Bastrop City Council - September 29, 2026

At the September 29, 2026, Bastrop City Council special meeting, council unanimously directed the city manager to advance a proposed $50,000 live-music initiative funded from available hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds, not the general fund. Discover Bastrop would manage the proposed grant process for downtown businesses and live music; a budget amendment, including this item and other adjustments, is expected at a future meeting. Council also unanimously approved a resolution supporting proposed state legislation that would allow qualifying property owners to leave an emergency services district when the city can provide equal or better service at a lower tax rate. The legislation was discussed in connection with a proposed regional hospital and other development, but the resolution itself does not change state law.

Council approved a professional services contract with The Goodman Corporation, not to exceed $540,045, for design work on the Blakey Lane extension project; the amount is to be paid from the project’s existing capital improvement funding, with approximately $6 million identified as allocated. The related design direction—including connecting Jessica Place and safety improvements there—passed 3–2; a proposal to keep Jessica Place closed did not receive a second. The contract approval passed with one opposing vote. Discussion covered the project’s roundabout, road and utility connections, pedestrian safety, emergency access, and design schedule. Council Member Plunkett recused himself from the live-music item.