Boerne Fair Oaks Ranch Edition | February 2026

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Boerne Fair Oaks Ranch Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10 MARCH 330, 2026

Plans underway for new re stations Boerne, Bexar County to invest in new facilities, expanded emergency response services

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Kendall County is approaching a population of 50,000 people, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. With growth comes an increased need for public services such as expanded re departments, Boerne Fire Chief Manny Casarez said. The Boerne Fire Department and the Bexar County Emergency Services Department No. 4 are working on long-term projects to bring new facilities online in Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch in an eort to provide responsive services. While the two departments work to meet regional growth, challenges in stang, acquiring equipment and constructing facilities have increased department costs and extended completion timelines. Both departments are working on funding upcoming re stations: ESD 4 is looking at renovating a facility near Fair Oaks Ranch, while also considering a new station o I-10—Station 135. While the I-10 location is a conrmed site, the station has not been approved for construction, ESD 4 Fire Chief Jack Andrade said. “What makes me have some angst about it is that the I-10 area is kind of like a guardrail,” Andrade said. “If your re station is on one side, it’s very dicult to get to the other side.” A nal decision on the construction of Station 135 is planned for early 2026.

CONTINUED ON 14

Members of the Boerne and Sisterdale Fire Departments participated in a controlled burn to mitigate wildre risk in Kendall County.

COURTESY CITY OF BOERNE

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BOERNE FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Impacts

BOERNE LAKE

474

a handpicked selection of clothing, accessories and personal hygiene products. • Opened Jan. 30

• 612 River Road, Boerne • Instagram: @elaraboerne

ADLERST.

5 Texas Regional Bank The regional banking chain offers clients traditional personal banking services, business banking, wealth management, market services and more. • Opened Feb. 9 • 19 Herff Road, Boerne • www.trb.bank

BLANCORD.

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Coming soon

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6 Chase Bank The national banking institution offers banking services from checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, investments and financial education. It will be Boerne’s first Chase Bank location. • Opening March 3 • 441 W. Bandera Road, Boerne • www.chase.com

OLD SAN ANTONIO RD.

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What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

7 H-E-B A True Texas BBQ is being planned for the store’s location in Fair Oaks Ranch. The fast-casual restaurant offers barbecue by the pound, dinner plates, sandwiches, sides and more. • Expansion TBD • 29388 W. I-10 frontage road, Boerne • www.heb.com

• 1491 S. Main St., Boerne • Instagram: @twelvetotwelveboerne

Now open

1 Alamo Botanicals Locally owned by Nancy and David Burrow, the new shop offers a variety of CBD and THCA products, along with enhanced beverages and skincare options. • Opened Jan. 16 • 228 W. Bandera Road, Ste. 100, Boerne • www.alamobotanicals.com 2 Twelve to Twelve This new cocktail bar, lounge and event venue has mixologists serving a variety of traditional and specialty cocktails, according to local Owner Patricio Penalosa. • Opened Jan. 20

3 Marble Slab Creamery + Great American Cookies This dual-branded cookie and ice cream parlor serves up specialty ice cream by the cone or quart, plus a selection of gourmet cookies and cookie cakes. • Opened Jan. 20 • 10049 Lemon Creek Blvd., Ste. 105, Boerne • www.marbleslab.com 4 Elara Aesthetics & Boutique The new shop, locally-owned by Michelle Hoyt, offers facial treatments, microneedling, face peels and more for beauty purposes, while the boutique has

Expansions

8 The Sanctuary of the Vintage Soul This local boutique—owned by Joyce and Steve Baker—is expanding its storefront along the Hill Country Mile, offering more faith-based products along with vintage goods, furniture and more.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANDREW CREELMAN & JARRETT WHITENER

Hill Country Animal Rescue As of Jan. 1, the Hill Country SPCA changed its name to Hill Country Animal Rescue. The no-kill, private intake rescue serves people and animals throughout the Hill Country. • 2981 S. Hwy. 16, Fredericksburg; serving the entire Hill Country • www.hillcountryanimalrescue.org

• 195 S. Main St., Boerne • www.sanctuaryvintage.com

Now open

In the news

9 AgriCultural Museum & Arts Center The museum and heritage center is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Boerne with a special Power of the Past event on March 28. • Boerne City Park, 102 City Park Road, Boerne • www.theagricultural.org 10 Las Palapas The San Antonio-born, fast-casual Tex-Mex chain is celebrating its 45th anniversary throughout 2026. Las Palapas serves breakfast plates, enchiladas and more.

