The five-month investigation targeting the manufacture and distribution of illicit substances resulted in warrants being served July 23 in the 100 block of West Point Way in Elgin and the 400 block of Gano Street in Taylor, deputies said in a release.

According to the July 24 statement, the Taylor site “was identified as a location where (a suspect) was allegedly distributing narcotics. Further investigation also indicated that narcotics were being stored at this residence.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Trevor Hunt, 34, who lived at the Elgin residence, is charged with the manufacture/delivery of methamphetamine and cocaine, and marijuana possession. Deputies also said Cynthia Alderete, 36, is charged with possession of a controlled substance 1 to 4 grams.

Items seized by law officers at the Taylor residence include methamphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. Discovered at the Elgin residence, investigators said, were crystal meth and meth pills, powder cocaine and crack cocaine, marijuana, THC vapes, promethazine, a loaded revolver, a “loaded Taurus handgun” and $5,000 in cash.

Both Alderete and Hunt were booked into the Bastrop County Jail July 23, where both suspects remained Monday evening in lieu of bond amounts of $50,000 and $250,000, respectively.

“This investigation highlights the importance of multi-agency coordination and partnerships,” the sheriff’s release noted.

Participating agencies and units included the sheriff’s Organized Crime Unit, sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Texas Department of Public Safety Major Drug Unit 6C1 and the Elgin Police Department, investigators said.

Peace officers said anonymous tips on crimes can be submitted through the sheriff’s Organized Crime Unit Tipline at 512943-1170 or by emailing drug humantraffickinginfo@wilco.org.

Tipsters can also reach out to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-253-7867, through the free P3Tips mobile app, or online by visiting wilcocrimestoppers.org/sitemenu.aspx?ID=316&.

That was a decision reached during the Thursday, July 23, council session that also saw the approval of an official bank for the city based not in Taylor but Hutto and adding more residents to a development advisory committee.

Police to get more Tasers 

The council Thursday approved an expenditure with Axon Taser of nearly $44,000 to add more of the devices to the force.

Tasers fire darts that deliver an electrical charge to incapacitate a non-compliant person, rather than using a more lethal firearm to stop someone.

The city originally approved the current Axon Taser contract in September 2022, at a cost of $12,973 year.

See story about Mayor Jim Buzan’s decision not to discuss data center zoning see page nine.

The amended contract will upgrade Taylor’s Taser units to the latest technology, which proponents said are more accurate and have greater effectiveness.

The Taylor Police Department has enough Tasers for officers on routine patrol, but during special events many officers have empty Taser holsters, according to Support Services Commander Joseph Branson.

Branson requested an increase from 12 to 31 Tasers.

“This is the primary less lethal weapon for your Police Department. It provides officers with an alternative to other weapons that can cause more serious injury,” Branson said.

Not everyone was happy. Community advocate Carrie D’Anna said she was concerned adding more Tasers would also increase their usage, becoming an officer’s go-to non-lethal response instead of other methods of de-escalation.

She was particularly apprehensive about officers resorting to Tasers when dealing with mental-health situations.

“Less lethal is not non-lethal,” D’Anna said.

Branson said officers do not use their Tasers often, but he did not have statistics readily available.

City approves a new bank

The Regions Bank-Hutto branch, 500 U.S. 79 West, was selected by the city as its official financial institution, beating four Taylor branches to win a five-year contract.

Citizens National Bank, Frontier Bank, Huntington Bank, PNC Bank and Regions Bank all scored at least 90 out of 100 points on the city’s evaluation criteria, with Regions Bank outpacing the Taylor banks by three points.

“All five banks were very aggressive in their proposals, and I mean that in a very good way in terms of the pricing and the effort they put forward in their proposals. No one bank was the front runner in every category, that’s how competitive it was,” Chief Financial Officer Robert Powers told the council.

Shelli Cobb was the sole council member voting against approval of the contract with Regions Bank.

She said that as a former teacher and coach, she never saw out-of-town banks supporting local sports and youth events.

“A local bank invests in the community in those ways, so to go outside of the Taylor institution concerns me a little bit,” she said. “(The) city of Taylor should probably have a local bank.”

State law requires cities to rebid their bank depository services every five years. PNC Bank, formerly BBVA Bank, won the last contract in 2021.

In March, the council gave Powers approval to extend the search for a new bank outside city limits, to include banks within 10 miles of City Hall.

Norman Witcher, Regions Bank commercial banking relationship manager, said the bank will work to become part of Taylor’s community and be involved with local non-profit agencies.

Regions, which is based in Alabama and has eight branches in Central Texas, is in “expansion mode,” Witcher said.

Members added to advisory committee

Some community members expressed the sentiment “more is not enough” after the council added two members from both District 1 and District 2 to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Code Advisory Committee.

The committee is intended to represent diverse community perspectives during the planning process for new development measures; the latest appointments arose out of complaints representation did not reflect the city’s demographics.

“The committee’s work will support the development of a long-range vision and policy framework for land use, transportation, housing, economic development, parks, utilities and community character,” according to an official description.

Community advocates noted at a previous council meeting there was no representation on the nine-member panel from either districts 1 or 2, while there are at least four members from District 3.

“The deck is stacked for District 3. Even though you’re making a step in the right direction, you’ve got to go further,” resident Scott Gibbs told council after they voted to add two members from each of the omitted districts.

Cobb, who represents District 2, and Greg Redden representing District 1, both nominated committee members based on other criteria than district residence.

Thursday’s council vote added Brian Heeke and Joseph Salazar from District 1 and Christopher Gonzales and Gerry Sutton from District 2.

Original appointees include former Mayor Dwayne Ariola, Ben Fuentes, Julie Downs, Chuck Farr, Karen Saverse, Mike Aplin, David Downs, Keith Hagler, Buddy Michna and Tyler Turner.

Community members voiced concerns that adding only two each from the previously unrepresented districts was just a token gesture.

“If your vote is easily outweighed by everyone else there, what’s the point?” asked Sarah Winters.

Councilwoman Heather Long prompted an outcry from the audience when she related the public’s interest in equity among districts to “The Hunger Games,” a postapocalyptic book series and movie in which combatants from different regions are pitted against one another in a brutal contest for survival.

“It is a horrible analogy, but I’m not going to apologize for it, I said it. But you’re wanting us to choose committee members based upon their district, which is divisive in nature,” Long told the audience.

Taylor police Monday, July 27, said no arrests have been reported in the incident. Anyone with information on the case can call 512- 352-5551.

The mural in Potter’s Alley was damaged sometime between July 19-July 20 and just hours after completion by world-renowned artist Gabriel Alapinta of Chile.

But days later, local artist Cody Seigmund restored Alapinta’s work.

“It is unfortunate that someone chose to disrespect the beautiful artwork that was donated to the community,” said Daniel Seguin, Taylor’s executive director of community services. “We are proud of the work to restore the mural by some of our local artists. It is beautiful when a community comes together for the benefit of all.”

According to Taylor officials, Linea de Vida Church approached the city with a proposal to donate a mural for Potter’s Alley, located in a downtown Taylor alley between Second and Third streets and behind the McCrory Timmerman Building, to honor Taylor’s sesquicentennial.

Once the proposal was sent, the Public Arts Advisory Board approved the mural, which was done by Alapinta July 18-19.

Sometime over the next two days, someone spraypainted the words “We want a park” and “(expletive) your data center.”

While attempts to remove the words from the mural were not successful, Seigmund was able to restore the painting to its original look July 22, officials said.

The founder of a coalition that wants a pause on data center development in Taylor said both the mural and the messages left on it are forms of communication.

“The mural is communicating something on behalf of the city and arts board,” said Carrie D’Anna of Halt Taylor Data Centers. “We elevate the culture of street art, and it’s always been a way of communicating. What you have on that wall is a conversation between people.”

