Public Meetings - Fredericksburg, Texas

The Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall at East Campus, 2818 E. U.S. Hwy. 290. The council approved the consent agenda and the 2027 holiday schedule, received updates on the Oak Crest Park soccer facility and Gillespie County economic development, reviewed future agenda items, and recessed into executive session. Opening and Council Comments - Mayor Randy Briley presided. Pastor Kevin Haug of Bethany Lutheran Church gave the invocation and announced the congregation voted to begin construction on a new preschool facility that will serve 210 children, up from 120; a $1.1 million challenge grant from the Maybe Foundation will support the project, with groundbreaking December 2 and construction starting December 14. - Council members offered community updates, including attendance at Food & Wine Fest October 22–25, the Hill Country Mayor’s Alliance, a watershed health alliance meeting, Citizens University, and Market Square fundraising progress of over $2 million. Consent Calendar - Approved the City Council minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 20, 2026. - Approved the purchase of a modular vehicle barrier system from Advanced Security Technologies LLC in the approximate amount of $239,500, not to exceed $240,000, budgeted in the FY 2027 budget. Police Chief Brian Vorauer explained it is an 88-unit mobile system deployed from an enclosed trailer, can cover up to 11 lanes, can be set up by two people, allows emergency vehicle access, and can stop vehicles up to 16,500 pounds. - Approved reappointments of Julie Kuhlken and Stephen Harris to the Gillespie County Economic Development Board for two-year terms expiring December 2028. Approval of 2027 Holiday Schedule - Approved the City of Fredericksburg 2027 Holiday Schedule on a motion. City Secretary Leticia Vacek noted it is the same as last year, with Gillespie County Fair Day falling on a Friday, the 27th. Soccer Facility at Oak Crest Park Update - Dan Kemp of Hill Country United, joined by Paul Hays and Mark Cornett, presented an update on the public-private soccer complex. He described the facility as having six full-size fields, sign sponsors, and maintenance supported by player fees and sponsorships. - Kemp said the club’s philosophy is to keep fees low and get kids playing, noting club-side fees are about $975 per year compared with $1,800–$2,000 at other clubs. Two staff members are paid, while coaches are volunteers. - Key statistics: 50 recreational teams, 25 games per weekend, 14 competitive select teams, 187 spring recreational athletes in 2026 versus 87 in 2025, 430 fall recreational athletes, about 180 competitive athletes, 24 flag football teams drawing close to 100 kids from Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Junction, Harper, and Medina, and an estimated 3,000 people at the complex on fall weekends. - Kemp said the complex is one of the top five in the state and has attracted visiting teams from Brownsville, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, and Laredo; no tournaments have been held yet, but one is planned. - Council members praised the partnership and the philanthropic support from the Adam R. Scripps Foundation, Create Healthy Foundation, local families, and the Fredericksburg Park Foundation. City Manager Clinton Bailey noted it sets an example for other organizations and said the same energy is needed for Little League. Economic Development Quarterly Update - Tim Lehmberg, GCEDC Executive Director, presented quarterly economic data. Sales tax for August showed the city up 6.02% and the county up 2.91%; year-to-date through 10 months, the city was up 4.64% and the county up 4.54%. The most recent 12-month totals showed the city up 3.42% and the county up 3.82%. - Building permits totaled 271 in the third quarter of 2026, more than any single year between 2008 and 2023 in one quarter, and 801 year-to-date through nine months, surpassing the all-time record of 719 set in 2024. - Septic permits, well permits, and C-tech meter installations were down in the third quarter. Real estate transactions were flat, though dollar volume trended up; the average city home sale price through nine months was about $559,000, down from a 2022 peak of about $660,000. - Lodging data: second-quarter lodging revenues were up 27% versus the prior year and up 15% for the first half; occupancy flattened at 94–95%; hotel average daily rate is climbing; 611 apartment units deployed in 2024 leased up quickly. Visitor center attendance was down 5% for the quarter but up 3% year-to-date through nine months. - Housing pipeline: 274 completed but unsold lots were identified, primarily Friendship Oaks and Trails of Windcrest; 331 lots approved and pending; 240 apartment units under construction at the Lucille project on Friendship Lane; proposed apartment units fell from almost 900 to zero. Lehmberg said the proposed number is unlikely to come online soon. - Employment: Gillespie County has averaged about 350 new jobs per year over the last five years, though growth slowed in the last year. Gillespie County’s five-year average weekly wage increase was 34%, ranking 106th of 254 counties. Unemployment for September 2026 was the lowest among contiguous counties, compared with 4.3% statewide. - Lehmberg described his work on a potential state-funded program for scheduled air service to unserved markets, including a Zoom call with Surf Air, a regional commuter airline. He also discussed preliminary work on a downtown conditional use permit inventory from Acorn to Elk, assistance in pushing back on battery storage facilities, and noted about 80% of his work is real estate-related. - Lehmberg clarified that meeting with developers does not mean he is pro-growth; he said his goal is to influence outcomes, manage growth, and shape development. He also mentioned an economic development opportunity at 405 Goehmann Lane, coordinated with Councilmember Todd Eidson, likely to be brought to the council in executive session. Future Agenda Items and Upcoming Meetings - City Manager Clinton Bailey reviewed upcoming items: November 17 will include a Racket Center project update, a lift station pump contract, annual water/sewer main replacement contract, annexation/development agreement at 405 Goehmann Lane, land use and zoning changes at 591 Friendship Lane (R2 to C2) and 604/608/610 North Milam (R1 to C1), and a dark skies presentation by P&Z member Belinda McDonnell. - December 3 items include recognition of the 2026 Citizens University class, the old police substation remodel project, appointments to the health board, budget amendments closing FY 2025-26, and the city investment policy. December 15 will be a special council workshop on the transfer station, new well field, and transportation projects, with a study completed around 2016. - Upcoming events include Coffee with the City Manager on November 18 at the Cardinal Room with Graham Pearson of the 100 Club, and on December 9; the final Citizens University class is November 24. Executive Session and Adjournment - The council recessed into executive session around 10:03 AM under Texas Government Code Section 551.087 to discuss economic development negotiations regarding potential incentives for a development at 405 Goehmann Lane, with legal consultation under Section 551.071, and under Section 551.071 for a legal matters update. No action was reported after the session, and the meeting adjourned.

