The Taylor Independent School District has taken another major step in preparing its students for the future workforce in the semiconductor field, officials said.

In collaboration with Austin Community College, Taylor ISD has created a new high school dual-credit pathway program — called electronic technology — providing access to high-demand careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Upon finishing the program, Taylor High School students will earn an Automation, Robotics and Semiconductor Technology Advanced Specialization Level 1 Certificate, educators said.

“This is a transformational moment for our students and our community,” Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen said in a release. “Taylor ISD is uniquely positioned to provide students with world-class opportunities connected directly to the industries shaping the future of Central Texas.”

Also included in the memorandum of understanding between the two districts, ACC pledged to advance Taylor ISD’s continued commitment to expanding college, career and workforce readiness opportunities for its high school students through apprenticeships, engineering programs and other regional industry opportunities.

“Our goal is to ensure every student graduates with meaningful skills, real-world experiences, and access to high-demand careers,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.

Williamson County is a hub for the semiconductor industry, one of the fastest-growing manufacturing bases in Central Texas.

In November 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott and officials with South Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced a $17 billion semiconductor foundry would be built in Taylor.

Several related high-tech businesses have since followed.

Through the ACC partnerwww.

ship, Taylor High students will benefit from a “seamless student experience” that supports multiple postsecondary options, including immediate employment opportunities, engineering degrees and advanced technical careers, school officials said.

“This pathway brings together academic rigor, college access and workforce alignment in a way that creates real momentum for students,” said Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik. “It ensures they graduate with both the knowledge and the credentials needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.”

Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners, such as Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Taylor ISD identified the need for an educational model that is comprehensive and flexible but also “stackable,” allowing students to pursue multiple pathways within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries, educators said.

The pathway is designed to support both technical workforce entry and long-term academic advancement, providing pupils with flexibility as they determine their future goals, officials said.

“We want our students to have the opportunity to step directly into meaningful careers, apprenticeships or engineering programs connected to some of the most innovative companies in the world,” said career-technology-education Director Steven Vigil. “At the same time, we are building a sustainable pipeline that strengthens our local workforce and creates lasting opportunities for generations of students.”

The first ACC courses offered to Taylor ISD students opened for the first semester of the 2026-27 school year and include digital fundamentals, direct-current circuits, nanoelectronics manufacturing technology, principles of quality and robot application, set-up and testing.

To learn more, visit austincc.edu, or to enroll a student, contact CTE Director Steven Vigil, svigil@taylorisd.org, or call 512-352-6326.

The 573,000-square-foot building with the loading docks along the dedicated rail line is in the planning and design stages, said Mitchell Hanzik, partner and managing director for development at Partners Real Estate, a Houston-based development company.

TaylorPort 3 will join a 183,000-square-foot building now occupied by electric vehicle and robotics maker Tesla and a 366,000-squarefoot structure for Compal USA Technology, the U.S arm of a major Taiwanese tech manufacturer, on the 58 acres owned by Partners.

“TaylorPort 3 is planned to be the largest of our three phases at TaylorPort in recognition of the market’s continued evolution as an attractive location for institutional tenants and investors.” Hanzik said in a written statement to the Press.

He said the Taylor-area project is in the planning and design stage, and they aren’t ready yet to disclose a time- line for when construction will begin.

The location of TaylorPort in the 765acre RCR rail park next to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s semiconductor fabrication site makes it ideal for Samsung suppliers seeking a spot adjacent to their client.

There are as many as 150 suppliers, mostly based in South Korea, that have found locations near Samsung’s 1,200-acres site or are looking.

One major win was Samsung-supplier Soulbrain TX LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of South Korea’s Soul Brain Co. Ltd., which is spending as much a $600 million for its headquarters, first U.S. plant and an eventual expansion at RCR.

However, the rail park and other industrial sites in Taylor and Hutto have proven attractive to other industries outside the semiconductor supply chain, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, food packaging and cosmetics.

The newest Partners development will occupy the company’s last parcel at RCR and it could be looking for more land for future development in the Taylor area.

“We greatly appreciate being a part of the Taylor community and the success we have found there,” Hanzik said. “We believe both Taylor and Williamson County more broadly will continue to offer compelling development opportunities.”

TaylorPort 1 is occupied by Tesla, which was already using RCR for rail shipping of electric vehicles manufactured less than 30 miles away outside Bastrop.

Tesla also is the first major customer for the advanced semiconductors that will come out of Samsung’s Taylor campus, which is expected to be operational by the end of this year.

TaylorPort 2 tenant Compal is slated to bring 900 jobs to Taylor and another 100 at a site in Georgetown.

Visitors from a South Korean TV station, Munhwa Broadcasting Corp., came to Taylor last week to check out Taylor High School’s new Korean language class.

MBC is producing a story on the program, which will air at the end of the month.

Interest in Taylor by audiences in the Asian nation has grown ever since Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced in 2021 it was building a vast semiconductor manufacturing plant and creating thousands of jobs in Taylor and eastern Williamson County.

According to MBC interpreter and coordinator Daniel Legay, the TV station originally intended to cover the impact of the semiconductor industry on Central Texas and interview several people, including a semiconductor employee and media personnel.

However, after learning of Taylor High’s Korean language course, MBC turned its focus on the Taylor Independent School District.

“What they’re doing at the school is just amazing,” Legay said.

In January, students from Daeyeong High School in the Seoul area visited Taylor ISD and local students later expressed an interest in studying the Korean language. Another visit from Daeyeong High is planned for next month.

“We learned that our students love Korean pop culture and the language. Paired with the influx of businesses into Taylor and Williamson County, our students have grown interested in learning more about the culture and language,” said Jennifer Patschke, chief of Human Resources and Student Supports.

The school’s first Korean language program opened for the 2026-27 school year with 19 students enrolled.

Through the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in the USA, a nonprofit organization that promotes Korean language education, cultural traditions and history, and a memorandum of understanding with the Houston Korean Education Center, Taylor ISD is able to provide language instruction and related cultural activities for students.

The appeal has extended beyond students who need a language credit.

Some pupils who have already completed their required language credits are choosing Korean as an elective, school officials said.

“This new language program opens another door for our students to connect their education with the opportunities developing right here in Taylor,” said Steven Vigil, director of Taylor ISD’s career and technical education.

He added, “With businesses and industries continuing to grow in Taylor and Williamson County, we want our students to have the skills and experiences that prepare them to take advantage of those opportunities, both now and in the future.”

Taylor ISD is one of only a handful of districts offering Korean as part of its curriculum.

HUTTO – The city is joining ranks with many other Texas municipalities by canceling its contract with Flock Safety to provide automatic license plate reader cameras.

The City Council unanimously voted Sept. 17 to remove 10 cameras from the toolbox of the Police Department, citing growing concerns from residents about government surveillance, data collection and potential misuse.

Also during the meeting, council members received updates on the county’s emergency services district turning down options involving a tax-sharing agreement and discussed the need for checks and balances on future data centers.

Meanwhile, the Flock cameras in contention were deactivated in August by Police Chief Jeff Yarbrough, who was awaiting more information regarding possible vulnerabilities in the system.

“We’ve heard concerns in the community and from law enforcement agencies that caused us to take a step back and look at where we are,” Yarbrough said.

The chief said that before activating the system a year ago, the Police Department put protocols into place to protect the public.

“We identified some concerns initially when we deployed the system and we took actions to solidify our policies, our practices and our procedures when it came to who could access it, how it was accessed, how our officers would and could access the data and what the circumstances were for them to use that,” Yarbrough said.

In the last few weeks, representatives of Flock have told various governmental bodies that new safeguards have been activated, but at the same time more allegations have surfaced of stored data being used to track people for non-investigatory reasons.

Law enforcement agencies have argued the cameras are a “force multiplier” that helps them more efficiently track and solve crimes.

Some of the concerns leading to the council’s vote revolved around how other agencies retrieve information from the system and how developments in artificial intelligence may reduce privacy.

Yarbrough said the department has successfully used Flock cameras to solve crimes in Hutto, but even without the cameras the department still has other resources and methods to continue solving cases.

The decision by council also prohibits the use of license plate reader technology from other companies in addition to Flock Safety.

The city retains contracts with Flock for closed-loop cameras and a video monitoring system that has no communication with the shared license plate reader system. The closed system monitors activities in areas including Hutto parks and is only viewable by police.

Other cities banning Flock cameras include Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Boerne, Elgin, Manor and Pflugerville.

City, ESD still at odds Mayor Mike Snyder said the city’s fire safety sub-committee met with Emergency Services District No. 3 last week over a tax-sharing agreement but could not find common ground.

ESD No. 3 Sept. 8 sent a letter to City Manager James Earp saying they would not be moving forward with any of the options presented to them by the city on Aug. 7.

Snyder said the ESD seemed to believe the options presented by the city were non-negotiable and left no room for discussion.

Those options include:

• Allow the community to vote on giving the city 80% of sales tax revenue on annexed properties

• Sign an agreement to transition the ESD into a city-owned fire service

• Agree to an 80/20 allocation of sales-tax revenue for 30 years Councilman Jim Morris, who is also on the sub-committee, said he thinks the ESD is trying to take a larger role in city growth.

“It seems like the ESD wants to be in economic development. Before we’ve signed anything, they want to be at the table and they want to be part of the negotiations. They stipulate how the (shared sales-tax revenue) is spent, where the money is spent,” Morris said. “They are handcuffing the city.”

