HSB, Oakridge, Deerhaven, LCMUD approve questions

November 06, 2012, 9:00 pm by Phil Schoch

 Horseshoe Bay charter amendments were overwhelmingly approved Tuesday night, with about 80 percent in favor of both charter amendments, according to unofficial results.

A 91 percent approval vote by Llano County voters dominated a 8.8 percent dissenting vote for the formation of a new emergency services district in Oak Ridge.

A bond election for the Llano County Municipal Utilities District (LCMUD) passed with all the ballots counted by a 70-59 vote.

Another bond election in Deerhaven was much more one-sided. Just over 89 percent of early voters approved the bond election that would grant the Water Control and Improvement District $1.25 million to improve water services. Unofficial results show 42 people voted for and only five were against the move.

Voters showed overwhelming support for the Horseshoe Bay charter amendments. The first charter amendment says "The City of Horseshoe Bay shall not acquire or change any ownership interest, including a leasehold interest, or enter into or change a management agreement, regarding any airport without submitting the proposed ownership interest or management agreement, or change therein, to a vote of the qualified voters of the City.”

This amendment is the cart before the horse according to Jim Long, Chairman of the Horseshoe Bay Airport Committee.

"I was disappointed that anyone would concern themselves with this,” Long said. "No one knows enough about this (airport acquisition) to make a decision yet.”

The second amendment requires the council to submit proposed charter amendments to the voters for approval if supported by a petition of at least five percent of voters. This amendment, although already state law, has not been added to the charter since the incorporation of Horseshoe Bay.