Issue # 27: City Manager Retires; Tax Rate Drop; She Needs Your Help

By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher

City Manager Retiring

In a surprise move on Thursday, City Manager Robert Tamble notified the city council he is retiring. Tamble has served in the role since June 1, 2014, taking over for Tex Middlebrook.

Learn what Tamble’s expected last day is, read what he told council in his letter, and read what council members had to say about his retirement in our latest article.

Tax Rate Drop

At the Aug. 20 budget workshop the council directed the city manager to create a budget using the voter-approved tax rate. But that meant tax payers were looking at a 15% tax increase…and that did not go over well with residents. 

At Wednesday’s budget hearing the council was expected to pass the budget and rate, but after listening to the online furor, they directed the city manager to drop the tax rate by five cents. 

There are a lot of great quotes from council members in this video, but if you don’t care how the sausage is made and just want to see how this will affect YOUR tax bill, click here. 

ESD No. 3 Approved Land Purchase

Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 held their final hearing on their tax rate on Wednesday. Learn what that proposed rate is and when they will vote on their budget in our latest article.

That article also discusses the approval of land purchases for a future station and district office. Learn where that property is located and what environmental issue will prevent them from using the whole parcel for three years. 

What's Your Total Property Tax Bill Now?

Last week we had an article projecting your total property tax bill. The City of Smithville has dropped their proposed rate, so we updated the graphic for you.

Please note the City of Smithville and ESD No. 3 have not voted to approve their rate, so these are still proposed, not set.

Utility Payments

The City of Smithville is currently undergoing a software conversion. As a result, the online credit card payment portal will be unavailable until Monday, September 8, 2025.

If you need to make a payment during this time, please call the Utilities Department at 512-237-3282 Option 1. A one-time payment can be processed over the phone.

Need a Job?

The City of Smithville is hiring a part-time solid waste laborer. The job entails using equipment to pick up leaves, limbs, operate a vacuum leaf machine, wood chipper, and other small mechanical or hand tools, and perform daily maintenance on all equipment.

For more information and how to apply, click here.

Library Internet Back Up!

We received word from Librarian Judy Bergeron this afternoon that the internet at the library is back up!

The library had been without internet for two weeks after a critter chewed through the lines. Thank you library and city staff for getting it back up!

She Needs Your Help

The Fat Cat Lounge will host a fundraiser tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 6) at 4:30 p.m. to help out Lindsey Goertz Saunders and her four beautiful children, who lost their husband and father, Tyler Saunders, in a tragic car accident on Aug. 18.

The Fat Cat will be serving a Seafood Gumbo, a Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, and a Vegetarian Gumbo and will be giving 100% of the profit to Lindsey and her family to help them with all of the extra expenses that she will now face alone.

They will also have live music led by Jeff Haney and will include Wyatt Ellis, Trey Vonderstein, Jamie Steinhauser and Julie Nolan.

If you can not attend but would like to make a contribution directly to Lindsey please venmo her directly at @Lindsey-Saunders-9

Friday Night Lights!

It’s Friday Smithville and that means it’s GAME DAY! Your Smithville Tigers are traveling to Giddings tonight to take on the rival Buffaloes at 7:30 p.m.

Last week our Tigers dropped their home opener (read our recap here), but showcased that Smithville GRIT, particularly that relentless effort.

The team showed flashes of what could be a dangerous offense, with quarterback Trip Davis’ mobility, Justin Gurley’s power running, and receiver Eric Thompson’s big-play ability, which gives the Tigers multiple weapons.

If they can clean up the penalties and turnovers, this team has the potential to be dangerous!

We will be covering the game tonight. Please follow us on X for score updates at each quarter and a game recap on our website later tonight.

On Tap For Next Week

Monday Sept 8: The Smithville City Council will hold their September meeting at 6pm in council chambers. (Agenda, packet, proposed budget)

Wednesday Sept 10: The Smithville City Council will hold a special budget workshop at 6pm to review the latest budget. (agenda)

Thursday Sept 11: C.O.R.E. Workshop, 6-8pm, Rec Center (Details)

From the Publisher

Who would like to help cover the football game next week in LaGrange?

A family member is having surgery and I have to help them out that day, so I am unable to attend.

I want to make sure we keep our coverage up, so if you can provide a basic game recap (or even bullet points) and some images or video, please email me!

Let's not leave our boys hanging Smithville. I know someone out there has always had a dream to cover a game. Don't be shy!

Have a great weekend!
~K
Kristen Meriwether
Publisher, Smithville Texas News

Kristen@smithvilleTexasNews.com

Follow us on X @NewsSmithville​