Under the current agreement, the city’s share of the sales-tax revenue for annexed properties has to be spent in the annexed area. City leaders said they invest funding on infrastructure for annexed areas before they ever see any of the shared sales-tax revenue.

Fire Chief Scott Kerwood said ESD No. 3 believes the 2026 Sales and Use Tax Agreement signed by both entities May 7 is adequate to allow both to grow and deliver services.

“The issue before us should not be which entity receives the greater share of sales-tax revenue. The issue is whether the community will have the resources necessary to provide the right people, equipment, facilities and emergency-response capabilities when they are needed,” Kerwood said in his letter to the city.

ESDs were created in the 1990s as tax-funded entities providing fire and emergency medical aid to rural areas underserved by a municipal fire department. Both the city and ESD No. 3 have announced competing plans to build new stations in the vicinity of the Hutto Megasite.

City to consider standards for data centers

The council will discuss setting standards for data centers locating within the city at an upcoming meeting, after they receive more information this week.

“I would like to have us be the kind of community that says ‘OK, we’re going to have this, we cannot stop it, and we’re doing our due diligence to make sure we set standards that are flexible but we are letting developers know we are looking for this,’” said Councilwoman Corinne Zepeda.

Zepeda said she observed how Round Rock and neighboring cities have dealt with the issue, from complete moratoriums to strict design standards. She said her intention was to fast-track city guidelines to be in front of the coming wave of data center developments, and to protect quality of life without hindering the projects.

Supporters of data centers note the facilities often put tax revenue back into the coffers of school districts and local governments to fund infrastructure.

Snyder cautioned that specifications need to be responsive to the community and protect residential neighborhoods without causing an impediment for annexation.

He pointed to the Big Watt Digital / Powerhouse Digital Data Centers project in Taylor that recently rescinded its annexation request after community opposition.

Hutto officials also discussed a need for identifying what the city expects from data center developments in terms of public benefit funds to enhance quality of life projects such as trails and sidewalks.

Nearby Taylor has at least four data centers that could come to the city, but local activists have launched protests over fears of pollution and drains on power and water, issues that developers say are unfounded.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a moratorium on new data centers until after state agencies have conducted energy and water audits and also directed government entities not to shift the cost of data centers to taxpayers.

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, Sept. 24

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

Friday, Sept. 25

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Dan Whitaker Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Ripple and Rose Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10, ages 18 and up.

• Greed Fisher at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticket information at CouplandDancehall.com.

Saturday, Sept. 26

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Fiesta Taylor at Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 6-10 p.m., details at taylorchamber.org/fiestataylor- tx-tequila-music-2026/

• Black Sparrow Acoustic Showcase at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W.

Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10.

Sunday, Sept. 27

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

Monday, Sept. 28

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Sketch Club at Atelier 95, 311 N. Main St., Taylor, doors open at 6 p.m., donation: $15, ages 18 and up.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• East Wilco Dems meeting at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 12:30 p.m., free.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

OCTOBER

Thursday, Oct. 1

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

Friday, Oct. 2

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., general admission required.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors at 5 p.m.

• Live music at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Tracy Byrd at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticket information at CouplandDancehall.com.

Saturday, Oct. 3

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., general admission required.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Meets noon Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Rotary Club

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Lions Club

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Stitchin’ Time and Hooks & Needles • Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

Grief Support Group

• Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

Retired educators in Williamson County concerned about their pensions keeping pace with rising costs and healthcare are looking at next year’s legislative session for relief.

Attendees during a Sept. 10 meeting of the Williamson County Retired Teachers Association at the Taylor Event Center, 3101 N. Main St., heard from a representative of the Texas Retired Teachers Association outline how the former educators can work together for increased benefits.

According to the TRTA, Texas teachers have seen their pensions fall an average of 30% behind inflation over the years, and most do not receive Social Security because they opted for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

More than half a million retired educators receive a pension from the TRS. The average monthly pension is $2,317 and for most, it is their only source of income.

The TRTA wants to see the 90th Legislature tie increases in benefits to increases in inflation to match rising costs. Only legislators can approve such increases, said Brock Gregg, TRTA associate director.

“It’s important that that system is sound because that’s what’s going to pay for you to keep getting your money for the rest of your life, and all of your kids who are teachers and all the teachers you care about,” Gregg told listeners. “We have to have a strong, secure, forever system, and keep our defined benefits because that is what’s right for public education.” He added that a stipend, a cost-of-living adjustment or other benefit increase is needed before retirees lose another year of purchasing power to inflation.

Larry Yawn, WCRTA legislative contact, said 84% of voters approved a COLA for TRS retirees in 2023. For 70% of retired educators, it was the first COLA they had ever received.

TRTA’s first priority, according to Gregg, is for the Legislature to increase the state’s TRS contributions to balance the teacher raises passed in 2025.

House Bill 2 funded salary increases for teachers but did not allot an increase to the retirement fund to offset the increased retirement liability.

This increased a formula known as “actuarial soundness” from 28 years to 35 years. By state law, the number must be 31 years or less to be eligible for cost-ofliving allowances.

The state would need to increase contributions by 0.4% to restore the fund’s eligibility to make cost of living allowances, officials said.

When lawmakers convene in January, another legislative priority for retired educators is full funding of TRS-Care, the health insurance for TRS members.

More than 217,000 retirees depend on TRS care and for most, there is no other option, Gregg said.

“The people of Texas support public education. The people of Texas support retirees in the education profession. We need to make sure that the Legislature reflects the people of Texas,” Yawn said.

Meanwhile, WCRTA President Nancy Varlien said retired educators are still helping.

“We continue to serve education,” she added. “We volunteer, we provide grants for teachers. As a retired group, we’re active in still promoting education and working to support education while at the same time, making sure our retirement fund is stable.”

For more information on the legislative priorities, visit trta.org/ legislative-priorities. In addition, WCRTA will hold a candidates forum at 10 a.m. Oct. 9 at the Taylor Event Center. The general election is Nov. 3.

“

“We have to have a strong, secure, forever system.”

— Brock Gregg, Texas Retired Teachers Association

The City Council Thursday approved an annual budget of about $165 million that calls for nearly 3.5% less in spending and keeps the Fiscal Year 2026-27 tax rate the same as last year.

While the adopted 58.5cent rate per $100 valuation is the same as FY 2025-26, Chief Financial Officer Robert Powers said it is effectively an $88 reduction on average for homeowners.

Home values in Taylor decreased about 5%, from around $294,000 to $279,100, which lowers the average tax bill given no change in rates.

That news was top of mind during the Sept. 10 council session, which also saw police body cameras approved, proposals for new city buildings and discussion behind closed doors about another proposed data center while critics of the project gathered outside City Hall.

During budget discussions, members on the dais learned the new budget reduces municipal spending by about $6 million.

“(Keeping the budget low) was very much a team effort for several months,” said Councilman Greg Redden. “Because of some of the stuff that the departments took out, we were able to give our employees a raise. Even a 2% bump helps.”

Taylor’s property tax base increased from $4.7 billion to $5.3 billion.

Due to the increase in property tax rolls, the adopted rate will raise total property tax revenue by almost 13%. More than $3 million of the property-tax revenue raised will come from new property added to the tax roll this year.

In total, the city will receive $898,106 more in property tax revenue than last year.

The budget includes funding for three firefighter positions added in mid-2026, $1.2 million for vehicles and heavy equipment, and $780,000 for miscellaneous expenditures, including shade structures for the Taylor Animal Shelter.

It also includes a 2% cost-of-living increase for employees and an 8% increase in health insurance premiums.

Savings came from decreases to the general fund and capital projects fund, while the budgets for the utility fund, airport fund and utility capital funds saw increases.

The $165.66 million budget goes into effect Oct. 1.

Council approves camera contract

In related business, Police Chief Joseph Chacon’s request for additional fleet and body-worn cameras was approved by council members. The cameras are for video and audio capture only and do not include the automatic license plate reader function, such as the type popularized by Flock Safety. The city is in the final year of a five-year contract with Axon for body-worn cameras, and in the first year of a five-year contract for Axon fleet cameras. The body-worn camera contract includes storage of video and photographic evidence online through Axon-owned Evidence.com.

The council approved a 10-year agreement for the body-worn cameras at a total contract amount of $549,901. Also approved, a 4-year contract for four newfleetcameras. The new annual cost for all fleet cameras is $49,436.

The issue was set for consideration at the Aug. 27 meeting but was tabled. At that time, the agenda item included a request to activate automatic license plate reader software in the patrol cars.

On Sept. 10, there was no request for ALPR resources. Several cities in Central Texas are canceling their contracts with Flock over allegations the surveillance and data-collection systems have been misused.

New city buildings proposed

The city’s elected leaders adopted a Facilities Master Plan identifying the condition and suitability of all city buildings and creating a framework for constructing future structures. The recommendations range from selling some properties to renovating, expanding or replacing others.

The plan was produced by HDR Engineering along with input from the council and city staffers. The recommended yearly budget is $63 million.

The Taylor Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Department administration building and the animal shelter were among those slated for renovation, expansion or retrofitting. The Fire Department training facility, Fire Station 3 and police vehicular evidence storage were on the list for demolition and/or new construction.

The city is also in the process of building a combined Justice Center and City Hall complex for $52 million at 300 E. Second St.

