Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
On September 8, 2026, the New Braunfels City Council held a special meeting from 5:00 p.m. to 7:03 p.m. to discuss and provide direction on the FY 2027 Operating Budget and Plan of Municipal Services. City Manager Robert Camareno, Jared Werner, and Jordan Matney presented updated budget scenarios and answered council questions. The council directed staff to move forward with the scenario that was presented (Scenario One) for adoption on September 14.
The workshop centered on the FY 2027 budget. Key discussions included:
Budget Overview: The proposed tax rate is set at the no-new-revenue rate, as property values have seen the lowest growth in 15 years. The budget includes $13 million in strategic initiatives (up from $12.1 million), a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees plus step increases for sworn personnel, and 25 new positions (23.5 FTEs). Health insurance contributions increase after nine years. The city maintains a AA bond rating.
Tiered COLA Proposal: Mayor Michael French asked staff to model a tiered COLA: 3.5% for employees earning $0–$80,000 (514 employees), 3% for $80,001–$110,000 (38 employees), and 2.5% for over $110,000 (37 employees). Staff found this would fit within the existing 3% COLA funding but would result in non-uniform employees receiving a higher percentage than uniformed police and fire. Councilmembers Spradley, Labowski, Shaw, and Edwards expressed opposition or caution, citing potential morale issues, compression, and the need for research. Mayor French stated his aim was to find savings for unfunded non-discretionary items. Councilmember Carter noted the budget process is two-way and suggested starting earlier in 2027.
Non-Essential Spending Reductions: Mayor French requested analysis of 1%, 2%, and 3% cuts to non-personnel budgets in the City Manager, Communications, HR, Finance, and IT departments. A 1% cut would save $22,165. Staff noted limited contingency in the general fund (76% of costs are employee-related).
Overtime: Fire, Police, and Public Works had the highest overtime. Fire deployments are reimbursed. Police are under budget for FY 2026. Public Works overtime increased due to weather and special events. Staff are developing a mass gathering ordinance to address cost recovery.
Contracts and Consultants: Mayor French asked about reducing outside consultants. Councilmember Edwards noted council often mandates studies. Staff agreed to compile a comprehensive contract inventory.
Software Licenses: Mayor French sought a breakdown of IT spending. Staff showed enterprise software costs and said they audit for duplicate subscriptions.
Fleet Replacement: Almost all of the $2 million tax note for vehicles goes to public safety. Only two non-public safety vehicles (2015 models) are on the replacement list.
Retiree Health Insurance Premiums: Staff proposed phasing a 25% increase over two years (12.5% per year) to ease the burden on fixed-income retirees. Councilmember Labowski expressed sympathy, while Councilmember Shaw warned against deferring costs and setting a new precedent. No alternative direction was given, so the phase-in remains the staff recommendation.
TIRZ and Revenue Diversions: Councilmember Carter suggested reviewing Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones to understand their impact on the general fund. The city manager agreed this was a useful conversation.
Future Challenges: City Manager Camareno noted that FY 2028 may be even more challenging due to legislative constraints and rising costs.
I call this special meeting of the new Bronfield City Council to order. Today's date is September 8, 2026, and the time is 5 o'clock PM. We request that all cell phones and other devices be on silent except emergency on call personnel. Madam Secretary, can please call roll. Yes, sir. Councilmember Carter. Here. Mayor Pro Tim Capisi. Here. Council Member Edwards. Hair. Council Members Bradley. Here. Councilmember Lebowski. Here. Councilmember Shaw. Here. And Mayor Franch. I'm present and we have a quorum. We will now proceed. Please join me in the invocation brought to you by Councilmember Edwards, followed by the Pledges of Allegiance. Thank you. Almighty God, we come before you with grateful hearts, asking for a voice of understanding in this council and throughout our city. Guide our words, steady our thoughts, and help us listen with humility so that every decision we make may serve the good of our neighbors. Lord, teach us patience when the work is difficult, courage when the path is unclear, and wisdom when choices carry great responsibility. Let our mission as a city be achieved with integrity, diligence, and a spirit that seeks what is right rather than what is easy. Help us make no unnecessary sacrifice, bear no unneeded expense, but instead steward every resource with care. May we seek counsel, wear actions wisely, and complete the task before us with clear purpose and faithful resolve. Keep our hearts tuned toward every resident, young and old, strong and vulnerable, long established and newly arrived. Our labor reflect compassion, fairness, and sincere desire to build a city where all may flourish. We ask for unity without complacency, progress without pride, and confidence rooted in truth. Please bless this council, this city, and our citizens, and all we do. Thank you, and amen. One nation. Under God indivisible. Liberty and Justice Crawl. One state one and indivisible. Thank you, everyone, for showing up today. We're going to start off with a workshop, and this is item A. Discuss, consider, and provide possible direction for the FY 2027 operating budget and plan of municipal services. Mr. Robert Camarino. Thank you, Mayor, members of council. Uh today is will be our fifth budget workshop. Uh and uh today was sort of an all hands on deck.