News Flash

Happy New Year, Hills residents!

While we experienced some technical difficulties starting our first meeting of 2026, Council held an efficient and thorough session with valuable discussion across several important topics. Below are a few highlights. Residents are always encouraged to watch the full meeting recording for full context here.

• Public Safety Contact Information: Residents who need to reach an on-duty deputy for a non-emergency situation may call the Lohman’s Gate at 512-261-0945 to request assistance. If a deputy is not present on property, residents may then contact the Travis County Non-Emergency Line at 512-974-0845 (Option 3). As always, emergencies should be reported by calling 911 first.
• Parks & Recreation Updates: The Parks & Recreation Commission shared several updates, including the addition of a “leave a ball, take a ball” container at the park and ongoing planning for capital improvements. The return of Yappy Hour at the Dog Park is also in the works—stay tuned.
• POA Annual Meeting & Studies: The Hills POA will hold its Annual Meeting on January 22; residents are encouraged to review Engage or mailed notices for meeting and election details. The POA has also engaged a firm to begin a Lohman’s Gate Traffic Study and Guard Operations Study, which will start soon.
• Pedestrian Gate Access Discussion: Council held a productive discussion regarding pedestrian gate access and potential locking options. Councilmembers Brittany Mycoskie, Marty Khait, and Sarah Carroll will meet with a POA committee to gather additional information and bring recommendations back to Council for further consideration following the POA’s election of new board members.
• Waste Connections Scholarship: The Waste Connections Scholarship will once again be available to graduating seniors who reside in the Village of The Hills. The application deadline is April 1, 2026, and application materials will be updated soon on the Youth Advisory Commission webpage.
• City Council Meeting Schedule: Regular City Council meetings will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM at 102 Trophy Drive.
• Constable Contract Review: Council will continue evaluating the current constable services contract and the potential need for additional coverage. A committee made up of Gary Wolff, Tom Harrelson, and Marty Khait will continue reviewing data to balance public safety needs with fiscal responsibility and will report back to Council when ready.
• Annual Financial Audit: The City’s annual financial audit is scheduled to begin toward the end of January, consistent with standard financial oversight practices.

Wishing all of my neighbors a healthy, successful, and happy year ahead. I’m honored to be your Mayor and to serve alongside my fellow Councilmembers and our City team, led by Angie Massey, as we keep The Hills safe, well-run, and financially responsible.

Mayor Kevin Proud

• Increased Law Enforcement Hours: The City will be increasing contracted law enforcement hours during the upcoming period. Please continue to abide by all state traffic laws while driving in The Hills.
• Park Refresh Projects: The Parks & Recreation Commission will be working with our City Administrator, Angie Massey, to complete several park improvements, including refreshing the mulch in playground fall-zone areas.
• Neighborhood First Responder / CERT Program: Interested in becoming a neighborhood first responder in an emergency? Adult residents can reach out to our City Administrator, Angie Massey, for details on training and qualifications. Additional information about the CERT program is available through FEMA’s website. 
• Coordination With Hurst Creek MUD: Mayor Proud will continue discussions with Hurst Creek MUD leadership, including Earl Wood, General Manager, and Board President Bill Coskey, to ensure coordination and shared community priorities.
• Council approved several annual housekeeping items, including updating bank signatories, adopting the annual investment policy and strategy as well as assigning TEXPool account users.
• Council appointed liaisons to partner organizations for the upcoming year:• Youth Advisory Commission – Brittany Mycoskie• Parks & Recreation Commission – Marty Khait• Hurst Creek MUD – Mayor Kevin Proud• The Hills POA – Tom Harrelson
• Pedestrian Gates Discussion: Council held a constructive discussion regarding the locking of pedestrian gates. This topic will return for further review at a future meeting.

Your City Council and I gathered for our regular meeting this month, joined by our newly appointed Councilmember Brittany Mycoskie. I’m pleased to share a few of the key highlights from our discussions and actions.