Data center opposition gains supporters While the public hearing for rezoning Big Watt Digital and PH Digital Data Center Development was withdrawn from the Sept. 10 agenda now that developers have rescinded their request for annexation and employment center zoning, the council still consulted with the city attorney regarding the project in closed executive session.

No action was taken on the matter.

Also known as Project Mustang, the proposed data center and gas power plant would be built on 665 acres in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Despite the lack of a public hearing, Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition rallied outside City Hall before the council meeting to support the creation of stronger city ordinances governing data centers.

Up to four data centers are in the planning stages for the Taylor area.

Chris Jimenez, a Williamson County resident and Democratic candidate for Texas House District 52, came to advocate for the community, saying he shared the opponents’ belief that data centers are a threat to Texas’ resources and way of life.

“We have people working within these data center companies that are sounding the alarm, yet our city councils around the county are not necessarily paying attention. So, I’m here to raise awareness of what’s going on,” Jimenez said.

MediaJustice, a national organization that supports community-led efforts to oppose harmful policies related to technology and large corporations, provided posters for the rally based on its BroBots Vs. The People educational series.

Kamil Cook with the Texas office of Public Citizen told rallygoers that coming together at events and meetings serves a critical purpose.

“We’re doing it because we’re trying to protect each other. Power comes from each of us standing up together, having courage and saying we don’t want this to happen,” Cook said.

Data centers pump large amounts of revenue into local coffers to fund school districts and infrastructure projects, and can even lower property-tax rates, supporters say. Opponents argue the large facilities should not be built near residences or farming communities.

Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a moratorium on data centers pending energy audits by state regulatory agencies and has also objected to local entities giving tax breaks to digital facilities.

“

“This community needs transparency, not secrecy.”

— Ken Flippin

Hemp can be used in construction, including structures such as homes.

The opening of the facility will be celebrated 4-8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the historic Williamson County Gin, 308 Sturgis St.

Tours are 5-5:45 p.m. and presentations on the new renovation will be 6-7 p.m.

The two firms and the Taylor Economic Development Corp. banded together to breathe new life into the gin, which has been closed for years.

Founder and CEO of E3 Agriculture Lucas Evans, a seventh-generation Texas farmer, is behind the project and hopes to bring more agricultural processing closer to where crops are grown, the release noted.

E3 Agriculture’s Seed to Shelter model uses one hemp harvest for multiple markets, including animal products and plant-based building materials.

The Gentleman Farm will bring products such as animal bedding, feed and garden items to consumers, said the notice, which was released Monday.

The project also is expected to serve as a model for future hemp-processing facilities in other agricultural communities.

The company plans to adapt existing agricultural buildings and use local employees as it expands, officials said.

According to an agreement with the EDC, E3 has committed to at least $2 million in capital investment and 20 full-time- positions within five years of receiving its certificate of occupancy.

The project’s goal is to “put processing closer to the field” while giving rural communities more opportunities to take part in manufacturing products from crops grown locally.

Last Friday, Sept. 11, marked the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Cities around the nation and Central Texas held events to memorialize the lives lost and the stairs climbed by brave men and women.

With a bell toll and a moment of silence, the city of Taylor and Taylor Independent School District held a Patriot Day Memorial at the Taylor High School stadium, 355 FM 973, before the night’s football game.

Hutto hosted a Memorial Stair Climb Saturday, Sept. 12 at Hutto Memorial Stadium, 507 Chris Kelley Blvd. The ceremony began at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center 25 years ago.

A funding grant from the Taylor Economic Development Corp. is helping a local manufacturing firm move up to the next level, officials said.

The funds are allowing Masterson Industries Inc. to purchase the Supertec CNC cylindrical and centerless grinders, a move officials at the hard-chrome plating company have called a milestone.

The funding represents the EDC’s “ongoing commitment to strengthening advanced manufacturing and local business growth in Taylor,” according to a release.

“Helping established local manufacturers reach the next level is central to TEDC’s mission,” said Vice President Regina Carlson. “Supporting the growth of homegrown businesses like Masterson Industries is exactly what our work is about.”

In June, the company also earned Nadcap accreditation—the quality standard required by the aerospace and defense industry—in chemical processing.

“These new machines and our Nadcap accreditation represent years of planning and hard work,” said Will Masterson, Masterson vice president of operations. “They mark the beginning of our next stage of growth, and we couldn’t have achieved it without the support of the Taylor Economic Development Corp.”

The new equipment and the Nadcap accreditation strengthen Masterson’s aerospace hard-chrome plating capabilities and position the company for new opportunities, officials said.

“Masterson Industries’ continued expansion reflects exactly the kind of local success TEDC works to encourage, and we look forward to supporting the company’s next chapter right here in Taylor,” Carlson said.

Masterson Industries is located at 202 S. Edmond St.

For more about the EDC, visit https://tayloredc.org/.

COUPLAND — The first month of the new Coupland Junior High and High School has been a success, thanks to a lot of hard work, school officials said.

“In Coupland, we follow The Cowboy Way with the acronym RIDE, which stands for respect, integrity, dedication to learning and exceeding expectations,” said Coupland Elementary School Principal Kate Knapek. “We take pride that our students and staff follow The Cowboy Way in everything that they do.”

The Coupland Independent School District has formed what it calls “a game-changing partnership” with Granger and Thorndale independent school districts, as teachers from all three systems come together to plan and prepare for student learning.

“It is a great collaboration,” Knapek said.

Coupland’s last high school closed in the 1940s.

Meanwhile, Coupland’s new Spirit Squad held its first practice, learning cheers and making signs. The Spirit Squad’s inaugural event was to cheer for the CJHHS volleyball team.

Students will hold Dress Up Days to support the Cowboys.

The district’s first home football game is Thursday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Field in Taylor and the homecoming game is Sept. 17.

In addition. Suzie Dunlop stepped up last month to fill a vacancy on the school board.

“Students, staff and the community are important to me,” Dunlop said.

Blue Cat Businesses The Blue Cat, at 206 N. Austin St. behind the Coupland Veterinary Hospital, is a vintage home being converted into a business that features rentable spaces, including a commercial kitchen, three private rooms for small businesses and a shared area.

Owned by Martha Poldrack, the renovation is being managed by her sister, Prissy Rumel. The Blue Cat will be managed by Rumel’s daughter, Tessa Strider.

The Blue Cat is filling up, the managers said.

“We are excited to announce the small businesses that are calling The Blue Cat home,” Rummel said. “Please welcome Case by Case Studio that will be offering manicures, haircuts, hairstyling, blowouts, ear piercing and facial waxing.”

A second business called Double Take is offering curated vintage nostalgic treasures and handcrafted pieces.

“We’re thrilled to have a fun mix of businesses under one roof and there’s one room left,” Rummel said. “Come take a look.”

St. Peter’s Church of Coupland While St. Peter’s Church of Coupland, 108 Wathen St., searches for a permanent minister, the Rev. Nikki Stahl will serve as the bridge pastor, church leaders said.

She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Master of Science in social work from the University of Texas at Austin.

“While my time with you will be temporary, I look forward to walking alongside you as we worship, grow in faith, care for one another and prepare for the call of your next settled pastor,” Stahl said.

Worshippers are also rallying to assist neighbors hit hard by a recent disaster, officials said.

The Singleton/ Cavanaugh house burned recently, and St. Peter’s August Mission Offering is dedicated to helping the family replace their possessions and rent a house.

The church is also helping Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry and Thrift Store, founded in 1993 by a ministry in Taylor, which now partners with 20 churches in the area, including St. Peter’s, to provide food, clothing and shelter.

St. Peter’s will be assisting with food distribution on Oct. 3, and volunteers are needed. The pantry is at 121 E. Second St. in Taylor.

Each week Shepherd’s Heart distributes groceries to about 400 households.

The next Senior Lunch is 11:30 a.m. Sept. 15, with chef Peter Wabbel providing a meal.

The Ladies’ Circle hosted the Community Senior Lunch a few weeks ago for 44 attendees who enjoyed bingo and dominoes after the meal.

“The Ladies’ Circle gives a shout-out to all who helped serve, especially our youngest helpers, Soren and Simon Strider,” President Cindy Alexander said.

St. Peter’s regular schedule includes Adult Sunday School at 9 a.m. Sunday followed by worship at 10:15 a.m.

New Sweden Lutheran Church Celebrating its 150th anniversary, New Sweden Lutheran Church –– said to be the most photographed sanctuary in Texas –– offers tours of for groups of four and more at 12809 New Sweden Church Road in Manor.

To arrange a visit, call the office at 512281-0056.

For church news and events, visit the website www.newswedenchurch. org.

The free homesteading/ everyday living classes continue, open to worshippers and visitors. Go to the website to learn more.

Adult Sunday School is 9:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Bible studies include Ladies Bible Study with a light dinner 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Biweekly Bible study with the Rev. Hans Lillejord is 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Game Days are 12:30 p.m. Thursdays with a light lunch, fellowship and favorite games. Every Thursday at 7 p.m. is “Ping-Pong with the Pastor.”

Type Church

Type Church is east of Coupland at 1200 CR 466. Services are 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays. On Wednesday, Bible study is at 6 p.m. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is every second Saturday at 9 a.m.

In other business during last week’s school board meeting, members also considered tax rates.

Meanwhile, the outcry from educators at the Aug. 27 meeting had its genesis during a July session in which trustees voted to continue exploring strategic compensation, an option in the statewide Teacher Incentive Allotment that could redistribute educator salary budget funds based on performance.