The Fredericksburg City Council held its regular meeting on October 20, 2026, addressing a consent agenda, contested land-use items, and several city operations contracts. The council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for a short-term rental expansion on a 3-2 vote, denied a zoning change for a commercial use in a residential area, and heard an initial informal discussion on a voluntary annexation request. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the purchase of police vehicles ($383,060) and vehicle equipment ($150,586.81) for FY 2027. The appointment of a CVB Board member was confirmed. (Note: The agenda identifies the appointee as Jim Shuffield, while the transcript refers to him as Jim Sheffield.) Public Comments & Testimony - Andy Littlejohn (Admiral Nimitz Foundation) spoke on the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) grant agreement, raising concerns that insurance requirements and event sponsorship recognition language were too event-specific and difficult to apply to year-round advertising operations. - Jeff Dittmar (Landowner, Holman Lane) addressed the proposed annexation off Victor Eckhardt Road, stating he was not against progress but urged the city to carefully manage drainage, runoff speed, and the impact of highly erodible soils, using lessons from the Holman Lane area. - George Tudor spoke generally on development, encouraging the council to ensure provisions for families, green spaces, and walkable paths in the annexation area. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit for Expansion of STR (Item 6A): The council considered a CUP for Hill Country Remodel to expand a non-conforming short-term rental at 223 W. Creek Street. The applicant stated the new structure is a gathering space with a kitchenette and restroom, not a bedroom, and would add four on-site parking spaces. Council debated the enforceability of the "no sleeping quarters" condition, with staff acknowledging enforcement is difficult. The P&Z Commission recommended approval 5-1. - Zoning Change Denial (Item 6B): A request to rezone 0.21 acres at 708 Whitney Street from R1 (Single Family Residential) to C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) was denied. The applicant, Lykke House, wanted to use the property for a short-term rental. The P&Z Commission recommended denial 6-0. Council members cited a "domino effect" and the inability to legally restrict permitted uses through contract zoning. - Landfill Transfer Station Contract (Item 7A): Council approved a $195,000 professional design services contract with Park Hill for the Sanitary Landfill Transfer Station, slightly above the budgeted $180,000. Staff noted the city has approximately three years of remaining landfill capacity. - Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Policy (Item 7B): The council approved the revised HOT grant policy and agreement. Following concerns from the public about restrictive language, the council noted that the city manager holds waiver authority over specific requirements like insurance, allowing flexibility for non-event-specific uses. - Unified Development Code Grant (Item 7C): Council authorized the city manager to accept a reimbursement grant from the Texas General Land Office to fund Phase 2 of the Unified Development Code project. - Voluntary Annexation Discussion (Item 7D): GT Development gave an informal presentation on a potential request to annex roughly 63 acres off Victor Eckhardt Road. The discussion focused on drainage, with the developer noting a downstream drainage study is underway, and the request is for zoning (R1) only with no immediate development plans. No formal action was taken. - CVB Quarterly Update (Item 8A): CVB President/CEO Lisa Oliveira reported strong year-end metrics, including a record June for hotel occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR). She announced a new destination branding theme ("Happy to see you") and a transition to the "Visit Fredericksburg" brand alongside the CVB acronym. Key Outcomes - Approved (Unanimous): Consent Agenda (5A-D), Professional Design Services for Transfer Station (7A), HOT Policy and Grant Agreement (7B), GLO Grant Contract for UDC (7C). - Approved (3-2 vote): Conditional Use Permit for expansion of STR at 223 W. Creek Street (Item 6A). - Denied (Unanimous): Zoning Change from R1 to C1 for 708 Whitney Street (Item 6B). - Discussed: Voluntary annexation of 60 acres off Victor Eckhardt Road. No formal action taken.

The Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at City Hall at East Campus, 2818 E. U.S. Hwy. 290. Mayor Randy Briley called the meeting to order, and the council recognized the City Secretary's office, heard council comments, approved the consent agenda, reviewed future agenda items, and held an executive session before adjourning at 9:23 a.m. Recognition - Robyn Densmore, Georgetown City Secretary and TMCA Board Member, presented the 2026-2027 Achievement of Excellence Award to City Secretary Leticia Vacek and the Fredericksburg Office of the City Secretary. Densmore noted that only 42 clerk offices statewide received the award this year and that applicants must meet at least 9 of 12 evaluation standards, including records management, professional development, transparency, elections, public information and open meetings compliance, and board/commission support. Council Comments - One speaker recognized EMS personnel for their promptness and professionalism after a medical situation in the City Hall lobby before the recent joint meeting with Planning and Zoning, and thanked Sean and Tim Dooley for their quick response and call to EMS. - A councilmember reported that Gillespie County's treasurer had resigned and that the treasurer-elect declined the position as of Friday, saying the county department has significant work to be done while the city is in better financial shape. - A councilmember reported honoring Josephine Shaficator on her 100th birthday. - A councilmember reported attending the Economic Development Commission meeting and shared concerns that two businesses on Main Street had closed and one property entered foreclosure. - Mayor Randy Briley reported attending the Hill Country Alliance Mayors' Alliance in Wimberley on September 25, 2026. He said neighboring mayors share concerns such as water and state preemption, and that unified voices could have more impact in Austin during the upcoming legislative session. Consent Calendar The following consent items were approved by a single motion with no opposition voiced: - Approval of city council minutes from the August 26, 2026 special meeting, September 8, 2026 special meeting, and September 15, 2026 regular meeting. - Street closure for the Countdown to 2027 New Year's Eve event on Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on W. Austin Street from N. Crockett to N. Adams. - Street and lane closures on Friday, December 11, 2026, and Saturday, December 12, 2026, for the Christmas Journey event hosted by Bethany Lutheran Church. - Interlocal agreement with Gillespie County for disposition of debris from the July 16, 2026 flood event. - Purchase of 26 TASERs, cartridges, software, and training aids and materials from Axon Enterprises for $29,668.88. Police staff stated the current TASERs have been used about 10 years and are becoming obsolete; the new Taser 10 will equip all uniformed field personnel, with a five-year contract total of $148,344. - Purchase of new racquet court lighting at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park from Musco Sports Lighting, not to exceed $250,000, through the BuyBoard purchasing cooperative. - Purchase of Water Department equipment, including four floating brush aerators and a grit washer, not to exceed $357,538.57. - Purchase of an Electric Department bucket truck for $224,456.47. Future Agenda Items - City Manager Clinton Bailey reviewed items for the October 20, 2026 regular council meeting: a professional services contract for design of the sanitary landfill transfer station; a rezoning request for 708 Whitney Street from R1 to C1; a conditional use permit request for 223 West Creek Street; discussion of voluntary annexation of 60 acres in the ETJ on Victor Eckhart Road, described as off Friendship Lane South, east of Holmick Lane and between Holmag Lane and Highway 87; approval of a General Land Office contract for the UDC grant; a HOT policy for grant applicants; and a consent item for police department vehicles and other equipment. - Upcoming events announced: Coffee with the City Manager on October 14, 2026, at the Cardinal Room at the golf course, and a Citizen University event on October 27, 2026, at 6:00 with the finance department and utility billing to discuss the budget. Executive Session - The council recessed at 9:14 a.m. to consult with City Attorney Barbara Quirk under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding annexation/development agreement negotiations for property at 405 Goehmann Lane. - The council reconvened at 9:22 a.m. and took no action on the executive session item. Key Outcomes - Approved the entire consent agenda, including all items listed above. - Took no action related to the executive session matter. - Adjourned the meeting at 9:23 a.m.

The Fredericksburg City Council convened a special meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 5:30 PM, in a joint session with the Planning and Zoning Commission. The agenda included a resolution to authorize a revised conceptual alignment for a future roadway (part of a potential Waldorf Astoria development), executive sessions, and a joint discussion on amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) in the Central Business District (CBD). Public Comments & Testimony - Charlie Keeney (former mayor): Asked whether Resolution 2026-05 is binding, if the developer is obligated to make improvements, whether the road will be open to the public, and how drainage will be affected. He expressed hope the development would be good for the community. - Dr. Mike Braden (property owner east of proposed development): Stated the new alignment may be the best approach but expressed concerns about the road being built in the floodplain, extra costs for building a bridge and curves, and the impact on other property owners. He urged that the road be built to state standards and paid for before development. - Greg Davis (co-owner of Coliseusellers Winery, 414 Goehmann): Expressed excitement about the potential Waldorf Astoria resort, stating it would help his business with seven-day-week traffic and allow him to employ more full-time staff. - Tony Smith (owner of Avast Winery, Stonewall): Voiced strong support for the Waldorf Astoria project, saying the resort would bring the “right kind of tourism” and provide vital midweek business for local wineries and restaurants. He noted the project is not walled off and will include public spaces. - Randy Box (owner of Fredericksburg Inn and Suites): Supported the project, calling it a unique amenity that elevates the town’s perception for tourists. - John Crenwelge: Stated he does not oppose the Waldorf but objects to the proposed roadway alignment near his property on safety grounds. He urged keeping the previous alignment, which he believes would be safer and less prone to accidents. - Mike Davis (nearby ranch owner): Expressed empathy for neighbors but indicated general support for the Waldorf project, hoping it contributes positively to the town. - Julie Herbert (COO of Heat Family Brands, 30-year resident): Voiced strong support, stating the Waldorf will attract the needed customer base, bring new residents, and help the community grow. She said “growth does not scare me” and that not growing is “dying.” Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-05 – Revised Conceptual Roadway Alignment at 405 Goehmann Lane: The Council heard from engineers and staff regarding the proposed roadway, which is part of a potential development agreement with Waldorf Astoria. Questions from Council focused on floodplain issues, FEMA approval, cut and fill requirements, safety of curves, and the eventual dedication of the road to the city. The developer’s attorney confirmed the road will be built to arterial standards as a two-lane private road initially, with the city having the right to take ownership and expand to four lanes in the future. The floodplain engineer explained that the areas to be filled are off-channel ineffective flow areas, and FEMA has already approved a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR). - Joint P&Z/City Council Discussion on Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance – Conditional Use Permits (CUPs): Council and P&Z members discussed requiring CUPs for certain businesses in the Central Business District, particularly alcohol-related uses (wine tasting rooms, bars, etc.). Development Services Director Cliff Cross presented on the purpose and process of CUPs. City Attorney Barbara Quirk provided examples from San Marcos, including caps on the number of bars (14) and restaurants with alcohol (25) in their downtown, as well as time-limited CUPs and distance requirements. Councilmembers expressed differing views on whether there is a current problem or a perception problem, and on the need to preserve retail diversity. A consensus emerged to avoid regulating all CBD businesses and to focus on specific uses, with an agreement to form a subcommittee (possibly with stakeholders) to study the issue further before drafting amendments. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-05 (approving the revised conceptual roadway alignment) passed 4-1. - Council and P&Z agreed to direct staff (led by Cliff Cross) to form a subcommittee to evaluate potential Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding Conditional Use Permits in the Central Business District. The subcommittee will consider regulating uses such as alcohol-related businesses, explore tools like distance separations, caps, and time-limited permits, and examine market data to ensure retail diversity. The goal is to bring forward specific recommendations for a future public hearing. - The meeting noted that the order of the agenda was adjusted for efficiency, with public comments heard before the executive session on the roadway resolution.

The City of Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall. The council addressed a broad agenda that included approving unbudgeted expenses, adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and property tax rate, adjusting utility fees, and deciding several zoning and conditional use permit applications. Consent Calendar - Council Minutes (September 1, 2026): Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Musselman (Item 7A – Friendship Traffic): Advocated against a traffic signal at Eagle, arguing instead for a continuous turn lane on Friendship Lane, citing safety concerns from trucks and speeding traffic. He noted a new development entrance (Lucille) poses a future hazard. - Kevin Speide (Item 7D – Budget): A county resident, urged the council to remove funding from the budget for Flock security cameras and automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). He cited privacy concerns, a statewide bipartisan rollback, and examples of data access overreach in other Texas communities (Pflugerville, Kendall County). - Kyle Segner (Item 7H – Owl Lane Rezoning): Strongly opposed the zoning change, arguing the city is failing to address cumulative downstream drainage impacts on county neighbors, traffic on Friendship Lane, and requiring developers to pay for infrastructure like traffic signals. He urged a pause on development. - Charles Schmidt (Item 7H – Owl Lane Rezoning): A neighboring property owner with an easement, expressed concerns about drainage impacts from the development and prior developments (Woodlands, Sonoma), noting the engineering firm did not contact him despite being instructed to. - Wellesley Ray (Item 7J – STR CUP): Attorney for the applicants (Steven & Ellen Scott), requested council ratify the Planning & Zoning Commission's approval for expanding the non-conforming STR structure without increasing the occupancy (3-bedroom, 2-bath). Discussion Items & Key Outcomes - Item 7A: Unbudgeted Expenses (General Fund Reserves): Council approved $1.45 million in reserve spending: $500,000 for a traffic signal on Friendship Lane; $250,000 for replacing rusting metal light poles at the Ladybird tennis courts; and $700,000 for the Police and Fire renovation of the Old City Hall (to include a bunk room and safe room). - Item 7B: CVB Funding Agreement (2027): Approved a funding agreement for the Convention and Visitor Bureau. City Attorney Barbara Quirk confirmed edits including the city paying for visitor center maintenance up to the prior amount, removing PII from payroll records, and a standard non-appropriations clause. - Item 7C: Utility Fee Amendments: Council approved Ordinance 2026-35 (Electric Rates) and Ordinance 2026-36 (Drainage Utility Fees), both implementing a 5% rate increase. The electric increase was a phased approach recommended by a rate study to cover capital projects (e.g., a $1.5M reconductor project). The drainage fee increase aimed to address a budget deficit. - Items 7D, 7E, 7F: Budget & Tax Rate: - Budget Adoption (Ordinance 2026-33): The FY2026-2027 annual budget was adopted unanimously via roll call vote. Finance Director Krista Wareham highlighted the General Fund is balanced ($27.4M in expenditures), but enterprise funds have a $5M deficit largely due to a water well and CVB funding. Personnel costs rose 7%. Projections show potential reserve deficits