Worth the trip

Work Your Plans Showroom The new architectural design facility allows users to explore life-sized renderings before the construction of buildings and various projects, the first of its kind in Texas. • Opened early February • 7822 Fortune Drive, San Antonio • www.walkyourplanssat.com San Antonio International Airport New flights have been added at the city’s airport, from three new domestic destinations to a new international flight to Santiago de Querétaro in Mexico. • New flights launching this spring and early summer • 9800 Airport Blvd., San Antonio • www.flysanantonio.com

12 Club Car Wash The nationwide car wash chain offers tiered wash packages alongside free vacuums, mat cleaners and more, according to its website. Monthly unlimited wash memberships are also available for patrons. • Opened Jan. 15 • 28353 E. I-10 frontage road, Boerne • www.clubcarwash.com

• 114 Herff Road, Boerne • www.laspalapas.com

11 Jefferson Bank The San Antonio-born bank is celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout 2026. Jefferson Bank offers clients a full spectrum of banking services, from personal finance to business accounts and more.

• 371 N. Main St., Boerne • www.jeffersonbank.com

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BOERNE - FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Government

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Fair Oaks Ranch looks ahead at future growth at State of the City

response time was about three minutes, and just over two minutes in emergency responses. A total of 5,312 calls were responded to, and nearly 3,700 traffic stops were conducted over the past year. Of the traffic stops, 76% resulted in warnings rather than citations. "This approach reflects their focus on promoting safety and education, and not on the number of tickets issued," Maxton said. Overall, the number of new home permits in Fair Oaks Ranch was down compared to previous years, as the city had 44 new permits, and was seeing up to 200 permits each year. Despite the lower number of home permits, residential developments in the community continue to bring new homes online. In 2025, the city signed a development agreement with the Post Oak development, essentially halving the number of homes for the project. Alongside Post Oak, Oak Bend Estates is also planned to be under construction in 2026, Maxton said. Between Post Oak and Oak Bend Estates, a total of 337 homes on one-acre lots are planned for Fair Oaks Ranch.

Throughout 2025, the city of Fair Oaks Ranch completed multiple projects and approved contracts for upcoming infrastructure projects that move the city one step closer to full build- out. On Jan. 29, Mayor Greg Maxton, City Manager Scott Huizenga, city staff and city officials highlighted the accomplishments of the city in the past year and what is to come in 2026 and beyond. Maxton told attendees that City Council and staff focus on the following five priorities: • Public health and safety • Reliable and sustainable infrastructure • Responsible growth management

Fair Oaks Ranch projects

1 Dietz Elkhorn reconstruction 2 Ammann Road reconstruction 3 Elevated water storage tank 4 Water treatment plant expansion 5 SAWS water line extension

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• Operational excellence • Financial responsibility

Highlighting financial responsibility, Maxton said the city’s financial department has achieved the “Triple Crown” recognition for three years in a row. This award is presented to approximately 400 governments out of around 90,000 eligible governments. In 2025, the city of Fair Oaks Ranch was ranked the 16th safest city in the state of Texas, and the No. 1 safest city in the San Antonio area. Maxton said the police department’s average

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What they’re saying

Looking ahead

“I say this a lot, and I truly mean it: pound for pound, this is the best, most productive staff I have worked with.” SCOTT HUIZENGA CITY MANAGER

city, Maxton said. City staff is moving forward with plans to build an elevated storage tank or water tower on the northernmost curve of Ammann Road. This project was approved in 2025, after City Council approved a property purchase from the city of Boerne. Alongside the elevated storage tank project, a San Antonio Water System emergency line extension is planned South of Fair Oaks Parkway, and water main extensions are planned during the Dietz Elkhorn and Ammann Road reconstruction projects. “We are currently working on the engineering and design for the water tower, which should be completed this year, and construction will begin in 2027,” Maxton said.

As for transportation projects, there are plans to move forward with the Ammann Road and Dietz Elkhorn Road projects in 2026. Maxton said TxDOT is still making plans to widen Ralph Fair Road. The project is planned to be constructed in two phases, with the first phase going from I-10 to Old Paseo Way. Maxton said he anticipates this project starting in the next five years, as the project has been designed but not fully funded. The final set of projects Maxton highlighted were water and wastewater infrastructure expansions. While water availability is a major concern, the ability to distribute available water to residents is an additional concern for the

“I do not know if what we experience today is exactly what Ralph Fair envisioned when he began this journey in the 1970s, but it has undoubtedly grown into a truly special place.” GREG MAXTON MAYOR

