Real Estate Photographer in Llano, TX

LLANO, Texas — The Llano River is projected to reach flood stage, up to around 16 feet, in the early morning hours of Friday, Oct. 2.

Flooding on the Llano River and in the Hill Country is likely due to roughly 9 inches of rain that have fallen over Junction since midnight Wednesday, which will make its way downstream toward Lake LBJ on the Llano River.

With more rain in the forecast, Llano County Emergency Management Coordinator Gilbert Bennett says the river will likely reach minor flooding stage, 10 feet, around 2 a.m. Friday, surpassing the moderate flooding stage (12 feet) around 5 a.m.

"It's a lot less than what we had back in July, which reached about the 20-foot level..." Bennett said.

Bennett reports that crews have been working to clear people and RV campers from around the river, and personnel are checking flood-prone tributaries and roads to barricade them off from vehicle access.

Otto Rusche, in his 46th year with the Llano County Volunteer Fire Department, says he's not too worried about the river rise, but the VFD is prepared nonetheless.

"We have a station on this side of the river, a station on the other side of the river, and we have 33 people in our department, so we're overall very well-prepared for everything we do," he said.

Both Bennett and Rusche reminded people to stay away from any flooding they may encounter.

"If the river does come up, watch it," said Rusche. "Out here west down towards Castell, they have two slabs that cross the river: Scott's slab and Snyder's slab. And when the river comes up, you cannot cross that slab... so don't drive through them or any creek that's up. Don't drive through them because you could be stuck."

"In the Hill Country here, we have flash flooding, so it could be dry one moment and flooding the next. And if you're not familiar with the roads in Llano County, you need to stay where you are," said Bennett.

A flood warning has been issued for the Llano River in the Texas Hill Country, the National Weather Service announced Thursday morning. Heavy rainfall upstream is likely to push water levels along the Llano River into moderate flood stage.

As of 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning, the Llano River near Llano sits at just 3 feet. However, the river is projected to rise to near 9 feet by 6 p.m. Thursday before eventually cresting at 16.1 feet during the overnight hours.

The river is considered “full” when it reaches a height of 10 feet. Above that, minor flooding begins. When the Llano River rises to more than 12 feet, it’s then considered to be in moderate flood stage.

At a height of 16 feet, moderate lowland flooding threatens docks and boats in the flood plain downstream in Kingsland. Secondary roads and bridges will also become flooded and dangerous to motorists. Motorists also should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.

The projected rise is being caused by especially heavy rainfall upstream. Upwards of 6 inches of rainfall have already fallen across parts of Kimble and Mason counties, including near Junction. The Llano River near Junction has already risen to near 13 feet and is expected to reach a height of 19.2 feet by Thursday afternoon.

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As river levels continue to rise, the South Llano River State Park in Kimble County has been closed for the day.

“Due to flood waters over multiple areas on roads in the park, the park is CLOSED,” Texas Parks and Wildlife said in a facebook post. “Check road conditions before traveling! As always, our visitors’ safety is our top priority.”

The Llano River feeds into the Colorado River upstream from Austin, and flooding on the Llano can affect the Highland Lakes along the Colorado, inlcuding Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis. Catastrophic flooding in October 2018 washed out a Kingsland bridge and overwhelmed lakeside homes along the Highland Lakes. Silt churned up by the Llano River floods led to a shutdown of the main Austin Water plant and triggered Austin's first-ever citywide boil-water notice.

The Llano County Commissioners Court has approved a property tax rate and budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. The property tax levy and budget saw slight increases, but the court saw some internal disagreement over approved raises for its own members and the Llano County sheriff.

The Commissioners Court approved the new budget and tax rate during its regular meeting on Aug. 24.

Tax rate

The new tax rate is the same as the 2025-26 fiscal year rate of $0.25953 per $100 property valuation, but it is effectively an increase to property tax payments as property values have risen slightly since last year. The no-new-revenue rate, meaning the rate at which your property tax payment would have been the same as last year, would have been $0.25336, about 2.37 percent lower than the rate approved by the court this year.

