New Braunfels City Council Special Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council held a special regular meeting on July 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting included three workshop presentations: proposed amendments to the city's drought contingency plan, an annual update from the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area, and a presentation on the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Incidental Take Permit renewal. The council also convened in executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the city attorney position and subsequently voted unanimously to appoint Nathan Brown as Interim City Attorney.

Workshop A: Drought Contingency Plan Amendments

• Ryan Kelso, CEO of New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), and Andrew Cummings, Director of Customer Solutions, presented proposed amendments to Chapter 130 of the City's Code of Ordinances to adjust residential and landscape irrigation drought surcharges, revise drought stage designations and triggers, and clarify definitions.
• The proposal includes:
  • Increasing drought surcharges from $1–$2 per thousand gallons to $4.18–$4.89 per thousand gallons for stages 3, 4, and 5.
  • Protecting essential household water users (those using 6,000 gallons per month or less) from any surcharge.
  • Aligning drought triggers with Edwards Aquifer Authority staging.
  • Maintaining stage 2 (twice-weekly watering) instead of moving to stage 3 (once every two weeks), which NBU said creates scarcity and inefficiency.
  • Shifting from enforcement to education; NBU stopped drought patrols in 2023 and reports water demands are flat or declining.
  • For new construction during stages 3–5, requiring 50% of turf for residential and 25% for commercial to be replaced with approved drought-tolerant ground cover.
  • Any excess revenue from surcharges will be directed to a customer utility bill assistance program.
• The proposal has been reviewed by the NBU Board and the Community Advisory Panel, which endorsed the shift to education-first and protection of essential users.
• Councilmembers discussed the frequency of stage 3 triggers (last experienced in 2022 for 2.5 years), the impact of reduced surcharge thresholds (from 15,000 to 12,000 gallons for domestic, 7,500 to 6,000 for irrigation), and the need for clear public education.
• Councilmember Edwards requested data on the number of customers newly affected by the lower threshold. Councilmember Spradley asked about long-term turf restrictions beyond drought stages; staff noted ongoing Land Development Ordinance revisions.
• No vote was taken; a first reading is planned for August 10, 2026, and a second reading for August 24, 2026, with implementation targeted for October 1, 2026.

Workshop B: Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area – FY 2027 Contract Update

• Jared Werner (City staff) and Sarah Hammond (Executive Director, Humane Society) presented an annual update. The city and county have partnered with the Humane Society since 1980. After financial struggles four years ago, the city increased funding and collaborated closely.
• Key statistics:
  • The shelter serves the city and all of Comal County as the only brick-and-mortar facility, taking in about 4,700 animals per year (2025 intake: ~4,700; 2026 projected over 5,000 due to 6% increase from 2024).
  • 93% live outcome rate (94% for dogs, 92% for cats) in 2025.
  • 50% of intake comes from within New Braunfels.
  • Starting pay for animal care technicians is $13/hour; staff of 26.
• Financials: City/ county contract revenue covers 48% of total income; reliance on gifts, donations, and grants for 35% of operating expenses. The proposed FY 2027 contract includes a 13% increase (approx. $75,000–$80,000 from the city) to continue closing the gap.
• Councilmember Edwards advocated for a 35% increase instead of 13%, noting growing intake and facility needs. Councilmember Carter suggested exploring Economic Development Corporation (EDC) funding for capital improvements.
• Councilmember Shaw asked about raising adoption fees; Hammond explained that waiving fees helps move animals out alive. Councilmember Spradley requested a detailed breakdown of dollar amounts and potential trade-offs in the budget when the county also acts.
• Staff agreed to bring back a report after the county determines its contribution, including an evaluation of 4B fund eligibility for capital projects.

Workshop C: Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Incidental Take Permit Renewal

• Amy Niles, River and Watershed Manager, presented on the renewal of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) and Incidental Take Permit (ITP). The current 15-year permit expires March 2028. The proposal is for a 30-year renewal.
• The EAHCP provides compliance with the Endangered Species Act, covering seven listed species in the Comal Springs and River systems. Without the regional permit, the city would face restrictions on river recreation, maintenance, and construction, or would need to obtain its own permit at a cost of millions of dollars.
• Key proposed changes: expanding coverage to include infrastructure maintenance and repair (e.g., retaining walls, tube chute improvements); doubling permit term to 30 years; and updating conservation measures based on new data.
• The EAHCP is funded through Edwards Aquifer Authority management fees; the city currently receives funding for many measures (e.g., litter management, vegetation management, non-native species removal).
• Councilmember Edwards raised concerns about incorporating findings from ongoing floating vegetation studies into the renewal timeline. Niles confirmed studies will be completed before the draft but noted negotiations could be cumbersome.
• Councilmember Labowski asked about fishing and wading at Landa Park; Niles confirmed existing protections remain.
• Next steps: First draft submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife by September 2026; city council resolution expected around December 2027; application submitted February 2028. Coverage continues while application is pending.

Executive Session

• The council entered closed session at 7:08 p.m. under Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss the appointment of Nathan Brown as Interim City Attorney and the search for a permanent City Attorney.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Interim City Attorney: Councilmember Edwards moved to appoint Nathan Brown as Interim City Attorney, effective immediately. Councilmember Labowski seconded. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). The council also discussed potentially making the appointment retroactive via a separate contract.
• No other votes were taken on workshop items; those will return for formal readings in August and September 2026.