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THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of Feb. 8, 2021
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In this Issue:
- Arctic Air Mass Bringing Much Colder Air to Central Texas This Weekend /Protect Your Pipes/Protect Your Pets
- Presidents' Day Holiday
- City of Buda Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions
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Black History Lift Every Voice Virtual Event - Saturday, Feb. 20
- Other Black History Month Activities
- Black History Month Profiles This Week
- City of Buda Solid Waste Survey
- COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Weather Update from Hays County
- UK Variant of COVID-19 Detected in Hays County Resident
- COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration
- COVID-19 Enforcement Dashboard
- How to Sign Up for A COVID-19 Vaccine in Texas
- Beware of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
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- Curative COVID-19 Testing Still Available in Buda and Hays County
- Buda Travel + Lifestyle Magazine
- Tips from City of Buda Sustainability Commission - Valentines Day
- Curative COVID-19 Testing Still Available in Buda and Hays County
- City of Buda Annual Sewer Averaging
- Water Smart Customer Portal
- Give Your Irrigation System A Break
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Stage 1 Water Restrictions - Effective Monday, Aug. 24
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- Online/Phone Options for Court Defendants
- Pay By Phone Automated System
- City of Buda E-Billing
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
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Arctic Air Mass Bringing Much Colder Air to Central Texas
This Presidents' Day Weekend
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Much cooler conditions are expected across the region on Friday into the upcoming weekend as another arctic airmass moves south into Texas. This will bring an extended period of cold weather to Central Texas and the coldest temperatures we've seen in a decade. We may see high temperatures in the 30s on Saturday. On Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, and Tuesday, highs may only manage to make it into the 20s to 30s. Wind chills in the single digits and teens will be possible and lows could be in the teens to low 20s. There is also the chance of a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. According to the National Weather Service, the best chances for a wintry mix is late Sunday into Monday. Please monitor local weather forecasts and please be careful on the roadways. Better yet, if you can stay home, do so!
With the anticipated freezing temperatures, it is important to prepare.
- Keep your water pipes from freezing. Freezing pipes can bust and be very expensive to replace. It's a good idea to drip your faucets and wrap all exposed pipes. Below are some additional tips to keep in mind.
- Turn off irrigation systems
- Keep the heat turned on
- Allow faucets to drip
- Keep interior doors open
- Seal up cracks and holes
- Apply heating tape
- Add extra insulation
If you have to be outside, please wear the appropriate clothing.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing
- Wear a hat
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves
It is also very important that your pets have appropriate shelter from the freezing temperatures. As part of our Animal Ordinance, we've included the animal care portion below.
Sec. 4.04.005 Animal care
(f) An animal’s owner shall provide the animal with shelter that:
(1) Is large enough for the animal to enter, stand, turnaround, and lie down in a natural manner; a structure with three sides, a roof and a floor that prevents rain or other precipitation from entering; or a structure of dome, or other, shape with a floor that provides the animal with shelter from all weather conditions;
(2) Keeps the animal dry;
(3) Provides the animal with natural or artificial shade from direct sunlight;
(4) Protects the animal from excessive heat and cold and other adverse weather conditions
(5) Is adequately ventilated; and
(6) Large livestock shall be exempted.
- At 32 degrees water bowls will freeze, leaving pets without access to drinkable water
- Without shelter their bodies don't keep heat efficiently from the wind and elements
- Pets can go into shock, get frost bite to their exposed skin, can suffer irreversible organ failure and death
- Do not leave pets in a vehicle
Protect Plants
Plants, gardens and flowerbeds should be covered to trap heat energy from the ground, according to the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.
More information below on protecting plants in freezing weather:
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All city offices, including the Buda Public Library, will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 in observance of Presidents' Day. |
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The City of Buda is seeking applications from qualified individuals to serve on our various Boards and Commissions. A citizen’s point of view provides valuable insight into the operations of the City’s and Council’s decision-making process.
The link below contains a complete listing of our Boards and Commissions and their related duties:
The online application is available on our website at
You may also download and submit your application by mail to the City Clerk, 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, TX 78610, email cityclerk@ci.buda.tx.us, or fax at 512-641-5817.
2021 Upcoming Positions to be filled:
Construction Board of Appeals
4 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)
Dupre Local Government Corporation
2 positions (3 city residents; 2 from ETJ)
Economic Development Corporation
3 positions (city residents or Hays County)
Historic Preservation Commission
3 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)
Library Commission
4 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)
Main Street Advisory Board
4 positions (3 own/operate business w/in city)
Parks & Recreation Commission
3 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ
Planning & Zoning Commission
3 positions (5 city residents;2 from ETJ)
Sustainability Commission
3 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)
Zoning Board of Adjustment
4 positions (5 city residents; 2 from ETJ)
Task Force on Aging
4 positions (city residents or ETJ)
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Black History Month
Upcoming Events
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Lift Every Voice
Virtual Black History Month Celebration
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Join us for our virtual Black History Celebration on Feb. 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. See line-up below.
