Round Rock mayor talks growth, safety in annual address
ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock is the second largest city in the Austin metro area. As more people move there, how the city is keeping up is a big topic of discussion at city hall.
Mayor Craig Morgan recently laid out his plans at his annual "State of the City" address in late December.
"Because of the growth we're seeing, to me it seems like it's picked up even more," Morgan said. "I think you're getting a couple of effects. You're getting the Samsung effect, and you're getting people that want to get out of the big city."
That alternative to big city life appeals to those who want a little more space outside. It includes things like an expansion at Old Settlers Park through a 2023 voter-approved bond and improvements and extensions of Heritage Trail West.
"What we're trying to do is have these trails connect all across our city and up into other parts of the county," Morgan explained.
The mayor also talked extensively about keeping the community safe.
"$70 million of our general budget goes to police and fire," Morgan said. "That's out of about a $169 million general fund."
In 2025, that will include 10 new police officers and six new firefighters.
"We have to continue to invest in our public safety, yearly, to make sure they have their tools and the things they need," he said.
The mayor said the city remains competitive and argues the biggest threat comes from the outside.
"My biggest concern about economic development is not really the competition from the cities in Texas," Morgan said. "My concern is Round Rock, Texas is competing against states."
Design is currently underway for the second phase of expansion at the city's Public Safety Training Center on North Mays Street. New classrooms and a new driving track are among the additions planned for the space.
You can see a full list of projects happening in Round Rock discussed during the speech on the city's website here.