In the heart of Lockhart City Hall, council members gathered to discuss the intricacies of the upcoming fiscal year budgets, a topic that holds significant weight for the community. As the meeting progressed, the focus turned to the staffing and operational capabilities of the city's water and wastewater departments, revealing a commitment to maintaining essential services.

The council learned that the departments are now fully staffed, a notable achievement after addressing previous vacancies. With a total of eight personnel, including newly hired staff, the team is equipped with double licenses, ensuring a high level of expertise in operations. This staffing boost is crucial as the city prepares for the demands of the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a 4% placeholder for potential wage increases.

While the departments are not operating on a 24-hour basis, they have implemented a robust monitoring system. The SCADA system, which is operational until 1:00 AM, allows for real-time oversight of water management, supplemented by a secondary call-out system. This dual approach ensures that staff can respond promptly to emergencies, with team members living close to town for quick access.

As the meeting wrapped up, the atmosphere was one of optimism and readiness. The council's discussions highlighted not only the logistical aspects of city management but also the dedication to providing reliable services to the residents of Lockhart. With a fully staffed team and advanced monitoring systems in place, the city is poised to tackle the challenges of the coming year, ensuring that the community's needs are met with efficiency and care.