• Zoning Ordinance Adopted: Council held a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance and zoning map, with no public comments received. The ordinance was passed unanimously, marking an important milestone for Village of The Hills. This new zoning framework applies to all new construction and concludes nearly a year of dedicated work by Council, led by Councilmember Lee Crawford, Angie, and Josh, our legal counsel.
• Google Fiber Update: Council continues to monitor progress and explore fiber providers. For consideration of the Tri-City approach, Bee Cave has not fully approved Google's proposal and is also seeking other options, while to my knowledge Lakeway’s plan remains unchanged. The Hills is exploring long-term solutions to ensure both service quality and road preservation.
• City Bookkeeping Services: Council approved an annual amendment to continue our service agreement with the City’s bookkeeping provider, maintaining consistency and accuracy in financial management.
• Council Onboarding Document: A new onboarding guide, developed by Councilmember Marty, was reviewed and will be utilized with future Councilmembers to streamline orientation and strengthen understanding of City operations.
• Welcome Commission Event: The Commission will host a Meet & Greet Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 PM at The Hills Chophouse. All residents are invited, especially new neighbors, to come meet one another and enjoy a few light bites.
• Current Election: A reminder that early voting begins in October 20-31, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Visit VoteTexas.gov or VoteTravis.gov to find polling locations and hours. Three City Council positions, with five candidates, are on the ballot.

The work we do together through good planning, steady progress, and strong community support keeps Village of The Hills a one-of-a-kind place to live.

Mayor Kevin Proud

Your City Council and I gathered for a special session on Monday afternoon, and I’m pleased to share a few of the highlights with you. These decisions reflect our continued focus on fiscal responsibility, strong community events, and encouraging participation in local government.

• Budget Approved – Council adopted the budget for Fiscal Year running October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026
• Tax Rate Reduced – The total property tax rate was lowered from $0.0936 to $0.092 per $100 taxable value, underscoring our commitment to efficiency while continuing to provide steady, high-quality services to residents of The Hills.
• Hills City Limits Budget Approved – This signature event for Village of The Hills will account for more than half of the Parks & Recreation annual event budget, so we hope you’ll come out and enjoy the festivities this Sunday. It is going to be incredible!
• New Councilmember Appointed – Brittany Mycoskie was appointed to the open council seat and will serve until November 2026 election. We thank all of the outstanding candidates who applied and encourage everyone to remain engaged in the work of local government.

Local government is where you see and experience those results every day. It’s the safety of our streets, lively community events and strong fiscal stewardship of your hard earned tax dollars. Thank you for continuing to stay connected, supportive of our efforts and for helping make The Hills such a wonderful place to call home.

Mayor Kevin Proud

• SuperCity App – Council approved moving forward with SuperCity, an innovative app created by our very own neighbor, Miguel Gamino. This tool will help residents stay connected with city updates and services. We’re excited to partner with Miguel on bringing this project to life—more info to come soon!
• Budget & Tax Rate Hearings – We held public hearings for the Proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget and the Proposed 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rate. There were no public comments at the time. Both items are scheduled for a vote at our next meeting on September 29 at 2 PM.
• Zoning Updates – Council set the date for a public hearing on the Proposed Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Citywide Zoning Map. This hearing will occur at our regular October meeting.
• National Night Out – Mark your calendars for October 7, 5–7 PM at the park. A special surprise this year: a helicopter landing at 4:45 PM and take-off at 6 PM! Come meet our service partners from EMS, LTFR, and the Constable’s Office.
• Welcome Commission – Already busy greeting new residents, the Commission is also preparing helpful materials for distribution to our community’s newest neighbors.
• Emergency Management – Our contract with the Emergency Management Coordinator is concluding, and I will be stepping into the Manager role moving forward. I truly appreciate your grace and support. Neighbors here have always pulled together in times of crisis, and I know I can count on you again if the need arises.
• Walking Trail Maintenance – Be on the lookout for upcoming maintenance along the walking trail. Rolling Suds has already started beautifying our city along the more than three miles paved walking trail.

