Smithville Council Eyes $4M Debt Issuance, Interim City Manager Appointment; Minutes Pending
Smithville's City Council held three special called meetings the week of July 28, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. Based on the posted agendas, the most consequential items involved up to $4,000,000 in proposed certificates of obligation, a possible interim city manager appointment, and the 2026–2027 budget.
City Council: July 28 Special Called Meeting
The council scheduled an executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the City Manager, with possible action following the closed session. No minutes are available, so no outcome can be reported.
City Council: July 30 Special Called Meeting
The agenda listed several financial and personnel items for discussion and possible action:
- Accepting Councilman Dunham's resignation, contingent on his appointment as Interim City Manager.
- Authorizing expenditures from Tax Notes under Ordinance 2025-697.
- Certification of additional sales and use tax revenue to pay debt service.
- A resolution authorizing publication of notice of intention to issue Certificates of Obligation.
- A presentation and possible action on the 2026–2027 budget.
Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed which items were acted on or how any votes went.
$4,000,000 in Certificates of Obligation
A separate July 30 agenda item detailed the proposed debt issuance. The resolution would authorize publication of notice of intention to issue up to $4,000,000 in certificates of obligation for public improvements, including:
- Utility system improvements
- Street and thoroughfare work
- Airport facilities
- Materials and equipment
- Professional services
The certificates would be payable from ad valorem taxes and utility revenues. According to Exhibit A in the agenda packet, the city's current outstanding debt was listed as $8,185,000 in principal and $9,489,690.50 combined principal and interest.
The same agenda included certification of additional sales and use tax revenue for debt service.
All July meeting outcomes remain unconfirmed until minutes are published.
Coming Up
- **Parks and Recreation Board — Monday, Aug. 3:** The board will discuss a Recreation Center budget proposal to send to City Council, a Youth Gaming Room proposal, park restrooms, appointment of a Council Liaison, and approval of June 1 and July 13 meeting minutes.
- **Planning and Zoning Commission — Tuesday, Aug. 4:** The agenda includes recommended approval of a side yard setback variance at 1020 Wilkes Circle, two minor replats, a variance designating Southeast 7th Street as the official front street for property ID 17818, and a tabled resolution regarding the Bastrop County Collaborative for Housing and Health.
- **Airport Advisory Board — Wednesday, Aug. 5:** The board will review June 3 meeting minutes and discuss the New Lighting Project, the AWOS Project, and the 2026–2027 budget.
Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the July council meetings should watch for published minutes on the city's official website.