Halt is opposed to plans to build Blueprint Projects Data Center on an 87-acre tract in south Taylor, which neighbors contend was intended for a park.

The coalition has filed a legal action with the 3rd Court of Appeals asking the justices to order Taylor officials to put zoning controls on the Nov. 3 ballot, which Taylor leaders say violates state law.

Instead, the City Council initially wanted to solicit public input and vote on data center zoning ordinances in September, but the action is paused until the legal battle plays out.

James Killough, 81, was struck in the parking lot of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Taylor, 305 Mallard Lane, shortly before 10:15 a.m. July 24, police said.

The driver left the scene as hospital staffers rushed from the building to aid Killough, though he succumbed to his injuries, police said.

Friends said he had come to the hospital for physical therapy.

Jesse Jackson, 43, of Spring, has been charged with first-degree murder and remains in the Williamson County Jail in Georgetown in lieu of a $1 million bond.

Friends and relatives mourning Killough said one of the town’s brightest beacons was snuffed out after a career of service to his country and his community.

“(Jim) was a great man who was a light in our dark world,” said Matt Perez, who attended First Baptist Church with Jim and his wife, Rhonda.

Although no official motive has been revealed, according to an eyewitness account, Killough’s death is believed to have been caused by road rage in what friends and his son, Nathan Killough, have described as “a senseless act.”

Every Monday morning Killough joined his friends for breakfast at El Corral Lozano. They affectionately called themselves the FBC Brain Trust.

The members were retired and many, including Killough, were former military service members.

According to friends and relations, Killough served his country during the Vietnam War as a spy in East Germany and gathered intelligence for the U.S. military.

“Jim and I were both Vietnam veterans and had a brotherhoodtype bond because of this. When I shook his hand and we looked each other in the eye, we both felt a common bond that only veterans understand,” said John Palacios, who served as a sergeant in the Army.

This week, Killough’s friends left an empty seat at the table to commemorate his memory, placing a hat and a rose there.

Killough also enjoyed working with his hands, said Judy Schroeder.

“He loved to create things out of wood, and I was blessed with birdhouses and a family of ducks to put in my garden,” Schroeder said.

All agreed Killough was a man who loved his wife and family and who venerated the Lord.

“Jim had a heart of service whether in his city work, in church or with his family. For those who didn’t know him personally, you missed a real treat,” said Terry Roberts. “My life is richer because of knowing Jim as a person and friend.”

Killough and his wife were married for 58 years and had three sons – two are deceased. He also was a deacon at First Baptist and was involved in Community Bible Study, which once temporarily used space at FBC but today is housed at Taylor Brethren Church.

Services had not been announced at deadline.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information in the case is asked to call police at 512-352-5551.

“Jim had a heart of service.”

— Terry Roberts

GEORGETOWN – Williamson County officials will continue strengthening ties with Asian businesses as part of a five-year strategic plan, but at home more public input is being suggested before moving ahead with the proposed Justice Center Complex.

Those were some of the topics covered during the July 21 session of the Williamson County Commissioners Court.

Taking center stage during the meeting, Dave Porter, the executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, told commissioners the agency will work to expand marketing to domestic and international companies, including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

North California and Los Angeles are the two main domestic markets the agency intends to target.

The efforts of the partnership and Porter — who has also announced he is retiring in December — echo earlier endeavors by former County Judge Bill Gravell, who led trade missions to South Korea after Samsung announced in November 2021 it was building a $17 billion semiconductor fabrication facility in Taylor.

Porter presented data showing the county’s Gross Domestic Product grew from $36 billion in 2022 to $44.6 billion in 2026. The U.S. Census indicates the county is one of the fastest-growing in the country.

“Williamson County has quickly become an economic engine for Texas and the nation,” Porter said.

In the last year, Porter said 30 major companies located to Williamson County and the WCEDP was critical in attracting eight of them. Those companies alone brought 2,224 jobs and a $500 million capital investment, he added.

In all, the 30 businesses will invest $2.53 billion, resulting in $10.23 million in net new tax revenue for the county over a 10-year period and $212.5 million across all local taxing districts.

“These huge investments help keep residential tax rates down,” Porter said.

The county invested $500,000 in the WCEDP. Porter told commissioners that every dollar going into the partnership returned $22 back in tax revenue.

The partnership will also establish a county infrastructure task force to address water, transportation and energy supply issues, which Porter deems the county’s most critical bottleneck to economic growth.

“Every day, over 202,000 Williamson County residents leave the county to work, mostly in Travis County, while 101,000 travel into Williamson County each day to work,” he said. “Williamson County is becoming a center of employment and more and more of our workforce is staying here.”

Porter’s five-year plan also includes initiatives targeting students and military personnel who are transitioning out of the service.

Justice Center input Meanwhile, some commissioners said the controversial Justice Center Complex should not progress without more public input.

They encouraged County Manager Rebecca Clemons to move forward with a public-engagement process.

The multiuse center, which would include a new jail, is planned for southeast Georgetown to replace overcrowded, deteriorating facilities downtown. The county has signed for a 253acre tract for $75.82 million and authorized $150 million in bonds to cover the land and early project costs, with a tentative opening date for 2030.

Complaints have been raised about the release of inmates and the proposed site’s proximity to schools and neighborhoods.

The county shouldn’t take another step until leaders hear from constituents, some commissioners said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles — who represents the Taylor and Hutto areas — stressed Wilco officials need to solicit public input since only the land is purchased, and no decisions have been made about the site layout or design.

“I think this is a great place for us to stop and listen to our neighborhood, to our city and to our (Georgetown Independent School District) and do it well,” Boles said. “We’re going to get some good information... to see what they’re thinking.”

Clemons told commissioners feedback from residents has been included in each phase of the plan, but more discussions are planned after the initial design and site layout drafts have been completed.

She suggested giving the public actual plans to comment on would be more meaningful to the community and answer more questions, including where the building could be situated and its height.

County Judge Steven Snell said that public comment alone is not enough, but remains a vital component so long as commissioners also engage with stakeholders.

“It leads to a deterioration in the trust of government, which is very fragile anyway. They want to know that their concerns are taken seriously and we truly listen,” Snell said.

The next commissioners court session is 9:30 a.m. July 27 in the new Williamson County Administration building, 1848 Texas Trail.

Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners-Court.

School board members this past week approved an initiative allowing homeschool students to compete alongside Taylor Independent School District pupils in UIL events for the 2026-27 school year.

Senate Bill 401, or the University Interscholastic League Equal Access Program, was passed by the 89th Legislature last year and paves the way for homeschool students in accredited, eligible programs to participate in UIL activities through their local school districts.

Also during the July 20 meeting, trustees approved compensation for staffers affected by an unspecified campus threat earlier this month, and learned attendance during the 2025-26 academic year fell short — but not by much.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen said the district would opt in to SB 401 for the coming academic cycle and reevaluate participation the following year.

District UIL competitions include athletics, fine arts and academic activities.

The initiative is intended to expand opportunities for students while broadening participation across programs, a district spokesman said.

“There is a list of accredited homeschool programs and those are the ones that can participate,” said Daniella Ogundare, director of the Taylor Opportunity Center. “I know that some families think the kids just sit at home and the parents may or may not be teaching them and then they’re able to participate. No, it’s not that.”

In addition to participating in accredited programs, Ogundare said homeschool students must meet grade-level proficiency requirements, which are the same eligibility standards required of public- school students.

Board approves pay for emergency closure School district leaders approved paying staffers for an emergency closure July 2 after an anonymous social-media threat put facilities on “secure” status. Some staff members were given the option to leave early and work from home; others with critical functions, such as payroll, stayed at their desks until tasks were complete.

