Public Meetings - Kerrville, Texas

The Kerrville City Council met on October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 701 Main Street, Kerrville, Texas, under Mayor Joe Herring Jr. The meeting included presentations, a financial report, public comments, consent agenda approval, discussion of a federal watershed protection program, a second reading of an animal code ordinance, a first reading of a stormwater drainage utility ordinance, and two action items related to transferring park property to a nonprofit. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Resolution No. 53-2026: Rescinded Resolution No. 40-2025 (eminent domain authority for two tracts for a memorial cemetery and park). - Private LTE Service Addendum with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) approved. - Council workshop and meeting minutes from October 13, 2026, approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Eichner (604 Cardinal) thanked Councilwoman for organizing a community festival attended by nearly 4,000 people. - Linda Bullard (Methodist Encampment) spoke during the second reading of the Animal Code ordinance. She described an abandoned 12-cat colony across from her home, criticized the ordinance’s development process as not including residents, and proposed specific language changes, including an affirmative defense for temporary emergency feeding and a requirement for timely response from animal control. She urged more public input. - George Brute spoke on the park conveyance resolution. He questioned factual discrepancies in the resolution regarding the park’s naming date (January 2021 vs. 2022) and deed date, and asked whether voter approval is required under state law (Gov’t Code 25301B) when property has been dedicated as public parkland. He sought a legal explanation for the city’s authority. - I. Lang Guru (307 Lakewood Drive) spoke in favor of the park conveyance, thanked staff and council for three years of work, and stated that the Upper Guadalupe River Center is ready to build the park and river center, and that a major donor has agreed to direct funds to fix existing city parks. Discussion Items - 6A – NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program (NRCS): Michael Hornes (Assistant City Manager) presented on behalf of Kyle Burow. The program offers 75% federal / 25% local cost-share for bank stabilization and property buyouts related to the 2025 flood. Two bank stabilization projects were highlighted: under the G Street Bridge and on Nimitz Lake. Property buyouts would pay 75% of pre-flood appraised value, with the city owning and maintaining the land as conservation space. The city is not obligated by entering a cooperative agreement. Staff recommended pursuing the program and bringing back formal agreements for workshop. Council expressed consensus to proceed. - 7A – Ordinance 2026-23 (Second Reading – Animal Code Amendments): David Paxton (Development Director) presented. The ordinance updates definitions, enhances management of feral cats by limiting new colonies to 15 cats, requires feeding areas be 50 feet from commercial property (100 feet from restaurants with outdoor patios), increases insurance requirements for dangerous dogs, and addresses liability for removing animals from vehicles. The ordinance passed unanimously. - 8A – Ordinance 2026-24 (First Reading – Stormwater Drainage Utility): David Barrera (Public Works Director) presented. The ordinance establishes a stormwater drainage utility system under state law (Texas Local Government Code Ch. 552 Subchapter C). Charges are based on impervious surface area (tiers for residential and commercial). The fund will be restricted to drainage projects. Collection will be via utility bills; unpaid fees can result in a lien and water service disconnection. Mandatory and discretionary exemptions were noted. Council discussed rate calculation fairness and legal authority to charge. The public hearing was opened and closed with no additional speakers. The ordinance was approved on first reading (unanimous), with two more readings required. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously (4 items). - Ordinance 2026-23 (Animal Code) passed second reading and became effective. - Ordinance 2026-24 (Stormwater Drainage Utility) passed first reading; further readings scheduled. - Resolution No. 43-2026 authorizing conveyance of approximately 1.5 acres at 1001 Mallard Way (Granger MacDonald Park) to the Upper Guadalupe River Center, Inc. approved unanimously. - Services Agreement with the Upper Guadalupe River Center for park maintenance and operation approved unanimously. The agreement includes a reversion clause if the nonprofit dissolves or fails to maintain public park use, with a 180- to 360-day cure period. - No executive session was held. - Items for future agendas were suggested but not detailed.

The EIC Board of Kerrville met on October 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM (actual start time not specified). The meeting opened with prayer and included approvals, reports on economic development activities, infrastructure projects, financial updates, a presentation from Shriner University's Center for Talent and Workforce Development, and discussion of a new cash-back incentive program to encourage local shopping. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 21 meeting without changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Lewis Amstoy (Business Owner): Spoke about his experience with the 'Love Where You Live' flood recovery program and noted that after the flood he offered free promotions to 78 local businesses, many of whom were unaware of available resources. He proposed that the EIC fund a voucher program for small business advertising through local media, emphasizing frequency and reach, and suggested it could be a cost-effective alternative to a cash-back program. Discussion Items 1. KEDC Monthly Report (Todd Beck): - Financial Status (Month Ending August 31): KEDC is fully funded at $475,000. Other revenue and interest held for flood recovery fiscal sponsorship. Year-to-date fiscal activity: $270,842; balance: $204,158. - Business Retention and Expansion: Hosted an employer roundtable with Shriner University and Workforce Solutions Alamo, focused on workforce development. Employers found the peer networking valuable. Additional retail roundtables scheduled for October 26 and 27. This programming will continue regularly. - Project Updates: Most active projects include Wolf Creek, K2, and Save (no major updates). Recruitment projects: RiverPaddle and Granite (site selection). Many business startups are coming through the EDC from various partners. - Kerr Together: EDC remains fiscal sponsor for flood recovery grants managed with the City of Kerrville Finance Department. Remaining grant funds approximately $1.23 million. Application for nonprofit status in process. 