Under strategic compensation, certified teachers could start at a competitive base pay of $62,500. From there, the district would forego across-the-board raises. Pay increases would be based on a teacher performance scorecard that measures student growth as 70% of the score. Non-performing teachers could see drops in pay.

“What hurts one hurts all,” teacher Francesca Mejia told the board during the Thursday session. “Taking money away from one teacher to give to another teacher will cripple the unity and community that Hutto so lovingly represents.”

Strategic compensation was not on the agenda, but the Aug. 27 meeting was the first opportunity teachers had to address the board with their concerns. Because it was not a listed item, trustees could not comment. Many teachers believed the strategic pay was set to begin next school year. On Sept. 9, the district sent a message saying that the compensation plan vote by the trustees was not an approval to start the program but to continue exploring it.

At the Aug. 27 meeting, Jo Ann Champion, an educator of 20 years, expressed dismay because, in her view, the July presentation seemed to show older teachers in a negative light.

“Excellence comes in many forms. We teacher elders are the backbone of our communities,” Champion said.

Educators said seasoned teachers become mentors to younger educators and are often the ones called on to head departments and volunteer.

Champion said unless she earns an Exemplary or Master’s status on the TIA scoring, she will take a pay cut. She said the loss could trim as much as $13,600 off her annual salary.

Fatima Johnson, a teacher at Farley Middle School, said the program does not provide equity between differing types of classes, with students taking some lessons more seriously than others.

Other teachers noted standardized written tests in fine arts classes are not valid interpretations of what pupils are meant to learn in those sessions. Those who teach classes where fewer students speak English could see negative impacts due to poor testing results.

“We feel like the house is on fire,” said Britagne Sullivan, a 10-year teacher at Farley Middle.

She pointed out what she considers a major flaw in the system: Many students did not take all of the beginning-of-year tests in every teacher’s class, so those pupils’ endof- year test scores will not count toward the teachers’ scores.

Sullivan said omission of these data points is “effectively rigging the game against the teacher.”

The plan could also see “devastating” financial fallout for teachers, who may not be able to rely on steady pay rates year to year. Potential loan denials and lower pension pay for retiring teachers were some of the other concerns.

Meghan Day, a sixth grade science teacher at Gus Almquist Middle School, said she left her teaching job in the Dallas Independent School District because trustees adopted a comparable incentive plan.

“That individual incentive pay turns colleagues into competitors, where teachers no longer help each other. Teaching is supposed to run on collaboration, not competition,” Day said.

According to a TIA website, “TIA was established with the goal of providing outstanding teachers an accessible pathway to a six-figure salary. … Through approved local designation systems, districts can identify and designate outstanding teachers based on student growth and classroom observation.”

As part of financially rewarding “top performing teachers,” educators can earn one of three levels of designation: recognized, exemplary, or master.

Temple College proposes tax rate Glen Graham, chief financial officer of Temple College, presented the proposed Branch Campus Maintenance Tax to trustees.

The school district will vote on the rate at its Sept. 24 meeting.

The tax — which is paid by several entities including Hutto ISD — helps support the East Williamson County Higher Education Center.

Graham said the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is higher than the 2026 budget because the college decided it wanted to increase the amount of money in its reserve fund.

The FY 2027 budget is $4.45 million, versus $4.32 million last year.

The proposed rate is the Voter Approval Rate of nearly 46 cents per $100 valuation. Last year the rate was about 40 cents.

Graham said this will result in the equivalent of a $10 increase to the “average taxable value home.”

A large data center and gas power plant slated to go up just outside of Taylor will move forward without seeking a partnership with the city, at least for now.

On Sept. 3, Taylor officials announced the developer of Project Mustang withdrew an application for annexation and will build without going through city channels.

“Because the property sits outside city limits, Taylor currently has no authority to stop this project or regulate how it’s developed,” according to a post from the city. “The city and developer are continuing negotiations on annexation, which remains the best path forward for addressing community priorities including noise, water use, setbacks and community benefits.”

“ What matters most is that we come to an agreement that will ensure protections for the neighborhood.”

— Daniel Seguin, Taylor official In August, the Taylor Planning and Zoning Commission put a 90-day pause on approval for the project’s requested annexation and zoning changes, asking the developer to bring back more information.

Taylor officials also want more time to develop their own zoning guidelines for digital and high-tech businesses, as well as consider feedback from the public.

The developer did not mention whether the community’s opposition or the P&Z pause on rezoning influenced the decision by Big Watt Digital LLC and PH Digital Data Center LLC, the companies behind Project Mustang, said Taylor’s Executive Director of Community Services Daniel Seguin “We can speculate, but what matters most is that we come to an agreement that will ensure protections for the neighborhood and benefits for the community,” Seguin said.

At the Aug. 18 P&Z meeting, Big Watt representative John Stokes told commissioners the project in Taylor’s extraterritorial jurisdiction would move forward with or without city collaboration, and the plant plans to be fully operation by 2028.

“We hope the city brings us in and includes us. But we do have to mention that if that doesn’t happen, if we’re not included in the city, we do intend to pursue the project anyway. But we hope to be part of the city, be part of that neighborly view,” Stokes said at the time.

The 665-acre data center site spans former farmland between U.S. 79 and FM 112 in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. It is surrounded by farming families and homesteads.

On Sept. 4, South Dakota-based Big Watt and Virginia’s PH Digital Data Center Development LLC issued a statement regarding plans for Taylor.

“Project Mustang remains committed to advancing development in Taylor,” the message read. “While the project has withdrawn its current annexation and zoning application with the city, we continue to engage with city leadership on a collaborative path forward for the benefit of the community.”

The message added, “Although the proposed site sits outside city limits and is not subject to municipal jurisdiction, our decision to keep working directly with the city reflects our commitment to being a responsible community partner. That commitment includes providing millions in grants for meaningful civic improvements, millions in grants to support Taylor (Independent School District), as well as providing scholarships for Taylor ISD students.”

The P&Z commission is an advisory board to the City Council. The council occasionally has disregarded the commission’s recommendations.

Regardless of the P&Z request to hold off on any approvals for zoning, a public hearing for the data center was added to the Sept. 10 council agenda. That item has since been canceled.

An agenda item to receive legal counsel concerning the project is on the executive session list for the meeting.

“The people of Taylor want land and human-centered zoning,” said community advocate Carrie D’Anna. “The community that is impacted the most is pushing back on the whole project, data center and gas plant.”

Under state law, there are no zoning requirements and minimal development regulations in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. The city also cannot collect property and sales/use tax revenue from the data center if it is outside city limits, potentially missing out on millions of dollars of tax revenue annually.

For more information about the project, visit Taylortx.gov/ Mustang.

During the last several months, Taylor officials and those in nearby Hutto have considered several data center projects, with most generating controversy from residents espousing health and pollution concerns.

In April, Zydeco Development pulled the plug on plans to construct a 70-megawatt data center in Hutto in the wake of intense public backlash.

In the meantime, Gov. Greg Abbott has asked state regulatory agencies to conduct an audit of the proposed energy needs of data centers, and is directing local entities not to burden taxpayers with the costs of creating data centers.

Executives from South Korean high-tech firms and companies know one thing: They love doing business in Central Texas and more are coming.

That was the message delivered to hundreds of local leaders and South Korean business representatives at the Aug. 26 inaugural 2026 Central Texas-Korea Summit in Taylor, organized by the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce.

“The trend is clear,” said Kyong-Hoon Kim, director of the Korea International Trade Association-Dallas regional office. “Korean companies are building here. Technology companies are coming here. And Texas keeps giving them reasons to stay.”

The state’s generally friendly business climate, no state income tax, willingness to grant tax incentives and milder temperatures have all been cited as reasons to come to the Lone Star State.

Attendees came prepared to form relationships and talk about the future of Asian-backed enterprises, especially considering recent developments including the growing Samsung Austin Semiconductor facility in Taylor and the ancillary businesses it has attracted.

Held at the Williamson County Exposition Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, organizers said the expectation is the conference will become an annual event.

“We know there’s a lot more business coming here from Korea and some of the surrounding international countries, so we want to be really invested in the culture and how we do business together,” Billie Logiudice, vice president of the Hutto chamber, told the Press. “This event started off with the three chambers coming together and saying, ‘This is impacting our area and what can we do to support the ecosystem?’” Jay Choi, with the Austin Asian chamber, believes thousands more Asian companies are looking for opportunities to come to Williamson County, many of which will support larger industries such as semiconductor chip manufacturing.

Choi, who was one of the conference speakers, later said what is needed is an “infrastructure of soft landings.”

“It’s really hard for foreign companies to come in and hire workers, find office space. They need help in many areas that would have to be assisted by local communities. Developers, community banks, they also need to step up in welcoming them,” he said.

The momentum to work with Asian companies entering Central Texas has already begun, he added.

“I’m getting interest not only from Asia but from local banks and local companies and from foreign companies, from Switzerland. All over the world, they’re coming to Austin and joining our chamber because they want to build a bridge,” Choi said. “They want to be connected to the companies that are coming in and have a partnership.”

The theme of “soft landings” dominated the summit, a reference to guiding foreign businesses through the cultural and governmental differences they will encounter in Central Texas.

Experts spoke about the difficulty foreign companies face in accessing capital and obtaining business loans in a country where they have no credit history.