Trustees approved full pay for employees who opted to leave, and premium pay was authorized for those who remained working through the emergency.

Though school was not in session, staff and students were brought into the building, and business continued as usual, officials said.

No threat was detected by the police.

Attendance up, not quite to goal Ogundare, who is also in charge of the district’s at-risk program, told trustees that five of the district’s six schools met their attendance goals for the 2025-26 school year. While the schools did not meet the districtwide goal, the overall attendance average of almost 94% is an improvement over the previous year.

Ogundare said she was confident the district could meet its attendance goals for the 2026-27 year.

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year was 2,900, officials said.

The district reported more than 80 students were sent to a truancy court last year for excessive absences.

Truancy cases are heard by Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Rhonda Redden.

Ogundare said Redden has asked the district to streamline its systems to file truancy problems faster, so the justice of the peace can work out solutions early enough to make a difference for the student.

Ogundare has set a meeting with the attendance clerk to see how paperwork can be turned in sooner.

State disbursements to school districts are based on daily attendance reports.

The next school board meeting is 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Taylor ISD boardroom at 3101 N. Main St.

City birthday artwork hit by vandalism

Vandals struck a mural in Potter’s Alley downtown honoring the city’s sesquicentennial and police want the public’s help nabbing the taggers.

Potter’s Alley, located behind the McCrory Timmerman Building at Second and Main streets, features a variety of sanctioned artworks by area painters, including Dennis Levitin, and is a popular site with locals and visitors alike.

“It’s bad taste to deface other people’s art,” Levitin said. “Whoever did this is not part of the graffiti culture.”

The vandal or vandals damaged a mural commemorating Taylor’s 150th birthday.

The message over the artwork included the phrase “(expletive) your data centers.” Observers said it could be a reference to an ongoing controversy involving a data center proposed for Taylor’s south side.

According to authorities, a Taylor police officer at 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, discovered the newly painted mural “riddled in black spray paint writing.”

Investigators believe the damage was done the night before.

Depending on the cost of the damage, the penalty could range from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony, officers said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 512-352-5551.

Levitin said at one time the space known as Potter’s Alley was widely ignored for years until building owner Ricardo Zuniga encouraged local artists to responsibly use it as a canvas.

“When we started this project, this alley had no attention, there was trash in the alley, and nobody cared about it,” Levitin said. “We emphasize bringing joy and happiness through graffiti art.”

Derek Hilla, owner of True Barber Shop in the McCrory Timmermann Building, shared similar sentiments about the marring of the city’s mural.

The city received a proposal from Linea de Vida Church, 591 NW Carlos G. Parker Blvd., to donate a mural for the Sesquicentennial, which was painted by Chilean artist Gabriel Alapinta July 19-20. After the mural was defaced and the city unsuccessfully attempted to remove the wording, local artist Cody Seigmund painted over earlier artwork to create the sesquicentennial commemoration, which in turn was tagged by vandalism.

“I wasn’t a big fan of them doing a painting over the original artwork performed by local artists, but I’m not going to spray paint anything,” Hilla said. “I don’t believe in vandalism, but I’m also a big proponent of free speech. I’d rather somebody spray paint something than burn a business down or throw a brick through a window.”

Meanwhile, Levitin’s colorful cartoon illustrations and murals can be seen all over town, including on the walls of Old Taylor High, in the courtyard of Black Sparrow Music Parlor, on the garden door of St. James’ Episcopal Church and in other locales.

He also created a 10-foot-rendition of the Transformers character Optimus Prime along the wall of Potter’s Alley. In addition, Levitin has a cartoon strip featured in the weekend edition of the Taylor Press.

HUTTO — A former editor and publisher of the Taylor Press now teaching media skills at Hutto High School recently won a top regional education award.

Jason Hennington, a Taylor native, is the Career and Technical Association of Texas Area IV “New Teacher of the Year,” officials announced this week.

He is a career and technical education teacher at the campus.

“I was surprised because I didn’t expect it,” Hennington said. “I’m blessed to have students who are engaged and want to learn.”

The state winners will be announced at the CTAT Winter Conference Feb. 8-10 in San Antonio.

CTAT is a nonprofit advocating for career and technical education, or CTE, programs by providing support and professional development for school districts across 12 geographical areas.

To be eligible for the award, educators must have five years or less in the classroom.

CTE programs blend vocational skills with academic studies through training focused on careers.

Hennington found out about the honor following a busy weekend. He hosted the annual Taylor Press 3-on-3 basketball tournament July 11-12 before driving to Fort Worth the morning of July 13 for his CTAT interview.

After that, Hennington carried on with life as usual. Then, he received a phone call.

“Around 9:30 p.m., they called me and told me I won. I was surprised and happy,” Hennington said. “The first thing I said was, ‘Thank God.’ I was blessed to be nominated and to win. I was speechless at first, but I was really happy and excited.”

Hennington said his teaching philosophy involves not only instructing his students about the basics of photography or graphic design, but also about decorum when representing the high school media department.

“I’m also teaching them stuff they can take outside of the classroom,” Hennington said. “I teach them how to use a camera, but I also teach them how to carry themselves when you’re working with clients.”

After 11 years of employment at the Press, Hennington began his teaching career in the fall of 2024. Each year, he adds new skills to the curriculum.

“I try to keep adding new things. The first year I taught photography and I taught them basics,” he said. “Last year, I added a couple of other things such as on-scene photography. This year, I hope to incorporate something else. I try to keep evolving what I’m doing. I like to add to my curriculum to get them better and better.”

CTAT awards are also available for the Administrator of the Year, Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year, Experienced Teacher of the Year (five years or more), Postsecondary Professional of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Community Service.

Just winning the Area IV award is an honor, but he’s also looking forward to what happens on the state level, the journal-ist turned-teacher said.

“I’m really happy to be nominated,” Hennington said. “Whether or not I win state, I’m blessed to be nominated. If I win, great. If I don’t win, that’s great, too.”

According to authorities, a Taylor police officer discovered a newly painted mural "riddled in black spray paint writing." The discovery was made by the officer while he patrolled downtown about 7:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Taylor police believe the graffiti was done Monday night. Depending on the cost of the damage and repair, the penalty for this crime ranges from Class C misdemeanor or felony.

Anyone with any information on this incident is requested to contact Taylor police at 512-352-5551.

During a City Council meeting to discuss a resident led petition asking for zoning changes to data center development, a prepared statement outlining the city’s postponement of a decision was released before the meeting was concluded.

Traditionally such releases are made after the gavel has dropped, all discussions have concluded and members of the public have had a chance to air their views — not before or while the meeting is going on.

Officials during the Thursday, July 9, session said state law prohibited changing zoning through a popular vote such as the Nov. 3 election and the matter would instead be considered only by the council, not the voters, in September.

City Manager Brian LaBorde offered an online mea culpa to the public July 10 about the “untimely online announcement.” “Announcing the decision online shortly after the start of last night’s meeting at which many community members had turned out to speak was an error that we deeply regret,” LaBorde stated. “Our goal was to present our findings at the meeting, share how we would incorporate the petition into proposed regulations, and distribute it to the rest of the community following the meeting. Again, our council had no prior knowledge of the timing.”

Many residents in Thursday’s overf low crowd were upset or angered when they learned the post stating the same information was released before the meeting finished and the public had a chance to speak.

“On behalf of the city of Taylor, I would like to sincerely apologize for the untimely online announcement last night in regard to the citizenled petition relating to data centers,” LaBorde said in the online “beg pardon.”

He added, “Please know our City Council had no prior knowledge that this announcement would be published at that time.”

