The Hays County Commissioners Court meeting on August 5, 2025, focused on significant developments regarding the East Side Campus project and the preservation of a culturally important property in San Marcos.

The primary discussion centered on the East Side Campus, which aims to bring essential county services to the underserved eastern region of Hays County. Commissioner Cohen expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance accessibility and equity for residents. The plan includes relocating administrative offices to better serve the community and transforming the existing judicial center into a dedicated facility for judicial services. The project is seen as a holistic approach to improving work-life balance for county employees, with plans for outdoor spaces where staff can relax.

The court also approved HDR Architecture Inc. to provide design and construction documents for the East Side Campus, marking a crucial step forward in the project. The commissioners agreed to refer to the facility as the East Side Campus to emphasize its location and community focus.

In a related discussion, the court addressed the potential acquisition of property adjacent to the Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos. The intent is to prevent the land from being developed into an apartment complex, which could displace long-term residents in a historic Hispanic neighborhood. The county plans to partner with the city of San Marcos to purchase the property for up to $500,000, contingent on negotiations with the local Independent School District, which currently owns the land.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that the community has a say in the future use of the property. The discussions highlighted a commitment to community engagement and the need for a collaborative approach to development in the area.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's dedication to enhancing services for residents and preserving cultural spaces, with actionable steps set in motion for both the East Side Campus and the San Marcos property acquisition.