News and Announcements
Click here for archived News and AnnouncementsNews Releases and Public Notices.
Aug 19: District Clerk's Office to close early for maintenance
08/19/2025
The District Clerk's Office will be closed from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 for facility maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.

WEATHER WATCH: NWS monitoring tropical weather in Gulf
08/15/2025

The National Weather Service is monitoring an investigative area of disturbed weather known as Invest 98L in the Gulf of Mexico. At this time, there is a 50% risk of a tropical depression before the storm moves inland.

 

 There's a level 1 out of 4 risk for excessive rainfall that could lead to flooding today through Saturday, the NWS says. Rainfall is expected to average 1/10 inch to 1/2 inch, but isolated pockets of 1-2 inches could fall anywhere across the Coastal Plains, I-35 corridor or Hill Country. Confidence on precise location is low.

 

 Please remember to stay tuned to weather forecasts and sign up for weather alerts. If you have a smartphone, go to settings and make sure emergency alerts are active. You can also sign up for weather alerts at warncentraltexas.com.

 

 



Commissioners Court Recap: Aug. 12, 2025
08/13/2025

Caldwell County Commissioners on Tuesday, Aug. 12 put the countywide burn ban back on and discussed license plate reader cameras, creation of a new school zone and potential new days for bimonthly regular meetings.  

 

 

(Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne, County Judge Hoppy Haden, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot, Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas) 

  

Next meeting 

Tuesday, August 26 

 

Burn Ban back on 

Caldwell County Commissioners voted to put the burn ban back on at the recommendation of Chief Emergency Management Coordinator Hector Rangel, who noted that drought conditions had deteriorated rapidly since the last regular meeting. The average drought index for the area has jumped to 529, less than 50 points under the Keetch-Byram Drought Index threshold of 575, which is when drought conditions are considered present. Some areas of Caldwell County are presenting KBDI values as high as 636. 

With no meaningful rain predicted in the near or extended forecast, Rangel recommended putting the burn ban back on. No outdoor burning is allowed at this time. 

 

More License Plate Reader Cameras approved for installation 

Commissioners approved a supplemental agreement to the multiple use agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation that allows license plate reader cameras to be installed in the highway right of way. Six new cameras will be installed in the following locations: 

  • FM 1854 at FM 20 in Dale 

  • FM 1185 at FM 1854 in Dale 

  • FM 1854 at Camino Real in Dale 

  • FM 1854 at FM 672 in Dale 

  • FM 20 at Bee Creek Road in Red Rock 

  • FM 1185 at Blase Lane in Lockhart 

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office will maintain and operate the cameras. Deputies said they would only search the camera footage when there is probable cause and that the cameras would not be able to see inside vehicles driving past, noting that you can see more details on a closed-circuit camera at a retail outlet. 

Data stays in the camera for 30 days, according to the sheriff’s office. 

The cameras are being used in Hays, Travis, Williamson, Bell and Bexar counties, deputies said. 

The amendment to the MUA with TxDOT was passed 4-1, with Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas voting no. 

 

Legislation to likely lead to different day for regular commissioners court meetings 

A new state law that takes effect in September will require governmental bodies in Texas to post agendas 72 business hours prior to meetings. 

To accommodate the change and to maximize time for placing items on the agenda the week before, commissioners discussed changing the day they hold their bimonthly regular meetings. 

Meetings are currently held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, but that seems likely to change. A draft calendar for Sept. 1 and beyond shows meetings shifting to the second and fourth Thursdays in October and beyond, with exceptions being made for Thanksgiving and Christmas week because both holidays fall on a Thursday. 

Under the proposed calendar, agendas would be posted on Wednesdays in September and on Fridays in October and beyond. 

The agenda item was discussion only. Commissioners took no action. 

 

Other Action 

Commissioners: 

  • Approved an order that would allow for the creation of a school zone near the new Borchert Loop Elementary School outside of Lockhart. The order authorizes Pct. 1 Commissioner BJ Westmoreland to work with the county engineer to determine the boundaries, speed limit and times for the new school zone. 
  • Updated the interlocal cooperation agreement between the Lockhart Independent School District and the county that provides deputy constables to enhance protection on school campuses. 

  • Approved a resolution opposing proposed legislation that, if passed, would prohibit counties from using taxpayer funds to join and support nonprofit organizations that that communicate with state legislators. Current rules allow the Texas Association of Counties to attend legislative sessions and argue on a county’s behalf. Disallowing this would make it difficult and more expensive for county representatives to oppose or support bills during legislative sessions, commissioners said. 

  • Approved the selection of engineering consultants for the 2024 Caldwell County Road Bond Projects. 

  • Approved an order of special election for state constitutional amendments. 

  • Set a date for a public hearing to approve the FY 2026 tax rate. The public hearing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9. 

  • Held a budget workshop following the meeting, discussing topics that included the county judge’s salary and the Lockhart Animal Shelter. Watch the workshop here. 
 

 

This is a brief summary of discussion and action highlights of the Aug. 13 regular commissioners court meeting. See full agendas and official meeting minutes and watch full video of the meetings here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


What's next for 2024 Caldwell County Road Bond
08/12/2025

Caldwell County has launched its voter-approved Road Bond Program, inviting community members to learn more through a new website and give their input on communication preferences through a survey.

 

The $150 million Road Bond program, passed in November 2024, aims to enhance the safety and mobility of Caldwell County’s roadways. The 32 projects will bring enhancements to the transportation network over the next five years and include improvements to existing roadways, planning and construction of new roads, and enhancements to bridges and low-water crossings.

 

The County completed its first bond sale in June 2025 and is moving forward with implementation.

 

The Caldwell County Commissioners Court has approved the selection of engineers, and design

consultants are expected to be under contract by fall 2025, allowing projects to move forward in

an efficient and timely manner.

 

Read more about what's next for the 2024 Road Bond projects here.

 

 

 

 

 


Free Community Dump Day scheduled for Aug. 23
08/04/2025

Caldwell County is hosting a free community dump day on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Caldwell County Unit Road Office located at 1700 FM 2720 in Lockhart.

The event is free for all residents of Caldwell County. Please bring a government-issued photo ID for proof of residency. 

Items will be collected from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or until capacity is reached.

Most non-household hazardous waste items will be accepted.

Prohibited items include:

  • Lead acid batteries
  • Sewage
  • Used motor oil
  • Paint
  • Sludge
  • Used oil filters
  • Grease trap waste
  • Whole used or scrap tires
  • Grit trap waste
  • Refrigerators, freezers, A/C units, or anything with CFCS
  • Dead animals and slaughterhouse waste
  • Liquid waste from municipal sources
  • Bulk or non-containerized liquid waste
  • Regulated hazardous waste
  • Municipal hazardous waste from conditionally exempt PCB small quantity generators
  • Medical waste
  • Out-of-state waste
  • Contaminated soil exceeding 1.5 PPM or regulated levels per 335.521 (A)(1) Table 1
  • Class 1 industrial solid waste (unless it contains only asbestos)