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Throughout the month of February, the City of Buda will highlight African American contributions to society. The City will share daily posts on our various social media channels.
The Buda Public Library will have a list of activities throughout the month of February.
Here is just some of our library activities that we have going on.
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Watch a Black History Month story with featured guests on the library Facebook page! A new story will release each Monday in February.
- Pick up a Black History Month Take-and-Make kit at the library! Kits are available through February.
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Read a book from one of our Recommended Book Lists! We have three featured lists including Poetry and Novels in Verse, Biographies and People to Know, and Coretta Scott King Award and Honor winners.
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Join one of our weekly children's programs! Register once and you will receive an e-mail each week. Each age group will have a day focused on Black History.
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Find reviews on books by Black authors and featuring Black characters on our library’s Instagram all month long!
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You can also follow Black History Month | Buda Library, TX - Official Website.
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Other Black History Month Events in Hays County |
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Below are some of the people we highlighted this week for Black History Month. |
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The City of Buda is seeking feedback on its solid waste services including trash, recycling, green waste, and bulk pick-up. Please take 3 minutes to complete our survey to help us plan future services.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Update from Hays County |
This is a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Weather Update from the Hays County Local Health Department and Hays County Office of Emergency Services. Due to anticipated severe weather, second dose appointments for Monday, 2/15, are moving to Wednesday, 2/17. See details below:
Second Dose - Those with a scheduled appointment for Monday, 2/15, at San Marcos High School for their 2nd dose will receive an email that their appointment is moving to Wednesday, 2/17, due to anticipated severe weather conditions. Appointments will be at the same time as they would have been on Monday. Only the date is changing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you received your 1st dose at San Marcos High School, you are on the list to receive the 2nd dose on Wednesday at that same location regardless if you receive a confirmation email. All Monday appointments have been automatically switched.
First Dose - Emails for 1st dose appointments will be sent out soon. The next 1st dose clinic will be this coming Tuesday and Wednesday in Dripping Springs. If you receive an email about an appointment, it will have all the details.
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Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Feb. 10, 2021 - The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) notified Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) that an individual in Hays County tested positive for the UK variant* of COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the UK variant of COVID-19 is more contagious and may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variant viruses, though health officials said more data is needed to substantiate that finding.
Hays County health officials said the person who tested positive with this new strain of the virus was asymptomatic.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said, “Now is a good time to remind everyone to be extra vigilant and continue to do all the recommended safety protocols.”
Those measures include hand washing, wearing a face mask, staying home unless it’s necessary to go out and not gathering in groups of people outside your household members.
HCLHD Director Tammy Crumley said contact tracing for the new variant case is in progress. She reiterated the message about continued vigilance and taking all the steps necessary to slow the spread to help the community.
There is no additional information available at this time.
*About the UK Variant of COVID-19: The United Kingdom identified a variant called B.1.1.7 with a large number of mutations in the fall of 2020. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. In January 2021, experts in the UK reported that this variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variant viruses, but more studies are needed to confirm this finding. It has since been detected in many countries around the world. This variant was first detected in the US at the end of December 2020.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration |
A pre-registration sign-up is now available for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Please note, this is a waiting list, not an appointment sign-up.
To put your name on the waiting list, visit
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COVID-19 Enforcement Dashboard |
We have a new COVID-19 Enforcement Dashboard on our website. It lists out the number of complaints received each month, along with the number of inspections, warnings issued, and citations issued. You can find it at www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation. The dashboard will be updated monthly.
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How to Sign Up for a COVID-19 Vaccine in Texas |
The information below regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is shared directly from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
All Phase 1A and 1B individuals are eligible to receive a vaccine at designated hubs throughout Texas, regardless of where they reside.
- Phase 1A: Front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities
- Phase 1B: People over 65 or with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID‑19
Hays County is now a hub.
How to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
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Sign up with a vaccination hub: https://bit.ly/3qjZOMP
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Use the Texas COVID-19 vaccine provider map to sign up with a community provider: https://bit.ly/3oDhjHu
Please be patient as supply is limited. Hubs may have long waiting lists but more vaccine is coming.
More Texas COVID-19 vaccine information:
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Beware of COVID-19 Vaccination Scams |
Beware of COVID-19 vaccine scams! Scams come in all shapes and sizes. Sadly the COVID vaccine distribution is not immune. Please see attached flyer for tips on scams and agencies to report claims. When in doubt...don't let it out. Protect your personal information! |
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Curative COVID-19 Testing Still Available in Buda
By Appointment
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COVID-19 testing is available in Buda through Curative! The testing kiosk is set up in the parking lot at Main Street and China Street near the public restrooms across from Main Street Dental. Curative is offering testing by appointment only until further notice. Curative is also now billing insurance but there is no out-of-pocket cost to the individual being tested. Testing continues to be free to anyone without insurance.
𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚
*𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 (𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬) 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥
𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚
𝟗 𝐚.𝐦. - 𝟓 𝐩.𝐦. - 𝟕 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤!
For questions please reach out to Curative at 1-888-702-9042. You can also reach them by email at support@curative.com.