The petition, which was launched by the advocacy group HALT Taylor Data Centers, received more than 1,400 signatures – all of which were certified by Williamson County officials.

LaBorde said the city’s legal team and outside counsel determined the measure “cannot be adopted through the initiative process or placed on the (Nov. 3 general election) ballot.”

According to elected officials, Taylor is planning changes to its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to address digital businesses including data centers.

The proposed amendments would create new requirements for such uses, including environmental protection, performance and compatibility measures to protect neighborhoods, noise mitigation, air quality and water conservation.

The draft regulations can be viewed and commented on at https://fni. mysocialpinpoint. com/taylor- comprehensiveplan- and-ldc.

Public comments will be accepted through July and the council will take up the matter in September.

“We encourage all residents concerned about data centers to participate in this process, which provides opportunities for written feedback as well as hearings,” LaBorde said. “Additionally, we are currently working to schedule and coordinate a community meeting in the coming weeks to continue this important discussion and explain more about the constraints that all Texas cities face in dealing with this pressing issue.”

Residents pushing for the right to hold a recall vote are planning on a petition drive, though the City Council has yet to voice any support for putting the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.

That was the latest take on the contentious issue following the July 9 council meeting when members on the dais received the finalized list of seven recommended amendments for a city charter election.

Also during the meeting, in addition to seeking public feedback and a possible vote in September on limiting data-center growth, council members discussed safer striping for downtown parking and a $34 million water grant.

Meanwhile, the council decides which amendments actually make it to the ballot for the general election. One issue still not on the list: Giving the public the power at the ballot box to recall council members.

Some residents are now initiating a petition drive to add a recall measure to Taylor’s city charter. The group is working on making the petition available for the public to download and sign.

The council took no action on the item, but a public hearing on the amendments will be held before the final vote to add recommendations to the November ballot.

The seven recommendations before the council include establishing term limits for officeholders and improving public notification before voting on previously codenamed developments.

The Charter Review Commission discussed the recall topic twice, but proponents could not get majority approval and it was not included on the final list of suggested changes.

“From my perspective, it was a healthy discussion,” said Charles Zech, an attorney with Denton Navarro Rodriguez Bernal Santee & Zech who advised the commission.

“Ultimately, it was a split vote to not recommend placing recall on the ballot.”

The commissioners’ vote failed 5-4, though one member later stated he was confused about what he was voting against and would have changed it to a “for” vote, potentially causing it to pass.

John McDonald, who chaired the commission, said there were concerns about frivolous recalls and about the potential to recall a majority of a sitting council, leaving the city unable to conduct official business until new members were elected.

According to the Texas Municipal League, as of 2011, 90% of home-rule cities such as Taylor have recall provisions in their charters.

Street work on Second

The city is also looking at changing parking spaces along a busy downtown corridor.

The repaving of West Second Street this month will give the city the option to revise how parking spots are designated along the street by striping them at a different angle. The city also could potentially relocate handicapaccessible spaces to provide a buffer from the intersections at Main and Vance streets.

Jacob Walker of HDR told the council changing the angle of the parking slots by as little as 5 degrees can have an effect.

“A regular crew cab F-150 long-bed (Ford truck) can back up and stay in the lane, barely. A delivery truck or an extra-long heavy-duty truck, when it backs up out of these spots, their envelope does cross over the double yellow, barely. That’s the current configuration,” Walker said.

The engineer said a computer program can determine the safest angle for the parking lines by modeling the dimensions of current vehicles. Walker also suggested widening the parking spaces from 8.5 feet to 9 feet wide.

Another recommendation was to remove the two parking spaces closest to Main Street alongside the Second Street Station restaurant. The spaces are close enough to the intersection to cause potential impacts when people turn from Main onto Second Street.

Walker said Police Department records show there have been only three reported vehicle collisions on West Second in the last five years.

Council members remarked on the low number of collisions, noting the number does not reflect the real hazard of parking along that road, mainly the limited visibility when backing into Second Street traffic.

Taylor applies for water grant

A $34 million infrastructure project could become less painful for local taxpayers if the city receives a $21 million grant from the Texas Water Development Board, the council heard.

The government agency has $1 billion available for onetime, 100%-funded Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants.

Taylor can apply for a maximum amount of $21 million, according to Assistant City Manager Tyler Bybee.

The council approved $25,000 for HDR engineering firm to prepare all the necessary items to apply for the grant.

Bybee told the council the application will help fund the FM 619 water line project, a vital piece in the city’s water supply infrastructure.

“It is our secondary line. It opens up development to the east. It fixes many, many problems with pressure and is vital to what we do in the future. Can’t stress the importance of that line,” Bybee said.

The project is a large water transmission main line with a dedicated supply from the Brazos River Authority plant. If approved, the grant would allow the city to proceed with full design and acquisition, with some funds possibly left over for construction.

According to city documents, Taylor’s existing water infrastructure cannot provide the supply needed to support projected development on the city’s southeast side. That area is served by a series of small pipes with no redundancy.

A recently completed water supply study recommended the enhanced FM 619 water transmission line, and it is being included in the city’s water and wastewater master plan.

“ “Ultimately, it was a split vote to not recommend placing recall on the ballot.”

— Charlie Zech

Taylor council members say despite a resident-led movement to put datacenter regulations before voters Nov. 3, state law ties their hands and means a push instead for a local ordinance subject to city approval.

Officials plan to allow public comment in July, followed by a City Council vote on a possible zoning change in September.

The reaction from many of those packing City Hall Thursday, July 9, to hear the council’s decision?

Anger and disappointment, with several indicating the council merely found a state loophole to prohibit rezoning based on a popular vote decided by the people.

A coalition known as HALT Taylor Data Centers a few weeks earlier presented the council with a petition containing 1,400 signatures asking the city to support tighter zoning controls on the development of data centers, including putting the matter to a vote in November.

The agenda item before the council last week was an ordinance to amend the city’s land development code to remove and prohibit data centers in all existing zoning districts.

“I’m angry,” Carrie D’Anna told council members while speaking during a public forum. “I know you told us before we started speaking to be civil, but I’m angry.”

D’Anna, who supported the amendment, helped found HALT Taylor Data Centers.

“HALT is a group of citizens that have come together to ask the city to create zoning regulations around data centers,” D’Anna said.

“We want to bring everything to a halt so we can have a conversation about what we need as Taylor continues to grow.”

D’Anna and members of her group are asking the city to put a pause on data center construction in Taylor.

According to a city release, the petition signatures were certified by Williamson County officials, but a consultation with “outside legal counsel” made clear state law “does not allow a city to enact or change its zoning by popular vote.”

Much of the public chagrin over data-center development sprang from plans proposed by the Blueprint Projects Data Center for Taylor’s South Side on land neighbors have argued was intended for a park.

City seeks cooperation

City leaders said they want to work with residents.

“We have heard the concerns raised by members of our community, and I want to be clear that this is a determination about the legal process available to the city, not a judgment on those concerns,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Cmerek. “Texas law does not allow zoning to be enacted or changed by popular vote, so the council cannot place this measure on the ballot. But the concerns behind the petition are exactly what we are working to address through our Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.”

Cmerek urged those who “invested time and energy” in the petition drive “to stay involved as we develop these new regulations.”

The council member added, “The input we have received is shaping how we protect our neighborhoods, and we want that work to continue.”

Prior to the start of the meeting, D’Anna expressed concerns about data centers in general.

“The main concern is how data centers affect people and land,” she said. “The scale and speed in which they are moving into neighborhoods in the city are quite alarming. We’re looking for land and human centered zoning. We want a guideline and structure around these decisions.”

According to elected officials, Taylor is looking at amending its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code and wants to address not only data centers but all digital infrastructure.

