Liz for Hays County
Protecting Our Water
Water isn’t just an issue in Hays County—it’s one of our most critical responsibilities. For decades, the assumption was that someone else would solve the problem. But waiting isn’t a strategy—and it never was.
What I’ve Done
As your County Judge, I built a long-term plan to protect our water resources and act before it was too late.
- Secured a $30M parks bond, dedicating over half to protecting aquifer recharge areas
- Protected Jacob’s Well and Dahlstrom Ranch from overdevelopment
- Funded scientific aquifer studies to ensure data-driven decisions
- Strengthened development rules to protect groundwater and prevent overuse
- Required proof of water availability for new subdivisions
- Took legal action and won against developers damaging water sources
- Challenged harmful discharge permits into local waterways
- Promoted rainwater collection, conservation, and public education
- Partnered regionally to protect rivers and reduce flood risk
What I’ll Do
That blueprint must be followed. I will take water protection seriously and act with long-term focus.
- Dedicate 1 cent of annual county revenue to protect recharge areas
- Increase acreage requirements for groundwater-dependent development
- Enforce strict proof of water availability for all new subdivisions
- Oppose damaging sewage discharge and developer runoff
- Expand conservation, rainwater collection, and sustainable landscaping
- Work with state leaders to strengthen protections and address Rule of Capture
Protecting our water isn’t optional—it’s essential to the future of Hays County.
Debt, Taxes & Accountability
Hays County is approaching $1 billion in debt, with hundreds of millions added without voter approval. Rising debt means rising taxes—and fewer resources for the things that actually improve residents’ lives.
Nearly $1 Billion in County Debt
We need responsible leadership that protects taxpayers — not burdens them with unnecessary debt.
The Problem
- County debt is nearing $1 billion, with $320 million added in a single year without a public vote
- Tens of millions annually are being spent on debt service instead of improving infrastructure
- Spending has prioritized developer-driven projects over essential county services
- Tax increases are likely as revenues shrink and debt obligations grow
- The Appraisal District has failed to follow legal procedures and accountability standards
My Plan
- Cut wasteful government spending and stop unnecessary expansion projects
- Prioritize infrastructure, public safety, and essential services
- Refuse tax abatements for developers and corporations that strain local resources
- Use innovation to improve efficiency instead of expanding bureaucracy
- Hold the Appraisal District accountable to transparency requirements
- Oppose unnecessary debt to protect taxpayers from irresponsible decisions
Managing Growth Responsibly
Growth is inevitable — but bad growth is not.
For too long, major development decisions have been made under the assumption that more rooftops, more commercial incentives, and more corporate projects automatically benefit the county. But growth without planning can raise taxes, strain infrastructure, increase congestion, and put pressure on natural resources.
I believe growth should be thoughtful, balanced, and aligned with the long-term needs of Hays County residents — not driven by short-term revenue or outside pressure.
Growth that works for residents — not against them.
How I Approach Growth
Every decision about growth should start with one question: does this truly benefit the people of Hays County?
Plan for long-term growth — not short-term gain
Protect water, land, air quality, and quality of life
Require new development to pay its own way
Put Hays County residents before outside interests
A Current Example: Growth Decisions Should Not Be Rushed
Recent discussions around the Hays Commons development show why major growth decisions deserve careful review. When density changes, development agreements, water availability, wastewater discharge, and long-term infrastructure impacts are on the table, residents deserve transparency and time to understand the project.
I believe growth decisions should be made in daylight, with the facts on the table — not rushed through before residents understand the long-term impact.
I will carefully evaluate the full impact of proposed development before granting tax abatements, variances, or incentives.
Any high-density development must include meaningful conservation protections — such as permanent conservation easements — or it should not move forward.
Protecting Our Pets & Communities
For too long, Hays County has failed to take full responsibility for animal welfare — leaving cities, volunteers, and families to carry the burden. This is not just an animal issue. It is a public health and safety issue.
Enough is enough.
Recent news has made clear that animal welfare in Hays County is also a public health and safety issue. A confirmed rabies outbreak in local wildlife, with most reported cases involving foxes, has raised concerns for residents, pets, livestock, and animal control services. Hays County needs a coordinated, long-term countywide solution.
What’s Happening Now
- County has failed to follow through on commitments for a regional pet resource center
- Cities and volunteers have carried the burden for decades
- Shelters are overcrowded, leading to euthanasia and unsafe conditions
- Lack of enforcement has increased stray populations and public safety risks
- Citizens and volunteers are overwhelmed and put in difficult situations
What I Will Do
- Establish a centralized pet resource center
- Create a community veterinary clinic to prevent unwanted litters
- Implement an interim plan for immediate relief
- Expand spay and neuter programs across the county
- Ensure the county takes full responsibility instead of shifting the burden
We can and must do better — for our communities, and for the animals that depend on us.
Leadership That Looks Ahead
These issues aren’t about politics—they’re about the future of Hays County.
I am focused on practical solutions, long-term thinking, and decisions that serve the community — not a political agenda.