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Kendall County volunteer fire department public safety contracts approved Kendall County has renewed its contracts with local fire departments, renewing services provided to county residents. The gist As a growing rural community, Kendall County does not have a dedicated full-time fire depart- ment, instead utilizing interlocal agreements with other departments to ensure public services to county residents. On Feb. 10, commissioners approved the renewal of agreements with the Boerne Fire Department, Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 4 and Blanco County ESD No. 2. Alongside the contract extensions, commission- ers approved a revision of the payment schedule for volunteer fire departments. What’s happening? Under the revised payment schedule, the county pays 40% of the allocation in the first quarter and 20% in subsequent quarters. County Auditor Corinna Speer said the pay- ments for the first and second quarters of the fiscal year have been made, and the agenda documents indicate a total of $352,240 was paid upon approval. General Counsel Jennifer O’Steen said the agree- ment with the city of Boerne is similar to previous agreements, in which the city fire department will respond to calls outside the city limits. The county and the city are required to have a signed agreement for the Boerne Fire Department

Kendall County Volunteer Fire Department payouts

Kendall County utilizes volunteer fire departments to provide fire services to county residents. As part of the county’s agreement with departments, an allotted amount is paid to each department.

Boerne

PARKWAY DR.

Bergheim VFD: $194,044.55 Comfort VFD: $58,151.45 Sisterdale VFD: $37,668.05 Kendalia VFD: $27,606.25

New Kendall County offices in the works Kendall County is preparing for a reno- vation of the Burdick Community Center, which is planned to house county offices. On Jan. 27, county commissioners received an update on the project. Mike Schultz, realtor with Hill Country Home and Land, said the cost of utility updates was originally estimated at $166,000. As of the Jan. 27 meeting, that number was reduced to around $112,000. The cost is split between Roy Maas Youth Alternatives and Kendall County, with the county expected to pay around $32,000. Some context The building was purchased by the county in January 2025 for $4 million and is planned to house Precinct 2 offices along- side other county departments. In July, the center was redistricted outside of Precinct 1 into Precinct 2 to be able to house the justice of the peace for the precinct. The building was previously used as a community center for Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, an organization focused on children’s residential care and counseling.

Total: $352K

Waring VFD: $21,805

Alamo Springs VFD: $12,964.70

SOURCE: KENDALL COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

to provide services in Kendall County, according to the agenda. According to the agreement between the city of Boerne and the county, the county shall pay the city $891,933. Agreements for EMS services were also made, as Kendall County EMS is the primary licensed EMS provider in Kendall County. Under the agreement, Kendall County EMS and the Boerne Fire Department work together to provide emergency services to residents within city limits and neighboring areas in the county. For Bexar County ESD 4, commissioners approved an agreement that establishes mutual aid between the two entities, allowing a shared support network. This agreement allows the ESD and the county to share personnel, equipment, facilities and other resources during an emergency or planned event.

Kendall Appraisal District office plans expansion The Kendall Appraisal District is planning a building expansion that will effectively double the size of the current office space. The overview Boerne City Council on Jan. 27 approved a Kendall Appraisal District building was built 15 years ago and has allowed the district to operate without incurring facility costs for local entities. During that period, the district returned more than $1 million to the contributing entities.

Boerne

SHOOTING CLUB RD.

MARKET AVE.

The 4,950-square-foot building was intended to house 17 employees, a collections office, a break room, a server room, a conference room and data storage. Due to area growth, the district projects an additional 750-1,000 formal protests each year by 2027.

To handle the workload, the appraisal district has expanded staff and needs additional space to process the 6,000-7,000 total protests each year. Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed in Spring 2027.

resolution to support the appraisal district expan- sion. City staff stated that the appraisal district requires the support of all taxing entities before the expansion can be implemented. According to agenda documents, the current

BOERNE - FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Election

BY JARRETT WHITENER

BISD, Fair Oaks Ranch to have contested race in May 2 election

Voters in Boerne ISD and the city of Fair Oaks Ranch will have contested races to consider during the May 2 election. While the city of Boerne had two seats up for election, only incumbents filed for a place on the ballot. What you need to know Boerne District 1 council member Ty Wolosin will run unopposed in May, alongside District 3 council member Kyle Mickelsen. With no challengers in the May election, Wolosin and Mickelsen will be sworn in following the canvassing of the election. Boerne City Council members serve three-year terms, following voter approval in 2025. Mickelsen was appointed to the District 3 seat in September after Quinten Scott resigned. After the May election, Mickelsen will be elected to his first full term. Keith Rhoden was the only candidate who

submitted an application for Fair Oaks Ranch City Council Place 2. For City Council Place 6, incumbent Jonathan Swarek will run against challenger Matthew Rei- gelsperger. Fair Oaks Ranch City Council members serve three-year terms. Swarek was appointed to City Council in March following the resignation of Chesley Muenchow, serving on City Council for a little over a year come election day. Boerne ISD Place 6 trustee Kristi Schmidt is running unopposed in May, while Place 7 incum- bent Rich Sena will run against Michael Ethridge, district staff said. Boerne ISD trustees serve three- year terms. Get involved April 2 is the last day to register to vote in the May 2 election, and early voting is scheduled for April 20-28. Voter information can be found through the Texas Secretary of State website.