Some also noted the types and amounts of permitting required are difficult to navigate for foreign investors, many of whom come from an environment where business is more on a trust basis than a contractual one.

Local business delegates recommended cities designate a single point of contact to help take new businesses through the unfamiliar maze of zoning and permitting.

The need for water, transportation and workforce development also took center stage.

Kyung-Eun Lee, with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston, said the partnership between South Korea and Texas should grow in both directions.

“We’ve talked a lot about Korea’s investment in Texas. Going forward, I also hope to see more Texas companies explore new business and investment opportunities in Korea,” she said. “Korea is seeing rapid growth in new markets such as (artificial intelligence), robotics and energy. These areas also offer many new opportunities to Texas companies.”

Samsung Austin Semiconductor played a large part in the summit. President Bon-Young Koo spoke about Samsung’s progress in Central Texas since the company broke ground on the Austin facility 30 years ago.

The second, multibillion- dollar campus in Taylor producing semiconductor chips is expected to go operational this year.

“Since 1996, we have invested $34.8 billion between our two campuses. In 2025, we supported 28,000 jobs and $2 billion in sales,” Koo said.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced in July it is expanding the Taylor site to include a second semiconductor fabrication plant. Company officials plan to break ground late this year and be running the second plant by 2030.

Samsung received a $250 million grant in October 2025 from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to support the Taylor expansion.

“

“I’m getting interest not only from Asia but from local banks and local companies and from foreign companies, from Switzerland.”

— Jay Choi, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce

COUPLAND — As the small city on the edge of south Williamson County grows, local officials say they are doing their best to keep up with required financial notices and administrative issues, but add mistakes have been made.

One recent controversy raising some hackles surfaced when the City Council did not comply with the state’s transparency laws requiring the posting of a public notice about the municipal budget in a local newspaper.

Coupland missed the deadline but still approved the city budget during the Aug. 18 meeting, leading to pushback from some residents.

The media center at the new Coupland Junior High and High School was filled with residents ready to voice and hear complaints about the city’s budget and the city secretary’s salary.

“They’re not following state guidelines regarding budgets, permits, ordinances or expenditures,” said former alderman and local business owner Wells Mason.

Resident Prissy Rumel added, “The city is not keeping up with the communication to the citizens as specified in Texas code…I

See COUPLAND • page 2 (assumed) since nothing regarding the budget was done according to the Texas code, that (they wouldn’t) be able to approve any budget.”

Both Mayor Russell Schmidt and Mayor Pro Tem Sue Rogers acknowledged during and after the meeting that mistakes had been made.

Alderwoman Carolyn Haverland said that as Coupland grows, the city will need more comprehensive financial plans.

“We know we’re going to have to stay on top of it, but we’ve never had to do an in-depth budget before and we’re going to make mistakes,” she said.

The majority of people packing the Aug. 18 session agreed the city, mayor and residents share the same concerns for Coupland and all want what is best for the community.

“To remedy the situation, we need better communication and more transparency from the city,” said Mason, an artist and sculptor.

Some community members noted they were going to apply for council positions and Alderwoman Loretta Patschke commended them.

“We need new blood,” she said. “I’m 82 years old and I stepped up to fill the empty seat on this council because none of you did.”

Coupland’s mayor and aldermen are all volunteer positions. They do not receive any salary or stipend for their work.

Also, at issue are concerns some residents have raised about the $53,000 salary of City Secretary Rachel Wrzuszczak, the sole municipal employee to receive one.

Wrzuszczak declined to comment for this story.

Fully qualified municipal secretaries in Texas earn a median salary of $86,632 to $143,902, depending on the size of the community and professional certifications, such as the Texas Registered Municipal Clerk certification.

Ahead of the meeting, Rumel — a longtime community organizer — gathered information on the salaries of surrounding East Wilco cities and said Wrzuszczak was “being paid way above average,” accounting for about 17% of the city’s budget, especially since the city website says the secretary works six hours a week.

Schmidt and Rogers both noted the website is incorrect and Wrzuszczak works many more hours than what is stated.

They also pointed out in the meeting and, according to residents, in other private discussions, that Wrzuszczak was in the process of earning her certifications.

Haverland said she abstained on the vote to approve Wrzuszczak’s salary because she, too, thought it was high in comparison, but Haverland added, “(Wrzuszczak) doesn’t receive benefits, she doesn’t get insurance, all of that has to come out of her salary.”

In Rumel’s opinion, the city does not need a full-time secretary.

“I’m not trying to get (Wrzuszczak) fired,” she said. “I just want to make sure (the city) is doing the things we’re supposed to be doing.”

Rumel suggested finding a certified secretary willing to work the six weekly hours on a contract basis.

“I think they need to find somebody that they pay $100 an hour that keeps (the city) in line with what they’re supposed to be doing,” she said.

Under state law, a municipal budget must be locked in place by Sept. 29 before the fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

The city is growing — according to the 2020 U.S. census, the population was just under 300 residents, but other trackers in 2026 put that figure closer to almost 500. Williamson County officials note the greater Coupland area has an estimated population of nearly 3,000.

Coupland is also attracting high-tech industries, including a John Deere facility to test experimental farm equipment and Dynamic Systems Inc., which manufactures heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing components for large companies such as Taylor’s nearby Samsung Austin Semiconductor.

In addition to popular attractions such as the Coupland Dancehall, the Coupland Independent School District just opened the new junior high and high school, the first local high school since the previous campus shuttered in the 1940s.

“

“We’ve never had to do an in-depth budget before and we’re going to make mistakes.”

— Alderwoman Carolyn Haverland

• Meets noon Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Rotary Club

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Lions Club

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Stitchin’ Time and Hooks & Needles • Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

Grief Support Group

• Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

Taylor is joining a host of other Texas cities and putting discussions on hold about renewing or expanding police surveillance technology.

Without further discussion, Mayor Jim Buzan announced at the beginning of the Aug. 27 City Council meeting that an agenda item to consider extending the Police Department’s Axon surveillance contract was being tabled.

While that agreement includes body and patrol car cameras, a state grant could also add automatic license plate readers.

In other business at the meeting, council members heard about upgrades to fitness equipment at Memorial Field thanks to a donation and began consideration of a new fee schedule.

In addition, a hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget is set for Sept. 10.

Meanwhile, Taylor’s Axon body-worn camera contract will expire in November, and Police Chief Joseph Chacon is recommending a 10-year renewal agreement which will total $549,901.

The Axon vehicle camera contract expires in 2030, and Chacon has requested to add four cameras to cover the new patrol cars. The new annual licensing cost for all fleet cameras would be $13,100.

Chacon asked the council to approve an update in the software that would allow the cameras in the patrol cars to function as mobile automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs.

Although the Axon item was placed on the back burner, the issue of increased surveillance continues to generate discussion and controversy.

“These readers may have some real public safety benefits, but privacy, once given away, is extremely hard to get back,” said resident Tara Anders. “And if staffing is part of the problem, shouldn’t we talk about investing in that area before more cameras?”

“

“These (automated license plate) readers may have some real public safety benefits, but privacy, once given away, is extremely hard to get back.”

— Tara Anders Anders said she wants answers from the council before any vote to expand the city’s camera usage. She shared concerns about safeguards, protocol failures and reported nationwide abuse including instances by members of law enforcement.

Other cities in the state, from Bandera and Boerne to Pflugerville, recently have paused or decided not to renew deals for ALPRs out of concerns about misuses or improper access to collected surveillance data.

Flock Safety is a major supplier of ALPRs.

Axon is a competitor to Flock in the residentsurveillance industry. Axon’s platform allows officers’ body-worn cameras to be used for livestreaming. Authorized users can livestream from any officer’s camera at any time, according to the company’s website. It was unclear whether that function is included in the Taylor contract.

The Police Department recently was awarded a grant from the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority that pays for 80% of the cost to add the license plate reader function.

The city’s portion of the cost would be $3,024 for the first year, with the ability to opt out if the grant is not renewed in future years.

Meanwhile, various media outlets report Gov. Greg Abbott last week ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras. Several cities utilizing the cameras have funded them through state money.

“To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government. To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras,” Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement.

Memorial Field gets more fit

Nonprofit Good Life Taylor is donating over $66,000 to add more fitness equipment at Memorial Field, 1213 Davis St. The proposed additions include bodyweight workout stations, such as parallel bars and plyometric steps, according to Betsy Schultz, Parks and Recreation Department director.

The council approved the purchase of the equipment at the Aug. 27 meeting. Schultz said the fitness station will be installed in the southwest corner of the field by the end of the year.

About half of the funds raised by Good Life Taylor came from an HDR Foundation grant. HDR Engineering works closely with the city on many of its capital projects.

A shade cover is coming at a later date.

“We very much appreciate the relationship we have with the city and the continued opportunities we have to collaborate over everything we can do to support Taylor,” said Good Life Taylor board member Nora Bryan.

In 2024, Good Life Taylor funded four pieces of equipment, which were installed at the southeast corner of the field.

Good Life Taylor raises funds in part through events such as the Good Life 5K, scheduled for Oct. 10.

Fee increases proposed

Chief Financial Officer Robert Powers introduced a new city fee schedule that increases the amount users will pay for services, including burial at Taylor City Cemetery and various fire inspection and plan reviews.

The schedule will be voted on at a future council meeting.

The biggest change would be an increase in the annexation development fee from a flat $1,000 to $1,000 per acre.