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Buda Travel + Lifestyle Magazine |
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Tips from City of Buda Sustainability Commission |
Valentine’s Day is filled with hearts and flowers. Why not plant some native flowers in your garden for your valentine so they can know how much you love them every time they bloom! Don’t have a valentine this year? Make Mother Nature the recipient of your valentine. She’ll appreciate the native plants for sure!
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City of Buda Annual Sewer Averaging |
The City of Buda conducts its annual wastewater rate averaging every year from November through February. By reducing your water consumption and fixing leaks during this period, you can reduce the amount charged over the proceeding 12 months for the wastewater portion of your bill. Because there is no meter on your wastewater line, the City utilizes wastewater averaging during the winter months when outdoor water usage is at its lowest. We take
the average of the 3 lowest usage months during this 4 month period to determine your wastewater charges for the next year. The less water that is used during this period, the more you will save on the wastewater portion of your bill.
𝙂𝙤𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨 will need to supply the City of Buda Utilities Department with water usage for November & December 2020 and January & February 2021. The new sewer average billing will go out in March and is due on April 10. The sewer charge will stay the same until next year when the City averages again.
𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝟏𝟐-𝟐𝟗𝟓-𝟖𝟖𝟒𝟓.
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𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡?
You can register your account (for free) on the Water Smart Customer Portal. All you need is your account ID and your zip code. By signing up on the portal, you can set water usage alerts, leak alerts, keep up with your monthly usage and more!
Water Smart Customer Portal Instructional Video
Register Your Account on the Water Smart Customer Portal
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Give Your Irrigation System A Break |
This the perfect time of year to give your irrigation systems a break. Here a few reasons to pull back on the watering.
- Plants are preparing for dormancy. This means they don’t take in as much water.
- Roots continue to grow at a snail’s pace during dormancy. Apply mulch to conserve existing soil moisture and help protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.
- The cooler, wetter weather is usually sufficient for our soon-to-be-dormant lawns. Any additional irrigation — especially during certain times of the day — only encourages fungus growth.
(Tips above shared from SAWS - San Antonio Water System)
As a reminder, the City of Buda is still in Stage 1 Drought Restrictions. You can find more information about drought restrictions and water conservation below.👇
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Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020
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Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, Stage 1 Water Restrictions will go into effect for City of Buda water customers in accordance with the City’s adopted Water Resource Management and Drought Response Ordinance. This is due to the lack of consistent precipitation, and higher than normal demands on our water production system.
Under Stage 1, irrigation with hose-end (sprinkler attached to a hose) and automatic sprinkler systems is restricted to twice per week. Irrigation with handheld bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose, or drip irrigation system is allowed any day and at any time. Violation of the ordinance could result in a fine of up to $2,000 per offense and a surcharge on the customer’s utility bill.
𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐞𝐧𝐝 (𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬
Twice per week on designated day; prohibited between the hours of 10:00am and 7:00 pm
- Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered residential: Thursday and Sunday
- Commercial, mixed use and multi-family: Tuesday and Friday
- It is recommended that outdoor watering be limited to one of the permitted watering days each week to promote conservation
𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭, 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦
- Allowed any day and at any time
For more information on Stage 1 restrictions and water conservation tips please our website.👇
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Hays County has provided a list of resources for residents who have lost their jobs or need food, mental health support, or other assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Hays County has a COVID-19 hotline. The number is 512-393-5525 and it is operational Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
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(The information coming from Hays County will continue to change. Please follow Hays County at www.haysinformed.com)
An online dashboard provides the public with a current count and other statistics related to COVID-19 cases in Hays County in near real-time.
The data on the dashboard shows a snapshot of COVID-19 related information for the County, as well as the number of active and recovered cases per City.
For example, the public can see the current number of confirmed cases as of that day. The data includes the cases considered active or in recovery, along with the number of tests administered. The data is also available in map format.
County residents may visit
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New Online/Phone Options for Court Defendants |
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The City has several new options for court defendants:
- Online Case Resolution (InSite) – The City of Buda currently uses some of the options offered through Online Case Resolution, but this upgrade will allow the City to enable additional features like Court Dismissals and Court Scheduling. Basically, any service the City offers on-site will now also be offered online.
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) – Municipal Court defendants will be able to call 1-866-311-9322 to pay on citations over the phone. This is a new option being offered by the City.
- Tyler Notify – The City has been using notifications by phone call for a while, and now we have the ability to use text messaging at no cost to the City.
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Pay By Phone Automated System |
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The City of Buda has launched a way for customers to pay bills by phone. You will be able to call 1-866-279-0787 and pay through an automated system over the phone.
- Save postage by paying your bill by phone.
- Access your updated account instantly.
- Hear real-time balances, payment amounts, and due dates
- Enter your information securely through an automated system
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City of Buda
Job Opportunities
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Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest employment opportunities.
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Thank you for subscribing to "The Big Picture" weekly newsletter! It's a "Budaful" way to keep up with the latest City news.
Sincerely,
City of Buda
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405. E Loop St., Building 100
Buda, TX 78610
512-312-0084
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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