2. City Project Status Update (Michael): - Olympic Pool: Substantial completion punch walk set for November 9. The bulkhead for competition swimming will be installed a month later; it is mobile but requires a crane for repositioning. - Travis Street Pump Station: Designed; construction anticipated for summer 2027, opening capacity for east side developments. - Granger McDonald Park: Scheduled for council discussion to divest to UGRC. This will save approximately $1.8 million in bond proceeds, which can be used for other park-related projects (river trail top priority). Total savings from completed projects is approximately $2.8 million. - Quinlan Creek Sewer Expansion: Approximately 7,000 linear feet of sewer line will open development opportunities. Federal grant review expected in November; engineering is underway with a target completion of summer 2027. - James Avery Traffic Signal: Public hearing scheduled for November. The city is requesting the state legislature change the notice requirement from 30 days to 20 days to better align with meeting schedules. - Golf Course Management: Council approved a contract with Southern Golf Management (local group) who also manages the baseball complex—reported positive results. - FEMA Projects: High-priority projects include river trail, Town Creek road/sewer/water, and a major water transmission line. Each has multi-million-dollar price tags; FEMA has a team in the area assisting. - Kerrville-Schreiner Park: Only preliminary conversations with Texas Parks & Wildlife; nothing concrete. 3. Financial Report (Trina): - Revenue Bonds: September interest revenue $21,577. Main project expense was Olympic pool improvements ($548,000). Remaining bond proceeds $4,284,000; interest earnings minus arbitrage liability $1,521,000. Cash balance investments shown. - Operational Fund: September sales tax revenue $452,342 (down 3% year-over-year). Fiscal year-to-date sales tax $5,286,000 (better than budget by $156,000). Interest income $23,226 for month (better than budget by $68,000). - Expenditures: City contract transfer $23,000, debt service $213,000, project payments $54,000 (Travis Street) and Quinlan Creek interceptor. Total expenses $321,455. Net change in position for year negative $17,000, tracking to budget. - Cash Balance: $5,380,000. Remaining commitments on operational projects $4,975,000. - Sales Tax Analysis: 12-month rolling average held at 4%. Budget set at 3% over estimate, resulting in a slight surplus. Investment rates: current yield 3.90%, expected to rise. 4. Shriner University – Center for Talent and Workforce Development (Dr. Melissa Allen): - Enrollment Growth: First year 86, second year 131, current year first quarter 40 (several programs enroll only at specific times). On track to meet EIC goal of 171 enrollments this year. - Programs: Over 20 healthcare, 6 additional (Spanish, LVN), 5 IT, 8 business. New programs include sales certificate (by school year end), hospitality (introductory course with local video content), automotive (launching June 2027, with hands-on Saturdays with master mechanics), and 'Bona Fide Texan' (in partnership with the Texas Center, targeted at newcomers). - Career Fair: Regional Career Fair attracted over 40 employers, 10 nonprofits, 400 attendees. Held 8 on-site interviews and generated 22 follow-up interviews. - Alignment with Employer Needs: Participating in EDC roundtables; employers identified need for middle management training, which the Center is exploring. - Community Partnerships: Collaborating with Northwest Vista College to ensure complementary program offerings and student pathways. 5. Proposed Cash-Back Program (Staff Presentation): - Staff outlined a pilot program using the 'Open Rewards' platform (integrated with the Blue Dot CRM) that would provide cash back to shoppers at local businesses. - Examples: Leban (population approx. 7,000) started with $5,000 and saw 27x return; El Paso invested $200,000 generating $5.4 million in local spending; South Lake invested $75,000 and measured 20x ROI with 90% of spending from locals. - Mechanics: Residents earn points via receipts, redeemable at other local businesses. City can set caps (e.g., $100 per person per year) and exclude certain business types (e.g., national chains, news organizations). - Cost: Platform fee estimated $2,000–$5,000 depending on population; additional funding would be allocated for the actual rewards. - Legal Authority: Under state law, 4B corporations may spend up to 10% of revenues on promotional activities. Staff will coordinate with the city attorney to confirm eligibility. - Concerns Raised: Board members questioned the reliability of the shown ROI figures (not adjusted for existing sales), requested before/after comparisons from other cities, and asked for data distinguishing new vs. redirected spending. - Integration: Lewis Amstoy suggested complementing the cash-back program with an advertising voucher program for small businesses via local media, which could also fall within promotional spending authority. - Next Steps: Board directed staff to gather more detailed information, consult with the city attorney, survey local businesses (possibly via the Chamber of Commerce), and prepare a complete proposal for the November meeting with a target launch in January 2027. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of September 21 minutes. - Project Updates Received: No board action required on reports; board acknowledged the status of projects and expressed interest in future river trail and park projects. - Cash-Back Program Direction: The board did not take a vote but clearly directed staff to refine the Open Rewards proposal. They requested more robust ROI data, legal clarification, and a structured implementation plan. A consensus emerged to consider a small pilot investment (e.g., $10,000 initially) and to link any new program with existing efforts like 'Love Where You Live' if appropriate. - Small Business Voucher Concept: The board asked staff to also explore the possibility of an advertising voucher program for small businesses, with the city attorney's guidance on legal authority. - Next Meeting: Staff to return with a comprehensive recommendation at the next board meeting (date not specified but presumably November).

