The Case of the Missing Million Gallons of Water

At the Monday, Oct. 10 virtual meeting of the Round Top town council, Mayor Barry Bone informed council members that he had requested a two year audit of the town’s water use from West End Water Supply which indicated that the town “must have a leak” because charges for recent use have skyrocketed over prior periods.

Councilman Keith Sharp did a quick calculation that, at the rate of $5 per thousand gallons the town had used an extra million gallons of water. “That’s a pretty good leak,” Sharp remarked. Bone agreed and said he would check with Glasco Corporation which is responsible for irrigation and maintenance of the town square about the discrepancy.

The Round Top Chamber submitted a report of 316 lodging requests fulfilled in the first quarter. Bone wanted to know if those were referrals or actual bookings and which were in the town proper or the ETJ? Chamber representative Tiffany Reid agreed to try to get that information.

Bone said planning and pandemic protocols for the fall antiques fair, now scheduled for October 15-Nov. 1, are under way. A go/no go date of Sept. 15 is scheduled. Councilman Frank Hillbolt remarked that many venues have outdoor capability and reminded the council that attendance will likely be reduced due to the pandemic. The annual Winefest, the major chamber fundraiser, is scheduled for early November. Protocol may dictate wine drinking outside participating businesses.

The town’s effort to split the Land Use Ordinance into a zoning piece separate from other regulations, a project recommended by town consultant David Stall, is proceeding with a marked-up version now in the hands of the town attorney. Bone said the purpose is to make the regulations piece easier to change without public hearings. Public hearings on this project will be required before it is given final approval however.

Mayor Bone discussed his proposed budget ending by saying, “We’re not raising taxes.”

Councilman Jerry Hinkle volunteered and was given unanimous consent by the council to pursue a “Dark Sky Community” designation for the town. The designation will allow the regulation of outdoor lighting. “Rural sky conditions” are a prerequisite Hinkle said.