The Horseshoe Bay City Council has approved a cooperative agreement with the state to install cameras to read license plates and other vehicle identifiers.
“[C]ouncil authorized the city manager to enter into a multiple-use agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to allow the installation and operation of automated traffic and license plate recognition cameras in TxDOT rights-of-way,” said Cindee Sharp, communication director for the municipality.
The unanimous decision was made March 17 at a regular meeting at City Center Council Chambers.
“The city manager explained that the cameras are not to monitor speeding, but to track vehicular traffic in investigations of criminal activity within the city,” Sharp stated Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) typically capture rear license plate images; alert police of stolen vehicles and vehicles related to wanted or miss- ing persons; generate leads on investigations; typically erase data after a period of time and regular audits.
Automated License Plate Readers do not use facial recognition; capture personal or biometric information; or enforce traffic laws like speeding or running red lights.
Public Hearings
The council continued two public hearings that were left open during the Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 council meetings, pending additional information from the developer, to consider variance requests for the Cap Rock Thundercloud subdivision which would relieve the development from limiting cut and fill to no more than four feet.
The planned development will consist of 10 garden home residential lots and a 1-acre lot that will consist of 2 garden home residential lots, both located off Bay West Boulevard, in Horseshoe Bay West.
Public comment was made expressing support for the development but also technical concerns regarding drainage issues that may occur on an adjacent property on Deep Canyon.
The commenters were advised to work with the developer and staff to address the potential issues.
The council approved both variance requests, pending all outstanding comments from staff, including those from the engineering team, are met and cleared before the variances are issued by staff and the developer confirms there will be no parking on Bay West Boulevard, Diamond Hill, or any other public street during construction as well as a definitive resolution for Cap Rock overflow parking.
In other business, the council:
• Approved a calendar for adopting the FY 2027 budget. The calendar is a preliminary draft and may be changed if needed.
• Authorized the city manager to negotiate a firefighting service agreement with the City of Cottonwood Shores through March 31, 2029.
• Accepted a tax proceeds check to the city in the amount of $5,478 from Carrie Pickering from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP presented.
• Authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement with the company for the 30% design phase of the projects to be located at Bay West Boulevard and Horseshoe Bay Boulevard in the amount of $422,246.91, following a presentation of the findings of the preliminary engineering phase of the city’s roundabout projects by Manny Guzman, engineer for Kimley- Horn & Associates.
Monthly Reports
Public Works Director Tim Foran shared that the pet remembrance bridge connected to the Elsie Thurman walking trail, Berkley’s Bridge, is nearing completion, pending plaque installation. Paving of Mountain Dew is underway. A new monument honoring former Mayor Bob Lambert is being constructed at City Center to replace the original monument at city hall.
Assistant City Manager Rick Williams shared that the new Capital Improvements (Impact Fees) Advisory Committee has met, and a report is expected within the next couple of months about suggested impact fees.
The council adjourned to executive session at 4:37 p.m. No action was taken upon exiting executive session at 5:01 p.m.
Mayor Proclamations
Early in the meeting, Mayor Jeff Jones declared the week of April 13-20 International Dark Sky Week, recognizing the preservation and protection of the nighttime environment and heritage of dark skies through responsible outdoor lighting. DarkSky International works to reduce light pollution, which disrupts wildlife and negatively impacts human well-being. In November 2015, DarkSky International designated Horseshoe Bay an International DarkSky Community, only the eighth city in the United States to earn this distinction at the time.
This recognition followed a comprehensive evaluation of the city’s outdoor lighting regulations, which had undergone significant updates, and reflects the city’s long-term commitment to maintaining public support for lighting practices that help preserve dark skies.
Also, Jones declared March 2026 Procurement Month, recognizing the important role procurement professionals play in ensuring transparency, competition, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
Through compliance with state law and city policy, Finance Director Molly Jester, Finance Clerk Susan White, and Purchasing Coordinator Robert Isaac help secure the best value for taxpayers while supporting the city’s operational and capital needs.
Too, April 2026 was declared Records and Information Management Month, highlighting the importance of proper management of records and information, which are the backbone of efficient government operations. When agencies properly follow retention and disposal schedules, they foster transparency and demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Janet Stehling, the city’s retiring Records and Information Manager, and new employee Janice Nelson, who has been hired for the position, are entrusted with the responsibility for coordinating the careful management, disposition, and provision of access to public records on behalf of Horseshoe Bay citizens.
Also during the meeting, Harry Born, Vice-President of Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity, introduced the organization to the community. The organization’s many volunteers build quality, affordable houses in Burnet and Llano counties. More information is available at www.hlhabitat.org; and Beth Koennecke with Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) explained an upcoming project to double the electricity capacity of the existing system that supplies power to Horseshoe Bay. The project will require planned outages scheduled in March and April.
Staff Recognition City Manager Jeff Koska and Utilities Director Ray Garica celebrated Utilities Office Manager Shelly Linder for 30 years of service and unwavering dedication. As the city’s billing supervisor, Shelly transformed her department into a model of customer service and efficiency for others to emulate. Her exceptional leadership and genuine care for her team have made her a beacon of integrity.
Utilities Director Ray Garcia welcomed new team member, Tyler Ford, Recycle Monitor.
City Secretary Susie Quinn welcomed Janice Nelson to the administrative team as Records and Information Manager.
Molly Jester recognized the city’s Finance Department for earning the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 2026, marking nine consecutive years of recognition.
In addition, the city received special recognition for Long-Range Operating Financial Plans. This designation is only awarded when all three GFOA reviewers assign the highest possible score in the applicable categories, making it a notable achievement. The city also won the Transparency Star Award for FY25, marking eight consecutive years of recognition.
The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m. The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 3 p.m. at City Center Council Chambers, located at 9101 W. FM 2147. To learn more, visit www.horseshoebay- tx.gov.
Horseshoe Bay Communications Director Cindee Sharp contributed to this report.
