| East Williamson County Higher Education Center-Hutto Breaks Ground
Over 250 people attend historic event
The first building of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center-Hutto will be a 112,000 square foot building that will house Texas State Technical College and Temple College. The Campus will be an anchor to the gateway of Hutto from SH130. Construction is expected to begin Summer 2012 with the facility scheduled to open in Fall 2013. For highlights from the event, click here or on the image below:  | |
East Williamson County Higher Education Center-Hutto
Groundbreaking Highlights video.
|
For images from this event, click here. Top of Page |
| June Power Breakfast to Feature SH130 Concession Company
Joe Krier to address the Hutto Community
 The Hutto community will hear from Joe Krier of the SH 130 Concession Company at the June 14, 2012 Power Breakfast. Krier will be speaking about the current and future developments of the SH 130 Tollway.
Like all Hutto Economic Development Corporation Power Breakfasts, this event is free of charge to attend, begins at 7:30am on the second Thursday of every month, is held at the Hutto Holiday Inn Express, and requires no RSVP. We hope to see you there.
About the SH 130 Concession Company
The SH 130 Concession Company is an independent company formed by Cintra, a multinational corporation based in Spain, and ZachryAmerican Infrastructure headquartered in San Antonio.
Cintra, described as one of the world's largest private-sector developers of transportation infrastructure, currently manages 21 toll highways worldwide. Cintra's portfolio includes the Chicago Skyway, the Indiana Toll Road and the 407 ETR toll highway in and around Toronto, Canada.
Zachry American Infrastructure was created in 2005 to develop U.S. infrastructure investments in the transportation, energy and water sectors. The Zachry family's older entity, Zachry Construction Corp., has built more than 1,000 heavy construction projects including more than 110 projects along the U.S. Interstate highway system.
Cintra-Zachry in June 2006 reached a $1.3 billion agreement with the state of Texas to build segments 5 and 6 of SH 130.
About Joseph Krier
Joe Krier, who for 20 years served as President and CEO of The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, was elected to the SH 130 Concession Company, LLC, Board of Directors, October 2011. Well-regarded for his expertise in transportation and infrastructure issues, Krier was the Founding Chairman and a Board member of Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation, and served as the first Chairman of the San Antonio Mobility Coalition (SAMCo).
Krier has previously been Of Counsel at Bracewell & Guiliani LLP and a partner with the law firm of Groce, Locke & Hebdon as a member of the firm's corporate and commercial litigation section. He began his legal career as an associate in the real estate section of the Houston firm of Bracewell & Patterson, where he established the firm's Wills and Estates section. He was Counsel there from 2007 to 2009.
Mr. Krier attended The University of Texas, B.A. (1968) - Austin, Texas and The University of Texas School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence (1971) - Austin, Texas.
Mr. Krier is married to former State Senator, Bexar County Judge and University of Texas Regent, Cyndi Taylor Krier.
Top of Page
|
| First Hamburgers & Higher Education Luncheon Held
Attendance at quarterly event higher than expected
The first Hamburgers and Higher Education Luncheon was held May 8, 2012 at the Golf Club at Star Ranch. The event featured representatives from Temple College and Texas State Technical College Waco updating the community on the progress of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center-Hutto. An overview of the amenities and features of the first building was presented.
To view a video of the presentation made, click on here or on the image below:
 | |
Full Presentation from the May Hamburgers & Higher Education Luncheon. |
About the Hamburgers and Higher Education Luncheon
Hamburgers and Higher Education Luncheon will be held quarterly to keep the public informed on topical matters related to EWCHEC-Hutto. It is open to the public, and its mission is to cultivate open communication between the Hutto community and EWCHEC-Hutto.
Top of Page |
| Klingemann Named Business Retention Director
Staff member receives promotion
 After nearly three years of service to the Hutto community, Erin Klingemann has been named the Hutto Economic Development Corporation Business Retention Director.
"Erin Klingemann is a very talented and dedicated professional for the Hutto Economic Development Corporation. She has brought great value to our organization and to the Hutto community. I look forward to her flourishing in her new role," said Hutto Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Scott Martinez.
In her new capacity, Erin serves as the primary liaison for the Hutto Economic Development Corporation Business Retention Program, working with companies throughout the community to retain and grow their local presence. She also helps coordinate the shop local program, Second Saturday event, and other local business support initiatives. Since Fall 2011, Klingemann has conducted over 20 local companies. She also continues her operations, finance, and compliance duties with the Hutto Economic Development Corporation.
Erin Klingemann joined the Hutto Economic Development Corporation in October 2009 after three years' service as Marketing Events Coordinator for the Austin American-Statesman. In that capacity, she was responsible for planning and management of corporate events including the Capitol 10,000 and the Austin Auto Show. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Texas State University. In addition, she has completed the Basic Economic Development Course and is a commissioned notary public.