The Kerrville City Council met at City Hall, 701 Main Street, Kerrville, Texas, on October 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Mayor Joe Herring Jr. presided, Councilmember Jeff Harris gave the invocation and pledge, and the Mayor noted that no action was taken in executive session. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM. Announcements and Presentations - City staff highlighted upcoming events: Art in the Park on Saturday, October 17, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Butt Holdsworth Memorial Library; Firefighters and Neighbors workshop series starting October 19, 6–7 p.m., with a Stop the Bleed session; Tours 1 exterior enhancement and parking lot grants online information session October 22, 3–4 p.m., with applications due October 30; Kerrville Mountain Bike Festival October 24–25 at Kerrville Shriner Park, with Hillside Trail closed October 25 from 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; Water Street Festival October 24, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with 60+ vendors and six musicians; Family Fright Night October 31 at 4:30 p.m.; and a prescription drug take-back event October 24 at the Public Safety Facility. - The Mayor proclaimed October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month, highlighting lithium-ion battery risks and the theme safe charging as a superpower. Fire personnel with 7 to 24 years of service were recognized. - The Mayor presented a Certificate of Recognition to Jeffrey Brown, outgoing executive director of Playhouse 2000, for facility renovations, financial stewardship through COVID-19 and two floods, and theater achievements. Amy Goodyear was introduced as incoming executive director; board members and volunteers praised Brown's leadership. Consent Calendar - Items 4B (Resolution 50-2026, 2027 State Legislative Priorities) and 4C (Riverhill Elevated Storage Tank construction contract with BRZ Coatings Inc., $370,900) were pulled for separate discussion. The remaining consent items — 4A (Resolution 47-2026 canceling the November 24 and December 22 regular meetings), 4D (revised August 25, 2026 minutes), 4E (September 22, 2026 workshop minutes), and 4F (September 22, 2026 meeting minutes) — were approved collectively and unanimously. - After a citizen comment on 4B, council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 50-2026. - After council questions about the water tank's history, maintenance, and possible additional costs, council voted unanimously to approve the $370,900 contract. Public Comments & Testimony - Clay Bennett, Kimber Malcolm, and Mary Ann Lady spoke in opposition to the city's automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, describing them as warrantless mass surveillance. They asked council to terminate ALPR contracts, delete collected data, disclose third-party sharing, and adopt an ordinance barring future contracts. They cited court rulings, other Texas jurisdictions ending ALPR programs, and privacy and safety concerns. - George Barudi raised concerns about several items in the proposed state legislative priority list, including tax cap, hotel occupancy tax flexibility, parkland dedication, and Economic Development Corporation fund flexibility. He argued that changes to voter-approved revenue and spending rules should go back to local voters. - George Barudi also spoke during the Tivy Mountain discussion, applauding the council's direction to stop pursuing acquisition and urging council to halt all remaining work. Public Hearings and Resolutions - 5A: Council held a public hearing on Resolution 51-2026, a conditional use permit for a truck stop with fueling station on 12.4315 acres at Highway 16 North and IH 10, within C-3 General Commercial and Planned Development (Whiskey Springs) districts. Conditions include adherence to the site plan, no expansion of truck parking without city approval, screening if validated noise complaints occur, and compliance with fueling-station development requirements. No citizen testimony was offered. Council approved unanimously. - 5B: Council held a public hearing on Resolution 52-2026, a conditional use permit for the convenience store with fuel sales and truck stop because the project would be within 500 feet of the floodplain (about 325 feet from the floodplain). Staff described storm sewer capture and filtration before discharge into the Whiskey Springs stormwater system. No citizen testimony was offered. Council approved unanimously. Discussion Items - 6A: Tivy Mountain. Councilmember Kent McKinney said years of title research and acquisition efforts had not succeeded, the property is steep and unsuitable for development, it contains graves, and the city's flood recovery obligations make purchase unaffordable. He proposed stopping further spending. George Barudi urged a complete halt, saying the mountain is already inaccessible and a park road would cost more than $1 million. Council reached consensus to stop work and bring a future resolution rescinding the earlier authorization to pursue acquisition; no vote was taken on 6A at this meeting. Board Appointments - Lena Doherty was appointed to the Recovery Community Coalition by unanimous vote. - Amy Choccley (as pronounced in the transcript) was appointed as alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals by unanimous vote. Key Outcomes - Approved consent items 4A, 4D, 4E, and 4F collectively. - Approved Resolution 50-2026, the 2027 State Legislative Priorities. - Approved the $370,900 Riverhill Elevated Storage Tank contract with BRZ Coatings Inc. - Approved Resolutions 51-2026 and 52-2026, the two conditional use permits. - Appointed Lena Doherty to the Recovery Community Coalition and Amy Choccley as alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals. - Reached consensus on Tivy Mountain to discontinue work and place a rescission resolution on a future agenda, without a formal vote. - No action was taken in executive session, and the meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