starting in 2028 without intervention. - Property Tax Revenue Increase (Ratification): Council ratified the increase as the adopted rate exceeds the no-new-revenue rate. - Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate (Ordinance 2026-34): The total tax rate was set at $0.244342 per $100 of valuation ($0.223138 M&O, $0.021204 I&S). The discussion included Councilmember Watson arguing for the higher voter-approval rate to plan for future staffing, equipment, and capital needs. The motion carried on a 3-2 roll call vote (Mayor Briley, Councilmembers Klein and Neffendorf in favor; Councilmembers Watson and Eidson opposed). - Item 7G: Ambulance Charity Care Policy (Resolution 2026-04): Council approved the policy allowing the Fire Department to stop billing uninsured patients and enroll in the Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (ASPP) to recoup costs from the state and federal government. Fire Chief Bizzell noted this could generate an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 annually. - Item 7H: Rezoning Request (DEV-2026-83-ZC / 111 Owl Lane): Council approved a zoning reconfiguration on a 1.5-acre and 0.9-acre parcel on Owl Lane, changing the commercial zoning from C2 to C1 (neighborhood commercial) as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission (8-0 vote). The motion passed 4-1 (Councilmember Klein opposed), despite significant public opposition regarding downstream drainage and traffic impacts. - Item 7I: Conditional Use Permit (DEV-2026-97-CUP / 1403 E Main): Approved a CUP for The Nature Shoppe to establish a Limited Retail Sales use. P&Z had unanimously recommended approval. - Item 7J: Conditional Use Permit (DEV-2026-110-CUP / 301 E Burbank): Approved a CUP allowing the owners to expand their legal non-conforming short-term rental structure (unoccupied). The permit was conditioned on no increase in the occupancy level (3 bedrooms) from the original structure. P&Z had recommended approval with a 5-3 vote. - Item 7K: Mediation Agreement: Deferred and not discussed. Future Agenda City Manager Clinton Bailey reviewed the upcoming operational items for the October 6 council meeting, including a street closure for New Year's Eve, an interlocal agreement with Gillespie County for flood debris disposition from the July 16th event, and a contract for landfill transfer station design. Coffee with the City Manager is scheduled for October 14th.

The Fredericksburg City Council held a special meeting on September 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall to conduct public hearings on the proposed tax increase and Fiscal Year 2027 budget, discuss the use of general fund reserves, and consider the Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) funding agreement. The meeting included a presentation by Finance Director Krista Wareham and public testimony. Discussion Items - General Fund Reserves (Item 2C): Council discussed potential uses of general fund reserves to cover unbudgeted expenses. Councilmember Watson supported waiting until after budget approval, while Councilmembers Eidson and others favored using reserves for specific projects. Proposed uses included $350,000 each for police and fire renovations (the fire chief noted $350,000 would allow interim steps such as additional bunk rooms), $500,000 for a traffic signal on French Lane (with direction to staff to determine the most critical location), $250,000 for tennis court lights (cited as a safety liability), and additional park projects. Councilmember Watson expressed support for a total of $1.5 million, while Councilmember Klein favored up to $1.5 million combined. Mayor Briley noted that if the council adopted the voter approval tax rate, it would generate $800,000 in additional revenue, reducing the amount drawn from reserves. - CVB Funding Agreement (Item 2D): City Attorney Barbara Quirk reported that three requested revisions had been made to the agreement and that a provision allowing the city to exit the agreement annually had been added. However, final copies had not been circulated. Councilmember Watson moved to table the item until September 15, 2026, to allow review. The motion passed unanimously, and it was noted that the CVB agreement must be signed before the budget vote. - Tax Rate and Budget Presentation (Items 2A and 2B): Finance Director Krista Wareham presented updated revenue and expense figures. The proposed voter approval tax rate is $0.260884 per $100 valuation (up from the current $0.227427), which would generate $9.8 million in property tax revenue. The no-new-revenue rate ($0.241342) would yield $9.2 million. For a median-valued homestead ($450,690), the tax increase would be approximately $88 per year. Wareham noted that the proposed budget reflects a 3% revenue increase and flat expenses year-over-year, with 78% of general fund revenue coming from sales tax (34%), property tax (33%), and NLU transfers (11%). Personnel costs account for 56% of general fund expenses. The voter approval rate includes a $300,000 unused increment from 2023 that will not be available next year, but going below voter approval this year would create a similar increment for 2026. Councilmembers expressed differing preferences: Watson supported the voter approval rate, while Councilmember Neffendorf and Klein favored the lower rate of $0.246646 (which would generate $9.335 million and leave a surplus of about $150,000). Mayor Briley noted that using the voter approval rate would reduce reliance on reserves. Public Comments & Testimony - Mo (public comment during tax rate hearing): Opposed the proposed tax increase of approximately four cents above the current rate, citing high gas and grocery prices. Stated the increase would create a negative public perception. Also criticized the CVB's requested $1.1 million increase over current funding, noting that the bulk came from advertising categories (production, print, digital, out-of-home) which he considered non-essential. He recommended the council adopt no more than the no-new-revenue rate. Key Outcomes - Tax Rate Vote Postponed: Council unanimously voted (Item 2A3) to postpone the final tax rate vote to Tuesday, September 15, 2026. - Budget Vote Postponed: Council unanimously voted (Item 2B3) to postpone the final budget vote to Tuesday, September 15, 2026. - CVB Agreement Tabled: Council unanimously voted to table the CVB funding agreement until the September 15, 2026 meeting, pending review of the revised draft. - General Fund Reserves Discussion: No formal vote was taken; further discussion will continue at the September 15 meeting.

The Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall at East Campus. Mayor Randy Briley presided over the meeting, which included an invocation, pledges of allegiance, council member comments, approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing and vote on an Atmos Energy rate settlement ordinance, a future agenda review, and an executive session. No action was taken on executive session items. The meeting adjourned at 10:33 AM. Consent Calendar - Item 5A: Approval of City Council Minutes for the August 18, 2026 Regular Meeting. (Leticia Vacek, City Secretary) - Item 5B: Approval of a street closure request for the 64th Annual St. Mary's Catholic School Turkey Dinner. (Jennifer Krupa, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation/Special Events Coordinator) - Both items were approved unanimously by a single motion. Public Comments & Testimony - George Studer (Avenue D resident): Expressed concerns regarding the City's oversight of the Hospital Authority, specifically relating to compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and transparency of the Hospital Authority's operations following the sale of the hospital to Methodist in December 2022. He urged the City Council to address these issues in executive session and to keep the public informed. Discussion Items - Item 6A – Atmos Energy Rate Settlement (Ordinance 2026-31): - Kris Kneese, Director of Public Works and Utilities, explained that the City is a member of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee (ACSC), which represents 181 cities. The committee reviewed a proposed rate increase by Atmos Energy Corp. Mid-Tex Division and negotiated a settlement reducing the overall increase by $30 million across the customer base. The recommended settlement results in rate adjustments of $13.37 per month for residential customers and $44.82 per month for commercial customers, effective October 1, 2026. - Councilmember Gary Neffendorf expressed concern about the significant rate increases and questioned what further actions the City could take. Mr. Kneese responded that the negotiations had concluded and that the committee attorney believed this was the best achievable outcome. - Councilmember Todd Eidson noted that the ordinance number in the agenda was incorrect and moved to approve Ordinance 2026-31 as presented. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. - Item 7A – Future Agenda Items: - City Manager Clinton Bailey reviewed the upcoming schedule: a special meeting (September 8, public hearing on tax rate and budget), regular meeting (September 15, adoption of FY27 budget and tax rate, charity care policy, and weather preparedness proclamation), and other community events. Council had no additional comments. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items (5A, 5B) approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-31 (Amending Atmos Energy rates per the negotiated settlement) approved unanimously. The ordinance corrects the agenda’s stated number (2026-08) to reflect the actual ordinance number (2026-31). - Executive session (Items 8A and 8B) was held from approximately 10:05 AM to 10:33 AM. No actions were taken on the attorney briefing regarding the Hospital Authority (8A) or economic development negotiations at 405 Goehmann Lane (8B).

The Fredericksburg City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall at East Campus to review the proposed FY 2027 budget and tax rate and to consider a FY 2026 budget amendment for the Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB). The meeting adjourned at 10:14 AM. No public comments were made. Convention and Visitor's Bureau FY 2026 Budget Update - Lisa Oliveira, CVB President/CEO, requested council approval to move $1 million back into the CVB's FY 2026 operating budget. The funds had been moved in April 2026 and spent as the fiscal year closed. - The council unanimously approved the $1 million FY 2026 budget amendment. - Council members discussed scheduling a joint CVB board/council meeting, possibly after the CVB's October off-site, to begin working on the FY 2028 budget. Proposed FY 2027 Budget and Tax Rate - Finance Director Krista Wareham presented the proposed FY 2027 budget. Compared to FY 2026, the citywide proposed budget is a 1% revenue increase and a 1% expense decrease; the general fund is a 2% revenue increase after accounting for the proposed tax rate and a 2% expense decrease; enterprise and special funds are budgeted with a 1% revenue increase and flat expenses. - Estimated FY 2026 year-end results: $75.4 million in citywide revenues and $75.8 million in expenses; $26.6 million in general fund revenues and $25.5 million in expenses; $48.8 million in enterprise/special fund revenues and $50.3 million in expenses. - The proposed FY 2027 tax rate is $0.246646 per $100 of valuation, compared to the no-new-revenue rate of $0.241342 and the adopted FY 2025 rate of $0.227427. For the median-valued homestead valued at $450,690, the estimated tax bill would be $1,111.61, compared with $1,087.70 at the no-new-revenue rate and $1,075.86 in the prior year. - The voter approval rate of $0.26084 would generate an additional $841,445, a 9.39% increase; the no-new-revenue rate would generate about $200,000 more than last year, a 2.17% increase. Wareham noted a de minimis rate would generate about $600,000. - Sales tax collections were nearly $9.1 million through August, and the budget assumes a conservative less-than-1% increase. Tim, a county official who tracks sales tax, said the city was up 2.55% over FY 2025, with the last five months up more than 6%; the county was up about 3.4%; inflation was 3.4% in July after peaking at 4.2% in May. He was uncertain whether the trend would continue. - The tourism fund was ahead of budget because a delinquent account was paid in full with penalty and interest, about $650,000. Hotel occupancy tax revenue is budgeted flat at $6.037 million. Personnel and Position Requests - Of 13 requested positions, five were included in the proposed budget: an applied tech, a crew worker, a deputy emergency management coordinator shared with the