Dates to know April 2: Last day to register to vote April 20: First day of early voting April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election day

Sample ballot

KEY: *Incumbent

Boerne ISD Board of Trustees, Place 7 Rich Sena* Michael Ethridge Fair Oaks Ranch City Council, Place 6 Jonathan Swarek* Matthew Reigelsperger

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Siena Court is an upcoming garden home community featuring 25 lots.

JARRETT WHITENERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Siena Court Garden Homes nal plat approved

Boerne Planning and Zoning Commissioners on Jan. 12 approved the nal plat of Siena Court Garden Homes, located northeast of Dailey and Frey streets. The nal plat includes 25 residential lots and four open- space lots on 5.47 acres. The gross density is 4.56 residential lots per acre. In a nutshell The preliminary plat was approved by the planning and zoning commission in 2018, having changed owners between the preliminary and nal plats. City sta said the new owner has committed to repairs to Siena Court pavement as directed by the city engineer, alongside other improvements. The commissioners raised concerns regarding the relation- ship between the new owner and

the previous owners, who also developed The Cottages at Oak Park. Mitchell Starnes, a represen- tative of the development, said the previous owner is no longer aliated with Siena Court. The details Starnes said the new owner, Jesse Moreno, had no ties to The Cottages at Oak Park. Assistant Planning Director Francesca Linder said the plat can be recorded and permits can be issued after the outlined stipula- tions have been met, which focus on road repairs, fencing/wall repairs and other infrastructure improvements. “All of these stipulations are a way to ensure that everything on here is addressed before recordation,” Linder said. “Once it’s recorded, then they can start applying for building permits and start building homes.”

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Siena Court specications

25 residential lots 1,400-1,900 square feet per home 4 open space lots 5.468 total acres 0.13 average acres per residential lot 0.676 acres of open space

Open Mon 10 am–6 pm; Tue 2 pm–6 pm; Wed–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun Noon–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an oering where prohibited by law.

OAK PARK DR.

SOURCE: CITY OF BOERNECOMMUNITY IMPACT

BOERNE FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Development

On Dec. 13, the San Antonio Zoo opened Congo Falls, marking the return of gorillas to the city after over 35 years. Hope Roth, vice president of marketing, sales and communication, said they partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA, to craft the 2-acre exhibit. “Congo Falls doesn’t just bring gorillas back to San Antonio, it raises the global standard for how gorillas are cared for, challenged and seen,” Roth said. AZA Executive Vice President Craig Hoover said the habitat incorporated the best science available on designing complex environments. “It represents the best of what we know about gorilla habitat design, and its innovation will be studied for years to come,” Hoover said. Gorillas move into new SA Zoo exhibit

Ajari, a 25-year-old male western lowland gorilla, is a member of the family troop at the new Congo Falls Exhibit.

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY PARKS KUGLE

The conditions

The framework

Home to two troops, with seven western lowland gorillas in total, the exhibit includes three distinct habitats—the lowland basin, the gorilla gorge and the indoor rainforest. Unique features of the exhibit include the 30-foot-tall Will Smith Foundation Infinity Falls and the world’s largest gorilla tower, Mays Family Silverback Peak, which is 70 feet tall and offers the gorillas a panoramic view of the city. Lauren Inderbitzin, the director of animal well-being at the San Antonio Zoo, said the exhibit has multiple features. These include over 260 plants and trees planted throughout the three habitats, and built-in medical and enrichment spaces that allow the gorillas a truly interactive environment. “The 2-acre habitat is ginormous for a gorilla habitat,” Inderbitzin said. “And I think really the special attention to the details in it has been groundbreaking in the form of [a] gorilla habitat.”

Roth said the new exhibit is already paying dividends for San Antonio by drawing new visitors. “We couldn’t be happier with the success and the overwhelming feedback from the guests,” Roth said.

A closer look Congo Falls provides visitors with a unique educational experience and uses sophisticated enrichment and training programs that tap into gorillas' natural foraging habits.

35 years since the last gorilla exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo

E. HILDEBRAND AVE.

70-foot-tall gorilla tower

Congo Falls

30-foot waterfall

281

San Antonio Zoo

2-acre immersive habitat

7 Western Lowland Gorillas

SOURCE: SAN ANTONIO ZOO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BOERNE - FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Development

Transportation

BY JARRETT WHITENER

474

Phase 1 of Post Oak underway

Upcoming projects

Ongoing projects

What’s next?

