March 7, 2024
A study has been conducted to provide flood hazard mitigation assessment and stormwater planning for high-priority watersheds affecting the county. The study, which was conducted by Doucet and Associates, addresses the currently effective FEMA floodplain maps in Caldwell County that are over 30 years old. Doucet has prepared updated floodplain models and maps that communities in Caldwell County can use for planning and regulatory purposes. Representatives of Doucet hosted a Flood Protection Plan meeting at the Caldwell County courthouse on Wednesday, March 6.
The updated data will not replace the effective FEMA data as part of this project, but the county could use the information to pursue official floodplain mapping updates, if desired. Conceptual mitigation projects have been developed to address many of them. The county will be able to use the information to prioritize potential projects and pursue state and federal funding to complete projects such as official FEMA floodplain mapping updates or funding for flood mitigation projects.
Click here to see a slideshow of the presentation.
Click here for sample updated floodplain maps.
Click here for flood problem areas.
February 22, 2024
If you're affected by the widespread outage affecting some wireless networks this morning, here are some things you can do if you need to place a 9-1-1 call:
1. Turn on Wi-Fi calling on your mobile device. (Under Settings>Cellular). This will work if you have access to functional Wi-Fi, AT&T said. ***NOTE***: Not all phones and carriers can access WiFi calling.
2. AT&T customers are reporting the most outages. If this is you, and a nearby friend has a different carrier, you may be able to use their device.
3. Use a landline if you have one.
February 13, 2024
Just FYI: If you see smoke from a large fire on a property located near FM 2001 and Hidden Path Road, that is coming from a permitted control burn. Fire suppression is present and bulldozers are on site to control and maintain the fires by digging trenches as necessary. Nearby residents and motorists traveling through the area may periodically see heavy smoke. Lockhart Fire-Rescue and the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office are also aware of the control burn.
January 30, 2024
Caldwell County Emergency Services District #5 will hold its first official public board meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 1 on the second floor of the Caldwell County Courthouse. See the full agenda here.
January 22, 2024
The Caldwell County Unit Road Department reports that multiple crossings have been closed due to high water due to rainfall. Motorists are advised to avoid these areas until further notice. More information here: https://www.co.caldwell.tx.us/page/Caldwell.RoadClosures
January 3, 2024
The Caldwell County Unit Road Department reports that Polonia Road at Plum Creek has been closed due to high water resulting from yesterday's rainfall. Motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
November 8, 2023
The unofficial election results indicate the measure to create Emergency Services District #5 has passed. The local canvas is expected to occur later this month, no later than November 20. After the local canvas has confirmed the official results, the county will order the creation of the district and appoint five people to serve as the initial emergency services directors.
October 10, 2023
Caldwell County Commissioners this week approved an interlocal cooperation agreement between the County and the City of Lockhart for the emergency medical services and emergency ambulance services in the county
.
Per the agreement, Lockhart will provide emergency medical services and ambulance services in the city limits and in the northern two-thirds of Caldwell County, and the county will pay Lockhart $350,000 annually and half of any costs the city expends on capital assets not exceeding $200,000. Capital assets include new ambulances, ambulance remounts and materials needed to outfit ambulances.
Emergency medical services and ambulance services needs in the southern one-third of the county will be covered by Luling, although mutual aid agreements help ensure ambulance availability both where and when needed.
The contract includes language that requires the city to collect data during the contract period, which the county judge said would promote continuing response and service improvements.
Read more highlights from this week's commissioners court meeting here: https://www.co.caldwell.tx.us/page/caldwell.cchighlights
October 6, 2023
The proposed Emergency Services District No. 5, if approved by voters during the November 7 election, will operate emergency medical services in Caldwell County by providing EMS response. An Emergency Services District, or ESD, is a political subdivision of the State of Texas that is similar to a school district, library district or hospital district.