“If you have 100 acres and you go from $1,000 to $100,000, that’s significant,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Cmerek.

For reference, the Project Mustang data center and power plant would annex 665 acres into the city if approved, adding $665,000 to city coffers if they are not grandfathered in at the previous flat $1,000 rate.

Water bills will also increase. The base monthly minimum charge would rise from $44.26 to $46.47 for properties on a 5/8inch or 3/4-inch meter. Those with a 1-inch meter size will increase from $73.93 to $77.63.

Larger meter sizes have larger base fee increases.

The majority of residents will not see an increase in the pergallon rate. Volumetric rates will increase for users above 6,000 gallons.

HUTTO — A man charged in a brutal hatchet attack on a customer at the Home Depot asked officers if the victim had succumbed to his injuries and said he “hoped he was dead,” according to a probable-cause affidavit.

Investigators have said the assault occurred about 5 p.m. Aug. 14 inside the store in the 600 block of West Street. Police initially said the incident was “unprovoked” and have not yet said if the investigation has determined a motive.

Officers arrested a suspect about an hour after the episode and the victim continues to improve, investigators said. John Doyle Bauer, 41, of Austin, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. At press time, he remained in the Williamson County Jail in Georgetown in lieu of posting a $750,000 bond.

Manuel Vera, 78, of Hutto, was rushed to Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital in Round Rock after suffering injuries to both arms and his head, police said.

Vera has since been released from the medical center and is recovering at home, according to a post from his family on Facebook. According to Hutto police, Bauer told officers he “had just killed someone,” according to the court document obtained by the Taylor Press.

The affidavit filed by Hutto Detective John Vargas and affirmed by Magistrate Ryan Palmquist stated that Vargas contacted Home Depot Asset Protection Manager Timothy Jones, who showed him surveillance footage of the incident.

Vargas said he observed Bauer and Vera arrive at the Home Depot, with Bauer following Vera into the store before stopping near the entrance and watching Vera walk farther inside, the court document stated.

Bauer then selected a hatchet from a rack and approached Vera, striking him multiple times with the hatchet, which caused Vera to fall to the floor, according to Vargas’ account outlined in the affidavit.

Bauer then dropped the hatchet and drove away in his white Toyota, according to the court record.

Hutto police later located the vehicle just outside the city limits. Bauer was taken into custody, placed in handcuffs and transported to the Hutto Police Department for questioning, according to the affidavit.

Once in custody, Bauer asked Vargas and Detective Rooshad Irani if the victim was dead and hoped that the individual was dead, according to the affidavit.

Vera’s family has since created a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses related to the attack.

As of last week, the site raised more than $7,000 toward its $10,000 goal.

“Thank you once again for all of your generous donations. It truly means so much to have such an incredible community surrounding our family. Manuel has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from everyone,” the family wrote on his fundraising page.

Those wishing to contribute to Vera’s medical expenses can donate at https://gofund. me/05d9cdf65.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, Sept. 3

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12. •

• Taylor Neighbors Coalition at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, ages 18 and up.

Friday, Sept. 4

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Open jam at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., free.

• Sterling Country at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

Saturday, Sept. 5

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Neon Nights with Mix Tape and Western Darlin’ at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, all ages.

Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day Tuesday, Sept. 8

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

• Community Art Project at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, all ages.

Thursday, Sept. 10

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Crones School for Women at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7-8 p.m., free, ages 18 and up.

Friday, Sept. 11 Patriot Day

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Dare Buzzard Comedy Showcase at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., advance tickets $15, at the door $20, ages 18 and up.

• Second Hand Rose at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Patriot Day 9/11 march and remembrance in downtown Taylor on Main Street, 7 p.m., sponsored by the Taylor Fire Department, ends in Heritage Square Park with a memorial program.

Saturday, Sept. 12

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Second Saturday Arts and Artisans Market at 120C W. Second St., Taylor, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

• Open mic at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., all ages.

Monday, Sept. 14

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First Street, Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Sketch Club at Atelier 95, 311 N. Main St., Taylor, doors open at 6 p.m., donation: $15, ages 18 and up.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

• Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, Sept. 17

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Music on Main Concert at Taylor Heritage Square, 400 Main St., Taylor, 7-9 p.m., free.

“A fine-dining restaurant impresses your date, but a truck stop counter saves your soul.” — Overheard at a truck stop cafe

There was a time in America when veteran travelers agreed that one trusted clue clearly signaled “a great place to eat.”

That was any place where constantly rattling diesel engines and sporadic spewing of air brakes oddly harmonized amid a profusion of pumps on acres of asphalt, all under a sign declaring, “Truck Stop.”

On a cool fall morning some 40 years ago, when I was headed home to the East Texas pines in my 1956 Ford Thunderbird after a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida, I spotted a sign that said, “Truck stop and cafe ahead.”

That was my clue to stop for breakfast.

I pulled in, roosted my ‘Little ‘Bird’ with the cars and smiled at the glowing neon sign that shouted, “Open 24 Hours.” As if any truck stop cafe ever closed.

Inside, George Jones on the jukebox blended with the chatter of truckers. I knew I was in the right place.

Claiming the last open barstool at the counter, I was still eyeing the split in the plastic seat cushion when a white china mug landed just shy of my chin. I saw a name tag. “Bettie Lou” was pouring coffee without asking, dispensing it like a pro.

Hot joe was still rippling in the mug when a menu landed in front of me. Bettie Lou flashed a smile and offered, “Good morning, honey.” Then she strode away, turning every man’s head like a synchronized chorus line.

Blinking away the distraction, I lifted my mug. One gulp delivered that “good morning, inspiration,” waking me up faster than a country preacher’s altar call. Gotta love coffee with a little muscle — especially when it’s strong enough to hold up a spoon.

In a flash, Bettie Lou was back, packing an order pad and pulling a pencil from behind her ear.

“What’cha havin’ this morning, sweetie?” she asked.

“What do you think about the sausage and cheese omelet?” I asked.

“My favorite,” she said with a smile. It was the same smiling response I overheard her give the guy at the end of the counter when he asked about the pancakes.

Bettie Lou was back in a heartbeat, balancing an omelet as big as Big Tex’s hat, two biscuits the size of Cadillac hubcaps drowning in cream gravy and all of it accompanied by hash browns hanging over the edge.

I was still eating and debating whether I could finish more than half the plate when I caught a glimpse of an older couple coming through the door. I sized them up as having arrived in the big Coupe DeVille I just watched pull in beside my Thunderbird.

The silver-haired, sophisticated lady stepped inside with her well-dressed husband following. She looked around the room, heard the music, took one look at the gimmecap crowd and caught Bettie Lou’s “honey” and “sweetie” greetings.

Then, with a look of disgust, she whirled her hubby around in his shiny Florsheims, grabbed him by the arm and escorted him out the door.

I thought to myself, “How sad. They just missed the best omelet east of the Mississippi, the chance to collect a firsthand story about a truck-stop meal and a friendly waitress named Bettie Lou … sporting one of the tightest-fitting waitress uniforms south of the Mason-Dixon line.”

It just doesn’t get much better for breakfast than an old-fashioned truck stop cafe.

Contact Aldridge at leonaldridge@gmail. com. Other Aldridge columns are archived at leonaldridge.com.

COUPLAND — Coupland Independent School District trustees Aug. 13 unanimously voted to place a voter- approval tax rate election on the Nov. 3 ballot, even though a similar initiative failed last year.

With the opening of the new Coupland Junior High and High School in August, the district could see a $200,000 deficit, prompting the need for a VATRE, Superintendent Earl Parcell said.

“Expenses are increasing at a rate higher than revenue … (The cost) of everything went up,” Parcell said during a previous meeting.

If successful this November, the VATRE would fund maintenance and operation expenses, including additional costs associated with the new school.

It would also give the district a “neutral” or “balanced” budget, officials heard.

“This increase would maximize the amount of state and local funding available through several avenues,” Parcell said. “Increased enrollment, attendance and basic allotment of funds are the main factors.”

In addition, Coupland ISD trustees approved a proposal to raise the school tax for the 2026-27 budget year by $1.19, split between 69 cents for maintenance and other operations and 50 cents for principal payments and interest on bond debt.

Overall, the Coupland school board projects a 4.57% tax rate increase, which will raise maintenance and operations taxes on a $100,000 home by about $33.

Meanwhile, Parcell highlighted several positive changes Coupland ISD has experienced recently, including an increase in starting teacher pay to $47,000 and staffing reaching 100% after adding 12 full-time employees.

Parcell noted the number of transfer students has hit its threshold as well. “Parents have heard what we can do, what we’ve done for kids and they want be here,” Parcell said. “It says something that they’re trying to get into Coupland. We tell them they absolutely can apply.”

Trustees also appointed Suzie Dunlop as a new board member. She will serve until 2028.

“Thank you for trusting me. I appreciate this a lot. Thank you for everything,” Dunlop said.

Dunlop is taking over for Royce Hatch, who stepped down a few months ago.

The next board meeting is 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in the junior and high school’s media center at 350 CR 460.

PASSES AWAY AT 100

Lessie Givens remembered for a life of service

A legendary African American educator whose pioneering career spanned the trials of segregation through the integration of Taylor campuses and beyond has died at age 100.

On Aug. 21, Lessie M. Givens, who dedicated 36 years of her life to teaching in local schools, passed away at S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living, where she lived the past four years.