Top of Page |
|
Chief Appraiser Featured at May Power Breakfast
Alvin Lankford addresses the Hutto Community
The Hutto community heard from Alvin Lankford, Chief Appraiser at the Williamson Central Appraisal District, for the fourth consecutive year at the May 10, 2012 Hutto Economic Development Corporation Power Breakfast. Lankford spoke about new developments and programs at the Appraisal District, property value and trends in both the Williamson County and Hutto area, and how Williamson County compares to other areas. To view the full presentation from the event, click here, or on the image below:
 | |
Hutto Economic Development Corporation May 10, 2012 Power Breakfast featuring Alvin Lankford, Chief Appraiser of the Williamson Central Appraisal District.
|
For pictures from this event, click here.
Top of Page
|
Resource Corner: Information For You
Second Saturday Vendor Sign-Up
Do you live in Hutto or have a local business? Do you have a product that you would like to get to market? Then sign up to be a vendor at Hutto's Second Saturday event! Second Saturday is a monthly event held May through September in Downtown Hutto that allows vendors to come out and sell their products, kids to enjoy some playtime, and friends the opportunity to catch up and shop. And the best part? There is little or no cost involved with becoming a vendor! For Hutto residents and businesses, this is a free event. For businesses outside of Hutto, the participation fee is an affordable $20 each month. Questions? Contact the Hutto EDC Business Retention Director, Erin Klingemann, by calling 512.759.2806. For a link to the sign-up form, click here, or image below:
If you would like more information on this topic or have any questions about other resources that may be available for your use, please feel free to contact Seanna, Marketing Director, at sroysden@huttoedc.com.
|
|
| The City of Hutto is pleased to announce that the Development Services Department has launched a new online permitting software called MyPermitNow. The new software provides contractors and residents the ability to perform a number of tasks online once they have applied for a new permit such as tracking the progress of the plan review process, uploading construction drawings in digital PDF format, viewing the required inspection sequence for a project, and requesting inspections online all from the convenience of an office or home computer. In addition, the new software provides real-time inspection results via e-mail, automated telephone calls, and through access of the online portal at www.mypermitnow.org.
Launching this new software is a great example of how the City of Hutto is continuing to provide the absolute best customer service to Hutto. Other cities in the region that have launched MyPermitNow include San Marcos and Lago Vista, while Georgetown plans to go live with MyPermitNow next month.
For more information about MyPermitNow, please contact the City of Hutto Development Services Department at (512) 759-5961.
|
|
City Council Approves Agreement for Wastewater Line
| The City Council recently approved an economic development agreement with Hutto Mezz Holdings to cost participate in the construction of the proposed Brushy Creek Wastewater Interceptor Phase II. The interceptor has been in the works since 2008 when the City was awarded a low-interest loan for construction of the interceptor from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The City will construct the interceptor from the East Williamson County Higher Education (EWCHEC) site along CR 108 to south of Hwy 79. The contractor will build the remainder of the interceptor and connect it to the existing lift station in the Enclave subdivision. By working with the land developer on the project, the City is able to construct the line at a discounted amount and the developer is able to provide wastewater to the site.
The project is part of the SH 130 Utilities project that included the already constructed CR 108 waterline. The Hutto EDC is also a partner of the City in order to create "shovel ready" land on the western side of Hutto.
|
|
Record Sales Tax Collections Projected
| Over the last decade, Hutto annually set new sales tax collection records, until 2008 when the economy slowed. Bolstered by strengthening economic conditions and improved consumer confidence nation-wide, Hutto collected over $1.5 million in sales tax in 2011. Based on collections so far, 2012 is expected to set new records as the City projects collections around $1.7 million. New construction projects should keep the sales tax numbers strong as crews will be utilizing services and purchasing equipment and supplies for upcoming projects such as the East Williamson County Higher Education Center.
City Sales tax, which makes up approximately 18% of the City's General Fund revenues, is 1.5% of the 8.25% that you pay on goods and services. The state collects 6.25% while the remaining 0.5% supports the Hutto Economic Development Corporation. Hutto has continued to experience strong sales tax numbers despite the estimated $5 million that is lost each year due to sales tax "leakage." Leakage occurs when goods and services are purchased outside of the community. By shopping locally you are not only supporting a local business, but you are helping to keep tax dollars in Hutto for street repairs, park improvements, etc.
|
|
Hutto Family YCMA Updates
| At their meeting on May 3, the City Council approved a design contract for $395,788 with KAHickman Architects and Interior Designers for design/engineering and construction oversight services. The facility, recently named the "Hutto Family YMCA," is expected to break ground this fall with hopes of a summer 2013 opening.
The $5 million project was a result of the 2009 Bond Election. The bond selection committee asked to include the project on the ballot after the YMCA offered a partnership of operating and maintaining a city-owned facility.
KAHickman was chosen out of 22 firms that responded to the City's Request for Qualifications (RFQ) earlier this year. A review team made up of representatives from the YMCA and the City of Hutto evaluated each of the firms through interviews, site visits, and reference checks before ultimately recommending KAHickman Architects and Interior Designers.