Those interested in hearing general information from public officials about the ESD can attend several upcoming events located throughout the county this month:
• 6 P.M. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10: Town Hall Meeting, Zedler Mill,110 S Laurel Ave., Luling
• 6:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11: McMahan Volunteer Fire Department, 6450 FM 3158, McMahan
• NOON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12: Lockhart Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, First Lockhart Baptist Church Connection Center, 200 S Blanco, Lockhart
• 5 P.M. MONDAY, OCTOBER 16: Luling ISD School Board Regular Meeting, Luling ISD Conference and Learning Center, 215 E Bowie, Luling
• 7 P.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19: Dr. Eugene Clark Library, 217 S. Main Street, Lockhart
To read general information about the ESD, please see the fact sheet posted on the Caldwell County website: https://www.co.caldwell.tx.us/page/Caldwell.ESD5
September 29, 2023
The county’s current ambulance services contract with Ascension is set to terminate at midnight on September 30. While an an interlocal cooperation agreement between the County and the City of Lockhart for the provision of EMS and ambulance services in the county had not been reached in time for approval at Tuesday's commissioners court meeting, the two sides informally reached an agreement on Friday. The terms of that agreement will be brought before commissioners for approval at the Oct. 10 meeting. In the meantime, in the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Ambulance and emergency services are still available.
March 7, 2023
Caldwell County’s citizens are once again being invited to help keep the feral hog population under control. Feral Hog abatement plans for 2023 include the hog bounty program, landowner virtual and face-to-face workshops/webinars, and the random awarding of trapping and game camera equipment to landowners. Read the full announcement here.
March 3, 2023
No outdoor burning today due to expected high winds and rules put in place by the TCEQ. While there is no burn ban in place, the TCEQ disallows burning when the wind speed is supposed to be less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph while the burn is being conducted. Keep your property (and that of others) safe, avoid potential fines and do your part to keep area firefighters safe.
March 2, 2023
Paving is complete on Biggs Road, which has been reopened to traffic.
February 27, 2023
No outdoor burning today due to expected high winds and rules put in place by the TCEQ. While there is no burn ban in place, the TCEQ disallows burning when the wind speed is supposed to be less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph while the burn is being conducted. Keep your property (and that of others) safe, avoid potential fines and do your part to keep area firefighters safe.
February 27, 2023
From the Caldwell County Clerk's Office: No jury duty today.
February 22, 2023
No outdoor burning today due to expected high winds and rules put in place by the TCEQ. While there is no burn ban in place, the TCEQ disallows burning when the wind speed is supposed to be less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph while the burn is being conducted. Keep your property (and that of others) safe, avoid potential fines and do your part to keep area firefighters safe.
February 16, 2023
Caldwell County has officially begun the process to improve communication capabilities for area law
enforcement officers.
A plan to transition to making use of the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Trunked Radio system is
underway. Commissioners approved an interlocal cooperation agreement between the County and the
LCRA for radio equipment and services on December 27, 2022 and the equipment the county needs to
make use of the LCRA’s system has been ordered, Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden said. Read the full press release here.
February 16, 2023
No outdoor burning today due to expected high winds and rules put in place by the TCEQ. While there is no burn ban in place, the TCEQ disallows burning when the wind speed is supposed to be less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph while the burn is being conducted. Keep your property (and that of others) safe, avoid potential fines and do your part to keep area firefighters safe.
February 13, 2023
The Caldwell County Community Services Grant Foundation has announced its 2023 workshop schedule. Click here to read the full announcement, and click here for a downloadable registration form.
February 10, 2023
No outdoor burning today due to expected high winds and rules put in place by the TCEQ. While there is no burn ban in place, the TCEQ disallows burning when the wind speed is supposed to be less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph while the burn is being conducted. Keep your property (and that of others) safe, avoid potential fines and do your part to keep area firefighters safe.
January 31, 2023
Caldwell County administrative offices will be closed today and tomorrow (1/31 and 2/1) due to inclement weather.
January 30, 2023
Caldwell County administrative offices will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 31 due to inclement weather. Stay tuned for updates.
January 12, 2023
No outdoor burning today due to expected high winds and rules put in place by the TCEQ. While there is no burn ban in place, the TCEQ disallows burning when the wind speed is supposed to be less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph while the burn is being conducted. Keep your property (and that of others) safe, avoid potential fines and do your part to keep area firefighters safe.
January 10, 2023
Engineer David Clark updated commissioners on the status of the Biggs Road project today. See the status of the project here.
December 20, 2022
Caldwell County Office Homeland Security and Emergency Management is providing weather updates ahead of and during this week's expected freezing weather. Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CCTXOEM) or on their webpage.
