There are many nonprofit organizations around town, which survive solely off of donations. A big boost comes in the form of a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Community Development Block Grant. The San Marcos City Council allocated $1,405,990 of CDBG funds to various nonprofit organizations in town at the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.
While votes still have to be formally canvassed, unofficial totals show that Jennifer Escobar won the race for Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector in the Democratic primary runoff election beating Jessica Sanchez. All precincts have reported, but results will remain unofficial until they are canvassed by the respective parties holding the election.
The San Marcos City Council voted to separate the Dunbar Neighborhood from the Heritage Neighborhood for the purpose of having separate area plans and approved the submission of Low Income Housing Tax Credits for two proposed developments at the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.
Teacher compensation has been a topic of conversation among board members and in public comment at board meetings, and the trustees have heeded the call in an effort to make sure San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District teachers feel valued and choose to remain with the district. The SMCISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a 3% pay increase for all staff at the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday.
When a person in Hays County calls 911 for assistance, the Hays County Sheriff’s Department covers the majority of those calls except for the areas that fall within the city limits of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. The Sheriff’s department released data last week for the frequency of calls in April that are dedicated to certain areas, types of incidents and even times of day.
The death of Malachi Williams on April 11 continues to be at the top of mind for many in the community. The public comments at the regularly scheduled San Marcos City Council meeting Tuesday focused on the release of the officer's name who shot Williams as well as the body-worn camera footage. In a statement released April 22, San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge cited Texas Government Code 552 and the pending investigation into the incident as the reason that SMPD will not yet be releasing the body worn camera footage of the incident. Floyd Miller, Williams’ great uncle, spoke at a vigil held for Williams on April 25 and said that under Texas Government Code Sec. 552.108, video evidence of the incident that resulted in the death of the individual as well as the medical examiner’s report could be viewed by a family member. The city then released a statement on April 29 that said “the San Marcos Police Department is working with the District Attorney's office to schedule a time that works best for the family to view the video.” Public comments made by members of Williams’ family at Tuesday’s meeting made it clear that had not yet occurred.
Retaining employees is an essential part of any organization, and school districts are no different. Amy Campbell, Texas Association of School Boards Human Resources Services director, gave a presentation on employee compensation and recommended possible changes at the special San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District board meeting Monday.
In 2020, Jennifer Miller died when former San Marcos Police Department Sgt.
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and the Core Four Partnership — a partnership between the city of San Marcos, Hays County, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District and Texas State University — is hosting an event to support the cause. Vibrant Visions will occur from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 9 at the Village of San Marcos, 215 South Reimer Ave. The event will include a mental health careers panel, an art exhibit for youth and young adults, food, drinks and giveaways.
Above, Pastor Wayne Miller, grandfather of Malachi spoke to the crowd about his grandson surrounded by family. Also pictured is Joshua Wright's Mother, Beverly Wright — Wright was shot and killed by a Hays County Correctional Officer last year, Williams' Mother, Shanta Miller, and his sister, Miriam Williams. Below, Shanta Miller, Williams' Mother, hugs another family member before the vigil.
Daily Record photos by Shannon West
People lit candles in William's honor and watched a slideshow about his life at the San Marcos Public Library, a place he liked to frequent.
Daily Record photos by Shannon West
Shanta Miller wanted the crowd to know that Malachai, or 'Kai' as he was called by family, was loved and will not be forgotten.
Daily Record photos by Shannon West
Vigil mourns Malachi Williams, calls into question SMPD ability to release body worn camera footage
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