Mason, Texas - Gem of the Hill Country

City Corner

In spite of some scattered spring rains, the summer heat is definitely building and a drought continues throughout Central Texas. In order to conserve our precious water resources, Mason residents are reminded to use water wisely. We are asking our citizens to voluntarily comply with our first stages of water conservation and we would appreciate it if you would limit your outdoor sprinkling and watering of lawns and landscapes. We ask that if your house faces north or east you water on odd calendar days, and if your house faces south or west you water on even calendar days. Also, please consider watering between the hours of 7:00 pm and 10:00 am so that you allow our water system to “recharge” during the day. We do not anticipate experiencing a critical water shortage during the summer, and your help and contribution to water conservation will help to maintain the water resources for all of our citizens. This is the same information I shared last week, but for the rest of the summer it is important that we alternate watering and use water wisely so that there is plenty for everyone.

With the heat drying everything out, and the Fourth of July coming up in a few days, I also need to remind our citizens that it is unlawful to shoot fireworks within the city limits. With the holiday falling on a weekend this year many people may be tempted to extra enthusiasm in celebrating, but we need to remember that we live in community with others and fireworks and the possibility of unintended fires is not the “good neighbor” thing to do. If you know of people planning a celebration with fireworks you might suggest that they find an out-of-town place to party so that they do not face the consequences of breaking the law.

Around the City offices things are going very well and problems are being solved. I have been spending a good deal of extra time in the office since the resignation of our City Administrator, but I can report that the initial problems are under control and the on-going issues are being worked out. We have dealt with all of the regulatory issues from TCEQ in a positive manner and I anticipate resolving the remaining issues in the next few weeks. We have reassigned a couple of employees to cover the work areas that have been left vacant by the retirement of Earl Koch and the resignation of our park worker. We are negotiating a couple of contracts that have expired so that they can be presented to the City Commission soon; and the budget process is beginning so that we will be prepared and ready later in the summer when that needs to be completed. We have heard a few complaints and suggestions from our citizens and while some have already been resolved, I expect solutions for others will be worked out before much longer. If you have other concerns or ideas please let me know and they too will be given attention. Our goal is to make Mason a friendly and vibrant community, and the best way that will happen is for everyone to contribute suggestions and ideas that will make our town the best hometown in Texas.

Your friend and neighbor, Brent Hinckley