Hays County Commissioners Court to Consider $4.3 Million Road Project, Development Rules and Mental Health Services October 13
Residents across Hays County, including San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley and surrounding communities, have several reasons to pay attention to the upcoming Commissioners Court meeting. Road construction contracts, proposed development regulations, mental health services and environmental protection efforts are among the matters county leaders will consider.
The Hays County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9 a.m., at the Hays County Courthouse, 111 East San Antonio Street, Room 301, in San Marcos. The meeting is open to the public.
With Hays County continuing to navigate growth and increasing demands on local infrastructure and services, several agenda items could have lasting implications for neighborhoods, commuters and taxpayers.
Road Improvements and Traffic Signal Projects on the Agenda
Transportation is a major focus of the October 13 meeting, with commissioners scheduled to consider several road construction and engineering agreements.
One of the largest proposals is a $4,285,611.52 contract with Dean Word Company, Ltd. for improvements along Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266), between Centerpoint Road and Rattler Road.
Commissioners will also consider a $499,833 contract with E-Z Bel Construction for the Firecracker and Main Street Traffic Signal project.
Additional transportation proposals include a 19% contract increase for engineering work on the East Side Corridor project in Precincts 1 and 2, along with supplemental engineering design services for the Yarrington Road Extension/RM 150 Realignment project in Precinct 3.
The Court will also consider accepting approximately $1.97 million in financial surety for street and drainage improvements associated with Waterstone, Unit F, Phase 1.
For residents navigating busy roads or living near expanding developments, these projects are worth following as the county works to address transportation and drainage needs.
Proposed Hays County Development Regulations Could Shape Future Growth
As new subdivisions and residential developments continue to change parts of Hays County, commissioners will hear a presentation from Freese & Nichols Inc. regarding proposed updates to the Hays County Development Regulations.
The Court will also consider scheduling a public hearing for October 27, 2026, at 11 a.m., giving residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes.
Development regulations help establish requirements for land development in areas under county jurisdiction. Changes to these rules can influence how future projects are planned and reviewed.
Commissioners will separately consider a subdivision access variance for Gee Estates and a public hearing concerning a proposed replat of Los Ranchos, Lot 7.
Residents interested in neighborhood growth, road access and future development may want to review these proposals before the public hearing.
Mental Health Services and Community Support Programs Under Consideration
Several agenda items focus on access to mental health care and services for residents involved in the local justice system.
Commissioners will consider agreements totaling $106,535 annually with several providers supporting the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program, including A Better Boat, LLC, Austin Oaks Hospital, Axis of Mental Healthcare and Philip Carolina.
A separate proposal would authorize $215,000 annually in contracts with providers supporting the County Court at Law Mental Health Program.
The Court will also consider a subrecipient agreement with Hill Country MHDD for the third year of an Assisted Outpatient Treatment grant program, with funding not to exceed $196,069.
These agreements involve services intended to address behavioral health needs, an issue that can affect individuals, families and the broader community.
Commissioners are also scheduled to discuss reallocating funding and approving Fiscal Year 2027 contracts for social service agencies.
Election Equipment, Public Safety and County Spending
Election administration is another item on the agenda.
Commissioners will consider a master agreement with Hart InterCivic, Inc. for new election equipment approved in the county's Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
The Elections Office is also requesting authorization to purchase four work tables totaling approximately $6,172.
Other public safety and operational proposals include a $500,000 grant application through the Texas Comptroller's Rural Law Enforcement Sheriff's Office Grant Program, along with a $35,666 agreement for maintenance and repairs to backup power equipment at the Public Safety Building.
Commissioners will also consider whether to repair or replace a walk-in cooler and freezer at the Juvenile Detention Center, with estimated costs of $16,480 for repairs or $95,020 for replacement.
These items give residents an opportunity to see how county resources are being directed toward government operations and public services.
Blanco Cypress Watershed Protection Plan and Environmental Initiatives
Water quality and conservation will also receive attention.
Commissioners will consider a new interlocal agreement involving Hays County, the City of Wimberley, the City of Woodcreek, the Watershed Association and Texas State University's Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
The agreement would support implementation of the Blanco Cypress Watershed Protection Plan, a collaborative effort involving local governments and environmental partners.
For communities where waterways are closely connected to recreation, natural resources and quality of life, watershed planning remains an important local issue.
The Court will also consider accepting a $17,051 solid waste grant and renewing insurance coverage for the Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve.
Additional Issues: Burn Ban, County Finances and State Mandates
Other matters scheduled for discussion include a possible resolution opposing unfunded mandates imposed by the state, updates concerning the county's inmate population and associated costs, and possible action related to the Hays County burn ban.
The agenda also includes a presentation from the County Treasurer's Office regarding an IRS abatement and a presentation about the Lone Star PACE program.
Commissioners may enter executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation, national opioid settlements, cybersecurity and security measures, and real property near FM 2325 and Woodcreek Drive.
The meeting will also recognize several community awareness initiatives, including Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mediation Awareness Month, National 4-H Week and Texas Native Plant Week.
How Hays County Residents Can Attend and Participate
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Hays County Courthouse, 111 East San Antonio Street, Room 301, San Marcos, TX
- Public Comments: Residents wishing to speak on non-agenda topics must submit a completed Public Participation/Witness Form to the County Clerk. Comments are limited to three minutes, and the Court cannot take action during this portion of the meeting.
Residents requiring accessibility accommodations may contact the Hays County Judge's Office at 512-393-2205 as early as possible.
The October 13 agenda outlines matters under consideration, not decisions that have already been made. Residents interested in specific road projects, development proposals or county spending can attend to follow the discussion and learn what actions commissioners take.
From the roads families travel each day to the services available when neighbors need help, local government decisions often reach well beyond the courthouse. Staying informed gives Hays County residents a better understanding of how their communities are changing and where public resources are being invested.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on Hays County Commissioners Court decisions, local infrastructure projects and developments affecting communities throughout the county.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
Local business spotlight
Grow your business
where trust already lives.
Let’s introduce your business to the neighbors nearby.
Have a local favorite?
Let’s make an introduction.
Leave your email and our team will reach out with ways to promote your business.
Give a local favorite a little love.
Know a business your neighbors should discover? Tell us who they are.
We couldn’t send that just yet. Please try again.
