Wimberley City Council Elections

Place 3

Q: The plan to have the city’s effluent treated by Aqua Texas is well underway, but there are still steps to be taken before it is finalized. It appears there may be a possibility for the city council to reverse course and revert back to the city-owned treatment plan. If elected, how will you try and handle the sewer system and why do you believe that is the correct and feasible option?

Byrne: Last May, the City plan was on track to be completed - on budget and on time with 160 users. The state-of-the-art system would have allowed us to keep local control, re-use the effluent in an environmentally responsible way to enhance our park and decrease the demand on our precious aquifer. Ten months later, we have a half completed system to nowhere, skyrocketing legal fees, broken contracts, money and time wasted, grants declined and to top it off an impending city-wide ad valorem property tax. Our reputation is in shambles. I support being honest with our citizens about our financial situation and about the cost and potential delays of either system at this point. We need expert advice from our financial advisor. I do not believe our citizens support a city-wide property tax for an Aqua Texas system. If financially feasible, I would move forward with the City system. The city system is an investment in our future and worth pursuing and does not involve a bore under Cypress Creek with a raw sewage pipe. However, if TWDB issues the change order for an AT plan, we need to acknowledge that and move forward.

Q: Besides the sewer system, what are your main priorities if elected?

Byrne: 1) Ensure an open and transparent City government that listens to everyones concerns 2) Collaborate and find grant funding to complete a sidewalk along 2325 and Old Kyle Road 3) Improve traffic and downtown parking issues 4) Protect parkland and ensure citizen access

5) Promote policies that protect the Wimberley identity 6) Support a comprehensive assessment of our roadways to include a drainage study. Repairing and repaving roads is costly and it does not make sense to continuously spend money on patching and repairing roadways if we do not address the underlining issue of drainage first.

Q: Do you foresee a need or an appropriate situation for the city of Wimberley to have a property tax above zero percent? Would you support a property tax?

Byrne: The change of scope to Aqua Texas will necessitate a property tax pledge. It may be set at “0” initially, but there is no guarantee it won’t go up. This could be hanging over our heads for 28 years. I do not trust that Aqua Texas rates won’t skyrocket in the future, necessitating a tax above zero. It is best for ad valorem taxes to be brought to a vote before the people. For example, an election for a comprehensive road bond. If our citizens pass a bond, then and only then, we will know they are ready for a tax.

Q: For a number of years, local politics have become rather divisive in Wimberley with the discord creating apparent issues for the city and council. How will you try and heal that division and can you work with those on the other side of a political issue to strike a compromise?

Byrne: Compromise, collaboration and consensus are hallmarks of my leadership style. I am known for reaching across the isle and listening and understanding all sides. We find our best solutions when everyone feels like they are heard - coming together to solve our problems. I support robust dialogue at the council table, actively listening to ALL citizen concerns and providing honest answers and assessments to our public. It is our duty, as leaders, to set the example for civility and proper decorum. As your council person, I will lead by example.

Q: The city recently deannexed two properties in Wimberley totaling more than 100 acres. How do you view the issue of deannexation for the city?

Byrne: It is NOT in the best interest of the City for any council member to vote to disannex property. This has set a dangerous precedent and will open us up to more disannexation requests and future litigation. We are giving up our controls on growth, zoning and future tax base when we allow properties to disannex. Our citizens will no longer have input on future development of these areas. As your council member I will NOT support future disannexation requests.