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Record of Proceedings

Kerrville City Council Meeting Summary – June 23, 2026

City Council & associated boards — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
BodyKerrville, Texas
SessionCity Council & associated boards
DateTuesday, June 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:00:19

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:25

Generally we pray and then we do the pledges.

0:33

Alright.

Unassigned speaker

0:35

Thank

Speaker 1

0:35

you all for being here.

0:36

I'm going to go ahead and call to order the June 23rd, 2026 Carville City Council meeting.

0:43

That's all rise for the invocation and a pledge of allegiance.

0:46

And we're going to do something a little different tonight.

0:48

Not only are we going to pledge allegiance to the American flag, but Crystal Smith is going to lead us on the pledge to the Texas Flag.

Speaker 2

0:57

If you'll bow your head.

1:47

Not only today, but every day.

1:49

It is in your name we pray.

1:51

Amen.

Unassigned speaker

1:55

I

Speaker 2

1:56

pledging.

Speaker 3

2:10

Honored flag.

Speaker 2

2:12

I pledge.

Unassigned speaker

2:20

And

Speaker 2

2:20

then we say yeah.

Unassigned speaker

2:24

I

Speaker 1

2:25

have to look at my phone.

2:26

Oh my god.

2:27

Thank you.

2:32

We're going to start tonight with a public ceremony.

2:36

The statement and oath of office for our new new police chief, Gerald L.

2:40

Haley.

2:42

I'm sorry.

2:43

I've skipped again.

Speaker 3

2:47

I apologize.

Speaker 4

2:48

I don't mind at all.

2:50

Let's

Speaker 1

2:50

start with Martin.

Speaker 4

2:52

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

2:54

And members of the audience and those watching at home.

2:57

Although I thought I see Stuart here in the audience, so I'm expecting him to be watching at home, but glad to see him

Unassigned speaker

3:02

here.

Speaker 4

3:03

Anyhow, we'll start off with this Saturday.

3:07

Enjoy an evening of live music at Louise Hayes Park Centennial Stage, featuring the Corey Weaver Band.

3:13

Local food trucks and family friendly fun will be there.

3:16

Bring your favorite chair.

3:18

This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend.

3:23

And on July 3rd, there will be another event at Louise Hayes Park with a faith and fellowship for healing, togetherness, and um just a remembrance of the tragedy that befell us and the community here.

3:47

So it's a free event, and it starts at 6 o'clock to 9 30.

3:55

There'll be live music, children's activities, mental health support, and canines for Christ, and a candlelight ceremony, weather permitting.

4:07

And next slide.

4:16

Activities begin at 10 a.m.

Unassigned speaker

4:18

with

Speaker 4

4:19

live music starting at 3:15 and the fireworks at 9.45.

4:23

Again, the free the event is free and open to the public and will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids' zone, a cornhole tournament, and fireworks.

4:34

No outside alcoholic or alcohol or drugs are permitted on festival grounds.

4:44

And then um yeah the after the fireworks show at Louise Hayes Park, there will be an aerial tribute to our first responders, community healing, and a celebration of our nation's 250th birthday this event to you is brought to you by Cur Together and the Spirit of Giving

Unassigned speaker

5:03

and

Speaker 4

5:04

we're grateful for their generous donation and the event and that is all for me council back to you

Speaker 5

5:12

well the Water Street Festival is happening again this year we have more artists this year we have already have a whole bunch of sponsors always looking for more though it will be October 24th that's a Saturday uh downtown Kerrville uh it'll be from 9 to 3 so mark that on your calendar 1024

Speaker 6

5:33

yeah yes sir um just another reminder that on July the first

Unassigned speaker

5:38

at

Speaker 6

5:39

the Dieter Center they are doing the military appreciation dinner um everybody is welcome to come support your your veterans veterans are welcome to come and uh they just asked the few RSVPs so they know how many plates to prepare for our for everybody that's coming so hopefully we'll see a very large crowd at the uh

Unassigned speaker

5:59

the

Speaker 6

6:00

center for our vets thank you

Speaker 1

6:06

just just I'm sorry I keep forgetting I was very very apologetic

Speaker 3

6:12

you're welcome sir

Summary of Proceedings

Kerrville City Council Meeting Summary – June 23, 2026

The City Council of Kerrville, Texas, met on June 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included the swearing-in of a new Chief of Police, proclamations, a financial report, public comment criticizing EMS staffing, and the unanimous approval of several consent items, infrastructure contracts, and the conveyance of a historic cemetery. The council entered executive session regarding personnel matters but took no formal action.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • Chief of Police Oath: Jerel L. Haley (referred to as 'Gerald L. Haley' in the meeting transcript) was sworn in as the new Chief of Police.
  • America 250: A proclamation recognized the 250th anniversary of the United States and promoted the community's 'Kerr 250' events.
  • Arcadia Theater: A proclamation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the theater. Board members announced the venue is now completely debt-free.
  • City Secretary Award: The City Secretary's Office received the 2026 Achievement of Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Clerk Association, one of 42 out of 1,251 municipalities recognized.

