By Samantha Smith
A proposed cost-sharing agreement between Buda and an area homeowners association could split responsibility for the upkeep of streetlights and signs in the city’s right-of-way.
While discussion took place in early July, city council ultimately tabled the item to give city staff time to develop possible cost estimates before any decisions are made.
Discussions on the topic began as a neighborhood inquiry into the funding of the Whispering Hollow streetlights and signs last month. It then turned into debate into who’s financially responsible for streetlights in Buda.
Questions centered around whether Buda is financially responsible for installing and repairing streetlights and signs if they are located in the city’s right-of-way.
Assistant City Manager Brian LaBorde said both the city staff and the Whispering Hollow Homeowners Association were confused as to which entity was responsible for maintaining the lights and signs.
“The developer (of the subdivision) initially installs the streetlights, traffic control signage, etc. as part of the platting process,” David Marino, Buda public information officer, said. “Normally the maintenance then transitions to the city assuming all items installed are standard (standard streetlight poles, standard stop sign poles, etc.).”
Another issue presented to council was maintenance costs related to the upkeep of the decorative lights in Whispering Hollow park as well as around the city that are not maintained by Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
In June, city staff and the Whispering Hollow HOA reached a consensus on drafting a property maintenance agreement that identifies each party’s responsibilities when it comes to streetlights.
An agreement between the HOA and the city could entail a shared responsibility agreement. Within the proposed agreement, the city would be responsible for maintaining the lights in the right-of-way up to the amount spent on the “standard” PEC lights in Buda.
“I’m supportive of a cost sharing agreement,” Mayor Todd Ruge said.
City staff requested direction from council regarding maintaining and operating the current decorative streetlights in Whispering Hollow, as the cost would be more expensive than standard PEC lights.
City council was then given direction by the city attorney to develop a “standard of care” that will be uniformly offered throughout the city of Buda in order to better navigate these issues in the future.