The proposed amendments would create new requirements for such uses, including environmental protection, performance and compatibility measures to protect neighborhoods, noise mitigation, air quality and water conservation.

The draft regulations are now available on the city’s website for public feedback and comment at https:// fni.mysocialpinpoint.com/ taylor- comprehensive- planand- ldc.

Public comments will be accepted through July. Taylor anticipates an ordinance coming before the council in September for approval, following the public input and required notifications.

Pros and cons

Critics of data centers say they worry about noise, water consumption and drains on the electrical grid from a data center. Proponents note data centers are needed for artificial intelligence, banking, communications, and military and national security.

Supporters also say while data centers do not employ a large workforce, they create temporary construction jobs and pump millions in tax revenue into schools, hospitals and other entities, In another matter regarding data centers, Gov. Greg Abbott called for a ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods June 30.

Abbott also called for the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to take action to ensure data centers lower residents’ energy bills and foot their own bill for electric infrastructure.

Data center advocates note many facilities are using water-conserving closed loop systems and building their own power plants, while also giving the U.S. parity against foreign enemies in the race to control the digital frontier.

“

“We want to bring everything to a halt so we can have a conversation about what we need as Taylor continues to grow.”

— Carrie D’Anna, HALT Taylor Data Centers

GEORGETOWN — The Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center expansion project celebrated a milestone Friday in a topping-out ceremony as employees signed a beam that will be raised to the center’s highest point.

The $90 million renovation of the building at 200 Wilco Way will add 48 new beds, an associated learning and exercise area, a regional courtroom focused on family services, a new dedicated control room, and a larger intake and release area, according to officials.

Existing spaces will also be reorganized to create additional visitation, counseling and administrative areas.

An anticipated completion date for the project is early 2027.

“We are all getting very excited to see the completion of the first phase of this addition coming together, and we are anticipating early 2027 for a ribbon cutting,” said Williamson County Juvenile Services Executive Director Scott Matthew in a prepared release.

“I would like to thank our (county) commissioners and the juvenile board of judges for making this addition and renovation a reality and investing in Williamson County’s youth and families,” Matthew added.

He also thanked BLGY Inc. architects and SpawGlass Contractors Inc. for their collaboration on the renovation.

In addition to addressing growth, the expansion project aims to create a facility that reduces repeat offenses by treating the juvenile offender rather than focusing on the crime, officials said.

“This center is about giving young people the support and opportunities they need to move forward while helping Williamson County serve its families for decades to come,” said Austin region SpawGlass President David Paden.

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

• Summer Storytime & Craft: “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers and Teen Writing Group at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m. (story time), 5:45-6:46 p.m. (teens).

• 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, July 16

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Chair yoga, chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m.

(needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Basketball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N.

Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m. for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, 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.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Film Night with Hidden Light Social Film at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, ages: 18 and up.

Friday, July 17

• Splash Pad Play Day by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• 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.

• Kids Pokémon Trading Card Game Meetup and Monthly Book Club: “The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives” by Elizabeth Arnott at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 4:30-6 p.m. (kids), 5:30-7 p.m. (book).

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

• DIY Terrarium Building Workshop with Local Roots at Curio Mrvosa Books and More, 114 N. Main St., Taylor, 6-8 p.m., $25.

• Gabriel River Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30- 1:30 p.m., free.

• Richard Sanguinetti at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., free, ages: 18 and up.

• Lane Bricker at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

Saturday, July 18

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

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

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

• Taylor Market Days at Old Taylor High, 410 W. Seventh St., Taylor, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• National Ice Cream Day at Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m., free.

• Karaoke Night at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, all ages.

• David Lewis at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

Monday, July 20

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Good Life Taylor Movie at Dickey-Givens Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

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

Tuesday, July 21

• Senior Tech Class and Date Night at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10 a.m.

(senior), 6 p.m. (date).

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Volleyball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m, for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, free.

• 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.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22

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

• Summer Storytime & Craft: “Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” by Kenard Pak at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

• 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, July 23

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Chair yoga, chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m.

(needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Volleyball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m, for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, 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.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, July 24

• Splash Pad Play Day by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• 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.

• “Lagers and Literature: Curio Mrvosa Book Fair Pop-Up” at Neighborhood Bottle Shoppe, 120 W. Second St., Suite G, Taylor, 5-9 p.m., free; get 10% off with school supplies donation.

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

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

• Dale Watson and His Lone Stars at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

Saturday, July 25

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

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

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

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• Punk Night Returns with It Begins, Frogmouth, Stitched Up, Worm Suicide and Red Eyes at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $10, ages: 18 and up.

• The Reverend Horton Heat at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

• 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.

“We can only blame ourselves for all the crime and violence today. We removed all the phone booths and now Superman has no place to change.”

— Author unknown

Comfortably seated at a Nacogdoches restaurant a few years ago, my eyes absorbed the antiques and vintage signs adorning the old warehouse-turnedeatery.

I had dined there many times, before a brief detour in the Hill Country. That night, however, my casual scan locked onto one conspicuously familiar piece.

“What are the odds?” I murmured.

Fast forward to last week. A KLTV Channel 7 news report on an icon of times gone by reminded me of that night at the restaurant.

According to the story, bewildered crowds in Gilmer were attracted to a sight that prompted calls from curious residents — many of whom confessed they had never seen anything like it.

The tall glass enclosure looked just big enough for a single person to stand inside where a crude, hardwired telephone hung.

Passing youngsters called it a donation box or a primitive ATM, before an older gentleman recognized it immediately.

“Pay phone,” he said.

“That was once the only way to make a call away from home.”

Public pay phone booths shaped U.S. communication and culture for more than a century and were everywhere— airports, bus stops and train stations.

By the late 1950s, wood gave way to sleek glass-and-aluminum structures. In both forms, they were also once the lifeblood of journalism. Hollywood loved the trope of the frantic reporter rushing into a phone booth to dictate a scoop before the presses rolled.

The last time I played that live-action role was in 1997 in Washington, D.C. I was covering the U.S. Court hearing of “The City of Boerne v. Flores”— a legal battle over a church building permit and historic preservation which I had covered.

Arguments concluded, I snapped a few photos, then sprinted toward the nearest pay phone where I dictated the story to our editor back at the Boerne Star. Thanks to the humble pay phone, our hometown weekly broke the news the same day as the major dailies.

By the mid-1990s, the U.S. boasted more than 2.6 million pay phones. Then came the communications revolution: Cellphones put a phone booth in everyone’s pocket. The death blow came with the 1996 Telecommunications Act removing subsidies, effectively “hanging up” on phone booths for good. Today, it’s estimated that fewer than 100,000 examples remain nationwide, fading like ghosts of an analog world.

Reminded last week of that night at the eatery, I turned to my dining companion and said, “See that old wooden phone booth over there? I had one exactly like it in the game room of a house I sold in Center back in 1990. Mine was a ‘stand-up’ model from 1937 with phone numbers scratched into the metal near the door.”

Jotting remnants I could recall of those numbers on a napkin, I then walked across the room. Reaching the folding glass door, I stepped inside. I recognized the familiar, bare, unshielded fan and light fixture.

I folded the door shut and looked above the casing. There it was. Stamped clearly in the data plate: 1937.

Beneath it, still perfectly legible, were the phone numbers I recalled.

The old phone booth I once enjoyed had found its way into a restaurant some 15 years and 35 miles down the road from where I last saw it.

Murmuring again, “What are the odds?”

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

Bellard has more than 20 years of teaching experience, seven of those in special education leadership, Taylor ISD said in a statement.

'We are excited to welcome Jacquelyn to Taylor ISD,' said Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwards in the release. 'Her experience, passion for student success and commitment to building strong relationships will be a tremendous asset to our students, families and staff. We look forward to the leadership she will bring to our special education department.'