Her death comes just a little over a month after dozens of family, friends and community members gathered at the facility to celebrate her birthday as a centenarian.

“She was a teacher, a mentor and a civic leader,” said Leslie Hill, 83, Givens’ former student and longtime friend. “Her influence reached across generations. She was a true Taylor treasure.”

Givens was born on July 9, 1926, in Bryan. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school in 1944, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a mas- ter’s degree in elementary education from Prairie View A&M University.

In 1950, Givens began her career in Taylor teaching the second grade at O.L. Price, the all-Black school, where she would remain until integration in 1965.

Up until the mid-60s and 1970s, Texas school districts still practiced segregation, where Black and Hispanic students were separated from White pupils. The landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that arose from the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit led to a widespread federal desegregation order in 1970, according to historians.

Givens was devoted to all students and anyone who desired to learn, said those who knew her.

“She modeled positive core values as she invested her time, talent and skills into our children, at school, at church and in the community,” said former student Laverne Caldwell, 75. “My husband and I were in her second-grade classroom. Our children and grandchildren are products of her impact.”

Throughout her life, Givens is credited with many achievements and contributions, including serving 18 years as president of the Welfare Workers Club, a healthand civic-minded organization founded in 1935 by Givens’ friend, Magnolia P. Dickey, the wife of renowned African American physician Dr. James L. Dickey.

Leslie Hill’s husband Don Hill, 88, who was part of the same Masonic lodge as J.L. Givens, Lessie Givens’ late husband, said the couple went out of their way to help and nurture all of the children in their community—inside the classroom and out.

“They didn’t have children, but they were so in love with kids,” Don Hill said of the pair, who were both educators. “They would see kids with no coats and would buy ones for them.”

Indeed, Leslie Hill, who helped care for Givens in her later years alongside Don Hill, remembers Givens providing the funds to buy the instruments and other equipment she needed as a youth.

“I guess my love for her began while I was in school,” Leslie Hill recalled. “My mom and dad, we were poor. We didn’t have money, but we had a lot of love. But if there were things I needed in the band, in junior high. Miss Givens, who was friends with my mom, made sure I got it. And I wasn’t the only one.”

Great-niece Tamisha Donald Prescott said Givens also served as the matriarch of her family and was there for whatever everyone needed— from financial to emotional support.

“She was always loving, kind and wanting the absolute best for everyone,” Donald Prescott said.

“She was a mentor, an ear to listen and was even admonishing us when she felt we needed to be admonished,” she added with a laugh.

After integration, Givens served at many other Taylor schools until 1988, including Southside and Northside elementary schools, and St. Mary’s Catholic School, the Hills said.

Givens was also the first African American certified bilingual educator at Southside and Northside, and served as the executive secretary for the Central Texas District Teachers Association.

In 2016, a neighborhood center she previously managed was named the Dickey-Givens Community Center in her honor. This year, Givens was also selected to serve as the grand marshal for the Juneteenth Parade.

Despite all these accomplishments, Donald Prescott said that her greataunt was a very godly and humble woman.

“Every phone call always ended with ’I love you’ and ‘Be blessed,’” Donald Prescott said. “It was always a great feeling talking to her and seeing her gratitude.”

Don Hill, a former Taylor mayor and the first Black to serve in that role, echoed the sentiment.

“She prayed about everything,” he said. “She always said, ‘The Lord will always direct my path. He kept me here so long for a reason, and I thank him.’” Services to honor Givens will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at The First Baptist Church of Taylor, 300 N. Robinson St.

GEORGETOWN — Taylor area residents are asking for help from Williamson County leaders to fight the development of data centers.

During the Aug. 25 Williamson County Commissioners Court session, Taylor resident Pamela Griffin asked the elected leaders to aid her community in their battle to stop the construction of a neighborhood data center on 87 acres.

“We need some support,” Griffin told commissioners.

The matter was not an agenda item, so the members on the dais could not comment. County Judge Steven Snell, however, invited Griffin to email her statement to him.

Across Texas and the nation, public outcries are growing over data centers, which critics say pose a risk to health and property values. Supporters argue data centers are needed for artificial intelligence, banking, communication and military support, adding they also help reduce property taxes.

Also during the meeting, commissioners heard about a survey indicating a majority of Williamson County residents are satisfied with the services provided by county government; recognized a Taylor Independent School District golf champion; and discussed a grant for veterans’ health services.

Meanwhile, Griffin said the county needs to help curtail data center growth.

She and several neighbors on Taylor’s southeast side have filed a lawsuit against Blueprint Projects Data Center over a statement on the original land deed that said the property was meant to be parkland.

The deed went through several transactions before being sold to the data center developer.

A state district judge ruled the data center could move ahead, but plaintiffs say the issue is not over. They also filed a separate legal action to force the Taylor City Council to put a vote on data-center zoning on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

“My neighborhood is a poor black and brown community. We don’t have (resources) like other communities to fight this big data center coming into our neighborhood,” Griffin said. “We are trying to stop this because we are very highly concerned about our health and our way of life.”

Leticia Flores, a Precinct 4 resident, also spoke to commissioners about the Powerhouse + Big Watt data center and power plant planned in Taylor’s extraterritorial jurisdiction between FM 112 and U.S. 79.

“Placing a power generation facility near residential areas brings severe risks,” Flores said, addressing noise, water usage, water discharge, emissions, property values and long-term health.

“We are urging this court to prioritize rigorous oversight, ensure multi-jurisdictional transparency and actively include local constituent feedback before approvals or county-level agreements proceed,” Flores said.

Survey shows satisfaction with Wilco services

A countywide survey showed 66% of Williamson County residents are satisfied with the quality of customer service from county employees and 65.8% are satisfied with the overall quality of services provided, commissioners heard.

Statewide, Texans report only 33.6% satisfaction with customer service and 43.6% with the quality of services provided by their counties, according to Ryan Murray of ETC Institute.

“What we’re trying to do is provide an objective feedback tool for residents to provide some feedback to the county, and one of the other things that we want to do is help set priorities,” Murray told commissioners.

ETC Institute, a Kansas-based company, performs these types of studies across Texas and the nation. The Williamson County study included 1,302 completed surveys, which Murray said ensures accuracy within 2.7% margin of error with a 95% confidence level. ETC Institute performed the last Williamson County survey in 2024.

Respondents listed well-maintained roads, safety and traffic flow as the top three issues that will have an impact on overall quality of life over the next two decades. These selections align with the answers from the 2024 survey. The only areas showing a change that exceeded the 2.7% error margin were an increased interest in the pace of growth and improved trails.

Satisfaction with most county services has remained steady, with a few exceptions. The satisfaction rating of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter increased from 61% to 65%.

Services provided by the county tax office, county clerk, county Elections Office and county road maintenance did not fare as well, with public satisfaction scores sinking by 3% or more for each.

The highest-ranked was Williamson County Emergency Medical Services, with an 82% satisfaction rating. Lowest was new road construction and safety improvements with 43% of respondents being satisfied.

The county beat state and national scores in the overall ranking as a place to live, to raise children, to retire and to work. Williamson County scored an 85.1% satisfaction as a place to live, versus a 49.7% average score in counties across the state and 54.7% compared to the average in counties nationwide.

Also, 57% of respondents selected “feel safe/ low crime rate” as being the most important reason to continue living in Williamson County rather than somewhere else in the Austin area.

The second-highest-rated answer was “family and relatives live here,” with 36% of respondents listing it as an important reason. Respondents could make multiple selections.

“The results support a focused path forward: continue protecting the county’s strengths in safety and core services, prioritize road capacity and maintenance, and strengthen communication and customer service to rebuild confidence in county government,” Murray said.

Darter receives county recognition

Commissioners also recognized Taylor sophomore Rylen Darter with a proclamation honoring her 2026 University Interscholastic League Class 4A Girl’s Individual State Golf Champion victory. Darter was a freshman when she won the championship earlier this year.

“Rylen’s accomplishments extend well beyond the golf course. She maintains straight A grades at Legacy Early College High School (in Taylor) while simultaneously earning college credit through the school’s early college program,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles.

Darter won the tournament with a two-day score of 140 (69-71) the third-best in UIL State Tournament history, and winning the championship by an impressive seven strokes

County receives grant to help veterans The Texas Veterans Commission has awarded Williamson County $360,000 to fund a veterans treatment court program. Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court provides compliance and assessment software, monitoring for public safety, and a portion of salaries for the court coordinator, program manager and probation officers who work with veterans.

The one-year grant will assist 65 veterans in the county.

“That is a great opportunity for our veterans,” Snell said.

The court also approved renewal of an agreement with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services to complete assessments on applicants for treatment of veterans.

The next Commissioners Court is 9:30 a.m. Sept. 1 in the Williamson County Administration building, 1848 Texas Trail. Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners-Court.

Topics covered include data centers, water and wastewater resource planning and land development code changes.

Organizers said the comeand- go Digital Infrastructure meeting Aug. 26 at the Main Event Center, 3101 N. Main St., was well attended.

The booths providing information about data centers were the most crowded, officials said.

Visitors learned about the city’s restrictions on data centers already in the works and the restrictions the city is planning to impose on potential facilities in the future.

Daniel Seguin, Taylor’s executive director of community services, noted questions about data-center noise were addressed at one booth.

“It compares our proposed noise restrictions to other communities around the country and around the state,” he said. “It also talks about (data center) setbacks, what those setbacks mean, how they will look to an average neighborhood based on what we’ve currently proposed. And it also talks about the financial impact of data centers in Taylor.”

