Budget hearings set
HUTTO – City Manager James Earp announced he will present his proposed city budget at the Aug. 3 City Council meeting. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 500 W Live Oak Street.
“That will be the first time that the public will be presented with the full budget that is being proposed,” he said. “We authorized the purchase of new budgeting software this year which we will also be rolling out at the same time and I’m hoping there will be a lot of smiles when people are able to see the level of detail we’re including in the budget for the first time that I don’t think this community’s ever been able to have in their budget.”
Once the budget has been presented, council will hold workshops Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 to refine the proposed budget. The budget hearing dates are scheduled for Sept. 7 and Sept. 21.
“It’s one of the most important things we do together as a community, where the staff, the council and the citizens all work together to try to get the best possible budget for the community,” Earp said. “Nothing is firm or finalized yet.”
School superintendent job requirements posted Hutto Independent School District’s search for a superintendent is nearing the end of the application phase. Candidates interested in being “Head Hippo” have until July 28 to submit their application materials.
“A highly visible and engaged ambassador willing to nurture and become an integral part of the family and community culture of HISD; to champion Hutto as the ‘district of choice’ in the ever-changing area; and to stand up publicly at the local, state, and federal levels on behalf of our students and staff” is one of many characteristics the right candidate should have, according to results of community surveys and meetings.
A total of 141 people attended community meetings and 350 submitted surveys. The majority of survey respondents were members of staff or faculty, many of whom also have children in district schools.
The entire posting of desired traits and professional requirements can be found under the Superintendent Search tab on the district’s website, https:// www.HippoNation.org.
Hutto Resource Center seeking new leadership
Donna Jones, founder and executive director of the Hutto Resource Center, is leaving Hutto Resource Center to work at Round Rock Hope Alliance.
“It has been my great pleasure to serve the Hutto community and the Hutto Resource Center the last 4 1/2 years,” Jones said. “I will not be leaving Hutto, I will just be serving Hutto in a different capacity but with the same passion and commitment I hope everyone has seen during my time at the Hutto Resource Center.”
“The Hutto Resource Center anticipates little to no noticeable impact on the public during this transition. In fact, we anticipate an even stronger relationship and ability to refer clients experiencing domestic violence more seamlessly to the Round Rock Hope Alliance,” said former office assistant Laura Wells, who will be serving as interim executive director.
The Hutto Resource Center is a nonprofit relief organization that serves the Hutto ISD attendance area by connecting those experiencing a variety of hardships with resources that can give them some immediate assistance.
The job posting for executive director can be found at https:// www.huttoresourcecenter.org.
Take a hippo tour
City data states there are more than 3000 concrete hippos adorning community businesses, homes, gardens and public spaces. The city’s website features 67 of these colorfully painted “river horses” on a map, complete with the hippo’s picture, name and backstory. Parents can take their kids on a virtual tour or take a road trip through town to see statuary. The link can be found under the Community tab on the city’s home page, https://www. huttotx.gov.