Post Oak planned phases:

Boerne

Phase 1: 60 lots Phase 2: 56 lots Phase 3: 64 lots Phase 4: 62 lots

1 Old Fredericksburg Road Project: The repair will include a mill and overlay alongside improvements to address signicant potholes and deterioration between I-10 and Dietz Elkhorn Road. Update: Bexar County commissioners are expected to consider an interlocal agreement on Feb. 17, and construction is scheduled to begin in March or April. • Timeline: April-Summer • Cost: $617,647 • Funding source: City of Fair Oaks Ranch, Bexar County 2 Rolling Acres Trail Project: The project will reconstruct parts of the Rolling Acre Trail between Ammann Road and Flagstone Hill Drive to reduce deterioration and improve drainage. Update: Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on Jan. 15 discussed the rst steps of the reconstruction, authorizing Ardurra Group Inc. to provide engineering services. The design phase is planned to take around 18 months to complete, with construction taking an additional nine months. • Timeline: early 2028 • Cost: $2.77 million-$4.72 million • Funding source: City of Fair Oaks Ranch

3 Ralph Fair Road bridge project Project: A new bridge is being constructed over Cibolo Creek, designed for a 100-year storm event. Update: The bridge is expected to be fully open, and all impacted roadways around the bridge will be cleaned up by April. The Texas Department of Transportation is also considering reducing the speed limit to 50 mph from Ammann Road to the Camp Stanley entrance. • Timeline: 2024-April • Cost: $12 million • Funding source: State and federal funds 4 I10 and Loop 1604 Interchange Project Project: Part of the Loop 1604 North Expansion Project, the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange project consists of eight yover ramps, roundabouts and a high occupancy vehicle lane, according to TxDOT. Update: The eighth and nal yover ramp at the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange opened on Feb. 5, completing an essential portion of the Loop 1604 North Expansion project. The yover ramp connects westbound Loop

Total: 227 lots

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The development also acts as the city’s rst public improvement district, or PID, which is a voluntary tax on the residents of the developed community to support construction costs. This system allows the city to sign o on bonds for the development, which will be paid by the developers through PID revenue. The developer is proposing up to $60 million in onsite infrastructure, and the city will not be responsible for any bonds or debt accrued by the developer. 46 Alongside the approved plat, city council approved a tree mitigation plan. Council member Ruben Olvera pointed out that 125 trees are planned for removal, while 379 are being saved. “I think 75% of protected and heritage trees are being saved,” Olvera said.

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Fair Oaks

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A new neighborhood is making its way to Fair Oaks Ranch, with plans to construct 65 lots during the rst phase and a total of 227 lots across all phases. City Council on Feb. 5 approved the preliminary plat for the rst phase of the Post Oak Development, which is planned to have four phases, with lots of at least 1 acre. For the rst phase, comprised of 65 lots, 60 lots are planned for single-family home construction, while the other ve lots are planned as easement lots. In May, an amended development agreement was approved by City Council, reducing the total number of lots from 645 to 278. An additional amendment reduced the total number of single-family units to 227.

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Phase 3

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Phase 4

Phase 1

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Phase 2

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1604 to westbound I-10. • Timeline: 2022-2027 • Cost: $463 million • Funding source: State and federal funds

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1604

SOURCE: CITY OF FAIR OAKS RANCHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BOERNE 1313 S Main St (830) 249-0115

DOMINION 24603 I-10 (210) 310-3200

VINEYARD 1309 N Loop 1604 W (210) 408-8206

Plans underway for new fire stations From the cover

Current situation

474

The Boerne Fire Department is the only full-time department in Kendall County, serving both city and county residents through interlocal agreements. Casarez said the department tries to have a station meet the needs of a mile and a half radius. When assessing areas in need, the construction of a second station near the Esperanza development will help serve the eastern side of Boerne. Casarez said there are plans to construct Station 3 in the area of the Buc-ee’s development, but the design and construction of that re station are still being determined. “So that’ll get us the three circles that we need to cover the majority of the city limits,” he said. “And then from there, responding out into the county is another challenge, but that’s kind of how we’re planning to try to keep up with the growth.” Andrade said growth challenges for ESD 4 have included higher equipment costs and increased funding for stang. “It used to take 9-15 months to get a new re truck, and now it is taking 2-4 years,” Andrade said. “So, if I build Fire Station 135, that’ll be done within a year to a year and a half, but now I need a re truck to go inside of it.”

3351

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Boerne

Fair Oaks Ranch

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Drive time The shaded area represents an estimated five-minute drive time from fire stations.

DIETZ ELKHORN RD.