Bellard will start ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

'I am truly honored and

See related Taylor schools story on page 2 excited to join Taylor ISD ‘Duck Nation,’” Bellard said in the release. “My passion has always been centered on helping students grow, succeed and reach their full potential.” The Houston native enjoys spending time with her three daughters, Kara, Katelyn and Abigail; completing puzzles; and reading.

Taylor Independent School District trustees this past week agreed on the system’s budget for the 202627 school year and voted in favor of pay increases and retention stipends for teachers and staff.

Chief Financial Officer Jina Self provided information on both topics during her financial report to the trustees earlier in the June 22 meeting. Self presented two options for Taylor ISD employees and trustee Marilyn Tennill encouraged fellow board members to choose the more expensive package.

“It’s a difference of $200,000,” Tennill said.

Trustees agreed and approved the higher incentive package.

Taylor ISD teachers and administrative staff will now receive 2% raises, auxiliary employees will receive an increase of $1.50 per hour and clerical staff and paraprofessionals will earn $1

more per hour. Eligible employees returning to the district for the new school year will receive a $2,500 onetime stipend.

All eligible employees will also receive a retention stipend of $500 paid in January.

Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen thanked the trustees for always putting the teachers, staff and students first in their considerations.

“We’re doing a lot of sign-on bonuses for new teams…and we really want to make sure that our current employees feel recognized,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.

BUDGET TALKS

Meanwhile, Self presented the 2026-27 budget to trustees.

The 2026-27 general fund proposed expenditures, which include items such as curriculum, health and social services, food service and maintenance, increased from the 2025-26 budget by just under $400,000.

However, the proposed revenue for the upcoming school year is more than $6 million more than last year.

Trustees will adopt a tax rate after it receives certified taxable values from Williamson Central Appraisal District, which will be by July 25.

“(The Texas Education Agency) will use those certified values as a basis for calculating the maximum compressed tax rate and release the results to the district in August,” Self said.

Self presented a slide presentation showing the overall drop in the district’s tax rates over the last 10 years, projecting the 2026-27 maintenance and operations and debt services tax rates to remain around the same as last year’s at about 74 cents and 32 cents per $100 valuation, respectively.

Taylor ISD is also waiting for its 2025-26 financial audit to be completed. Trustees have until Sep. 30 to adopt a tax rate.

The next board meeting is 6:30 p.m. July 20 in the Taylor ISD boardroom at 3101 N. Main St.

Cheers, tears and applause filled City Hall after council members denied a request that would have allowed high-density residential construction in an area zoned for large lot single-family homes.

However, developers pushing for the townhomes at 2103 Kent St. argued they have scaled back their plans in effort to offer an olive branch to residents.

Also during the June 25 session in the City Council chambers, the members on the dais outlined a floodrelief grant for downtown businesses but remained tight-lipped on a request for more control over data centers.

In the matter involving the neighborhood anchored around Kent Street, more than 30 community members showed up at Thursday’s meeting to oppose the zoning change proposed by Sunrise Development Group.

The developer had previously submitted a plan for 50 three-story townhomes on the 3.7-acre site, but after strong pushback at a community gathering and little support for the project from the Planning and Zoning Commission, plans changed to 13 two-story houses.

The current zoning on the parcel allows for only three houses or, alternatively, a mobile home park.

“During this meeting we listened to our neighbors and the city and went back to the drawing board and began to think of other options for this neighborhood that would be a better fit within the neighborhood,” said River Smythe, a co-owner of the property. “We come before you, City Council, with a plan that we feel extends an olive branch.”

The change in planned use was not met with the community acceptance developers hoped.

Neighbors said the plans at this phase are non-binding, adding in their view once the zoning is changed there is nothing stopping the developer from resuming the original 50-townhome project.

In addition to home density, comments from the public included their concerns about potential flooding and increased traffic with no sidewalks, as well as worries the threestory buildings would be crowded too close to property lines.

“These neighborhoods have been here well over 50 years and for these developers and local builders to think that it’s OK to come in and build 50 threestory townhomes or 13 two-story units in these established neighborhoods is absurd,” said neighbor Becky Ruzicka. “There is a place for this type of development to be built and it’s definitely not in a 50-plus-yearold neighborhood.”

This is not the first infill project developer Sunrise Development Group has worked on in Taylor.

Nor is it the first one facing objections by the surrounding community.

On June 11, the council approved a specialuse permit for an in-fill apartment building at the corner of Third and Victoria streets. The project calls for 21 apartments on a site that is less than a halfacre.

Neighbors of the old, established neighborhood objected, but after the developer made some modifications to building height and design, the council approved the permit.

Councilwoman Shelli Cobb, who lives on Kent Street, objected to the Third Street project earlier this month and on Thursday objected to the Kent Street development as well.

“I’m not willing to move forward with something with no guarantees of what it will be,” Cobb said. “I also worry that once the zoning’s granted it could just go back to 50 townhomes. Granting zoning without any real neighborhood plan for what’s going to happen there is a blank check that I’m not willing to write.”

CITY OFFERS FLOOD RELIEF

The board of Tax Increment Fund No. 1, which covers downtown, will be offering a flood relief grant program for downtown businesses hard hit by flooding during the May 19 storm.

This plan will provide $500 per business that incurred damage or $1,000 if a business had to close to the public, officials said.

Applications for the grant funds are due by July 30.

Downtown Director Niecy Baum said most downtown businesses were closed from one to three days, but some were shuttered for more than a week.

“There are several businesses that incurred severe damage from the storm. The intention was to show we are supporting them. The intention wasn’t to cover all of the damage,” Baum said.

Amanda Seeley, coowner of Taylor Feed and Supply and Boxdrop Mattress and Furniture at 102 Talbot St., said floodwaters washed through the front door of her businesses, causing about $60,000 in lost products.

She said the company made a decision not to file for insurance due to high costs and the potential for increased premiums.

“We had significant damage to our property. We had feed ruined, we had furniture ruined, we had mattresses ruined,” Seely told the council. “Thank you, guys, for even having something on the agenda for considering small businesses downtown for flood relief. Because we’re looking at a month later and we’re still trying to fix those issues.”

For more, call the Downtown Department at 512-352-3463 or visit taylortx.gov.

NO WORD ON DATA CENTER PETITION

The council entered an executive session to receive legal advice from the city attorney regarding a petition submitted by Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition but took no action in public.

The petition seeks to amend the land development code to prohibit data centers in the city unless and until a zooming district specifically created for digital infrastructure uses is adopted.

The petition was submitted during the June 11 council meeting.

Carrie D’Anna, one of the petition organizers, said they have not had any word from the city since submitting the request with 1,400 signatures.

The group is now waiting on the city clerk to verify the signatures, after which time the council can adopt the petition amendments or send it to the voters for approval in the Nov. 3 election.

Much of the controversy is prompted by the Blueprint Projects Data Centers Project coming to south Taylor to a parcel neighbors argue was meant to be parkland. The $1 billion facility is set for a 52-acre site at 1601 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and is designed to power cloud storage and artificial-intelligence functions.

GEORGETOWN — Williamson County officials are moving into new digs next month after a century at the downtown courthouse, but the media enjoyed a preview tour Other convenient services at the facility include drive-thru tax lanes and secure-access areas where financial records are handled, officials said.

The tax office is already open in the building.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is 8:30 a.m. July 14.

After the ceremony, commissioners will hold their first session 9:30 a.m. in the new chamber, which features additional seating and better video capabilities, officials said.

The new space marks a change for the county’s leaders, who have been meeting at the historic courthouse since 1911.

Discussions continue about the future of the old courthouse, which needs repairs, and how it might be utilized by the nearby Williamson Museum on the historic square.

