August 13, 2025 Smithville Minute
The Smithville Minute is back and we are on Spotify!
It’s 7:07 on Wednesday August 13, and here’s your Smithville Minute.
Kristen Meriwether
What Happened at the August Smithville City Council Meeting?
From tax rates and potential utility bill tweaks to spicy budget debates and new developments, we've got your August Smithville City Council recap video.
Sweet Tea Cafe Latest Restaurant to Close in Downtown Smithville
By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher
After two delays due to sidewalk construction, Sweet Tea Cafe opened its doors on Main Street in October 2024 with high hopes and homemade recipes inspired by family traditions. Owner Jessica Walker’s father owned a shop in Smithville for 23 years, and from 18 months
Analysis: How Smithville's Post-COVID Property Value Surge Masks Debt Vulnerabilities
By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher
Editor's Note Aug. 7, 2025, 10:30 a.m.: This article has been updated to incorporate revised population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, including adjustments from the Count Question Resolution (CQR) program, as flagged by the City of Smithville. The original article
Municipal Math: Breaking Down Smithville's Debt
By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher
With a month left until the Smithville City Council must pass their new budget, there are still a lot of unknowns. But one fact will remain, regardless of what priorities get funded:
We will start the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 with at least $7.
Budgetary Constraints End Free Breakfasts in Smithville Schools
After more than two decades of offering free breakfast to all students, Smithville ISD will begin charging for morning meals starting this school year, a decision driven by mounting financial pressures on the district's child nutrition program.
Smithville ISD Votes to Store Student Devices Under New State Cellphone Law
By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher
When the state legislature passed House Bill 1481 this session, it made a lot of headlines, claiming the law would ban cellphones in classrooms.
But the law actually gives school districts a choice to ban cellphones entirely, or allow students to store them. And the law