November 6, 2022
Following recent rainfall that has improved ground conditions and reduced wildfire risk, Caldwell County has lifted the burn ban that has been in place since September 27. Please remember: Brush is the only thing that can be legally burned. For information about burning, please refer to the Caldwell County Emergency Management web page.
October 25, 2022
Caldwell County Commissioners today voted to appoint Clemente Verastegui as Pct. 1 Constable for the duration of the term of longtime Constable Smitty Terrell, who died in September. Verastegui, who has been a Caldwell County employee since 2019, is a corporal with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office’s civil division, and prior to that, he worked for the county as a bailiff. He will hold dual commissions, working in his current capacity for the sheriff’s office and as Precinct 1 Constable for the remainder of his term, which expires December 31, 2024. Verastegui was sworn in as Pct. 1 Constable at Commissioners Court on Tuesday by Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Matt Kiely.
October 18, 2022
A couple of Caldwell County rain gauges officially reported just under 3/4 inch of rain since early Monday morning, but most reported under 1/4 inch and many reported none at all. Not only is it not safe to burn, but the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Danger Statement due to dry ground and atmospheric conditions that will remain in effect through 7 p.m. tonight. That means you should exercise care with all outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires. From the NWS: "Avoid the use of welding or grinding equipment near grass and dry brush and to avoid parking vehicles in tall, dry grass and weeds that could be ignited. Please do not toss cigarette butts on the ground. Report wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office."
October 12, 2022
Caldwell County Commissioners this week authorized Grants Administrator Dennis Engelke to move forward with finalizing a grant that will outfit 57 officers with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and Caldwell County constables’ offices with custom-fit rifle-resistant body armor units. Read the full press release here.
October 6, 2022
Expect traffic delays along the 11-mile stretch of FM 20 East/Blackjack St. from U.S. 183 to the Caldwell - Bastrop County line. This stretch of FM 20 East/Blackjack St. is undergoing road repairs, which include road resurfacing and seal coat treatment, and could take about a month to complete.
Road signs, flaggers, and pilot trucks are present. Please exercise caution.
October 3, 2022
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation extending a declaration of disaster due to extreme drought conditions in Caldwell County, along with numerous other counties located around the state.
Disaster declarations are often sought so that federal financial assistance can be obtained for both individuals and local and state jurisdictions in an impacted area to begin the process of recovery.
The issuance of a local or state Disaster Declaration allows public officials to exercise emergency powers to preserve life, property, and public health following a disaster as indicated in the Texas Government Code, including:
• Ordering evacuation of a disaster threatened or impacted area
• Control access to an area following a disaster
• Hold individuals liable for the cost of rescue efforts if they ignore mandatory evacuations
• Temporarily suspend certain regulations and deadlines
• Temporarily disarm individuals during the state of disaster
• Request federal financial assistance for recovery projects in the impacted disaster area
September 27, 2022
Caldwell County Commissioners today reinstated the burn ban at the recommendation of the Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management. Chief EMC Hector Rangel cited average drought metrics that again indicated the county was experiencing a drought along with increased risk that a wildfire would spread were it to occur, along with recent wildfire activity. The burn ban prohibits outdoor burning of natural vegetation without a special burn permit. To apply for a special burn permit, contact the Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management.
September 13, 2022
Caldwell County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2022 tax rate at a regular meeting on Sept. 13, setting it at 55.32 cents per $100 valuation, which is down from 67.19 cents in 2021. Despite the tax rate decrease, the proposed budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than in the previous year by $1,547,088 (or 7.5%) and of that amount $293,946 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year. Appraised property values in the county rose by about 50% last year. Click here for the full press release.
September 9, 2022
The Caldwell County Commissioners Court met Friday and approved the budget for FY 2022-2023 following a public hearing. Total planned budgeted general fund expenses for the fiscal year are $31,049,514.30. Budgeted revenues for the year are based in part on the passage of a proposed tax rate for 2022 of 55.32 cents per $100 valuation, which is down from 67.19 cents in 2021, and a rise in property values within the county of approximately 50%. Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the county courthouse, where they will discuss and take action on the tax rate via roll call vote at their regular meeting.
September 1, 2022
Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden signed an executive order today lifting the county-wide burn ban, noting that conditions were no longer considered a wildfire risk in unincorporated areas of the county that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning after recent rainfall dropped average KBDI levels for the area to a reading that is below the threshold for drought with rainfall in the forecast over the next several days. For information about burning, please refer to the Caldwell County Emergency Management web page.