Financial Report

Finance Director J. Behrens presented the monthly financial report.

  • Property Tax: Collections are at 96% and tracking well.
  • Sales Tax: Performing $300,000 better than budget year-to-date with a 5% rolling average increase, though June collections are down 7% for reasons not yet determined.
  • Budget Pressures: Rising health, property, and liability insurance costs, along with a 40% increase in fuel costs, were cited as major budget challenges.
  • Budget Calendar: A budget workshop was held June 16; the next is scheduled for July 16. The water fund is currently projected to run a $130,000 deficit.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • George Hohan (retired SAFD officer, former Kerrville firefighter): Expressed strong criticism of the city's emergency medical services, arguing that three ambulances during the day and two at night are inadequate for the city's 25,800 residents and the 1,100 square mile county. He blamed council and management for burnout and turnover, and urged the council to prioritize life safety, even if it requires a tax increase.
  • Prior to the executive session item, Judy Eichner urged the council to discuss personnel matters in executive session. Mike Sigerman expressed concern about the recent turnover of key city personnel and encouraged the council to investigate the causes.

Discussion Items

  • Consent Agenda (Items 5A-5I): The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including second readings of zoning changes for properties on TX 534 Loop (to R-3), 404 Crawford Street (to IM), and 3020 and 3030 Memorial Boulevard (to RM), as well as a resolution for the Kerrville Triathlon.
  • 6A & 6B: Quinlan Creek Sewer Project: Approved a funding agreement with the Economic Improvement Corporation and a $456,386 professional services contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for the design phase of the sewer line.
  • 6C: KISD Interlocal Agreement: Unanimously approved an updated interlocal agreement with the school district to reflect current mutual use of facilities.
  • 6D: River Trail Camp Meeting Creek Bridge: Approved a $264,000 construction contract with Presidio Contracting, LLC to complete the River Trail.
  • 6E & 6F: Tivy Mountain Historic Black Cemetery: Approved a services agreement and Resolution No. 28-2026 to convey 2.8 acres of city land at 1280 Cypress Creek Road to the Tivy Mountain Historic Black Cemetery Association. Association members and historian Rosa Lavender expressed gratitude, noting the effort to preserve the cemetery has spanned 50 years. The agreement includes a reversion clause if the property is not maintained.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes: All action items (Consent Agenda, 6A through 6F) were approved by unanimous votes.
  • Executive Session: A motion to avoid executive session failed (2-3). A subsequent motion to enter executive session under Section 551.074 (Personnel) passed (3-2). The council reported no formal action was taken. Councilmember Harris publicly affirmed support for City Manager Dalton Rice and stated he will work with him on several issues.

Meeting Transcript

Generally we pray and then we do the pledges. Alright. Thank you all for being here. I'm going to go ahead and call to order the June 23rd, 2026 Carville City Council meeting. That's all rise for the invocation and a pledge of allegiance. And we're going to do something a little different tonight. Not only are we going to pledge allegiance to the American flag, but Crystal Smith is going to lead us on the pledge to the Texas Flag. If you'll bow your head. Not only today, but every day. It is in your name we pray. Amen. I pledging. Honored flag. I pledge. And then we say yeah. I have to look at my phone. Oh my god. Thank you. We're going to start tonight with a public ceremony. The statement and oath of office for our new new police chief, Gerald L. Haley. I'm sorry. I've skipped again. I apologize. I don't mind at all. Let's start with Martin. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. And members of the audience and those watching at home. Although I thought I see Stuart here in the audience, so I'm expecting him to be watching at home, but glad to see him here. Anyhow, we'll start off with this Saturday. Enjoy an evening of live music at Louise Hayes Park Centennial Stage, featuring the Corey Weaver Band. Local food trucks and family friendly fun will be there. Bring your favorite chair. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend. And on July 3rd, there will be another event at Louise Hayes Park with a faith and fellowship for healing, togetherness, and um just a remembrance of the tragedy that befell us and the community here. So it's a free event, and it starts at 6 o'clock to 9 30. There'll be live music, children's activities, mental health support, and canines for Christ, and a candlelight ceremony, weather permitting. And next slide. Activities begin at 10 a.m. with live music starting at 3:15 and the fireworks at 9.45. Again, the free the event is free and open to the public and will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids' zone, a cornhole tournament, and fireworks. No outside alcoholic or alcohol or drugs are permitted on festival grounds. And then um yeah the after the fireworks show at Louise Hayes Park, there will be an aerial tribute to our first responders, community healing, and a celebration of our nation's 250th birthday this event to you is brought to you by Cur Together and the Spirit of Giving

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