The Kerrville City Council met on September 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall to consider a range of items including budget adoption, tax rate approval, an animal ordinance update, and several resolutions. The meeting opened with invocation, pledge, and community announcements. Announcements of Community Interest - Michelle Faust (disaster case manager, Rebuild Kerr) was available for flood-affected residents. - Community events highlighted: Honky Cat Dueling Pianos, Art in the Park (October 17), Fire Department workshop (October 19), TIRZ grant information sessions, and Water Street Festival (October 24). - Chief Haley reminded about National Night Out on October 6. Presentations - Proclamation: World Teachers’ Day (October 5, 2026). Mayor Herring recognized district Teachers of the Year from various campuses. Several teachers spoke about their work. - Proclamation: Hill Country Night Sky Month (October 2026). Members of the Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky spoke about light pollution and the importance of preserving dark skies. Financial Report (Month-Ended August 31, 2026) - Julie Behrens (Director of Finance) reported that the city received the Triple Crown Award from GFOA. - Property tax approximately 100% collected; sales tax outperformed budget by $288,000 through August, with a rolling average of 4%. - Expenses running better than budget; flood recovery priorities identified. - Water fund revenues $185,000 over budget. - FEMA disaster declared; public assistance grant application filed September 15. - Budget and tax rate second readings occurred (see below). Public Comments & Testimony - George Barudy opposed the potential sale of the former police station (429 Sidney Baker) to the county, arguing it would remove the property from tax rolls and that taxpayers would indirectly pay for it. - Laura Langston asked about the city’s planning for population growth and its impact on resources such as water and night skies; advised to contact city offices for details. - Clay Bennett raised concerns about ALPR camera policies, requesting transparency on data sharing and audits; suggested the city may be destroying records by not retaining audit logs. - Melissa Maechin inquired about the status of the Arcadia Loop Bridge (washed out in flood) and observed excavation activities along the river (state-led recovery search for flood victims). Consent Calendar - Items 5A (zoning change), 5D (appointment of special prosecutors), 5E (workshop minutes), 5F (meeting minutes) approved unanimously on a single motion. Items 5B and 5C were pulled for separate discussion. Discussion and Action on Pulled Consent Items - 5B – Kerr Emergency 9-1-1 Network FY2027 Budget: Mark Del Toro explained a deficit due to an unfunded state mandate for next-generation 911 services, increasing monthly routing costs from $1,200 to $8,600. The deficit is $483,000; the network uses reserves. Approved unanimously. - 5C – Retiree Health Coverage Resolution: Kim Meismer clarified a policy change allowing retirees to purchase coverage based on their own future employment (not a spouse’s) until Medicare eligibility. Four employees currently enrolled. Approved unanimously. Ordinances – Second Reading - 6A – FY2027 Budget Adoption (Ordinance 2026-20): The budget includes adjustments for the disaster rate, increasing transfers to capital improvements. A citizen speaker (George Barudy) criticized lack of long-term cost analysis. Council member Harris noted ongoing work on structural funding issues. First motion (adopt) required roll call: all yes. Second motion (ratify): unanimous. - 6B – Property Tax Rate (Ordinance 2026-21): Set at $0.5995 per $100, a 6.7% increase over the no-new-revenue rate (disaster rate allowed 8% over). Roll call vote: all yes. - 6C – Animal Code Amendment (Ordinance 2026-23): Extensive public testimony from animal welfare groups (Leslie Jones, Karen Guerrero, Julie Reeves, Charlotte Silvers) objected to changes made during first reading: reduction of colony size from 12 to 10 cats and increase of setback from food establishments from 25 yards to 100 yards. They requested more collaboration. Council members expressed concern about drafting from the dais. A motion to table the ordinance before second reading passed unanimously. Deadline set: no later than end of 2026, with staff to meet with advocacy groups and bring back revised ordinance and contract together. Resolutions and Actions - 7A – Stormwater Drainage Utility: Resolution 11-2026 declaring stormwater drainage a public utility, authorizing publication of proposed ordinance and public hearing. Approved unanimously. - 7B – TIF Mold Remediation Grants: Resolution 46-2026 authorizing up to $100,000 from Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 for interior mold remediation grants (up to $5,000 per business) for flood-affected businesses within the zone. Approved unanimously. - 7C – Golf Course Management Services: Authorized staff to negotiate and execute a contract with Southern Golf Management to operate Scott Schreiner Municipal Golf Course following an RFP process. Key factors: local presence, operational efficiencies, and potential for increased revenue. Approved unanimously. - 7D – Olympic Pool Renovations: Authorized use of up to $175,000 from East Parkland Dedication Fund to cover remaining cost overruns on the pool project (total remaining work $250,000; available budget $43,000; gap $181,000). Approved unanimously. Board Appointments - Councilmember Smith nominated three individuals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals (Gen Carson, Vanessa Von Dolan, Jody Telman). Mayor Herring was nominated for reappointment to the Kerr Economic Development Corporation Board. Council then moved into executive session (Gov’t Code 551.074). Upon return, no further action was recorded in the transcript regarding these appointments. Executive Session - Council convened in executive session to discuss the sale of real property at 429 Sidney Baker (former police station), the Zoning Board appointment, and the KEDC reappointment. No action was reported following the session. Key Outcomes - FY2027 Budget and Tax Rate adopted with roll call votes all in favor. - Animal ordinance tabled until end of 2026 for further collaboration with advocacy groups. - Stormwater drainage utility process initiated with future public hearing. - Mold remediation grants approved for TIRZ No. 1. - Southern Golf Management selected to manage Scott Schreiner Golf Course; negotiation authorized. - $175,000 in parkland dedication funds allocated to complete Olympic Pool renovations. - 911 network budget and retiree health policy approved. - No final action recorded on board appointments after executive session.

The Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation (EIC) met on September 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM at City Hall. The agenda included citizen comments, reports from the Kerrville Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) and city staff, a financial report, and a resolution to fund a traffic signal for James Avery. The board also entered executive session to discuss a potential economic development project on EIC-owned property at 300 Peterson Farm Road (approximately 87 acres) but took no subsequent action. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the August 17, 2026 regular meeting unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Denny, a community organizer for the Love Where You Live campaign, presented an update on the initiative to encourage local spending. He explained that each dollar spent locally turns over four to six times in the community and that sales tax revenue can help offset property tax increases after recent floods. He noted that signs and window clings are available at no cost through the Chamber of Commerce and encouraged business participation. - A board member thanked the board for supporting travel to the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) training in Abilene. The member shared a definition of economic development from the Abilene EDC CEO (“attract companies who will spend money in our town and grow the commercial tax base”) and emphasized the importance of spending sales tax dollars on quality projects rather than reserving them indefinitely. Discussion Items - KEDC Update (Todd Bock, President): Bock reported the onboarding of three new board members (Chris Hughes, Pete Calderone, Raymond Gallego) to diversify the board with small business representatives. He reviewed financials through July 31; all EIC contributions for the year had been received. Project updates included: Project Save (software/wearable for assisted living; signed a pharmaceutical company, hired two employees, pending another two), Project K2 (manufacturing expansion exploring a welding school), Project RiverPaddle (narrowing site selection to three locations), Project Meridian (air service company considering letter of intent for aircraft purchase), and Project Granite (infrastructure development). Mooney activity at the airport was noted. Bock also provided an update on Kerr Together flood grant funds—the EDC is acting as fiscal sponsor until Kerr Together obtains 501(c)(3) status. - EIC Project Status Update (Michael Hornes, Assistant City Manager): Hornes reviewed quality-of-life projects: Olympic Pool renovations (approximately six weeks to completion; a $175,000 cost increase is being requested from parkland dedication fees pending City Council approval), Granger McDonald Park (board directed to divest to the Upper Guadalupe River Center), Cailloux Theater (closing), and Quinlan Creek Interceptor (engineering in progress, right-of-way acquisition needed). He also discussed the James Avery traffic signal, which is already complete but requires a public hearing and 60-day protest period because the expenditure exceeds $10,000. He noted that TxDOT recently dropped its donation-agreement requirement, allowing the process to move forward. - Monthly Financial Report (Trina Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Finance): Sales tax revenue for August was $476,000 (up 13.7% over last year), and year-to-date collections are $152,000 above budget. Interest earnings were $24,000 for the month. Bond proceeds for quality-of-life projects stand at $4.46 million remaining; after Olympic Pool expenditures, approximately $2.897 million will remain by December 2026, which is within the required 15% unspent allowance. Rodriguez noted that all quality-of-life projects except the pool and Granger McDonald are complete. The board discussed investment strategies to take advantage of rising interest rates. The ending cash balance for August was $5.24 million. - Resolution 5A – Street and Road Infrastructure (James Avery): The board considered Resolution No. 48-2026 to finance a traffic signal for James Avery. The originally posted amount was $140,000. A motion was made and seconded to increase the contribution to $160,000 (approximately 40% of the total project cost, which is about $400,000 including engineering fees). The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution as amended and to set a public hearing at least 30 days later. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Minutes from August 17, 2026 were approved. - Resolution Approved: Resolution No. 48-2026 was approved with an amended amount of $160,000 to fund a traffic signal for James Avery. A public hearing will be scheduled to satisfy notification and protest requirements. - Public Hearing Cancelled: Agenda item 6.A (Resolution No. 36-2026 for a grant project) was cancelled as listed on the meeting agenda. - Executive Session: The board entered executive session to deliberate regarding a potential economic development project at EIC-owned property at 300 Peterson Farm Road under Texas Government Code §551.072. No action was taken following the session. - Future Agenda Items: The board agreed to place the Peterson Farm Road property on a future agenda. Additionally, the board requested that the Parks Department present eligible park projects for potential funding from the remaining quality-of-life bond proceeds (approximately $2.897 million) at a later meeting.

The Kerrville City Council met on September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included adoption of the FY2027 budget, a property tax rate increase, public hearings, and updates on flood recovery efforts. The council also addressed zoning changes, animal code amendments, a conditional use permit, and board appointments. Consent Calendar - Approval of City Council Workshop minutes (Item 4A): Passed 5-0. - Approval of City Council Meeting minutes (Item 4B): Removed from consent by Councilmember McKinney due to a discrepancy about airport funding. After discussion, the minutes were approved with a 4-1 vote. Councilmember McKinney requested the airport budget be placed on a future agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike and Jan Peruccini (co-founders of Gunny's Warriors): Announced the fourth annual Flags of Honor event from September 11-13 at River Star Park, featuring 500 American flags and ceremonies, open to the public 24 hours a day. - Madison Perez: Expressed opposition to Flock cameras, stating they violate the Fourth Amendment by collecting vehicle fingerprints without probable cause. She argued that data is owned by private companies and could be shared across jurisdictions. - George Bruty (1616 Glenn Road): Questioned the structural sustainability of the budget, stating that infrastructure maintenance and asset replacement are underfunded by $4-7 million annually. He asked why the city is creating new departments (e.g., animal services) and maintaining a special ops police unit when county counterparts exist, and why the pavement master plan remains underfunded. He called for real operational cuts. - Russell Mowgli (1041 Roanoke Lane): Expressed frustration that his homestead exemption and frozen senior tax rate were offset by a $32,000 appraisal increase, resulting in only a $20 break. He also questioned a tax abatement for the Blue Wood apartments project, asking whether the $800,000 estimate was based on current or future tax rates. - A commercial business owner (Berner Valley Drive): Argued that the ad valorem tax on business personal property is "extortion," as it taxes equipment already purchased. He asked why the city needs this tax. - George Bruty (second appearance): Argued that the budget process should start with desired service levels and cost, then set the tax rate accordingly. He stated that raising taxes by $490,000 does not solve the $3 million annual operating shortfall, so the council should make real operational cuts instead. Discussion Items - Proclamations: The council proclaimed United States Constitution Week (September 17-23) and National Recovery Month (September 2026). Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Kerrville Recovery Community Coalition spoke about their efforts, with two individuals sharing personal recovery stories (39 years and 21 years in recovery). - Community Foundation Flood Recovery Update: Greg Richards (General Counsel/Chief Strategy Officer, Community Foundation) reported that since the July 16, 2026 flood, emergency financial assistance has reached 731 Kerr County households. The foundation has committed $11.3 million to housing, funded 38 disaster case managers serving nearly 1,400 households, and launched temporary housing assistance (up to three months). The home repair/rebuild program launches September 21. The foundation's role is to provide charitable funding, not direct construction. Case managers were available after the meeting to assist families. - FY2027 Budget Adoption (Ordinance 2026-20): Finance Director Julie Behrens presented the budget, noting adjustments from the August 25 workshop (including an additional $490,000 in general fund revenue for flood-related capital projects). City Manager Dalton Rice acknowledged the budget is structurally unsustainable due to inflation and underfunding of sustainability funds (fixed asset replacement, CIP, general facilities). He detailed efforts such as reducing FTE counts, cutting $75,000 in software costs, and being intentional about funding sustainability. The council approved the budget on first reading via roll call vote (5-0) and then ratified the vote to raise more revenue (unanimous). - Ad Valorem Tax Rate (Ordinance 2026-21): Behrens explained that the proposed rate of $0.5995 per $100 assessed value is the disaster voter approval rate, a 6.70% increase from the previous year. The increase is partly due to state-mandated exemptions that removed $141 million in taxable value. Councilmember Smith supported the increase for flood recovery, stating that $490,000 is needed to help fund damage. Councilmember McKinney asked if the rate could be lowered at second reading; Behrens confirmed it could be reduced but not increased. The council approved the ordinance on first reading via roll call vote (5-0). - Zoning Change (Ordinance 2026-22): Director of Development Drew Paxton presented a rezoning of a portion of 2001 Sidney Baker Street from C-3 (General Commercial) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to align with the comprehensive plan. The Planning & Zoning Commission approved it, and adjacent condominium representatives were not opposed. Approved on first reading (unanimous). - Animal Code Amendments (Ordinance 2026-23): Paxton presented updates to Chapter 18, including feral cat colony management (contract required, limit of 12 cats per colony, increased distance from restaurants to 100 yards), dangerous dog insurance requirements, and liability for animal rescue from vehicles. Councilmember Smith suggested a lower cat colony limit; staff agreed to 12. Approved on first reading (unanimous). - Conditional Use Permit (Resolution 42-2026): Paxton presented a request for Ace Handyman Services at 403 Schreiner Street (C-2 zone) for an office only, no dispatch or heavy equipment. Applicant Mark Stone (property owner) and Nathan Jones (franchise owner) confirmed the use. Approved (unanimous). - Board Appointment: The council reappointed Laura Ford, Andrew Gay, and Judy Eigner to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board 1 (unanimous). One vacancy remains. - Executive Session: The council met in executive session under Texas Government Code 551.074 to discuss the appointment of a Municipal Court Judge. No action was taken; the process will continue in public at a later date. - Items for Future Agendas: Councilmember McKinney requested placing discussion of the airport budget (from the prior meeting) and a condemnation matter related to Tybee Mountain on future agendas. The council concurred. Key Outcomes - Adopted FY2027 Budget on first reading (Ordinance 2026-20) with a roll call vote and ratified the tax increase. - Approved property tax rate of $0.5995 per $100 (Ordinance 2026-21) on first reading, with the additional $490,000 earmarked for flood recovery. - Approved zoning change (Ordinance 2026-22) on first reading. - Approved animal code amendments (Ordinance 2026-23) on first reading. - Granted conditional use permit (Resolution 42-2026) for Ace Handyman Services. - Reappointed three members to the TIRZ Board 1. - No action on Municipal Court Judge appointment; discussed in executive session. - Future agenda items: Airport budget and Tybee Mountain condemnation to be scheduled.

The Kerrville City Council met on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting was dominated by the Fiscal Year 2027 budget presentation, public outcry over flood recovery efforts, and a discussion on the future of Granger MacDonald Park. Council took action on a natural gas rate settlement, tax increment financing grants, tax rate public hearing dates, and several board appointments. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (with Item E removed). Items included Ordinance 2026-13 (zoning change at 1273 Bandera Highway), 2nd reading adoptions of the 2024 International Building Codes and related codes (Ordinances 2026-14 through 2026-18), 2nd reading of KPUB rate schedules (Ordinance 2026-19), and approval of minutes and the Kerr Central Appraisal District's FY2027 Budget. Public Comments & Testimony - Denny Foster (Resident/Business Owner/EIC): Expressed full support for the "Love Where You Live" campaign, encouraging residents to shop locally to generate tax revenue and support local jobs. - Jamie Morales (Resident/Rebuild National Disaster Survivors Association): Pleaded for better communication regarding flood debris removal sweeps, guidance for reporting additional damage, and increased financial assistance, stating she felt "left trying to figure out what to do next on my own." - Amy Espinoza (Resident): Expressed deep frustration that city drainage maintenance performed before the 2025 flood was not repeated in 2026, contributing to flooding on her street. She urgently requested the city assist families in rebuilding with materials like sheetrock and lumber, stating, "What good is a rebuild park to a child who has no home to go back to?" - Bud Bolton (Resident/Business Owner): Described flooding at his home on