August 31, 2022
Dove season starts September 1. Before you take aim, make sure you're familiar with Texas's hunting laws and familiarize yourself with county firearm laws. Some helpful links are listed below. Keep safe and happy hunting:
County Order Prohibiting Discharge of Firearms in Subdivisions
Hunting laws, penalties and restitution
Restricted areas in counties
Information about seasons and bag limits (click category to expand)
August 23, 2022
Road project update: The bridges on Political, Black Ankle and Witter roads have all been reopened to traffic, but paving has not yet been completed, so please exercise caution while traveling on them. Stay tuned to the county's regularly updated unit road projects page for further updates: https://www.co.caldwell.tx.us/page/Caldwell.RoadClosures
August 22, 2022
Caldwell County will host a community clean-up event from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, September 17 at 1700 FM 2720 in Lockhart. Residents of Caldwell County may bring items such as furniture, old carpet, appliances (after hazardous materials have been professionally drained), metals, plastics and more. Click here and check the flyer for more details.
August 17, 2022
Caldwell County will host a community clean-up event from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, August 20 at 423 San Marcos Hwy in Luling. Residents of Caldwell County may bring items such as furniture, old carpet, appliances (after hazardous materials have been professionally drained), metals, plastics and more. Click here and check the flyer for more details.
August 16, 2022
A revised version of the proposed 2022-2023 budget for Caldwell County has been posted to the county website. The proposed budget was finalized and posted shortly before the certified tax rolls were released. The proposed tax rate for 2022 is 55.32 cents per $100 valuation, down from 67.19 cents in 2021, resulting in $4.5 million less for the budget than was originally projected.
In previous years, the no-new-revenue tax rate went down by about six cents to offset the increase in appraised property value. Due to property values in the county that went up by about 50% in Caldwell County, the no-new-revenue tax rate for 2022 decreased 14 cents, meaning required removal of budgeted expenditures for 2022-2023 to make up the balance.
The adjusted budget reflects the denial of new positions that were requested in several departments, a reduction in budgeted machinery and equipment purchases for Unit Road and Sheriff’s Office, and cuts to other line items within the budget.
August 12, 2022
The National Weather Service released a drought information statement. The highlights: La Nina (drier than typical weather) has a good chance of continuing through the end of the year, the immediate wildfire risk for the South Central Texas region has decreased recently, but the area still remains in an extreme drought, and water flow, aquifers and soil moisture are all largely lower than normal. The NWS said there may be reason to be optimistic that conditions could improve next year should things follow a similar course to what they did from 2011 to 2012.
August 11, 2022
The proposed 2022 tax rate is 55.32 cents per $100 valuation, down from 67.19 cents in 2021. Due to property values in the county that went up by about 50% in Caldwell County, the no-new-revenue tax rate for 2022 decreased by 14 cents. The 55.32 cent rate represents the voter-approval tax rate, which is the maximum amount allowed by law without voter approval. What’s next: A public hearing will be held and commissioners will then vote to adopt the rate.
July 28, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Caldwell County as a Primary Disaster Area due to intense drought conditions during the growing season. As a Primary Disaster Area, affected farmers and ranchers may apply for emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to assist with various recovery needs including replacement of essential equipment, livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or the refinance of certain debts. The FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses.
Bastrop, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, and Travis Counties also received the designation. The deadline to apply for benefits is February 13, 2023. For more information and resources, click here.
July 27, 2022
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security have declared a state of emergency for St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands due to a water shortage. If you are planning on traveling there this summer, you may wish to consider a change of plans. Read the declaration here.
July 22, 2022
Caldwell County will begin providing a weekly status report of known community water restrictions that will continue while drought conditions in our area persist. Compiling the reports is Hector Rangel, Chief of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Caldwell County, who said most of the water companies are reporting that they are running “above normal levels of water disbursement, but are maintaining the water supply.”
At this time, City of Lockhart is in a mandatory watering rotation (with your watering day being determined by whether your address ends in an odd or even number) to reduce peak water usage. City of Luling and Fentress/TRI Community Water Department are in Stage 2. City of Martindale and County Line Water Department are in Stage 3. If you reside in each of these communities, visit their websites or contact your local officials to learn what restrictions apply to these stages.
