New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Heritage HOT Grant Process
City commission members will receive training on how to score upcoming grant applications for local arts and heritage programs. This session ensures fair and consistent evaluation of community funding requests.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
City debt and EDC borrowing practices
Resident Esther Sandoval flagged city debt growing from $265M (2020) to over $400M (2025) and asked for a full debt presentation before the May 2027 bond election. Bob King proposed requiring all future EDC borrowing be non-recourse revenue bonds rather than general-obligation debt backed by taxpayers.
Committee Budget and Future Project Funding
Members will look into potential funding sources to establish a dedicated committee budget for upcoming local projects.
FY 2026 Third Quarter Financial Report
The council is reviewing the city's financial performance and spending halfway through the fiscal year's final stretch.
FY 2027 Proposed Budget
The board adopted the upcoming fiscal year budget, which outlines projected revenues, debt obligations, and funding for ongoing community projects.
FY 2027 Reinvestment Zone and Development Authority Budget
The advisory committee reviewed how parking revenue is reinvested into downtown New Braunfels to support wayfinding, signage, and infrastructure projects that benefit visitors and local businesses.
FY 2027-FY 2032 Financial Projections
A review of long-term financial forecasts for the reinvestment zone and development authority covering fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
FY 2027-2032 Financial Projections
The board received a presentation detailing financial forecasts for the next five years, giving insight into future revenues and planned investments.
Chapter 395 Financial Audit Compliance
Staff presented the five-year financial audit required by state law for roadway impact fees, ensuring proper accounting of past collections and expenditures.
2026 Ad Valorem Tax Rate
The city set its proposed property tax rate at the no-new-revenue level of $0.415613 per $100 valuation, resulting in a minor annual increase of about $13 for an average homestead.
Employee Compensation and Tiered Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Council discussed whether to implement a tiered cost-of-living adjustment to give larger raises to lower-paid employees. While some council members favored helping lower-income workers, the city manager raised concerns about potential impacts on recruitment, retention, and existing market pay studies.
TIRZ #5 Project and Finance Plan
The board reviewed and approved the financial blueprint for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 4 near Zipp Park, which will guide future public investments and funding allocations in the area.
FY 2026 Taxpayer Impact Statement
The city is required to show residents how their property tax bills will change under the new budget. This helps homeowners see exactly how much they might pay based on their county's median home value.
FY 2026 Annual External Audit and Financial Reporting
The committee reviewed the city's financial standing through the May Financial Report and the external audit conducted by Crowe LLP to ensure fiscal accountability.
Finance Department Public Educational Workshop
The committee discussed creating a public workshop to help residents understand local government finance and how city funds are managed.
Use of Certificates of Obligation
The city initiated the debt issuance process for the Call Street Drainage Project, with financing to be repaid entirely by the Economic Development Corporation sales tax revenues.
CDBG Program Year 2026 Planning and Application Cycle
The advisory committee reviewed ongoing grant-funded activities and handled administrative duties like officer elections and conflict-of-interest forms for the CDBG program.
Airport Financial Sustainability
Forgiving the airport's remaining loan balance will help improve its operating cash flow and support future infrastructure expansions.