Uhland, a fast-growing city in Hays and Caldwell County, is confronting one of the most consequential periods in its municipal history following the arrest of its mayor, unresolved questions surrounding a city council member’s residency, and the release of a city council agenda proposing changes to city governance and financial oversight.
The developments converge ahead of a December 18, 2025 city council meeting that includes executive session discussions tied to pending criminal proceedings, multiple financial oversight reforms, and proposed restrictions on mayoral authority.
Mayor Arrested on Felony Charge Related to City Funds
According to booking records from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Uhland Mayor Lacee Duke was arrested on December 3, 2025, and charged with misapplication of fiduciary or financial property valued between $150,000 and $300,000, a second-degree felony under Texas law.
The charge is tied to the alleged misapplication of more than $150,000 in city funds connected to the 2024 Uhland Fall Fest. Duke was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety and later released on bond.
As of publication, Duke has not been convicted of any offense. An arrest and indictment are allegations and do not constitute a finding of guilt.
The arrest has prompted formal legal consultation by the city council. The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes an executive session item authorizing consultation with the city attorney regarding legal issues, potential liability, and implications related to the pending criminal proceedings against the mayor.
Residency Questions Add to City Hall Tensions
Separate from the criminal case involving the mayor, additional questions have emerged regarding the residency status of Uhland City Councilmember Ronald Merrill, who represents Place 3.
Public records reviewed by The Hawk’s Eye show that a residence homestead exemption is currently active for the 2025 tax year on a property associated with the Merrill Family Living Trust located in Wimberley. Under Texas law, a residence homestead exemption is reserved for property that is occupied as an individual’s principal residence.
In response to our media inquiry, the Hays Central Appraisal District explained that a residence homestead exemption requires a signed application and supporting documentation, including a Texas identification card reflecting the address of the homestead property. The district emphasized that the exemption is based on sworn representations made by the applicant and that the property must be occupied as the applicant’s principal residence, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
The appraisal district further explained that homestead exemptions claimed through a living trust are generally treated the same as those claimed by an individual, with the additional requirement that the trust instrument be provided. The district confirmed that the homestead exemption associated with the Merrill Family Living Trust remains active for the 2025 tax year.
When asked whether a scenario in which an individual claims political residency in Uhland while maintaining a residence homestead exemption in Wimberley would trigger a review, the appraisal district stated that such a determination “would depend” on the specific facts and circumstances and would likely require legal review. The district noted that its role is limited to administering exemptions under the Texas Tax Code and that it does not make determinations regarding election law eligibility.
The district also explained that it is required to periodically review homestead qualifications and has authority to request updated applications or additional documentation if concerns are raised. If an applicant is found not to qualify, the exemption may be removed through an administrative process.
No determination has been made by the appraisal district that Councilmember Merrill is in violation of the Tax Code, and no enforcement or removal action has been announced. Likewise, no ruling has been issued regarding Merrill’s eligibility to serve on the Uhland City Council. The matter remains unresolved and fact-dependent.
The Hawk’s Eye reached out to Councilmember Ronald Merrill for comment regarding the residency and homestead questions described above. As of publication, Merrill had not responded.
Statement Issued as Agenda Signals Major Governance Shift
Amid growing public concern, Councilmember Guadalupe Garza issued a public statement addressing residents directly. Shortly thereafter, Garza placed multiple items on the December 18 agenda that collectively propose significant changes to mayoral authority, financial controls, and internal oversight.
Those agenda items include proposed actions to restrict the mayor’s administrative, financial, and operational authority; remove the mayor as an authorized signer on city and economic development corporation bank accounts; revoke city-issued credit cards; suspend financial transaction authority; and restrict access to nonpublic areas of City Hall and city financial systems.
Additional agenda items call for a review of city salary levels, alternative compensation structures, unsupported pay levels, and enhanced oversight of internal controls and credit card policies.
Councilmember Statement
The following statement was provided by Councilmember Guadalupe Garza:
To the Residents of Uhland,
Our community has experienced a difficult and unprecedented moment. The recent arrest of the mayor, along with the financial issues that have come to light, has shaken trust in our city government. Many of you have reached out with questions and concerns, and you deserve honesty, stability, and clear leadership.
While I cannot discuss any details related to ongoing investigations or confidential matters, I can speak to what I can control: my integrity, my work, and my commitment to you.
From the beginning, I have raised concerns about financial transparency, spending practices, internal controls, and the accuracy of the information provided to the public and to council. I did this consistently, and often under difficult circumstances — not to create conflict, but to protect Uhland.
Over the past year, I have:
• Questioned unexplained financial transactions
• Challenged budgets and tax rate proposals that were not supported by real numbers
• Opposed inflated salaries and irresponsible spending
• Requested clearer accounting, reporting, and credit card oversight
• Pushed for transparency in meetings and decision-making
• Advocated for lawful processes, proper notice, and ethical conduct
These efforts were not always welcomed, but they were necessary — and today, many of the issues I raised months ago are finally coming to light. Leadership is not about being the loudest voice; leadership is about doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Uhland deserves a government that is honest, responsible, and accountable. A government that protects taxpayer money. A government that serves the public — not itself.
As we move forward, my focus is clear:
Restore financial stability
Rebuild public trust
Strengthen oversight and controls
Ensure transparency in every decision
Protect residents by insisting on lawful, ethical conduct
This is not a moment for panic — it is a moment for rebuilding. It is a moment for leadership rooted in integrity and service. I will continue to stand firmly for what is right, and I will continue working to ensure that Uhland comes out of this stronger, more stable, and more accountable than ever before.
Thank you for your trust, your patience, and your commitment to our community.
We will move forward — together.
Councilmember Guadalupe Garza
City of Uhland, Place 1
An Explosive Meeting Ahead
The December 18, 2025 city council meeting is expected to draw heightened public interest as residents weigh alleged financial misconduct, proposed governance reforms, and unresolved residency questions against the backdrop of a city grappling with trust and accountability.
With criminal proceedings pending, financial practices under review, and major structural changes under consideration, the outcome of the meeting could shape Uhland’s political and administrative direction well beyond a single agenda.
For now, residents are watching closely — not for conclusions, but for answers.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented.
Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.
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