Water restrictions tightened HUTTO – The three water service utilities serving Hutto updated their drought conditions last week, with the city of Hutto and Jonah Special Utility District moving to Stage 2 conditions and Manville Water Supply Corp. advancing to the more restrictive Stage 3.
Stage 2 and Stage 3 are both considered mandatory compliance. Previously, many Hutto residents had been under voluntary compliance recommendations in Stage 1.
According to a statement from Mannville WSC, moving to Stage 3 is essential in order to conserve the local water supply and to protect the integrity of the water supply facilities, with particular regard for domestic water use, sanitation and fire protection, and to protect and preserve public health, welfare and safety.
Customers in the more severe Stage 3 are allowed one day a week for outdoor watering, whereas customers in the Stage 2 have two designated watering days. Additionally, during Stage 2, watering by use of a hand-held hose or watering bucket does not fall under the day / time restrictions.
During either stage, non-essential water use should be curtailed. The utilities ask that customers not use water to clean sidewalks, wash down their exterior walls, flush gutters or operate decorative water features, among other activities.
Penalties for violating water restrictions vary by utility but can include termination of water service in some cases.
For more information, visit https://www.JonahWater.com or https://www.ManvilleWSC.org.
School district names new CFO
Hutto Independent School District promoted Caleb Steed from director of finance to chief finance officer. The role of Hutto CFO was vacated when Glenn Graham moved from Hutto ISD to take on the same position at Comal ISD.
Steed’s appointment was approved by the board of trustees July 8. He has been with the district since 2017.
“Mr. Steed brings exceptional school finance knowledge and skills to this important role for our District. He has been phenomenal in his prior position as the Director of Finance,” Celina Estrada Thomas, Hutto superintendent said. “His work is valued and he is respected by the school board, his colleagues and the staff. We have full confidence in his ability to lead the district in the years to come.”
Estrada Thomas credits Steed with playing an integral role in Hutto ISD receiving an ‘A’ rating on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.
Steed serves on the boards of the Hutto Education Foundation, Hutto Family YMCA and Capital Area Texas Association of School Business Officials. He is also the treasurer of the Hutto Rotary Club.
Kokefest cancelled
One of the city’s largest annual events has been canceled. Kokefest 2023, produced by Texas Music Network, KOKE FM Program Director Eric Raines announced the cancelation was due to rising cost.
“It was a pure business decision based on costs,” he said. “It still hurts.”
The event was to be held Aug. 4-5 in Adam Orgain Park, and had an g , estimated attendance of over 20,000.
KOKE-FM broke the news on its Twitter page July 14.
“It is with deep sadness to announce the cancellation of Kokefest 2023...We understand that this comes as a disappointment as this is not a decision we have taken lightly,” they posted.
The station was still holding live events to give away tickets and promote the festival as late as July 7.
The Kokefest website stated the event will not be rescheduled for this year and anyone who purchased tickets will receive instructions via email regarding refunds.
Bridge dedication plaque found
The pedestrian bridge in Fritz Park, which is slated for renovations, was originally intended to be a memorial bridge. In 2006, Mr. and Mrs. Frankie Limmer donated the bridge in memory of their son, Clayton, who passed away, according to Parks and Recreation Director Jeff White.
“A plaque was recently discovered that was never installed when the bridge was opened. The Parks Advisory Board and the Historical Preservation Committee support the plan to add this plaque once the Fritz Bridge decking has been replaced,” White said.
The bridge is used for connectivity for Fritz Park and the Mager baseball fields and Hutto Elementary School. Williamson County funds and resources were used to install and refurbish the donated bridge.
The Fritz Park bridge will receive a dedication plaque once repairs are made.
Photo by Edie Zuvanich
