Development News for Kerrville, Texas

City Council Approves Fee Ordinance After Citizen Input, Reappoints EIC Members

The council discussed ordinance amendments related to alcoholic beverages, specifically the deletion of a local fee. George Budy, a citizen, urged the council to table the ordinance, arguing that the fee generates revenue and could be modified to comply with new state legislation rather than being eliminated entirely. He suggested assessing the fee structure to ensure compliance while retaining the revenue. The council ultimately approved the consent agenda, including this ordinance, unanimously. Additionally, the council discussed appointments to the Environmental Improvement Committee (EIC), reappointing Gilberto Bez and Beck Gibson for second terms and appointing Justin Foster to fill a vacant spot. Council members were also asked to review their committee liaisons and indicate preferences for future assignments, with appointments to be made by seniority.

Raymond Julius Hardy Honored with Kindness Award; City Announces Summer Community Events

The council recognized Raymond Julius Hardy with a Kurville kindness award for his dedication to serving young people with special needs through the Kurville Independent School District after retiring from a career in insurance. He assisted students with assignments, job training, and life skills, and also drove a school bus. Hardy is an active member of First United Methodist Church, served on the Salvation Army board, contributes to the Hill Country District of ordained ministry, and previously served on the board of the Raphael Clinic. In other community news, the library's summer reading program is underway with various activities, and the 2026 community day is scheduled for June 6th, featuring events at Kerville Shriner Park, including a beachfront reopening. Shakespeare in the Park performances are planned for June 5th and 6th, and a cornhole tournament is set for June 13th. The Junior Citizens Police Academy will be offered in June for youth entering 6th-8th grade. The Smithsonian exhibit 'Spark, a Place of Innovation' is available at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center until June 28th.

City Council Considers Utility Code Amendments and Approves Pump Station Expansion

The council is considering an ordinance to amend Chapter 110 of the city's code of ordinances, related to utilities. Proposed changes include adding new definitions, clarifying water and wastewater fee calculations, refining provisions for meter tampering and theft of utilities, amending water conservation stages, and updating water well provisions. The ordinance also includes clauses for cumulative effect, severability, an effective date, and ordering publication. Separately, discussion also touched upon water and sewer fund tracking, which is close to budget, and enterprise funds, with Kerville Shriner Park and the golf course running behind budget. The Travis Street booster pump station expansion project, including a required storage tank, was approved with a bid of $1.3 million, a significant increase from the initial master plan estimate due to added requirements and market volatility. Discussions also covered proposed increases to reuse irrigation rates and utility expense adjustments, particularly for gas. The city is focusing on sustainability and has a facility fund set aside for future needs.

Council Approves $5,000 for Downtown Restroom Upgrades and Increases Facade Grant Funding

The council approved Resolution TUR number one, authorizing the expenditure of up to $5,000 from Tourism & Visitors (TUR) funds for updates to downtown restrooms. This expenditure requires city council approval as it involves TUR funds. The proposed work includes repainting and replacing fixtures. The discussion also involved clarifying the process for TUR fund expenditures, with a citizen speaker noting that state law does not mandate council approval for all TUR funding if already authorized by the project finance plan. Separately, a resolution was approved to add $50,000 to the facade improvement grant program, bringing the total to $100,000, and dedicating an additional $50,000 towards upgrading parking lots within the tourist district. This addition was prompted by a considerable number of applicants requesting parking lot improvements.