Dear Residents,
We’re bringing you the latest updates from the Village of The Hills, following the City Council Workshop held on September 9, 2025. While no official actions were taken at this workshop, it was a crucial forum for presentations, reports, and discussions shaping our community’s future.
🌊 Important Community Updates & Calls to Action
Lower Water Rates Are Coming!
Good news for all residents! Due to improved lake levels, the First Creek MUD Board has approved transitioning back to “no drought rates” (base rates) for water usage.
Effective: October billing cycle
Wastewater: Base rates remain the same
This means lower water bills starting next month!
MUD Budget & Tax Rate Meeting
The MUD board will approve its budget and set its ad valorem tax rate for the new fiscal year (beginning October 1st) at a meeting on September 15th.
💡 With finances reported in excellent shape, the tax rate may remain steady or even decrease slightly.
Open Seat on City Council – Apply Now!
Council member Matt Marietta has resigned, leaving a seat open through November 2026.
How to Apply: Email your application to [email protected] by Monday, September 15th.
What to Include: Your background, how you would contribute to the Council, and relevant experience.
Next Step: The Council aims to consider an appointment at the September 18th, 5:00 p.m. meeting.
Council members, including the Mayor, Council Member Carroll and Council Member Lee, are available to speak with interested candidates.
Upcoming Budget, Tax Rate & Zoning Meetings
📌 Please mark your calendars:
September 18th, 5:00 p.m. – Budget workshop + meeting to adopt tax rate & annual budget
September 18th (Special Call Agenda) – General discussion (no action) on a proposed comprehensive zoning ordinance, with a joint hearing ordinance also proposed. A public hearing is expected at the October regular Council meeting.
📱 Spotlight: The Super City App – Modernizing City Services
At the workshop, Hills resident and Super City CEO Miguel Gamino introduced a groundbreaking app designed to simplify how residents interact with local government.
Key Features:
AI-Powered Chat – Ask questions in plain language, with support for 14 languages
Official News Feed – All city announcements, website content, and social media in one place
In-App Payments – Pay bills (water, permits, parking tickets) directly in the app. Even snap a bill photo and pay at 90,000+ retailers nationwide (CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
311 Reporting – Report issues like potholes or graffiti from your phone
One App, All Cities – Switch seamlessly between participating cities
💡 The city’s only ask: sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) to market the app locally. The platform is free for municipalities, funded by a $1 convenience fee on payments.
🎉 Upcoming Community Events
Movie Night in the Park
📅 September 21 | 🎬 ET at dusk | 🍧 Refreshments: PizzaThe Hills City Limits
📅 October 5, 2–6 p.m. | 🎶 Last year’s event welcomed 1,000+ attendees!
This year: hats for sale, with proceeds supporting the Parks & Recreation budget.
📝 Other Noteworthy Items
Law Enforcement Report – August saw 116 incidents, 36 traffic stops (15 citations, 21 warnings). Speeding near the park and stop sign violations near the pond/lake remain common.
Welcome Committee – Now meeting the 4th Thursday of every month at 5 p.m.. Actively contacting new residents and proposing a donation letter for Council approval (Sept 18). Super City’s chat may help answer FAQs.
Youth Advisory Commission – Proposal to suspend for one year due to insufficient applicants (<8). Time will be used for redevelopment and charter review.
POA Emergency Access – Discussions ongoing for better gated-community emergency access. Proposal: 50/50 cost-share for automated solutions (keypads or remote gate operation).
✨ Stay Engaged
We encourage you to stay informed, attend upcoming meetings, and join in our community events.
Sincerely,
Karthik, The Hills Observer