With a lawsuit out of the way — at least until the appeals process kicks in — developers of the U.S. Foodservice distribution facility moved forward this week with permitting their proposed site.

In the Buda city council Place 3 race, incumbent Sandra Tenorio received 298 votes, about 58.3 percent, to Buda Economic Development Corporation director Warrant Ketteman received 213 votes, about 41.7 percent.

New life under a home rule charter led to the city changing the majority of its council, along with its city manager. However, the city’s sales tax base took a beating, leading to a tax increase, while downtown merchants continued seeking solutions for slow foot traffic.

The Buda City Council is likely to renew its agreement to receive law enforcement service from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, but the cost is going up 14 percent for the same service. Also, the city flexing its new powers to initiate annexation along Interstate-35, attempting to bring in Crestview RV Park.

Kenneth Williams will debut as Buda’s new city manager at Tuesday’s meeting of the Buda City Council. The council will finalize a budget and tax rate while giving marching orders on how to replace municipal court Judge Bill Creech, who retired at the end of August.

Buda’s city council proposed a ten-percent trim from the staff’s recommended 25-cent property tax rate. That means more cuts from the coming budget.

In the past, Buda and Kyle could dip into fund balances here and there to keep tax rates low, but it appears neither town has any choice but to raise property tax rates in the next budget cycle.

The City of Buda has agreed to terms with Kenneth Williams to become the new city manager. The Buda City Council could issue formal approval of the contract as early as this evening.

Buda is offering its city manager position to Kenneth Williams, the city manager in Diboll, perhaps ending a protracted search for a new city manager.

Combining a $1.1 million revenue decrease with an $800,000 increase in debt service payments, Buda faces an eight-cent property tax rate increase on the proposed budget for next year.