Maxwell Water Company, Goforth Water Company and Polonia/Aqua Water Company are unknown at this time, so please contact them if they are your water provider and you have any questions.
July 18, 2022
Crews working on improvements to Black Ankle Road and Witter Road are reporting multiple instances of barricades and road detour signs being torn down while workers are away from the sites. Barricades and road detour signage are put in place to keep the public safe and prevent accidents from occurring while road work continues. Removing it is not only unsafe, it's also against the law. People caught removing the signage could face criminal penalties. Leave the signs alone.
July 6, 2022
Caldwell County will host a community clean-up event from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 16 at 47 Civic Drive in Dale, near the Dale Community Center. Residents of Caldwell County may bring items such as furniture, old carpet, appliances (after hazardous materials have been professionally drained), metals, plastics and more. Click here and check the flyer for more details.
July 5, 2022
Dr. Al Dos Santos, Caldwell County Veterans Services officer, is sponsoring an all-expenses paid PTSD workshop for veterans in Wimberley from Aug. 19-21 that includes lodging, meals and materials. Please see the attached flyer and printable registration form for details.
June 24, 2022
Small nonfarm businesses in seven Texas counties - including Caldwell County - are now eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought that began April 19, 2022. Click here to learn more.
June 22, 2022
On June 14, Caldwell County Commissioners passed an order with intent to ban the sale of fireworks if severe dry conditions persisted through the Fourth of July period. No neighboring county has enacted a similar ban, nor has the governor’s office taken action regarding existing severe dry conditions, making fireworks accessible nearby. Therefore on Tuesday, June 21, following numerous complaints, the commissioners court amended its order allowing the general sale of fireworks during the Fourth of July period, but it continues to prohibit the sale of sticks and fins, which are considered to pose a greater fire risk in dry conditions.
While the order allows the general sale of fireworks in Caldwell County beginning June 24 and continuing through July 4 at midnight, Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden urged the public to avoid shooting fireworks and to respect the countywide burn ban.
“We had five fires yesterday, all of which were caused by outdoor burning, and we tragically lost a couple of firefighters yesterday in a crash,” Haden said. “I’m concerned about them being suited up in heavy gear responding to fires with outside temperatures over 100 degrees. One of the fires yesterday was caused by someone burning a cardboard box. Please do not burn outside – period - for any reason. Even if you’re thinking about lighting your barbecue pit, think twice because it is a tinder box out there. We are one apparatus down right now due to the wreck. These firefighters all have jobs and families and I would describe burning brush and risking lives as a selfish act. Think long and hard before you do it.”
Click here to see the order.
June 15, 2022
Witter Road will be closed to through traffic between Tumbleweed Trail and Jerry’s Creek Road as part of the Caldwell County CDBG Drainage and Roadway Improvements construction project. Construction will replace the existing culvert crossing, approximately 300 feet northeast of the intersection of Jerry’s Creek Road and Witter Road. A temporary construction detour has been established with signage posted along the route. See the alternate route map here and see written directions for travelers here. This project is funded by the Texas General Land Office of the State of Texas to provide for disaster recovery and restoration of infrastructure for communities impacted by the Floods of 2015. Funds allocated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant Program.
June 13, 2022
Registration for a two-day workshop for Caldwell County nonprofits designed to hone their grant-writing skills is now open. Choose from two dates in July and one in August. Click here to read the full announcement and follow this link to download the registration form.
June 10, 2022
The non-emergency phones at the sheriff's office are up and running. You can reach them by dialing (512) 398-6777.
June 6, 2022
Amid increasingly dry, hot conditions and wildfire risks, Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden reinstituted a county-wide burn ban today. Visit the Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management webpage to read FAQs about what is and isn't allowed during a burn ban.
June 6, 2022
The tire collection event for residents of Caldwell and Hays Counties is Saturday, June 11 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. There is no charge to drop off your tires but restrictions apply. Click here for details.
June 3, 2022
To combat the issue with the non-emergency lines, the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office has obtained a temporary phone until the normal phone lines are restored. For non-emergencies, please call (737) 357-2218. This is available for immediate use. If it is an emergency, please call 911.
You can also email ccso.dispatch@co.caldwell.tx.us. Please understand that this email is not constantly monitoredbut will be routinely checked until the phone system is restored.