The City will soon release a Request for Proposals for a Construction Manager for the project. By bringing a construction team onboard during design, the team is able to work with the project architects on pricing materials and in finding ways to ensure that the project is constructed within budget.
Public meetings are planned for later this summer to give residents the opportunity to comment on the facility's design.
|
Community Demographic Information
To view the current Economic Profile for the Round Rock-Austin MSA,
click here.
To view the current economic profile for the Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Area, click here.
|
|
Type A Economic Development Sales Tax Allocation
| |
Fiscal Year
|
April
|
May
|
Cumulative
Total
| |
1997/98
|
$1,124.52
|
$4,708.08
|
$40,417.02
| |
1998/99
|
$1,380.71
|
$2,656.78
|
$32,045.20
| |
1999/00
|
$3,719.04
|
$3,890.78
|
$35,093.61
| |
2000/01
|
$4,346.71
|
$3,017.39
|
$50,940.93
| |
2001/02
|
$4,127.65
|
$6,470.99
|
$58,299.83
| |
2002/03
|
$4,284.53
|
$8,043.02
|
$73,572.84
| |
2003/04
|
$5,203.96
|
$10,416.63
|
$98,841.25
| |
2004/05
|
$12,700.25
|
$24,661.05
|
$216,990.28
| |
2005/06
|
$20,865.44
|
$30,865.78
|
$336,629.05
| |
2006/07
|
$26,069.31
|
$39,226.88
|
$376,036.41
| |
2007/08
|
$28,878.89
|
$47,942.38
|
$481,309.64
| |
2008/09
|
$33,722.39
|
$50,393.59
|
$495,826.74
| |
2009/10
|
$30,156.44
|
$44,811.09
|
$467,917.40
| |
2010/11
|
$33,488.22
|
$59,422.06
|
$509,128.41
| |
2011/12
|
$39,045.30
|
$62,609.24
|
$377,901.10*
| |
*Cumulative Fiscal year-to-date Data Figure
|
|
Single Family Building Permit Requests by Month
| |
Month
|
2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
| |
January
|
63
|
93
|
71
|
64
|
18
|
20
|
23
|
10
| |
February
|
51
|
70
|
49
|
49
|
15
|
6
|
11
|
28
| |
March
|
56
|
101
|
84
|
47
|
14
|
6
|
22
|
9
| |
April
|
67
|
91
|
75
|
46
|
48
|
6
|
24
|
12
| |
May
|
53
|
66
|
37
|
29
|
22
|
36
|
12
|
| |
June
|
58
|
68
|
44
|
22
|
29
|
17
|
8
|
| |
July
|
61
|
56
|
34
|
32
|
39
|
6
|
20
|
| |
August
|
78
|
70
|
25
|
41
|
22
|
11
|
17
|
| |
September
|
67
|
66
|
24
|
28
|
24
|
7
|
10
|
| |
October
|
65
|
58
|
51
|
5
|
19
|
7
|
5
|
| |
November
|
49
|
37
|
60
|
9
|
6
|
17
|
26
|
| |
December
|
46
|
46
|
7
|
12
|
7
|
15
|
9
|
|
|
April Unemployment Rates
| |
Area
|
Apr. 11
|
Mar. 12
|
Apr. 12
| |
Austin/Round Rock MSA
|
5.5%
|
6.0%
|
5.5%
| |
Texas
|
7.6%
|
7.0%
|
6.5%
| |
National
|
8.7%
|
8.4%
|
7.7%
|
Top of Page
|
|
A Message from the Executive Director
May was a big month for Hutto! After two years of work by countless community members, the groundbreaking for the first building of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center-Hutto was held. Hutto is fortunate to have such quality higher education partners in Temple College and Texas State Technical College Waco. I encourage you to get to know Dr. Robbin Ray of Temple College and Fred Khozein of Texas State Technical College. They are talented professionals that are already making a tremendous impact in our community. Both are very accessible and knowledgeable if you have any questions about higher education opportunities in Hutto. While we watch the construction of the first building on the new higher education campus rise from the blackland prairie, one can't help but be nostalgic about the generations of Swedes that farmed those fields. While there is great pride in Hutto's history in agriculture, there will most certainly be pride in the life changing impact this new campus will cultivate for generations to come. Please feel free to contact me if I may ever be of assistance.
Warmest regards,
Scott Martinez, CEcD
Hutto Economic Development Corporation
Top of Page |
|
|
Did you Know... |
that the total
cost of the Central Texas Turnpike System is almost $4.6 Billion?
| |
 Join Our Mailing List ! |
|
|
![Facebook Logo [3D]](http://www.prwatch.org/files/images/facebooklogo1.png)
![You Tube Logo [Revised]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs057/1101309895197/img/259.png?a=1110125372322)