Visitors walked from table to table staffed by consultants who answered questions and provided information on specific topics.

For the first time, the city also provided on-site childcare, staffed by the Taylor Public Library, for parents and guardians visiting the information meeting.

“The goal of the meeting is for folks to come out,” Seguin said. “If they already know about all of these details, great, we’re here to listen to the community and receive their feedback on our proposed restrictions and ordinances.”

Those who wanted to know more had a chance to visit the stations “and learn about the subject matter directly from the experts,” Seguin added.

Taylor resident Pam Reeves said she attended the event to stay informed.

“I came out just to find out what this was all about, to get more information, so I’m familiar with water demand,” Reeves said. “That concerns me the most, the water demand on the city and our prices to reflect paying for more water or electricity or whatever.”

Reeves added that while she was most concerned about the city’s infrastructure, the idea of so many data centers in the area worried her.

At least three data centers are in the planning stages for Taylor with many in the community voicing stiff opposition. Those include the Blueprint Projects Center, Project Comal and Project Mustang.

Residents have filed a court petition to force Taylor leaders to place an amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot allowing for more stringent zoning governing data-center development.

• Meets noon Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

ROTARY CLUB

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

LIONS CLUB

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

STITCHIN’ TIME AND HOOKS & NEEDLES • Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

• Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior Social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

FRIDAY, AUG. 28

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Senior Social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Gabriel River Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Ripple and Rose Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m. $10, ages 18 and up.

• David Adam Byrnes at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket information at CouplandDancehall.com.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Punk Night with four bands at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10, ages 18 and up.

SUNDAY, AUG. 30

• East Wilco Dems meeting at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 12:30 p.m., free.

MONDAY, AUG. 31

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Storytelling at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., ages 18 and up.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior Social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

HUTTO — Leaders want to make it easier for new restaurants to serve alcohol, but voters ultimately will have to approve changing city rules during an election in spring.

That was the word during the Aug. 20 City Council session in which members on the dais also discussed ongoing negotiations with Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3. They also approved wholesale water rates.

In the matter of alcohol sales, Hutto officials said properties not annexed into the city as of 2006 are only able to serve beer and wine.

They are hoping a city ordinance can be updated by voters during an election in May, but even if the amendment passes, it will only affect properties annexed before Nov. 1 of this year.

“The only people right now who can sell a margarita in the city limits of Hutto are those who were in the city as of 2006,” said Mayor Mike Snyder.

The mayor noted there is a fast-track annexation process so properties can be within the city before the deadline that could be set by the next election.

The issue arose at the Thursday council session as Snyder addressed the developers of 3349 Business Holdings, a proposed commercial development on the Southeast Loop between FM 3349 and FM 404.

“

What you’re in is, for lack of a better term, a moist area.”

— Mayor Mike Snyder The developers were requesting wastewater service from the city. Snyder noted the proposal called for an onsite restaurant and informed the developers about the current liquor restrictions.

“What you’re in is, for lack of a better term, a moist area. You can sell beer and wine but you can’t sell margaritas or any hard liquor that goes into a drink,” Snyder said.

The developers are hoping to be annexed by Hutto and want to create a 100-acre retail complex that will serve the fastgrowing corridor between Hutto and Taylor.

More than 4,000 homes are being built in that area.

Snyder said the regulation has made it difficult for some developers to attract high-end restaurants in fast-growing areas brought into the city limits. He listed Buffalo Wild Wings and Longhorn Steakhouse as examples.

Longhorn had been announced as a tenant in the same retail plaza as Sprouts Farmers market near U.S. 79 and Texas 130. The restaurant chain includes cocktails in its menu, but under the current regulations the Hutto location would not be allowed to sell cocktails, according to Snyder.

Hutto petitions for tax vote The ongoing saga between Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 and Hutto city leadership continued with the city now asking the county to approve an election to settle the contested sales-tax split.

The city wants to build its own fire station near the Hutto Megasite.

Two weeks ago, Hutto sent ESD No. 3 several options regarding how the city would like to move forward in their contentious relationship.

The main point of disagreement regards how the city and ESD will split the sales taxes from developments that become annexed into the city, or became annexed after 2016.

The current agreement gives the city a 60% share of the allotted sales and use taxes for undeveloped properties over 5 acres in size annexed into the city after 2016, according to Snyder.

The city is asking for an 80% share regardless of property size or whether it has been developed.

The ESD had not yet responded, so at the Aug. 20 meeting City Council voted to ask the Williamson County Commissioners Court to call for a public vote.

The council also agreed that recordings and transcripts of all ESD sub-committee meetings should be made available to the public when receiving a publicinformation request.

ESDs were created in the 1990s as special-purpose taxing districts to pay for fire protection, emergency medical services and other first-responder services in rural areas that could not afford a city fire department or lacked a large population.

They have their own budget and taxing powers.

Hutto sets wholesale wastewater rates

Hutto officials at the meeting approved new wastewater rates after a study presented by Willdan Financial Services.

Hutto provides wholesale wastewater services to Taylor and Round Rock, but until recently had not completed an evaluation to determine the true cost of the services when volume and infrastructure use are considered.

The costs are proportional to the volume of waste processed and the infrastructure used to transport wastewater from Taylor and Round Rock to Hutto, officials said.

Under the new agreement, Taylor’s monthly infrastructure allocation would be about $1.56 million per year, or $129,946 per month. There would also be a charge for the volume of wastewater treated.

Round Rock’s annual infrastructure cost would be $40,821.

Round Rock uses significantly less of the Hutto wastewater infrastructure than Taylor does.

Jason Gray with Willdan Financial Services said the company used a standard methodology to determine the rates. Hutto did not have wholesale rates established in the past.

City Manager James Earp said the charges are a true reflection of what Hutto is spending to perform the service.

“This is what it costs. We’re not overcharging, we’re not upcharging, it’s literally the cost apportioned to your share of the infrastructure that you’re specifically using,” Earp said.

The cities could decide not to accept the new wholesale contracts and find another solution. Earp said since the prices reflect actual costs, there is not really room for negotiation.

Hutto has been providing some wastewater services for Taylor since 2023 through an interlocal agreement that included Taylor allocating some of its share of county American Rescue Plan Act funds toward Hutto’s wastewater infrastructure.

A Taylor official presented his city’s perspective on the issue.

“The city of Hutto was requesting $10 Million in ARPA funding from the county allocation,” said Daniel Seguin, Taylor’s executive director of community services. “They would receive the $10 million on the condition that they provide $5 million of those funds to expand their plant and provide capacity to the city of Taylor for developments in RCR rail park (near Samsung Austin Semiconductor) and future developments south of the rail park.”

Seguin added, “Hutto agreed to provide up to 2,000 LUEs (living unit equivalents) to city of Taylor developments and fund the infrastructure to get to the city limits.”

The Taylor Economic Development Corp. presented the check Aug. 21 during a ceremony at Taylor High’s career and technical education facility.

Officials said the funding allows Legacy ECHS to build on its success, having earned second place at the Texas BEST Robotics State Championship Rookie Bowl earlier this year, and will launch a competitive robotics program at Taylor High.

“This gift from the Taylor Economic Development Corp. is a tremendous investment in our students’ futures. It will directly support our robotics competition teams at Taylor High School and Legacy Early College High School, covering everything from materials and training to competition entry fees,” said Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik of the Taylor Independent School District.

At Legacy ECHS, the funding will boost robot reliability, engineering documentation, project management and competition readiness.

At Taylor High, the donation will provide materials, equipment, safety resources and create a team of students to build a robotics program.

“This partnership helps ensure that every Taylor student has opportunities to feel engaged and connected at school while benefitting from high-quality, well-rounded educational experiences that prepare them for college, careers and future success,” EDC officials said in a statement.

Zembik said 45 students are enrolled in the Legacy Robotics program, but that number is expected to grow.

“We’re especially excited that this funding allows Legacy to launch a new drones division, giving even more students hands-on experience with the technical skills that are shaping tomorrow’s workforce,” Zembik said. “We’re grateful for the EDC’s continued partnership and belief in our students.”

The investigation took place Aug. 22-23, according to a department press release.

“The operation focused primarily on individuals believed to be seeking sexual contact with children under the age of 15,” according to the prepared statement. “It was conducted as part of (Hutto Police Department’s) continuing efforts to protect children, identify individuals who may pose a threat to minors, and deter child exploitation in Hutto and across Central Texas.”

Pending formal charges and booking, none of those arrested have been identified by name.

According to the report, the Hutto man initially was charged with trafficking of a child younger than 14. Police later said the charge is being upgraded to attempted sexual performance by a child.

The other arrests included a 29-year-old Round Rock man originally charged with trafficking of persons, but who now faces an upgraded accusation of attempted sexual performance by a child.

A 55-year-old Georgetown man, a 28-yearold Pflugerville man, a 43-year-old Leander man and a 34-year-old Round Rock man were arrested on charges of online solicitation of a minor, according to the statement.

“Protecting children is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and this operation is a strong example of what can be accomplished when our officers, our law-enforcement partners and our community are all working toward the same goal,” Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough said.

The operation included HPD personnel with assistance from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Round Rock Police Department, Williamson County Emergency Communications and DarkHorse Benefits.

According to Hutto officials, DarkHorse Benefits is a nonprofit offering specialized expertise and resources to support “these complex investigations.”