New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Attorney and City Manager Searches
Council discussed the search and selection process for a City Attorney and City Manager behind closed doors. Any actual hiring will happen in a future open meeting.
City Leadership Recruitment
The City Council is reviewing the performance of the current City Manager and kicking off the search process for key leadership roles including the City Attorney and City Manager. These decisions shape how city services are administered and how legal matters are handled for residents.
Charter Review Committee
Council debated the size and appointment structure of the upcoming Charter Review Commission, deciding on a seven-member board with two alternates to review city governance.
Data Center Regulations
Staff presented proposed zoning code amendments requiring special use permits in heavy industrial districts for data centers, featuring strict standards for noise, setbacks, landscaping, and utility usage.
Police Union Meet and Confer Agreement Amendments
The city and the New Braunfels Police Officers Association scheduled discussions regarding potential updates to their labor agreement.
Interim City Attorney Employment Terms
The City Council discussed the employment terms and arrangements for the interim city attorney during a closed executive session.
FY 2027 Proposed Budget
The board adopted the upcoming fiscal year budget, which outlines projected revenues, debt obligations, and funding for ongoing community projects.
Land Acquisition for Economic Development
The city is looking at spending $4.6 million to buy nearly 7 acres of land, which could be used for future economic growth projects.
Project Maiden Economic Development
City officials discussed potential economic development agreements for Project Casa behind closed doors.
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.
Manufactured Home Zoning and Non-Conforming Use
Sun Retreats requested a rezoning from C-3 to C-3 SUP to legalize 10 manufactured homes placed on their property. Surrounding neighbors strongly opposed the move, citing neighborhood character and illegal permit issuance, prompting the council to postpone the decision.
Police Deputy Chief Promotional Process
A scoring discrepancy in the Deputy Chief promotional exam raised questions about whether the Chief's interview should have been converted to a 100-point scale like the written test and assessment center. The Commission ultimately sustained the original eligibility list, so the ranking of candidates for Deputy Chief vacancies stands as-is.
Commercial Design Standards
The commission is deciding if a car dealership should be allowed to bypass certain design rules meant to keep buildings looking good.
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.
Infrastructure and Growth
Residents expressed deep concerns about whether current water and sewer infrastructure can handle new high-density housing developments.
Police Department Headquarters Repairs
Residents and council members raised alarm over severe building defects, soil movement, roof leaks, and humidity at the 2019 bond-funded police headquarters, prompting demands for an independent forensic investigation.
Castell Avenue Infrastructure and Drainage Improvements
Staff presented projected cost increases for the Castell Avenue drainage and underground utility project due to project refinement and market escalation.
ADA Accessibility Compliance
The city is working to make sure all public buildings, parks, and websites are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.