Addie Wootan:
My name is Addie Wootan. I am excited and proud to be a candidate for the Llano City Council. I was blessed to marry into a family that has a long history and association with Llano. I have lived in Llano County, with my husband Bill, for 48 years with 37 of those years in the City of Llano. Our children were raised here and have chosen to return to Llano to raise their children. Llano is our home.
1.What qualifications, skills, or experience do you bring that would make you an effective member of the Llano City Council?
I dedicated 20 years to the Llano Independent School District, with most of that time spent in the administrative office at Llano Junior High. In my final years, I served as the District PEIMS Coordinator (Public Education Information Management System), where I was responsible for managing the collection, accuracy, and submission of student, staff, and financial data to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This role ensured compliance with state reporting standards and served as a critical link to district funding and accountability. Following my work with LISD, I served five years as the Llano County Chief Deputy Treasurer, further strengthening my experience in public service and financial oversight. For 23 years I was a licensed water operator through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). I, with my husband, owned and operated three private water systems, gaining hands-on experience in keeping essential infrastructure. These combined experiences have provided me with valuable insight into public service, fiscal responsibility, and the importance of reliable infrastructure.
2.What motivated you to run for Llano City Council?
I began regularly attending city council meetings in late summer 2025 to better understand the significant increases in our water rates. Through that experience, I discovered there was much more happening in our community than many residents, including myself, were aware of. The people who live and work here deserve to know how city funds are being used, what projects are underway, and how those decisions impact them as stakeholders. I strongly believe transparency leads to greater understanding and trust within our community.
3. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the City of Llano today?
Infrastructure – Addressing our fractured and aging infrastructure. As well as the management of water losses because of the failing infrastructure.
Water Source – Improve storage capacity by dredging, dam integrity, continuing our conservation efforts, and researching other water source options.
Complete Clear Transparency – Ensuring that residents and businesses are clearly informed about issues that affect them. Some decisions will be difficult, but everyone deserves to understand their options and have a voice in the decisions made by their City Council.
Financial Responsibility – Practicing responsible budget discipline while protecting and improving the quality of life in our community.
4. Water is one of Llano residents' biggest concerns. What, in your belief, is the best path for Llano regarding our water future? Please be specific.
In all honesty, as someone who is not currently on the Council, I do not have enough information yet to say exactly what the best long-term path is for Llano’s water future. There is a lot of detailed information that I can only fully access once I am serving on the Council or through multiple Public Information Requests.That said, I believe we should continue moving forward on projects we already know are important. Dredging to improve storage capacity and ensuring the integrity of our dams should stay a high priority. In July 2025, the Council approved a $3.5 million loan with a matching $3.5 million grant for dam reclamation work on Robinson and Town lakes. I support seeing that project move ahead steadily and responsibly.
I also believe we must keep working on conservation efforts and explore other water source options. Once I have full access to all the facts and numbers, I will work with the rest of the Council and city staff to develop a clear, comprehensive plan that protects our water supply without placing unnecessary burdens on our residents.
5. How would you approach the budget process to fund the city’s needs without placing additional burden on taxpayers?
As I have said before, we must be disciplined in our spending by carefully examining expenditures, focusing on high-priority needs, reducing waste, addressing areas of ongoing loss, and performing diligent oversight of major projects. This also requires a willingness to make difficult, and at times unpopular decisions in the best interest of all Llano residents.
6. How can the City Council work with staff and existing resources to move the JLK Event Center, Llano River Golf Course, City Pool, and Lantex Theater toward self-sufficiency?
While the JLK Event Center, Llano River Golf Course, Lantex Theater, and City Pool each play a significant role in our community, they have unfortunately been a continual financial burden to the City. Under new leadership, however, each has already shown improvements in revenue, giving them an opportunity to move toward becoming more self-sufficient. The City Pool resembles our aging infrastructure. I dare to say that it is beyond saving in its present condition which is quite sad as many of our children and even some of you have learned to swim there. I believe City Council will be addressing the most recent report with estimates between $2-3 million to repair or replace the pool in the April 6th Council meeting.
7. How would you approach economic development and business retention while preserving Llano’s small-town character?
The small-town community lifestyle is what most of us love about our town. I would like to see our City Ordinances reviewed, updated, and then enforced. I do believe that Llano needs economic development to survive but it must happen in a way that it enhances our community but does not overwhelm it.
8. What are your top priorities for Llano's aging infrastructure?
I would like us to address the ongoing issues of water sediment and discoloration affecting household taps. These problems are creating added costs for residents by damaging hot water heaters, toilet components, and other plumbing fixtures, while also resulting in water that is unpleasant in both appearance and odor.
Seeking funding options – the TWDB (Texas Water Development Board) is now accepting applications for grants providing 100% funding for eligible water supply and infrastructure projects under House Bill 500.
The City Council is forming a Capital Improvement Program Committee with resident input that can prioritize the areas of need.
9. How do you plan to engage with residents and ensure their voices are heard in council decisions? Will you take direct questions from citizens?
Yes, I am very open to direct questions from our residents. My FB campaign page, Addie for Llano, with become my Council page and my phone number will be accessible. I do not want to just address the issues that come before the Council, not everyone is comfortable addressing the City Council at the meetings. I want to be a voice for all residents’ concerns, be they large or small.
10. If elected, what specific goals would you aim to accomplish during your term?
If elected, my main goals would be to bring strong fiscal responsibility and real accountability to the City Council.
Residents deserve to be fully informed about any large financial projects or loans before they are approved, especially when those decisions could affect utility rates and taxes. Transparency on large financial expenditures is an essential requirement.
I would also push for the City Council to take a more proactive and decisive approach on the dam rehabilitation project. We have already secured significant funding through the loan and matching grant, and I want to see steady progress made on improving our water storage at Robinson and Town lakes.
In addition, I will support the formation and work of the Capital Improvement Program Committee so we can clearly identify and prioritize our most urgent infrastructure needs. Above all, I will focus on protecting the quality of life in Llano while keeping a close eye on spending and making sure every decision serves the best interests of our residents and our community.