• Sunday, September 21: Movie Night in the Park featuring E.T. at dusk. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and enjoy!
• Sunday, October 5, 2–6 PM: Our annual Hills Fest – Hills City Limits with music, food, fun, and even some new city merchandise available for purchase.
• Tuesday, October 7, 5-7 PM: National Night Out - come to the park to explore all the services being provided by the wonderful teams at Lake Travis Fire & Rescue, Constables Office and ATCEMS.

• We acknowledged Matt Marietta's resignation from council. Those interested in applying for the open seat which will be appointed should email helpdesk@thehillstx.gov by Monday 9/15. Please also feel free to reach out to myself and current council members. The term is through November 2026.
• Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 18 at 5PM, where we will hold a public hearing and vote on the tax rate and budget. We also expect to revisit the business items from the September 9th agenda.

Emergency notifications provided by the city Emergency Management Coordinator will always come from the Voyent application which you can easily sign up on our website as well.  Simply go to "Sign Up For" page.

Remember, being informed is key to staying prepared. Sign up today and be in the know! 

Mayor’s Minutes – July 2025

Council, city staff, and I met on Tuesday, even as our thoughts remain with those impacted by the devastating July 4 flooding across the Hill Country. We began our meeting with a moment of silence to honor the many communities affected. Our hearts, deepest sympathies, and continued prayers go out to them.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the exceptional teams who made the July 3 Festival and Fireworks event such a success. It was a meaningful celebration of our freedoms, and I hope everyone was able to enjoy it with friends and neighbors.

A few updates from this month’s meeting:

• City Administrator Angie Massey has been nominated and accepted into the Texas City Management Association. This is a well-earned recognition of her leadership, and we are proud to support her continued growth through this professional organization.

• In alignment with standard accounting practices, the city will solicit proposals from qualified firms to conduct the annual financial audit. Our current auditing firm will be invited to submit a proposal, reflecting our commitment to transparency and excellence in financial oversight.

• The General Election for the Village of The Hills City Council will take place on November 4, 2025. Three council positions will be on the ballot. The filing period for candidates runs from July 19 through August 18. More information is available here.

• We will continue to review meeting procedures and technology, as recent issues with our current online provider have affected accessibility and efficiency.

Later that same day, Council held a budget workshop in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2025. Key topics included:

• Closing out the current budget year, which is projected to end with a surplus

• Evaluating additional law enforcement needs

• Expanding community engagement, particularly through events and support of the new Welcome Committee

• Continuing improvements to park facilities and overall maintenance

• Ongoing discussions around capital improvement priorities

We are still awaiting final taxable value reports, which will play a key role in determining the structure of the 2025–2026 budget.

Thank you for remaining informed and involved as we continue to plan for a strong future for the Village of The Hills. As we’ve heard this phrase often over the past few days, Council and I remain deeply grateful for all the helpers in our community.

Mayor Kevin Proud

Thank you to everyone who attended our special session. Your participation is truly appreciated by myself and Council. Speaking during the public comment period is the best way to ensure your voice is heard directly by the full council, as not all members are active on other informal channels.

Here’s the recap:

• Council reviewed and ultimately did not approve a variance request related to oak tree removal. As a reminder, trimming or cutting oak trees is permitted only between July 1 and January 31 to protect our city and prevent the spread of oak wilt.

• Council gave conditional approval for a proposed July 3 fireworks display hosted in coordination with The Hills Country Club. The display is expected to be brief and celebratory with much more information about attending to follow soon. Angie Massey, City Administrator, may issue the permit once all conditions discussed are met. We appreciate the club’s efforts to coordinate with the city and prioritize safety throughout the planning process.

• Council supported the Parks & Recreation Commission’s request to allocate up to $6,000 from their event budget for the fireworks display. The commission members met the evening prior where they reviewed the online form results; community feedback was nearly split down the middle and the additional commentary provided was evaluated. The Parks & Recreation decision followed a thoughtful and nearly unanimous vote.

I’m especially proud of the respectful and constructive dialogue among councilmembers during this meeting. It’s encouraging to see varying perspectives shared in a way that reflects our collective commitment to responsible governance and upholding city regulations.