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5-minute drive time boundary City boundary

3351

Existing Stations: 1 Station 1

Proposed Stations:

4 Station 2 5 Station 3 6 Station 420 7 Station 135

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2 Station 134 3 Station 132

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Put in perspective

Budget explained

Alongside the long lead times for equip- ment, the cost of fire engines has nearly doubled. Casarez said an engine purchased a few years ago cost $584,000 , and the newest truck cost around $1.2 million . Departments are working to purchase new equipment for the upcoming stations, while also updating current fleets that may be outdated. Casarez said departments are focusing more on truck maintenance rather than replacing them after the traditional 12-year mark. Utilizing older trucks helps departments have equipment, rather than waiting up to four years for a new piece of equipment to arrive. Casarez said the department has already ordered the fire engine for Station 2, and the engine is expected to be delivered by the time the facility opens.

Boerne’s Fire Department has been around since the early 1900s, but it relied on volunteer staff and did not have its first full-time employee until around 2010. The Boerne Fire Department is funded through the city budget, utilizing resident tax dollars to support public services. Being part of the city budget, the fire depart- ment competes for funding with other depart- ments. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget includes $8 million toward the Fire Station 2 project. Unlike the city department, ESD 4 operates as a taxing entity, establishing a set tax rate for res- idents within its service area, with the exception of those in Fair Oaks Ranch. While Fair Oaks Ranch does not pay the ESD tax rate, City Council in September approved a new contract from the city budget that will steadily increase the amount paid to the ESD over the next five years, eventually falling in line with the rate paid by residents.

Fire department funding The majority of fire department budgets are allocated to funding staff, making up at least 65% of each budget.

Boerne Fire Department Personnel: 86.5%

General expenses: 4.9%

Total $5.46M

Supplies: 4.2%

Maintenance: 3.4%

Other: 1%

Bexar County ESD No. 4 Personnel: 65%

Administrative and other: 5% Equipment and apparatus: 20% Maintenance: 10%

Total $10.68M

SOURCE: BOERNE FIRE DEPARTMENT, BEXAR COUNTY ESD 4/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Boerne Fire Department

What happens next?

department’s response area to 193 square miles. Boerne has not faced many challenges in getting applicants for positions, unlike neighboring departments. The largest challenge comes with adding staffing and finding funding for those positions within the city budget, Casarez said.

Upon opening the second fire station, the Boerne Fire Department will staff the facility with four full-time employees. Casarez said one of the challenges with main- taining a low response time is the addition of responses outside the city limits, which brings the

Casarez said Fire Station 2 is expected to break ground in April and be under construction for 12-18 months, with an opening date in Summer 2027. For the station site located off I-10, Andrade said the department is working on a Standard of Cover, identifying which areas need improved fire services. “A lot of people are seeing the growth out here, and the number of fire stations coming in the future. It is a testament to the thriving economy here and the desire to be here,” Casarez said.

Boerne calls and response times Year over year, the Boerne Fire Department has seen an increase in the number of calls. At the same time, the department has worked to decrease response times.

8.54

5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000

+102%

7.2

6 4 0 2 8

4,137

-15.69%

2,048

Future facility plans

2021

2022

2023

2025

2021

2025

2024

2022 2023 2024

2026

May: ESD 4 makes decision on Station 135 April: Boerne Fire Station 2 expected to break ground

SOURCE: BOERNE FIRE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2027

Bexar County ESD No. 4

Summer 2027: Boerne Fire Station 2 expected to be completed Late 2027: ESD Station 135 expected to be completed 2028: Boerne Fire Station 3 anticipated to begin development

salary over the grant’s duration. Should the grant be awarded, the department could utilize funds in early 2027. If staffed, the facility would reduce the response times in Fair Oaks Ranch. “[The grant] helps us match what Fair Oaks Ranch is paying today. That kind of mimics their pay structure of taxes to Bexar County ESD 4, and we’re hoping that we’ll be successful with that grant next year,” Andrade said.

Chief Andrade said that the station on the northern side of Fair Oaks Ranch is being consid- ered to house department equipment. Since the location was formerly a volunteer fire department, the facility does not meet the needs of a full-time department. Andrade said the department is pursuing a grant to staff the facility. If the grant is authorized, the ESD would pay a match for employee wages, and the district would assume a greater portion of the

2028

SOURCE: CITY OF BOERNE, BEXAR COUNTY ESD 4/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BOERNE - FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Events

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

20th annual Easter Egg Hunt Head to the lake for Easter with an egg hunt divided into separate age groups, along with

games, music and more. • March 28, 10:30 a.m. • Free (admission)

2026 Outdoor Family Fair This outdoor expo will feature booths from various local services and organizations for families to learn about, plus live music, food and more.

