Mayor’s Corner

Thank you for your continued patience as we complete the review of options for the sewer implementation. The City’s collection system construction continues, while we still work to solve the many issues related to TXDOT permits, easements, property acquisition to relocate the lift station, and sewer pipe re-routings. The construction of the sewer plant at Blue Hole Park remains on hold.

As I listen to citizens’ concerns and opinions, I see that many of them are valid and some just lack knowledge and correct information. However, it seems many have already prejudged the outcome without truly knowing the facts to make a proper comparison and evaluation. This is particularly frustrating when I see distributed documents, especially related to speculated costs and project delays, that are not even close to reality. However, as we consider the best option for Wimberley, I do believe that we all share a consensus set of objectives that we want to see achieved. Here is my top seven list:

1. Clean up Cypress Creek, to the extent problems are caused by failing septic systems

2. Protect our Environment – Blanco River, Cypress Creek and Aquifers

3. Maintain Control by Keeping the CCN

4. Provide infrastructure to allow for controlled growth in Central Wimberley as permitted by the City

5. Make rates affordable to sewer customers

6. Provide water to irrigate Blue Hole Park

7. Accomplish all of this in a financially responsible manner

Preparing this analysis and comparison of the City and City/Aqua options has been a valuable experience. Details have been explored in depth regarding costs (both construction and operating), funding, system design, timing, customer rates, and environmental issues. Once the analysis is completed and presented to the Council and our citizens, I believe the open minded individual may be pleasantly surprised and perhaps even shocked at the results. For some reason, a similar proper and in-depth review has never been done before. Because of all of the analysis, dotting i’s and crossing t’s, it has taken more time than I thought. But the analysis needs to be as thorough and complete as can be to make a proper presentation and give the Council the facts it needs for its decision. Again, I ask for patience and open mindedness.

My current plan is to set the Council meeting to present the findings within a week or two of the publication of this letter.

And one more request – can we all be civil? The conflict I am witnessing doesn’t seem to represent the Wimberley we all love. Your Mayor and Members of the City Council do not do their jobs for fun, and certainly not for money. It is because we all care about Wimberley and its future – and we want to do the right thing. Remember, I do believe we all have a set of common goals in mind. Let’s achieve them together.