Thank you again for remaining engaged,

Mayor Kevin Proud

Mayor Proud along with City of Lakeway's Mayor Kilgore were joined by Lake Travis Fire Department Fire Chief Robert Abbott, Tri-City Emergency Management Coordinator Waheeda Yousofzoy, and members of LTFR and Pedernales Fire Department for an important conversation on how to protect your home and our community. If you couldn’t attend live, you can watch the full recording here. 

There are many steps individual homeowners can take today that can make a big difference in a worst-case scenario. If you're interested in creating a personalized wildfire prevention plan, Dustin Dunn (LTFR) and his team are available to meet with you — schedule a visit: https://calendly.com/wildfire-ltfr.

• Congratulations to Tyce Bogdon, LTHS Class of 2025, who was selected to be awarded the $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Waste Connections, a proud partner of the Village of The Hills. He will be honored at the June council meeting.
• City Council approved the inaugural members of the Welcome Commission: Pat Younger, Cassie Reynolds, Peggy Hattendorf, Kimberly Hoffmans, and Tiffany Wilson. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
• After many years of dedicated service as Chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission, Gary Weldon has stepped down. His thoughtful leadership, positive attitude, and steady support have made a lasting impact. We thank you, Gary!
• Council discussed the topic of short-term rentals as it relates to having additional oversight provided by vendors. The City has an already established permitting process and requirements for hotel occupancy tax submissions; however all owners should be additionally aware that The Hills POA prohibits short-term rentals, preventing property owners from operating them within the community.
• Council passed Ordinance No. 2025-012, establishing definitions and enforcement measures related to public nuisances (such as weeds, trash) and junked vehicles. This ordinance complements existing The Hills POA standards and provides additional resources for addressing concerns across both residential and commercial properties, including The Hills Country Club. It will be added to the Code of Ordinances under Section 7 (Health & Sanitation) and Section 8 (Offenses & Additional Provisions).
• A public hearing was held regarding updates to the city’s fire code. Council adopted the 2021 International Fire Code, including local amendments provided by Travis County Emergency Services District #6. More information can be found on LTFR's website.
• Following over a year of fresh and well-done landscape maintenance by CleanScapes, the City Administrator will move forward with extending their contract and implementing additional improvements to park and greenbelt areas.

Community Reminder: 25 MPH Speed Limit Takes Effect Thursday, May 1st 

Starting Thursday, May 1st, the Village of The Hills will officially reduce the speed limit to 25 mph throughout the community (except where already posted at 20 mph). This change is part of our continued effort to keep our streets safer for residents, families, and visitors.

Also please remember to:

·                     Stop fully at all stop signs

·                     Maintain a safe distance between vehicles

·                     Watch for pedestrians, children, and golf carts

·                     Drive attentively – no distractions

·                     Follow e-bike laws – be sure your e-bike complies with state and local rules (you can find that information here).

Let’s work together to keep The Hills safe.

Thank you for doing your part, Mayor Kevin Proud

To all residents of the Village of The Hills,

As e-bikes have grown in popularity, we want to ensure that owners and riders within and around our community are aware of the rules and expectations regarding their use.

First and foremost, under Village of The Hills City Ordinance 10.03.003, motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, are not permitted on greenbelts, parks, or walking trails. These areas are designated for pedestrian use only, and keeping them free of motorized traffic helps ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Violations of this ordinance may result in fines of up to $2,000 per offense.

Additionally, Texas traffic laws regulate e-bike operation, requiring riders to follow the same rules as traditional bicycles and motorized vehicles when on the road. This includes obeying speed limits, making complete stops at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, using proper hand signals, and obtaining the appropriate licensing where required. Riders should also ensure that their e-bike classification aligns with Texas state laws and regulations governing motorized vehicles. You can find that information here.

If your household includes e-bike riders, we strongly encourage you to review these guidelines together. It is essential that riders understand both local regulations and safe riding practices to maintain the serenity of our community, prevent accidents, and promote responsible use. We also ask that you communicate these expectations to your household members' friends who may ride e-bikes within The Hills but do not reside here. Nuisance use or damage caused by e-bikes will not be tolerated.

All residents and owners are encouraged to report violations to the proper authorities.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue and for helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable community for all.