• March 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne • www.ci.boerne.tx.us/624/Outdoor-Family-Fair

• City Lake Park, 1 City Lake Road, Boerne • www.ci.boerne.tx.us/631/Easter-Egg-Hunt

Singer Songwriter Series: Autumn Michele Duo A part of the Singer Songwriter Series, this live performance will feature music inspired by country, blues and traditional rock and roll. Reservations recommended. • March 27, 7-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort, 1 Resort Way, Boerne • Facebook: Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort Baseball for Babies This fundraising event will allow participants to step into the batting cages and raise money for each hit. There will also be food trucks, a bouncy house and more activities. All proceeds will benefit the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center. • March 28, 2 p.m. • $25 (batter registration), free (public admission) • The Dugout of Boerne, 132 Old San Antonio Road, Boerne • Facebook: Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center

River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area. Preregistration is required. • March 8, 8:30-11 a.m. • Free • Rust House, Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch • www.tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/all-events Cruisin’ for a Cause Car Show Benefitting the American Heart Association, this car show will feature vintage and modern vehicles competing for the top trophy. • March 14, noon-2 p.m. • Free (public admission), $25 (car registration) • Fair Oaks Emergency Room, 27368 W. I-10 frontage road, Boerne • www.business.boerne.org/events/calendar Feast of St. Benedict Spaghetti Dinner Enjoy spaghetti, wine and company during this fundraiser dinner for the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne. • March 19, 5-7 p.m. • $20 (admission) • Cana Ballroom, 202 W. Kronkosky St., Boerne • www.boernebenedictines.org/ 2026-spaghetti-dinner2026 HCAL Tails on the Trail Fun Run Choose to race in either a 1K or 3K with this dog-friendly fun run along Cibolo Creek. Proceeds will benefit the Hill Country Animal League. • March 21, 8-10 a.m. • $25 (race registration fee) • The Watershed at the Main Plaza, 132 S. Main St., Boerne • www.athleteguild.com/event/boerne-tx

March

Movie in the Park: ‘Minecraft’ Watch the first movie in the park of the 2026 season with the showing of this video game classic. Chairs, blankets and snacks are recommended for guests to bring. • March 6, 7-11:30 p.m. • Free • Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne • www.ci.boerne.tx.us/626/Movies-in-the-Park Vintage Market Days Spring Market This special spring pop-up market will feature a mix of upscale home decor, vintage finds, local vendors and more, along with live music and food options. • March 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (early buying event); March 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; March 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • $10 (weekend admission), $15 (early access, 3-day admission) • San Antonio Rose Palace, Power of the Past This event will feature vintage car and tractor contests, live music, food vendors and more to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center. • March 7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • $40 (car or truck admission) • 102 City Park Road, Boerne • www.theagricultural.org/power-of-the-past Honey Creek Nature Hike Experience this guided hike through a scenic Hill Country state park, led by The Friends of Guadalupe 25665 Boerne Stage Road, San Antonio • www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/ greater-san-antonio

April

Family Night Hike at The Cibolo Kick off the month with this guided night hike intended for the whole family. Participants will learn about local flora and fauna in the Hill Country. • April 3, 7:45-9:15 p.m. • $30 (family registration fee) • The Cibolo Center for Conservation,

140 City Park Road, Boerne • www.cibolo.org/night-hikes

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Full dining sets are available at Beyond Blessed Keepsakes, from tables to centerpieces and silverware.

A wide variety of home decor trinkets are on the shelves at Beyond Blessed Keepsakes.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Locally-owned Boerne antique store oers eclectic furniture, keepsakes and more

back in the spring of 2024. Furniture-wise, there’s a wide selection of pieces from across the globe, according to Espinoza. The store has dining room tables, cabinetry, book- shelves, chairs, coee tables and more. Home decor options range from faux plants and centerpieces to antique wall art and indoor lighting. Espinoza said her favorite pieces in the collection are the glassware and the glass cabinetry, along with the original piece she acquired as a part of her rst collection. There’s also a corner for faith-based books, gifts, apparel and more in the back of the store. “That section is my favorite,” Espinoza said. “It reminds me of my sons and the love between our family.” Next steps In the future, Espinoza said, while it may be tough for her to survive as a small business, the only thing that matters to her is making customers nd exactly what they are looking for. “Even if I don’t sell anything except for a little book for a dollar, that will make me the happiest person,” she said. Espinoza also said relocating her shop elsewhere in the city may be a viable option to further expand her business into the Boerne market. “There’s a lot of competition here in Boerne, so if there’s another location that is better for me in the city, I may go there. ”

