Lakeway mayor: Transportation, budget, Fourth the focus this summer
I would like to start off by thanking the residents of Lakeway for electing me to a second term. It’s been an honor serving as your mayor, and I look forward to the next few years in this role. I would also like to congratulate council members Kent O’Brien and Chris Forton as the newest members to the Lakeway team, along with welcoming back Council Member Gretchen Vance on her reelection victory.
We had two council members who did not run during the last election and are no longer serving on the council. I have enjoyed working alongside both Sanjeev Kumar and Keith Trecker these past few years. They have spent many volunteer hours helping make our community a better place, and I really appreciate their time and input on many important matters. I wish them the best on their next journey.
I am going to focus these next few years on completing work we have already started in Lakeway. That attention will be focused on transportation improvements, as well as actively controlling development and managing change. I welcome your participation in that process, and you will have a chance to do just that in the coming weeks. We will host a regional Transportation Town Hall on Thursday, June 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeway Activity Center. The city of Bee Cave and The Hills, along with representatives from Travis County and the Texas Department of Transportation will be on hand to answer your questions about current and future transportation projects in the area. There will be a focus on discussions around the construction of Main Street, the future widening of RM 620 and items related to the bond that was passed in November. We hope you can make it out and offer your input.
I also invite you to join us for a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Bee Creek Sports Complex. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 8, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the new facility at 4440 Bee Creek Road. Many of your city leaders, including myself, will be on hand for the ceremony as we join Travis County in opening this 73-acre complex featuring several multi-purpose fields, a playground and walking trail. We’re excited to have this facility open to the public.
Besides those upcoming events, the city’s budget will be our focus for the summer months. It’s been an interesting year, with sales tax revenue and some other income coming in higher than expected, while also being hit with unexpected expenses, especially as it relates to the ice storm in February and the associated cleanup costs. I invite you to participate in our upcoming council meetings to understand the budget process, and feel free to provide your feedback. The Lakeway City Council will approve the budget and tax rate the end of September, with the new budget effective Oct. 1.
I want to thank those who attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center as we honored those military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It was really a special event. I was once again honored to give the welcome remarks this year. I would like to thank the Standing Military Committee for organizing the service this year, and appreciated the participation of the Lakeway Sing Along, Lohmann’s Ford Chapter of the NSDAR, and special guest speaker retired Rear Adm. Patrick D. Hall, along with several other organizations who participated this year. The Lake Travis High School musicians who played “Echo Taps” were amazing and we thank Josie Cowings and Kate Calder for their performance.
Finally, our biggest annual event is just around the corner! The Fourth of July parade and festivities kick off Tuesday, July 4, starting at 8:30 a.m. along Lakeway Drive from the Live Oak Golf Course to the Lakeway Activity Center. The theme this year is “63 and Free,” in celebration of Lakeway’s 60 anniversary. Yes, it’s our diamond anniversary this year since the community really developed following the July 1963 opening of the Lakeway Inn (now Lakeway Resort and Spa). Besides the fantastic parade on July 4, there will also be a hot dog reception complete with music at the Activity Center immediately following the parade, so be sure to stick around. The city of Lakeway is also still seeking volunteers for the event, as well as parade entries. The deadline for submitting your entry for the parade will be Friday, June 23, so don’t delay. Visit Lakeway-tx.gov/4th for a volunteer form and the online entry form.
Yes, it’s free to enter. Also, for those entering, be sure to follow the 60th anniversary theme this year and bring out your '60’s style. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Stay safe Lakeway!
Tom Kilgore is the mayor of the city of Lakeway.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lakeway mayor Kilgore: Transportation, budget, the focus this summer
