Hole Park Renovations and Operations
Council reviewed updated park designs incorporating lessons from recent floods, scaled-back parking to protect heritage trees, and stricter rules against portable grills and pop-up canopies.
Downtown Parking Capacity
Partnership with TMLIRP to construct a four-level parking garage with ground-floor retail space at 911 Main Street.
Small Business Support
Board members and staff reviewed recent business visits and outreach efforts to support local downtown merchants and shops.
Electric Utility Monthly Operations and Financial Performance
The utility reported fewer outages thanks to improved troubleshooting and maintenance, plus a strong safety streak — over 1,185 days without an OSHA-reportable event. Streetlight repairs are averaging one-day turnaround.
Belford PUD Rezoning at 2005 S College Street
A proposal to rezone an 8.085-acre property at 2005 S College Street to allow approximately 150 condominium units in a four-story planned unit development.
Accessory Dwelling Units at 1503 S. Elm Street
The commission reviewed a special use permit request for existing accessory dwelling units at 1503 S. Elm Street, which has drawn considerable public interest and neighbor opposition regarding density and rental usage in the Old Town area.
Rivery Park TIRZ FY2027 Budget and Financial Report
The board reviewed the annual financial report and the proposed FY2027 budget, which outlines revenues, administrative expenses, and debt service for the zone. Managing these funds ensures that tax increments are properly allocated toward public improvements and debt obligations in the district.
North Georgetown TIRZ Infrastructure Reimbursement and Budget
The board scheduled consideration of an amended infrastructure reimbursement agreement and final project plan supporting industrial development near SH 195 and IH 35. These agreements involve tax increment financing to help offset major utility construction costs, such as sanitary sewer interceptors.
Downtown Overlay District Capital Projects
A homeowner sought an 8-foot solid fence where the code allows only 4 feet and 50% transparency at street side setbacks. The commission weighed historic-district character against a real privacy problem created by new two-story construction across the street.
Williams Drive Enhancement Project
Big changes are coming to Georgetown in 2026 with major development projects set to begin. Get ready for some construction and potential traffic headaches as the city grows.
Economic Recruitment and Project Isosceles
The board went into closed session to discuss two confidential business prospects and possible incentives to lure them to Georgetown. Details stay secret unless the board takes action in public.
2027 State Legislative Agenda
The task force reviewed and provided input on the city's legislative priorities for upcoming state policymaking, helping shape what issues Georgetown will advocate for or monitor.
Contractor Oversight and Resident Protection
A resident raised concerns about property damage caused by city contractors and the difficulty of seeking compensation. He suggested adding fee-shifting clauses to city contracts to protect residents.
Customer Billing Concerns
Georgetown is planning to increase fees for new construction projects. On top of that, your monthly trash bill could be going up soon too. So, if you're thinking about building or just need your garbage picked up, expect to pay more.
Homelessness Initiatives
Georgetown is stepping up its game to deal with homelessness, thanks to resident concerns. City leaders are putting new plans into action to address the issue.
Relocation and Infill of Historic Klattenhoff Farmhouse
The commission was scheduled to review a plan to disassemble and move a historic 1896 Victorian farmhouse from Hutto to a vacant lot at 302 W. University Avenue. The project aims to preserve a significant regional structure while activating a downtown property.
Texas Municipal Center Planned Unit Development Rezoning
A proposal to rezone properties near East University Avenue and Church Street to create a PUD supporting the headquarters and corporate offices of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool.
Downtown Facade and Sign Grant Funding
The board awarded the maximum $20,000 matching grant for exterior restoration of the 1890 Dimmitt Building and updated the program's rules to make sign grants easier to obtain. The program reimburses half of eligible downtown improvement costs, up to $20,000 for facades.
Saddle Creek Lift Station Phase II Improvements
The city is planning upgrades to the Saddle Creek Lift Station to support growing wastewater flows along the SH 130 corridor. The project involves upsizing pump impellers, adding a third pump, and improving electrical and piping systems.
QT Carwash Special Use Permit
A request for a Special Use Permit to build a new carwash facility on North Austin Avenue, which has drawn staff recommendation for denial due to noise and residential proximity concerns.
Library Advisory Board's Role and Responsibilities
The board discussed an ordinance amendment that would expand their duties to include collection development and advising the City Council on library policies. This change aims to give the board a more active role in shaping the library's future.
Transportation Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report
A regular progress report evaluating the implementation of transportation impact fees and capital improvements across city service areas.
Pecan Branch Water Reclamation Facility Annexation and Rezoning
The city is annexing its own 47-acre site on FM 971 to build a water reclamation plant that will serve future development in northeast Georgetown.
Paramedic II Promotional Exam Integrity
The commission is evaluating the promotional examination process for Paramedic II positions after administrative concerns and testing irregularities were raised by the Fire Chief and testing company.
Electric Line Extension Policy & Plant Investment Fees
The utility wants to update its pole attachment standards and fees so companies attaching equipment to city poles pay the full cost of inspections and make-ready work. Council takes it up in July.