Lois Street that occurred in May 2026 when the river did not flood, attributing the repeated damage entirely to a long-standing city drainage system failure. - Jacob Shively (Resident/Rental Owner): Supported Bolton's claim, arguing the state drain under Highway 27 is grossly inadequate for the watershed, causing backups. He urged the council to advocate for a larger state drain. - Kevin Hefner-Morales (Resident): Requested the discontinuation of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in the city, citing concerns over Fourth Amendment rights. - Barbara Ferguson (Resident): Opposed the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIRZ) grants (Items 5C/5D), arguing the funds could be used to meet unmet needs from the flood. During the Granger MacDonald Park discussion (Item 5F), she urged the city to retain ownership to guarantee permanent public access. - George Bruddy (Former Councilmember): Paid tribute to the late former councilmember Warren Ferguson, highlighting his cooperative spirit. Discussion Items - Item 2A: FY2027 Budget Presentation (J Behrens, Finance Director): The proposed citywide budget includes $122 million in revenues and $127 million in expenditures. The General Fund budget is $41.48 million, a 4.2% ($1.67M) increase over FY2026, largely driven by $846,000 in group health insurance costs. The flood's damage estimate is between $65M and $100M. Reserves are strong enough to potentially utilize $2-3 million for repairs while maintaining a 15% minimum. The Water Fund budget is $18.3M, proposing a 5% base rate increase and a $1.70 sewer base rate increase. - Item 5A: Atmos Rate Settlement (Resolution 37-2026): The council approved a negotiated settlement resulting in a $13.37 per month increase for residential customers and $0.4482 (44.82 cents) for commercial customers. Councilmembers expressed frustration over the monopoly but acknowledged the negotiated rate was the best achievable. - Item 5E: Tax Rate Public Hearing (Resolution 41-2026): Council debated setting the public hearing at the Voter Approval Rate ($0.5846) or the Voter Approval Disaster Rate ($0.5995). Staff explained the disaster rate allows an 8% cap over the no-new-revenue rate due to the flood. The estimated difference in revenue between the two rates is approximately $490,000. Council set the public hearing for September 8, 2026, at the disaster rate. - Item 5F: Granger MacDonald Park (Discussion): Asst. City Manager Hornes laid out three options for the park: 1) a six-month delay, 2) deeding the property to the Upper Guadalupe River Center (UGRC) with a reversion clause, or 3) abandoning the property back to the original developers. Several citizens spoke for and against the project. The council reached a consensus to direct staff to pursue Option 2 (deed to UGRC with a public park reversion clause). Key Outcomes - Atmos Rate Increase: Unanimously approved the negotiated settlement (Resolution 37-2026). - Airport Budget: Voted unanimously to approve the FY2027 budget for the Kerrville-Kerr County Joint Airport Board but denied the requested $25,000 capital fund contribution. - TIRZ Grants: Unanimously approved an additional $50,000 for parking lot improvements (Resolution 39-2026) and an additional $50,000 for exterior enhancements (Resolution 40-2026), both within TIRZ Zone 1. - Tax Rate Hearing: Unanimously set the public hearing for the proposed property tax rate for September 8, 2026, adopting the Voter Approval Disaster Rate of $0.5995 as the advertised rate (Resolution 41-2026). - Granger MacDonald Park: Council directed staff to draft a proposal to deed the property to the Upper Guadalupe River Center subject to a reversion clause ensuring it remains a public park. - Board Appointments: Ile Reeves (BBAA), Regina Gordon (Library), Lori Finkbeiner & Timothy Truett (Recovery Coalition), and Katie Kane (Planning & Zoning) were appointed. - Cultural Arts District: Unanimously approved transferring management of the Board to the CVB Foundation (Resolution 38-2026).

The Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation (EIC) met on August 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:53 PM at City Hall, with President Celeste Hamman presiding. The meeting included updates on economic development projects, flood recovery efforts via Kerr Together, EIC capital project statuses, the monthly financial report, and action on a Habitat for Humanity lien release. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the regular EIC meeting held July 20, 2026, and the special-called EIC meeting held August 10, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. President Celeste Hamman introduced Wanima Martinez as the new Economic Development Manager, who comes to the city from Mesquite, Texas, and brings approximately ten years of experience in economic development. Discussion Items - Kerrville Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) Update (Todd Bock, KEDC President): - Projects: Project Wolf Creek was postponed but remains active. Project Save, a local family-owned medical technology firm, received an infusion of investor capital and is hiring. Project K2, a local manufacturer, is pursuing an expansion and has contracted site development work. KEDC also assisted in the relocation of WetWRX, a military tactical equipment manufacturer, to Kerr County. - Kerr Together: The organization received its formation letter from the Secretary of State and is pursuing 501c3 status, which will phase out EDC's role as fiscal sponsor. Grant funding for 2026 flood recovery is significantly constrained compared to 2025. For example, OneStar Rebuild Texas provided over $1 million to Kerr Together for the 2025 flood but only raised $150,000 total across all impacted regions in 2026. - Flood Impact (ISTAT): As of August 12, the ISTAT database showed 953 verified residential forms (223 with major damage or destroyed) and 122 business forms (25 with major damage or destroyed). This was reported as the highest volume of intake TDEM had seen in a seven-day post-disaster window. The FEMA disaster declaration request has been submitted to the White House. - EIC Project Status Update (Michael Hornes, Assistant City Manager): - Olympic Pool Renovations: On track for a mid-September completion. - Calli Theater: Awaiting final fire marshal approval; nearly complete. - Travis Street Pump Station: 330-day timeline projects completion by August 2027. - A.C. Schreiner House: Completed and fully operational. - Schreiner University CTWD & Edington Gym: Enrollment has grown to 1,800 students. A presentation to the EIC is anticipated in October. - James Avery Traffic Signal: Awaiting final review from TxDOT. - Quinlan Creek Interceptor: The preliminary engineering report is complete, and the federal grant application has been submitted; a decision is expected in October. - Small Business Grant Initiative (Michael Hornes & Staff): Staff determined that EIC (4B) funds cannot legally be used for broad small business grants for flood relief due to strict state law restrictions on job codes. Michael Hornes stated, "we were trying to figure out a way to a yes," but confirmed the planned public hearing has been cancelled. As an alternative, the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) is