county, and a school resource officer partly funded by FISD. General fund positions total about $244,000; enterprise fund positions about $76,000. - The council discussed the hire date for the deputy emergency management coordinator. The emergency management coordinator asked to hire as soon as possible because of workload and federal flood reimbursement duties; the council agreed to leave the position in the budget. - Not included were four police officer positions, three fire/EMS positions, and a GIS coordination position. - The police chief reported the department is down to two open positions from about six, with one conditional job offer pending and testing planned to fill the remaining positions; several officers are in the academy, with two completing in November and five starting September 1. Council Priorities and Outstanding Items - Council members reviewed their budget priorities, including water supply, infrastructure and Main Street initiatives, police/fire/EMS, HOT fund expansion, parks, transportation, and economic development. - Mayor Briley expressed strong support for adding incremental funding for the six volunteer fire departments, calling them a low-cost supplement to full-time services; staff suggested an increase in addition to the existing $309,000 shared rural fire budget. - Council discussed expanding hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue collection in the county, including a county collection specialist, and a possible long-term legislative effort to obtain a local exception for expanded HOT uses. - Public Works staff presented Friendship Lane traffic signal needs: a consultant study completed August 5, 2025, found Creek Street at Friendship Lane at level of service F. Two traffic signals would cost about $1 million total, with Creek Street estimated at $600,000 and another three-legged intersection at about $400,000. Staff will talk with the school district about possible partnerships. - Police and fire/EMS needs at the former City Hall were reviewed: full renovation of the fire/EMS upstairs area was initially estimated at about $2 million; police renovation of the old utility building was estimated at $430,000-$445,000 if contracted, or about $300,000-$330,000 if done in-house. No funds are in the proposed budget for these renovations. - Staff noted utility rate studies are underway for water, wastewater, and electric, and a stormwater vegetation management program is under review with reduced capital. Reserve Use and Tax Rate Discussion - Councilmember Neffendorf proposed using about $2 million of the $10 million in unrestricted general fund reserves above the $6 million safety reserve for traffic signals, former City Hall renovations, and other priorities, saying the money was saved and could be spent wisely. - Several council members and staff cautioned against using reserves for recurring operating expenses, especially with potential state property tax reform that could cap future revenue growth. Mayor Briley said he preferred the voter approval rate because of those uncertainties. - Staff estimated that planned developments could add about $1 billion to the tax base over three to five years, worth about $2.6 million at the current tax rate, but cautioned the projects are not guaranteed. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously the CVB FY 2026 budget amendment to move $1 million back into the operating budget. - No formal action was taken on the FY 2027 budget or tax rate; the next step is the public hearing at the next budget meeting. - Council agreed to bring back individual priorities and reserve-spending ideas for further discussion, and to consider a strategy session in early November. - Staff will continue working with the school district on Friendship Lane traffic signals and will provide additional capital priority information to council.

The Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall at East Campus. The Council approved consent items, denied a contested rezoning on North Milam Street, set the proposed maximum property tax rate for publication, scheduled the FY 2027 tax rate public hearing, and received the Chamber of Commerce quarterly update. Council member Tony Klein recused himself from the North Milam rezoning item. No final budget or tax rate was adopted. Ceremonial Recognition and Council Comments - Tim Dooley, former Planning & Zoning Commissioner, was recognized for more than 10 years of service. - Council comments referenced a wildfire briefing with Chief Bizzle and Senator Sparks, the Muse Hotel construction tour, Coffee with the City Manager on the new UDC, the airport advisory board, a Gillespie County Commissioners Court meeting, and a meeting with Senator Ted Cruz's regional director about a pending federal flood declaration. Consent Calendar - Approved the regular City Council minutes of August 4, 2026. - Approved the Bestfest street closure for one southbound traffic lane and the adjacent parking lane on North Adams near Marktplatz from October 16-18, 2026. - Approved the 2027 Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Schedule. - Approved Ordinance 2026-29 amending Health Department fees. - Consent items passed in a single motion without separate discussion. Rezoning Request DEV-2026-82-ZC (604, 608, and 610 North Milam Street) - Applicant Anna Hudson of Landmark Planning and Advisors requested a change from Single Family Residential (R1) to Neighborhood Commercial (C1). She argued the corridor is a busy highway, C1 is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan's mixed-use corridor designation, the uses would be low-intensity, and recent nearby approvals set precedent. She also criticized the P&Z process, saying the motion and second were made after commissioners discussed the case outside the hearing and that the decision should be based on current regulations, not a 2018 denial. - Staff, through Development Services Director Cliff Cross, said the Comprehensive Plan is one factor but each rezoning must meet zoning findings of fact. Staff noted P&Z denied the request 8-0 after finding a lack of public benefit and potential