In addition to Granger, the Thrall, Lexington and Thorndale independent school districts will share the $1.3 million Moody Foundation M-Pact Grant.

According to a foundation press release, the Rural M-Pact initiative targets educational communities with customized, district-specific funding to support local student vocational success.

“The funding is split among the districts because strategically we will use it together and with one another as students from all the school districts are served,” said Granger ISD Superintendent Stephen Brosch during the June 17 school board meeting.

The M-Pact award is a three-year grant providing school districts the time to implement new programs into their curriculum.

Amber Thorsen, Granger’s director of federal programs and curriculum, said, “The first year (of the grant) is a lot of planning, working on building the program and getting a lot of stakeholder data.”

The second and third years are when the programs launch.

GRANT

• page 1

Brosch pointed out that Granger, Thrall, Lexington and Thorndale already have welding programs, but with the M-Pact grant districts can add different subjects they may not have had the funds to implement on their own, such as the healthcare trades.

Brosch also noted the M-Pact grant is a boon to all the collaborating school districts because they will now be able to offer new learning opportunities to their pupils. “It helps us build a better (career and technological education) program so our students are more successful after graduation,” Thorsen added.

Brosch said the districts will tailor the funding to support programs reflecting students’ vocational interests, preparing them for job markets doing well now and ones predicted to promise success in the future.

“And then we can put those things together to really add something new to the curriculum that we haven’t been able to (in the past),” Brosch said.

The next trustees’ meeting is 6 p.m. June 24 in the board room at 300 N. Colorado St.

Presentation of the awards took place on the last day of the Texas Newspaper Association’s annual Convention & Trade Show, held June 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport.

According to TPA officials, 103 member newspapers submitted 1,020 entries encompassing stories or other content published in 2025. The impartial Washington Newspapers Publishers Association handled the judging across 10 divisions grouped by frequency and circulation.

The Taylor Press is owned by Granite Media Partners Inc., a 50-year-old Texas news and marketing company that operates or manages publications stretching from East Texas to the Big Bend area.

“The Taylor Press’ performance in the statewide contest continues to show our commitment to rigorous reporting, adherence to the facts and telling our audience what happened, not what to think,” said Thomas Edwards, executive editor of Granite. “Our ultimate goal is to keep our communities informed without fear or favor dictating our efforts.”

See PRESS • page 2 Area Editor Jason Chlapek echoed Edwards’ sentiment.

“The staff we have here at the Taylor Press goes above and beyond the call of duty,” Chlapek said. “These awards are a testament of the hard work they put in day-in and day-out.”

The Taylor Press’ awards included:

• Second place, News Writing, Division 4

• Second place, Sports Coverage, Division 4 According to TPA officials, Granite publications overall claimed more than 40 statewide awards, including five first-place commendations. Some of the awards lauded the company’s continuing expansion into digital platforms.

TPA, founded in 1880, is dedicated to advocating for the welfare of Texas newspapers, “encourages higher standards of journalism and plays an important role in protecting the public’s right to know as an advocate of First Amendment liberties,” according to its website.

The organization represents 328 paid-circulation newspapers — 40 dailies and 288 non-dailies.

For the 20th consecutive year, Taylor’s Main Street program has earned accolades from a national organization honoring the “Front Porch of Texas,” city officials said.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the designated programs recognizing improvements to downtowns through preservation- based economic development and community revitalization using the “Main Street Approach.”

“The city of Taylor Main Street Program demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies,” said Erin Barnes, president and CEO at Main Street America.

The Taylor Main Street Program’s performance was evaluated by the organization’s personnel and Taylor Main Street, which works in partnership with the national organization to identify programs meeting “rigorous national community evaluation standards,” according to a release.

“This recognition belongs to the entire Taylor community,” said Niecy Baum, downtown director. “From our local businesses and property owners to volunteers, sponsors, partners and residents, so many people have played a role in creating the energy and excitement that make downtown Taylor the Front Porch of Texas.”

Taylor is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of more than 1,600 communities.

According to the release, to qualify for accredited

status — Main Street America’s top designation tier — communities must demonstrate a proven track record and “exceptional performance” in six areas:

• Broad-based community commitment to revitalization.

• Inclusive leadership and organizational capacity.

• Diversified funding and sustainable program operations.

• Strategy-driven programming.

• Preservation-based economic development.

• Demonstrated impact and results.

“

“This recognition belongs to the entire Taylor community.”

— Niecy Baum, downtown director

• Pickleball by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• “Teddy Bear Picnic” at Dickie Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer storytime and craft: “Knight Owl” by Christopher Denise at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

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

• Arts and crafts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Memorial Field House, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 1-3 p.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, June 25

• Sports and soccer clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga and chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.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.

• “Sleepy Storytime” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m.

• “Poetry Open Night” hosted by the Taylor Public Library at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., free, ages 18 and up.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, June 26

• 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.

• STEAM Challenge and teen craft at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 4:30 p.m. (STEAM), 6:30 p.m. (teen).

• Keen Country 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, $10, ages 18 and up.

Saturday, June 27

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

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

• “Splash Pad Play Day” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Movie Day at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10 a.m.

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

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• “Taylor Pride Fest Dance Party” at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., $10.

• All Hat No Cadillac at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing information at CouplandDancehall.com.

Sunday, June 28

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

• “Stuffed Animal Tea Party” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 1-2 p.m., $12, register: https://www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.

com, ages 2-12.

Monday, June 29

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga and kids craft at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., (yoga), 10:30 a.m. (craft), free.

• “Stories & Snuggles for Little Crawlers” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4–12, 11 a.m. to noon for babies.

• Good Life Taylor movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Taylor, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 30

• Sports by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive,Taylor, 9–11 a.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Movie Day and Teen Board Game Night at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. (movie), 6 p.m. (teen), free.

• “Fiber Friends” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• 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.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

• 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.

“Old houses, I thought, do not belong to people ever, not really, people belong to them.”

— Gladys Taber

I always wanted to live in an old Victorianstyle house. Then I bought one –– a tall, elegant structure built in 1900 and towering over the newer homes around it. After settling in, we relaxed one evening watching “The Money Pit,” a 1986 movie. The plot centers around a couple who buys an elegant old country estate. It was bliss until doors fell off hinges, staircases tumbled and a bathtub fell through the floor.

While the house I bought thankfully wasn’t that bad, it did come with its own set of surprises including squirrels in the attic … and an unseen occupant.

When it came to the squirrels, “No problem.” I thought. “I’m smarter than fuzzytailed rats.”

I spent a Saturday repairing rooflines and tree trimming, then declared it done save for checking repaired spots inside the attic.

Access to that cavernous space required climbing through a closet hatch and traversing a long 4-foot crawl space. Once there, I found myself eye to eye with one remaining squirrel.

“OK,” I muttered. I needed to reopen the nearest hole and shoo him out. The squirrel had other ideas and made evil hissing noises and assumed attack stances.

After careful dancing on both our parts, I succeeded in my plan and the squirrel succeeded in his escape.

I had almost recovered from the squirrel soiree when I was introduced to another co-occupant, this one a little harder to classify. It started with minor distractions such as the nightly sounds of someone walking in the attic and a “possessed” bedroom light.

I blamed the happenings on “George,” a nickname I assigned to the unseen inhabitant just to give him some personality.

I concluded George occupied one large bedroom adjoining a dressing room and bath. I accused him of seeking attention with the overhead light by randomly turning it on. Switchingitoff worked, but it would come on again at the least expected time.

Fearing faulty wiring, an electrician was summoned. Nothing was found. The phenomenon continued. I learned to just ignore it.

