The Lago Vista City Council meeting on October 2, 2025, focused heavily on the potential for public-private partnerships (P3s) to address the city's pressing water infrastructure needs. With ongoing discussions about funding water projects, the council invited representatives from Accenture to provide insights into how P3s could be structured and implemented effectively.

Accenture's Lanita McCauley Bates emphasized that P3s are not merely about privatizing public utilities but can take various forms that allow for shared responsibilities between public entities and private partners. This flexibility could be crucial for Lago Vista, which has historically relied on traditional project delivery methods. The presentation highlighted the benefits of P3s, including access to private funding, risk transfer, and opportunities for innovation in project execution.

Council members expressed interest in how P3s could alleviate financial pressures and improve project delivery timelines. McCauley Bates noted that bundling multiple projects could enhance competitiveness and attract better financing options. She also pointed out that successful P3s require clear governance guidelines and performance metrics to ensure accountability and value for money.

The discussion also touched on the importance of learning from other municipalities, such as San Antonio, which has successfully implemented P3s for significant water projects. San Antonio's experience included establishing oversight committees to monitor project progress and financial expenditures, ensuring transparency and community engagement.

As Lago Vista considers its options, the council is tasked with evaluating the feasibility of P3s for upcoming projects. The next steps involve validating existing programs and determining which projects could benefit from this innovative approach. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to exploring new strategies to enhance its water infrastructure while addressing the financial constraints that have historically hampered progress.