increasing its facade and parking lot improvement grants from $150,000 to $250,000 for downtown businesses. Staff will recommend that the EIC ask the legislature to amend the relevant state laws. - Granger McDonald Park (Michael Hornes): The project has been officially delayed for six months. The original property owners have requested the city return the property. City Council will consider the request. If the property is returned, the remaining $1.8 million in bond funds could potentially be repurposed for river trail repairs. The EIC has already met the required 85% bond spending threshold. - Monthly Financial Report (Julie filling in for Trina Rodriguez): - Bond Funds: $7.5 million remaining. Total interest earned on bond funds is $2 million. - Operations: July sales tax revenue was $425,000 (a 1.5% increase year-over-year). Unofficial August data shows a 14% increase. The rolling 12-month average sales tax growth rate is 3.75%. - Cash Flow: Cash and investments total $7.4 million. A $1 million commercial paper investment was rolled into a U.S. Treasury note yielding 4.07%. - Habitat for Humanity Lien Release (Habitat for Humanity Representative): The EIC provided an economic development grant for the Mariposa Subdivision. All 11 income-qualified homes are complete and closed. Homes sold for $225,000 each, below appraised value, ensuring long-term affordability through deed restrictions. The subdivision performed well during the 2026 flood, holding up to a 100-year event despite being designed for a 20-year event. Key Outcomes - Vote on Lien Release: The Board unanimously approved a motion authorizing the recording of a partial release of the deed of trust lien for Lots 6 through 15 and Lot 17 in Block 1 of the Mariposa Subdivision. - Cancellation of Public Hearing: The public hearing for the proposed small business grant program was formally cancelled due to state law restrictions. - Legislative Recommendation: Staff will recommend to the city's legislative boards that they seek amendments to the Texas Local Government Code to allow 4B corporations to fund small business disaster relief in the future. - Next Steps for Granger McDonald: The property return request will be discussed at the next City Council meeting for a formal decision.

The Kerrville City Council met on August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a proclamation designating Kerr Together as the official disaster relief organization for the July 2026 flood, public comments from five citizens regarding flock cameras and flood recovery, and unanimous approval of a zoning change, a utility rate increase, adoption of new building codes, a conditional use permit for a daycare, employee benefit fund transfer, and a tax rate resolution. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the July 22 emergency-called meeting, July 24 budget workshop, and July 28 workshop and regular meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Thompson (Ingram resident) expressed concerns about Flock cameras, including liability and privacy violations. Mayor Joe Herring responded that the city has no contract with Flock but uses license plate readers in city vehicles. - Clay Bennett (Kerrville resident) called Flock cameras unconstitutional warrantless searches and urged their removal from city property. - Kevin Morales (Kerrville resident) opposed Flock cameras and license plate readers, calling them warrantless tracking. - Arthur Gonzalez spoke on behalf of Monterey and West Riner residents, describing inadequate flood recovery assistance and the need for more FEMA support. He criticized debris removal vouchers as insufficient for construction materials. - Kimber Malcolm (Hunt resident) opposed Flock cameras, citing constitutional rights and stating crime in Kerrville has decreased over five years. Presentations - Mayor Joe Herring read a proclamation recognizing the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group as the Official Disaster Relief Organization for the July 2026 flood disaster. A representative of the group thanked the council and noted ongoing recovery efforts with limited capacity. Discussion Items - Zoning Change (Ordinance 2026-13): Director of Development D Paxton presented a request to rezone 1273 Bandera Highway from Mixed Use (MU) to General Commercial (C-3). Planning and Zoning recommended approval. Council approved on first reading. - KPUB Residential Rate Increase (Ordinance 2026-19): KPUB General Manager Mike Whittler and Assistant General Manager Amy Dozier proposed a 5% increase effective November 2026, based on a cost-of-service study. The KPUB board approved the increase on July 15, 2026, and sought council approval. Dozier presented a rate comparison showing KPUB rates would remain among the lowest in the region. The increase does not affect the 3% transfer to the city. Council approved on first reading. - Building Code Adoption (Ordinances 2026-14 through 2026-18): Director Paxton presented the adoption of 2024 International Codes and the National Electrical Code, with local amendments, replacing the current 2018 editions. A delayed effective date of January 1, 2027, allows projects in progress to proceed. Council approved all five ordinances on first reading. - Conditional Use Permit (Resolution 32-2026): Director Paxton presented a request for after-school daycare at 813 Clay Street for Zion Lutheran Church, with conditions including an eight-foot solid screening fence and operating hours from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Larry Catron, church board president, spoke in support, stating the program would serve 15 children. Public speaker Jacob Shivley questioned the fence height requirement. Paxton clarified the screening fence is required only adjacent to residential property. Council approved. - Employee Benefit Trust (Resolution 34-2026): Assistant City Manager K Meismer presented the resolution authorizing the transfer of funds for FY2027 employee benefits, following trustee approval. Council approved. - Tax Rate Resolution (Resolution 35-2026): Finance Director J Behrens presented the resolution to authorize the Kerr County Tax Assessor-Collector to calculate the voter-approval tax rate as a special taxing unit (8 percent) due to the disaster declaration. She emphasized the resolution only allows calculation, not adoption, and is subject to new state provisions requiring reporting to the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Councilmember Jeff asked about the previous year's disaster rate; Behrens explained the law prevents consecutive use if property values increase. Council approved. Key Outcomes - All agenda items received unanimous approval. - The consent agenda (Item 4) was approved collectively. - The zoning change (Item 5A) and KPUB rate increase (Item 5B) were approved on first reading. - The five building code ordinances (Item 6A) were approved on first reading; second reading is scheduled for August 25, 2026, with an effective date of January 1, 2027. - The conditional use permit (Item 7A), employee benefit trust resolution (Item 8A), and tax rate resolution (Item 8B) were approved. - No executive session was held; the meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.