The county has generally kept its tax rate the same or lower for the last several years, but it did make a large jump in the 2025-26 year to its current rate:

Budget

Combining the county’s general fund, road & bridge fund, and debt service fund gives a general idea of the year-to-year increase or decrease in the county’s operating expenses.

This coming fiscal year, the county’s combined major funds have budgeted expenditures of a total of $31.94 million, which is about 5.4 percent higher than the current year’s $30.29 million in budgeted expenditures.

Salary raises disagreement

While the tax rate and budget were approved on Aug. 24, one member of the court voted against the budget, sharing that they disagreed with proposed $3,000 raises for the members of the Commissioners Court and a special $10,000 raise for the Llano County sheriff.

The Llano County Commissioners Court is made up of five members, four commissioners and a county judge, who are responsible for administering county policy and business, including setting the budget and tax rate for the year.

Pct. 3 Commissioner Brent Richards, who represents the Kingsland area, said that the court had previously announced that it would not seek raises for itself, but that was changed in the most recent iteration of the budget that was ultimately approved.

“A month ago, the court, the four of us (Pct. 1 Commissioner Peter Jones was absent) said we weren’t going to take a pay raise, and we announced that to the entire county,” Richards said publicly during the Aug. 24 meeting. “This time, two weeks ago, that was changed. The court decided to give the court a $3,000 pay raise. When I said ‘no,’ I said ‘no’ not only to my precinct, but I said ‘no’ to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.”

While the court did approve the raises, Richards instructed the county auditor to not give him the raise. County Judge Rob Hardy and Pct. 2 Commissioner Linda Raschke also rejected the raises.

Pct. 1 Commissioner Peter Jones told DailyTrib that he accepted the raise and Pct. 4 Commissioner Jerry Don Moss did not respond for comment on whether or not he accepted the salary increase.

The $3,000 was the same amount that all regular county employees received in the budget according to Jones.

“From the point of view of the commissioners, it is only reasonable that they get treated like every employee as a minimum,” he said. “It’s just treating the commissioners on this court the same as any basic employee. We’re not looking at any excessive amount.”

The $3,000 raise would bring a Llano County commissioner’s annual salary up by about 4 percent, from $73,786 to $76,786.

The $3,000 raise would bring the Llano County judge’s annual salary up by about 3.74 percent, from $80,009 to $83,009.

Richards also voiced opposition to a $10,000 raise for the Llano County sheriff, stating that he felt it was “playing favorites.”

“We played favorites, and we paid the sheriff a $10,000 dollar pay raise when all the rest of the other elected officials only got ($6,000),” he said. “There is no such thing as a merit increase for salaries. Sheriff (addressing Sheriff Marquis Cantu), no offense. When we do our job, even when we elected officials go above and beyond what they’re called to do, that’s why they got elected.”

Richards was referring to other elected officials who received $6,000 raises, like the county clerk, county auditor, justices of the peace, constables, and other county officials who were voted into office rather than regular employees.

The sheriff’s salary was raised by $10,000 in this budget, or about 11.87 percent, from $84,200 to $94,200.

Commissioners Moss and Jones, along with Judge Hardy, all argued that the larger raise was warranted as the sheriff’s office oversees around 67 employees, about a third of the county’s workforce.

“He runs more than a third of the employees in the county,” Judge Hardy said. “When they’re busy, they’re beyond busy, and we have to support that from the county’s standpoint, and from the other three incorporated cities.”

Richards ultimately stood his ground and voted against the budget based on the commissioners’ raises and the sheriff’s larger raise.

“I can tell you that we didn’t (do special raises) for the department heads,” Richards said. “They all got the same pay raise. If you’re giving (the sheriff) a pay raise because you think he does more, then I say he does more because that is what he got elected to do.”