After her two sons moved out of the house for college, Graciela Espinoza said she needed to “nd something to do” since she felt lost without her children around. “It was really dicult during that time,” she said. “So I started going to markets across the area. ” The result was a trip to an estate sale and the pur- chase of a 1900s French cabinet, a piece that would become the rst part of the collection at Beyond Blessed Keepsakes at 1014 N. Main St. in Boerne. The background Espinoza rst opened the antique and vintage store at the Live Oak Shopping Center north of downtown Boerne in July 2025. She said she wanted to open her new store because of an interest in the history and back- ground of many of her pieces. “To me, everything has special value,” Espinoza said. “A piece of furniture that you have, an object, there’s a personal connection there.” Not only is learning about an object’s history important to Espinoza, but she also said teaching others about their background is just as important. What’s special about it? Beyond Blessed Keepsakes oers customers a sprawling selection of antique trinkets, furniture and home decor. “This is all the stu I have acquired over the last two years,” Espinoza said. Her collection began

Owner Graciela Espinoza opened the business last year.

The store is lled with the owner’s collection of antiques.

SISTERDALE CUTOFF

ADLERST.

1014 N. Main St., Boerne Facebook: Beyond Blessed Keepsakes

BOERNE FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION

Dining

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

across the San Antonio metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie

Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from

Boerne

The Kendall Restaurant The revamped steakhouse offers traditional fare such as specialty burgers, made-to-order steaks, sandwiches and more, according to the menu. This eatery replaced Peggy’s on the Green. • Opened Dec. 18

Twelve to Twelve The new speakeasy-style bar and event venue offers a variety of professional-grade cocktails curated by trained mixologists on staff. • Opened Jan. 20 • 1491 S. Main St., Boerne • Instagram: @twelvetotwelveboerne

Marble Slab Creamery + Great American Cookies Marble Slab Creamery offers a selection of handcrafted, specialty ice cream by the cone or by the quart, according to their menu. Great American Cookies offers a selection of customizable gourmet cookies, custom cookie cakes and more. • Opened Jan. 20 • 10049 Lemon Creek Blvd., Ste. 105, Boerne • www.marbleslab.com

• 128 W. Blanco Road, Boerne • www.kendallrestaurant.com

Boerne

San Antonio

Las Palapas The iconic San Antonio-based Tex-Mex chain is celebrating its 45th anniversary of serving the city this year. From classic Tex-Mex dishes to carne asada tacos, the eatery has a wide selection of fast-casual eats.

Sicilian Butcher Owned by Chef Joey Maggiore and his wife, Cristina, signature dishes include Nonna’s baked cannelloni, NY strip steak, pork rollatini and gnocchi and 10-layer lasagna at this new Italian joint. • Opened Nov. 21 • 5546 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio • www.thesicilianbutcher.com

Hopdoddy Burger Bar The upscale burger restaurant chain is opening a new location in San Antonio, offering a variety of specialty burgers, from The Cadillac Burger to The Wagyu Smash. • Opening mid-February

• 114 Herff Road, Boerne • www.laspalapas.com

• 11267 Huebner Road, San Antonio • www.hopdoddy.com/locations

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonpro t

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

The 25-foot escarpment at the sanctuary is home to a small colony of Mexican free-tailed bats.

Nest boxes are scattered throughout Sisterdale Sanctuary to help with bird migration studies and community science projects.

Current sanctuary projects Currently, Homan and other researchers are working on several research priorities: • Native grassland restoration • Riparian vegetation recovery • Invasive species management • Long-term ecological monitoring with emphasis on birds, pollinators, grasses and water quality Homan said more dedicated volunteers are needed to form a friends group that will be heavily involved with many of the planned projects at the sanctuary.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

New sanctuary aims to preserve local ora, fauna

The property features several unique areas that represent the ora and fauna found throughout the Hill Country, Homan said. An area of upland forest can be found along the eastern side of the property, while the western side is dominated by a riparian ecosystem. A 25-foot-tall limestone escarpment divides the two distinct areas of the sanctuary and is home to a small bat colony, Homan said. What’s being done Sisterdale Sanctuary is home to several private research projects and volunteer opportunities for Boerne residents. “We’ve got a robust community science program around the creeks here at the sanctuary,” Homan said.

The Cibolo Center for Conservation, or The Cibolo, traces its roots to the late 1980s. Now, the nonprot owns two campuses complete with trails, weekly classes and special events, according to their website. The group manages several private wildlife sanctuaries across Kendall County, one of the newest being the 32-acre Sister- dale Sanctuary that was acquired in late 2023. What the experts say Kel Homan, the land conservation director for The Cibolo, told Community Impact that protecting land is crucial for both preserving it from develop- ment and educational purposes. “Protecting the Sisterdale Sanctuary secures a critical piece of the Guadalupe watershed as growth accelerates across Kendall County,” Homan said.

Private sanctuary near Sisterdale www.cibolo.org

The future In the future, Homan said his long-term goal is for the property to become a publicly accessible place for learning.

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