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AUGUST 28, 2019 | NEWSLETTER
ROUND ROCK NEWS
City Council considers proposed FY20 budget
The  Round Rock City Council  is considering a $444.7 million budget for fiscal year 2020 focused on delivering high value services, projects and programs intended to meet its  strategic priorities  in a fast-growing community. 

The FY20 proposed property tax rate of 43.9 cents is an increase of 3.7 cents above this year’s effective tax rate of 40.2 cents. This year’s increase allows the City to fund one-time public safety equipment replacements (.5 cent),  debt payments for a five-year road improvement program  (1.5 cents) and to keep up with rising operating costs of public safety and city services, including new employees (1.7 cents). 

What's in the budget?: New programs and services
The proposed FY20 budget will fund the daily activities needed to successfully run our city — with a population of 116,120 and growing — from October 2019 to September 2020. But the FY20 budget is particularly shaped by the City Council’s  strategic priorities , which include ensuring there's infrastructure in place to effectively manage our growth.   

In addition to infrastructure, those priorities include maintaining a  family-friendly community that’s  safe , with high value services and great neighborhoods, and that draws visitors through our  tourism program  and an authentic Downtown. View the link below for a detailed look at items and services included in the proposed budget.

INTERACTIVE: Check out our property tax calculator to see how much you'd pay in City taxes —
FEATURE STORY
Round Rock's water usage increasing at significant pace
With recent dry conditions, water customers in Round Rock have responded with a major increase in water use. Water usage in our community has doubled from approximately 18 million gallons of water per day in July to up to 37 million gallons of water per day by mid-August!

High temperatures aren't necessarily a call to crank up the sprinklers. Training your lawn to be drought resistant and incorporating native plants in your landscape are just a few ways you can help protect our main water source, Lake Georgetown. Saving water also helps you by saving money and energy! Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Fix any and all leaks at your house. Culprits could include a leaking toilet, a dripping faucet, a pipe leak on the mainline or leaks in your irrigation system. Learn more bout leak detection at roundrocktexas.gov/leaks. You can also view your water use through our online utility billing portal at RRTXWater.com. Data is imported approximately twice per day, and allows you to see if water is being used while you are sleeping or away from home, indicating a leak.
  2. Do not water your lawn more than twice per week. This is crucial to keep your lawn and landscape drought tolerant. Generally speaking, nothing needs to be watered more than twice per week to allow the roots to grow long and deep. Also look into slightly reducing watering times if you notice your lawn still requires weekly mowing, and avoid watering during the heat of the day, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  3. Give your irrigation system a tuneup. Consider a smart controller for your irrigation system, rather than a traditional timer. Check out this video on adjusting your sprinklers to ensure you're not spending your money on watering your sidewalk or driveway.
  4. Replace water-thirsty plants with landscaping native to our area. The City of Round Rock hosts a Water Wise Landscaping series at the Round Rock Public Library each month that will green up your thumb in no time while also lowering your water bills. The next class is Sept. 10. Learn more
Donate to animal shelter to securely destroy documents
Shred for a Paws Cause
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Round Rock Recycling Center
310 Deepwood Drive

A donation for shelter animals allows you to securely destroy your documents and hard drives. All donations benefit the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter!

For more information, including a link to the shelter’s  Amazon Wish List for donations, visit roundrocktexas.gov/shredday.
Street maintenance program continues
The City of Round Rock has devoted $4.2 million annually in improving residential streets. Efforts range from preventative steps (crack seal, pavement preservation, etc.) to pavement overhaul (mill and overlay with new asphalt). 

Nine neighborhoods will see major improvements in the coming months through the City’s ongoing street maintenance program. 

EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
3 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Round Rock Recycling Center
310 Deepwood Drive

City of Round Rock customers are invited to drop off hazardous household waste including leftover paint, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals at the City’s Recycling Center at no charge. All participants must bring a valid driver’s license and a current City water bill as proof of residency.

Hazardous Household Waste FAQs

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household Hazardous Waste is any leftover household product in which the ingredients contain any of these four potentially hazardous characteristics: ignitable, corrosive, toxic or reactive. Accepted items include aerosol cans, a utomotive products such as oil and antifreeze, cleaners, fertilizers and herbicides or pesticides, paint and stain, poisons and pool chemicals. Materials are limited to no more than 25 gallons.

Can I participate if I live in a MUD?
Brushy Creek MUD and Fern Bluff MUD residents can pick up a “Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Voucher” from your MUD office and bring it to the collection.

What if I can't make this event?
Great news! This event is held the first Wednesday of every month, rain or shine. We also hold an annual spring event on a Saturday, and provide drop offs by appointment to City residents for $20.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Family Campout
Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21
Old Settlers Park
3300 Palm Valley Blvd.

Pack your tent and come spend the night in Old Settlers Park! Pop your tent around the Lakeview Pavilion, eat dinner, have fun, play games, sit around the campfire eating s’mores, watch a movie in the park and sleep under the stars. Wake up with the sunrise and enjoy breakfast before heading on your way to enjoy the rest of your weekend. Registration fee is $10 through Sep. 20. Each registered participant will receive two meals, s’mores and a t-shirt.

Granny Basketball Charity Event
9 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
1600 Gattis School Road 

The Rockettes will battle it out with our local  Round Rock Police and  Fire  Departments, all while raising money for  Meals on Wheels  program at the Baca Center. All the Granny Basketball rules will apply with additional handicaps for the Fire and Police. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $5 per person with all proceeds supporting the Meals on Wheels program at the Baca Center.

Chalk Walk - NEW LOCATION!
5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4
9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

The Chalk Walk Arts Festival is Round Rock’s largest festival for the arts, highlighting beautiful sidewalk murals. This year's event will be held at the Dell Diamond, making room for more live music and activities for the whole family! The event and parking are free, with food and drinks for sale. Activities for kids include a children's chalk zone area, train rides, the Austin Bike Zoo, roaming characters including Curious George and stilt walkers, and a face painting tent.

Learn more at  chalkwalk.org .
Green Thumbs Up Class: Bulbs and their Relatives
Tuesday, Sept. 10
6:30 p.m.
Round Rock Public Library
216 E. Main St.

Improve your landscaping skills and learn how you can integrate native Central Texas plants in your yard! Topics include definition of bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, and tuberous roots; also proper planting, propagation, fertilization, and pruning.