Dinner, Drinks and Live Music at the Barrel House

If you’re looking for a lively evening, Barrel House is a must-visit. It’s a super fun place to enjoy some great food and drinks, all while soaking in the live music on weekends. I loved the outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal while the sounds of music fill the air. However, make sure to check their Facebook page for updates to see if there is any live music or events before you go.

Their cocktail and mocktail menu is impressive, with options like Palomas and Key Lime Pie mocktails. And let me tell you, the Cajun Chicken Pasta? Absolutely delicious! It’s a perfect spot for a casual dinner and a good time.

Sip and Relax at The Falls Bar

If you’re looking for something upscale yet welcoming, you have to check out The Falls Bar. This spot instantly became one of my favorites the moment I walked in. The bar exudes sophistication, with its stylish interior and expansive outdoor patio overlooking the flowing Llano River and the iconic bridge.

Don’t miss their live music lineup. Whether it’s a local band or an open mic night, there’s always something playing.

Get Your Honky-Tonk Fix at Sundown

For a more rowdy and down-to-earth vibe, head over to Sundown, Llano’s honky-tonk haven. Picture a bright yellow door with “Llano Drinking Club” proudly painted on it—it’s impossible to miss!

The best part? The outdoor space, which is filled with fun surprises like live chickens and honky-tonk signs. It’s definitely the kind of place where you can dance, play games, and just enjoy the casual, fun atmosphere.

Connect with Locals at LTX Mercantile (Redneck Speakeasy)

For a true taste of Llano’s local spirit (pun intended), head to the LTX Mercantile’s Redneck Speakeasy. This place surprised me with its friendliness and charm. There’s something happening here almost every night—be it a live music performance, a game of darts, pool, or even Connect Four. The outdoor stage is the perfect spot to catch some tunes under the stars, and you’ll quickly feel like part of the family.

Enjoy Spirits at War Trail Spirits Distillery

If you’re into craft drinks, War Trail Spirits Distillery has you covered. I love this spot for its laid-back yet intimate atmosphere. They offer tasting flights of their house-made spirits, and their specialty cocktails are delicious and creative.

Grab a honey pizza or a mini charcuterie board to snack on while enjoying live music on their cozy outdoor patio. It’s a small, hidden gem—but one that’s worth finding!

Step Back in Time at the Lantex Theater

For a fun night of entertainment, head to The Lantex Theater. This historic theater has a classic vibe, and it’s where you can catch a movie or enjoy a live music concert. Though I didn’t catch a movie when I was there, the retro vibe, complete with classic movie snacks like buttered popcorn, made me feel like I was in a storybook setting. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself here for a movie screening or a special event.

If you’re craving comfort food after dark, look no further than the Burger Bar Cafe. This isn’t your typical burger joint. The unique burger creations here blew me away—be sure to try the Elvis Queso Burger with its fried avocado and queso. And if you’re really hungry, the menu also dishes up Mexican fare like enchiladas.

Wine, Charcuterie, and Live Music at 1892 Emporium

For a more refined evening, 1892 Emporium offers a speakeasy-style wine bar with a selection of national, international, and Texas wines, along with charcuterie boards. They also host live music performances, creating a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, Llano Beer Company offers a selection of locally brewed beers in a relaxed setting. They often host trivia nights and other community events, providing a fun way to spend an evening with friends.

Annual Country Music Celebration

If your visit coincides with the Llano Music Festival, held annually in late September, you’re in for a treat. This two-day event features live performances by country music artists. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local music scene and enjoy the vibrant community spirit.

For a relaxed evening with friendly locals, Granite-O-Bar is a must-visit. This unassuming spot offers a classic dive bar experience with affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the company of Llano residents.

Evening Stroll Badu Park

Located along the Llano River, this park is perfect for an evening stroll or a relaxing picnic. The peaceful walking trails and scenic views make it a serene nighttime destination

Best Things to Do at Night in Llano: FAQs

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