negative impact on adjacent properties. - The mayor acknowledged the applicant's public-information request and cautioned against assuming facts about the P&Z discussion. - During council discussion, one council member said the resale argument for the 707 North Milam precedent was not compelling and emphasized protecting and preserving the neighborhood. - The vote upheld the P&Z denial. The motion to deny carried 3-1; Councilman Klein recused himself. Four votes would have been required to overturn the denial. Public Comments & Testimony – North Milam Rezoning - Sarah Wanick, 708 North Milam, supported the rezoning, citing historic frontage-lot distinctions, the corridor's mix of uses, and comprehensive-plan expectations. - Cindy Spaith, 608 North Milam, supported; she restored the 1907 home and its barn/STR and said three of four property owners on her side supported the change. - Connie Cranwalgie, 702 North Milam, opposed, citing traffic, school buses, street parking, and safety hazards. - Jamie Sparks, 406 West College, opposed; he listed C1 uses and possible conditional uses, plus parking, drainage, and flood concerns. - A 602 North Milam owner opposed, saying Milam is a residential street, not a highway; she also noted 35% of mailed notice recipients returned protests and that the three applicant properties did not return notices. - The mayor noted the packet contained roughly one letter in support and six or seven in opposition. Rezoning Request DEV-2026-83-ZC (111 Owl Lane) - This request involved a .90-acre C2-to-R1 change and a 1.35-acre R1-to-C2 change at 111 Owl Lane. It had been tabled by the Planning & Zoning Commission, so the City Manager noted there was no City Council discussion and no action was taken. FY 2027 Proposed Budget and Tax Rate - City Manager Clinton Bailey described a conservative "holding the line" budget: expenses slightly down, revenues slightly up, and inflation assumed at about 3.5 percent. The budget uses tiered pay raises of 5.5 percent for the lowest-paid employees, 4.5 percent for mid-range, and 3.5 percent for highest-paid. Of roughly 12 requested new positions, three are added in Parks, with HOT funds or contract savings used to reduce general-fund impact. Health insurance premiums increased 10 percent. - Finance Director Krista Wareham presented a balanced General Fund of about $27.07 million, with 1 percent revenue growth and 1 percent expense reduction. Personnel costs are up 7 percent, maintenance/operations down 1 percent, and capital down 47 percent because City Hall projects were completed. Adding deferred personnel requests in future-year modeling would produce about a $560,000 deficit. Police are 36 percent of the General Fund and 44 percent of personnel costs. - Tax rates presented: no-new-revenue rate $0.241342, voter-approval rate $0.260884, de minimis rate $0.25362, current rate $0.227427, and proposed budget rate $0.246646. The proposed rate would generate about $9.3 million in property tax revenue. - For a median-valued homestead of $450,690, the no-new-revenue tax bill would be $1,087.70 and the proposed budget rate bill would be $1,111.61, about $23 more per year. The voter-approval rate would add about $64 more, for a total increase of about $88 per year. Public Comments & Testimony – Budget and Tax Rate - Eric Hamerson, a Fredericksburg resident, said the county budget included a $25,000 increase from the city and a $25,000 increase from the county for volunteer fire departments, not $60,000 from each. He recommended using any additional funds for core city services such as law enforcement rather than increasing funding beyond the county match. - Tom Musselman said inflation should be part of budget discussions, supported the proposed tax approach, and said the roughly $84 annual cost at the voter-approval rate was modest compared with the services provided. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Update - Chamber President/CEO Jim Mikula reported 636 active members, including 78 new members year to date. In the mid-year survey, 15 of 22 respondents reported year-over-year growth, and 68 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the Chamber. - Members' challenges included inflation, high interest rates, increased competition, staffing, and niche positioning. Their requests to the Council included continued hotel occupancy tax grants for nonprofits, following the Comprehensive Plan, predictable permitting timelines, and the relief route. - Notable statistics: taxable sales for January-May 2026 were $4.4 million above the prior-year period and ahead of 2024; the Food and Wine Festival was named in a Forbes top-10 list; festival ticket sales were 13 percent ahead of the prior year; sponsors were up 10 percent; about 1,400 tickets were sold; and a new partnership with the Southern Smoke Foundation will support hospitality workers in need. Future Agenda and Executive Session - Future items included a September 1 meeting with the Waldorf Astoria development, an alternate roadway alignment, a potential annexation agreement, and a St. Mary's turkey dinner street closure; Citizen University on August 25; special budget meetings August 26 and September 8; the budget/tax-rate public hearing September 8; and final FY 2027 tax rate and budget adoption September 15. - The Council recessed into executive session for agenda items 11A (economic development incentives) and 11B (critical infrastructure facility). It reconvened at 11:46 a.m., took no action on either item, and adjourned. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Rezoning DEV-2026-82-ZC denied; P&Z denial upheld on a 3-1 vote, with Councilman Klein recused. - Rezoning DEV-2026-83-ZC received no action because it remains tabled by P&Z. - Council set the proposed maximum not-to-exceed property tax rate at $0.260884 per $100 of valuation for publication and public hearing. This was not final adoption. - Council scheduled the FY 2027 tax rate public hearing for September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in council chambers. - Final FY 2027 budget and tax rate adoption is scheduled for September 15, 2026.