Mayor Kevin Proud

Spring is in full swing, and I hope you’ll join me and our neighbors this weekend for Spring Fling at the Park! Our Parks & Recreation Commissioners have been working hard to plan an afternoon filled with fun, and I’m excited to see many of you there.

Here’s a quick update on what’s been happening around your city:

• Revised speed limit signs have arrived and will be installed on May 1. Once posted, they are in effect—so take note: all 30 mph signs will be changing to 25 mph.
• Please join me in welcoming Janette Sikorski to the Parks & Recreation Commission! We’re grateful to have her on board and appreciate her commitment to our community.
• Final call for the Waste Connections x Village of The Hills Senior Scholarship! Don’t miss this opportunity—application due April 14 and can be found here.
• Our neighbors in Lakeway have produced an excellent video addressing e-bike safety. We are currently preparing our own community message regarding the use of e-bikes within The Hills. You can watch the Lakeway Police Department’s video here.
• If you see an issue or need assistance, remember you can always reach out to helpdesk@thehillstx.gov or use the contact form on our website. Whether it's myself, Angie, or a city council member, we’re always happy to help.

Upcoming Events

• Spring Fling at the Park – Sunday, 2:00–6:00 PMEgg Hunt for the kids begins at 2:30 PM! Bring your own picnic and enjoy some live music.
• Capital Improvement Workshop – Monday, April 22 (Time TBD)We’ve received some great concept submissions, and as a council, we’re eager to dig in and build a strong five-year plan together.

My family and I are soaking up this beautiful season, and I hope you are too. Please enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and take care of one another in our wonderful community.

Warm regards,Mayor Kevin Proud

Spring has arrived, bringing fresh momentum to Village of The Hills! Over the past few weeks, we have made significant progress on key initiatives. I’ve been actively engaging with our neighbors in Lakeway, including Police Chief Koen, to enhance community-wide safety and recently met with Fire Chief Abbott to discuss ongoing fire preparedness as well as response efforts. From city improvements to upcoming events, here are some highlights of what's happening in The Hills:

Website Photo Submissions - Help us showcase the beauty of our community with your photography skills! We’re collecting images for our refreshed city website—submit yours by March 31 here.

Parks & Rec Additions - Welcome to our newest Commissioners, Jessica Rivas-Reddy and Krystal Clark! We appreciate their dedication to enhancing our community spaces.

Spring Fling on Sunday, April, 13 - Join me and your neighbors at The Hills Park from 2–6 PM for live music and a crawfish boil! Plus, our Youth Advisory Commission is hosting an Egg Hunt at 2:30 PM, so bring the kids, their baskets, and your picnic setup (maybe even a chair or two) for a fun afternoon.

Speed Limit - Deputy Lopez provided a report confirming increased enforcement efforts, and after careful consideration, the City Council voted 4-2 in favor of reducing the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph where posted. The change will take effect upon the replacement of new speed limit signs. We will do our best to inform you but please be aware of that impending change.

Financial Audit - Our annual audit, conducted by Singleton, Clark & Co., returned a clean report for 2023-2024! A huge thank you to City Bookkeeper Joy, City Administrator & Secretary Angie, and Councilmember & Treasurer Rick Van Dalen for their outstanding financial stewardship.

Meeting & Administrative Management - To improve efficiency, the council has approved using an existing vendor to assist with the detailed preparation and distribution of council meeting materials.

Suggestions for Capital Improvement - Have an idea to enhance our city’s infrastructure? Submit your suggestions for consideration at the Capital Improvement Plan workshop by April 15 here.

Thank you for allowing myself and the council to continue working on enhancing life living in The Hills. We look forward to what’s ahead.

Kevin ProudMayor, Village of The Hills

My name is Deputy Lopez I am the new Deputy assigned to Village of The Hills. I look forward to serving and protecting this wonderful community any way I can. To help everyone I have attached a flyer with tips on how to prevent property crime. Please don’t give thieves an opportunity. Any questions please don’t hesitate to stop be during my patrols to ask me any questions or simply say 'Hi." Thank you.