Less easy to dismiss were things like the quiet early morning I caught sight of a kid’s football slowly rolling along the floor, through the door between the rooms and stopping at my feet.

OK, so what made it fall off an undisturbed shelf? A football that neither rolls easily nor straight, navigating perfectly across a large bedroom floor, through a door and stopping at my feet?

I nervously laughed.

“George, I don’t have time to play ball. I have to go to work,” I said.

Another morning, I laid a washcloth on the lavatory and left the bathroom, making a U-turn to open the closet. As I paused there, the washcloth flew out of the bathroom and landed on the floor near my feet.

Again, I was the only one awake. Allowing my heart rate to slow down, I looked around and said, “George, you gotta cut this out, man. If you have something to say, just write it on the wall and I’ll get back to you.”

Similar small oddities continued over time, without explanation, to which I became accustomed while vocally blaming George and assuming he heard me.

We sold the old house a couple of years later.

I never watched “The Money Pit” again, but I’ve often wished our stay in that Victorian house could’ve been longer. Pending George’s approval… of course.

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

Parade and festival draw big crowds

Taylor’s Juneteenth Citywide Freedom Day Celebration has continued to grow each year and showcases the inclusivity of the community, according to organizers.

“

“I think it’s a testament to everyone being able to come together in the name of inclusion.”

— Nakevia Miller Mayor Jim Buzan, who attended the parade and brunch Saturday morning, reflected on the connections formed when people grow up in the same city with shared experiences.

“A lot of people here either I went to school with or I went to school with family members. It’s a very close-knit community,” Buzan said.

Participation in the parade and festival, held June 20, increases each year and continues to attract regional interest, planners said.

This year the event included a horse-mounted group from Elgin and a motorcycle club based in Killeen in addition to local groups.

Nakevia Miller, executive director of the Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center, presented three awards to parade recipients:

• Best Driving Group: 290 Boyz Riding Club (gaited- horse club from Elgin)

• Best Walker: Taylor’s own Queen Lola

• Best Overall: Taylor Youth Duck Nation Cheerleaders “I think it’s a testament to everyone being able to come together in the name of inclusion,” Miller said.

The grand marshal was 99-year-old former teacher Lessie Givens.

She taught Taylor students for 36 years, starting at the all-Black school, O.L. Price, before campuses were desegregated.

A biker known as T-Bone, vice president and road captain of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club – Killeen Chapter, said it was a Buffalo Soldiers unit that brought word to Galveston on June 19, 1865, that slavery was ended in Texas.

That event led to the celebration known as Juneteenth, which became a Texas holiday in 1980 and was named a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

T-Bone and seven other riders skipped the Killeen parade to celebrate with Taylor.

He said the club president, known as Saddler, lives in Taylor.

“It’s important to celebrate

historic events. I’m glad that the events are getting bigger. I’d like to see a lot more participation. It’s great that everybody is coming out to get involved in it,” T-Bone said.

Taylor’s Juneteenth event is sponsored in part by the city.

Miller said the celebration “takes a village” to coordinate and would not be possible without the support of the Parks and Recreation Department employees who help with logistics, administration, underwriting and setting up.

“We are so grateful that we have a city staff that’s committed to helping support Black cultural preservation, helping us to feel included and seen in our community,” Miller said.

In addition to the parade and brunch event Saturday morning, Taylor celebrated Juneteenth with a Saturday evening festival featuring vendors, activities, gospel music, a live band and an educational African Safari Program with Elizabeth Kahura sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

A photography exhibit highlighting the history of Black rodeos was also part of the Juneteenth programming. The free exhibit, titled “Soul Circuit -- Juneteenth Rodeos in Texas,” will be on display at the McCrory Timmerman Gallery, 112 W. Second St., through July 15.

Abu Kabir, 38, of Hutto was one of the men arrested in the two-day sting. The other suspects are Georgetown residents Deven Carrillo, Jacob Hamiltion, Kwame Obuobi and Joe Zapata; Round Rock residents Araf Nishan and Antonio Rodriguez; and Austin resident Richard Jackson.

The eight suspects remain in the Williamson County Jail each in lieu of $100,000 bonds. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations and Hutto Police Department were involved in this operation.

More on this story can be seen in the Taylor Press.

Longtime Tax Assessor-Collector Larry Gaddes resigned from his position Tuesday, June 9, after he accepted the Deputy Executive Director position with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Gaddes served as the county's tax assessor-collector since January 2017.

"I am honored for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Williamson County, immensely proud of the work of our office and deeply grateful to have served with such an amazing staff,” said Gaddes.

The Commissioners Court will appoint a person to fill the position until the next General Election. The office will be on the Nov. 2026 ballot for voters to elect a new Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector to fulfill the office for the unexpired term ending on Dec. 31, 2028.

More on this story can be seen in the June 17 E-Edition of the Taylor Press.

Taylor’s Juneteenth commemoration will be a citywide Freedom Day celebration June 20 in honor of the city’s 150th anniversary, organizers said.

The observance of the historic emancipation event already kicked off with an exhibit of archival photographs called “Soul Circuit, Juneteenth Rodeos in Texas.”

It’s free and runs through July 15 at The McCrory Timmerman Gallery, 112 W. Second St. The exhibit showcases Black rodeo stars.

“Essentially, this is the Dickey Museum’s first act as a museum. We are hosting this photography exhibition via a grant from Humanities Texas,” said Nakevia Miller, executive director of The Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center.

The museum, 500 Burkett St., originally was the childhood home of humanitarian and civil rights activist James Lee Dickey, a pioneering Black physician. It was destroyed by a fire in July 2022.

Miller said the nonprofit center has completed the interior designs for the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts are progressing.

The local Juneteenth event June 20 is a collaborative effort between the Dickey Museum and the city.

Juneteenth combines the words June and nineteenth to honor June 19, 1865, when the U.S. military arrived in Galveston after the Civil War to let enslaved African Americans know they were free.

Texas made it an official holiday in 1979 and President Joe Biden authorized a nationwide observance on June 17, 2021.

Officials said the plethora of events planned for June 20 fit right in with Taylor’s series of sesquicentennial milestones planned during the year to honor the town’s birthday.

“The city officially adopted the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival, Parade and Brunch event in 2023. In that time, the city has partnered with the Taylor Juneteenth Committee and The Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center to help bring this fun-filled, community event to the residents of Taylor,” said Parks and Recreation Director Betsy Schultz.

The parade starts at 9 a.m. and begins at City Hall, 400 Porter St., rolls down Main Street, turns left on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and continues to the Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

After the parade there will be a free soul food brunch and parade entry winners will be announced. Free line dancing lessons will be offered under the pavilion about 11:15 a.m.

The festival begins at 5 p.m. on the same day in Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with youth activities, vendors, free barbecue and music. Gospel music is scheduled for 5-6 p.m.

A special performance by the African Safari Program is 6:15 p.m. Live music by Myke and Deuce With The Fellas starts at 7 p.m.

A big part of the Juneteenth celebration involves the community gathering for food, according to Juneteenth Committee member Lucille Wright.

“You know, when we give back to the community, everybody’s welcome. The free barbecue at Juneteenth, or when we do our free meals for Thanksgiving, anything we give out is for everybody in Taylor, not a specific race,” Wright said. “And we love everybody. But they need to come to the South Side because that’s where our heritage is.”

Miller said it is important for people representing various ethnicities to stand together in solidarity.

“All are welcome. We want to see you, and we want to know that our fellow citizens support us. Because the way things are trending it could be illegal in the next couple of years to have this Juneteenth celebration,” Miller said. “So, we want to invite all our fellow citizens in Taylor and surrounding areas to join us, to come celebrate freedom, to come and support the vendors and just have a good time and be in community with us.”