Northeast San Antonio Metrocom | August 2025

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Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 AUG. 14SEPT. 12, 2025

INSIDE Supporting local Sales tax revenue works to improve quality of life in Northeast San Antonio

Local economies in Northeast San Antonio have gained a boost from increased sales tax revenues, with up to 2% of sales in cities going towards economic development and general fund expenditures.

• Impacts, Page 4 • Education, Page 8 • Transportation, Page 12 Find out more inside

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Garden Ridge

Impacts

3009

482

5 CraneTech The California-based company services mobile and

Selma

1103

overhead cranes. • Opened July 14

EVANS RD.

• 16719 Pawlin Drive, Selma • www.cranetechusa.com

Coming soon

TESORO DR.

BRITE RD.

PAWLIN DR

Cibolo

6 Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen The Tex-Mex chain serves traditional enchiladas, tacos, soups and more. • Opening late 2026 • I-35 & Cibolo Valley Drive, Cibolo • www.gringostexmex.com 7 Chick-Fil-A The chain restaurant sells chicken sandwiches, salads and more. • Opening October • 700 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City • www.chick-il-a.com/locations/tx/kitty-hawk-rd PNC Bank The Pennsylvania-based bank institution is planning to open nine new locations across San Antonio by 2029, according to company ocials. • Locations TBD • Opening by 2029 • www.pnc.com

1518

410

Universal City

PARK DR.

LEAFY HOLLOW

Live Oak

1604

Schertz

1976

1518

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 Simply Doors The custom home building chain sells an array of interior and exterior doors. • Opened April • 17750 Lookout Road, Ste. 150, Schertz • www.simplydoors.com

Now open

1 Hillside Primary Care The primary care clinic provides evaluations for allergies, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. • Opened July 16

In the news

• 232 Brite Road, Ste. 117, Cibolo • www.hillsideprimarycare.com

4 Peak Performance and Functional Chiropractic

8 Sip Social Wine & Cocktail Bar The wine and cocktail bar previously known as—Sip Wine Garden—changed its name in July. Sip Social Wine & Cocktail Bar serves an array of white and red wines, draft beers and cocktails. The cocktail bar also serves light foods such as pretzels, breads, salads and

The clinic—operated by Charles Dominguez—oers mobilization-based rehab techniques, traditional adjustments to the neck and back, nutrition counseling and nutrition services. • Opened July 7 • 2251 FM 1103, Ste. 136, Cibolo • www.ppfchiropractic.com

2 ArtbyMButtery Art Studio & Event Center The art studio, gallery and events center oers a variety of weekly classes. • Opened spring • 4212 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio • www.artbymbutterfly.com

customizable charcuterie boards. • 232 Brite Road, Ste. 125, Cibolo • www.sipsocialbar.com

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9 San Antonio Kidney The nephrology clinic relocated from Hillside Medical Center and oers kidney treatments and transplant procedures. • Relocated July 21 • 12602 Toepperwein Road, Ste. 208, Live Oak • www.sakidney.com/location/live-oak 10 Communities in Schools of San Antonio The nonprot organization is celebrating its 40th year serving Bexar County and it’s communities in August. • 1045 Cheever Blvd., Ste. 201, San Antonio • www.cissa.org 11 Cibolo Community Center Cibolo City Council approved renaming the Noble Group Event Center, to the Cibolo Community Center on July 22. • 203 S. Main St., Cibolo • www.cibolotx.gov 12 Live Oak city parks The city is adding new signage that includes details on park hours, prohibited activities and park legend maps. • 18001 Park Drive, 11021 Forest Park Court, Live Oak • www.liveoaktx.net

Now open

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• 3142 Pat Booker Road, Ste. 130, Universal City • www.einsteinbros.com

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Partner cities commit over $500K to support Schertz EMS

Access to emergency medical services in North- east San Antonio runs through Schertz EMS, and to keep quality services, the organization is seeking more funding from its partners. The organization covers approximately 230 square miles in Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties, estimating 15,565 calls for service in the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, Director Jason Mabbitt said. But calls for service have increased 67.61% in the past decade, while medical transports have jumped 61.88% in the same time period. This summer, Schertz EMS has been meeting with its partner cities across the area, amending interlocal agreements to provide more funding for the unit. Mabbitt said increased staff pay and rising equipment costs, among other reasons, are why EMS needs funding. In June, Universal City council approved an agreement amendment providing an extra 20% to the budget in Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 26-27 and an additional 5% in FY 27-28, a total increase of contributions of $182,553. Cibolo City Council approved the same amendment in July, raising contributions through the contract by $338,958. Keeping Schertz EMS services afloat is benefi- cial to Northeast San Antonio, including the city of Universal City, Fire Chief Todd Perna said. “Collectively, we could probably break away from Schertz EMS, but we would have to have an ambulance, Live Oak would have to have an ambulance, Selma would have to have an ambu- lance and we all know that nobody wants to get into that business right now because of the initial costs,” Perna said. Schertz EMS covers the cities of Schertz, Cibolo, Live Oak, Universal City and Selma; while

also contracting with Guadalupe County, Comal County’s Emergency Service District No.6, Joint Base San Antonio Randolph and the cities of Santa Clara and Marion. Cities pay Schertz EMS at a rate of $17.52 per resident, while Joint Base San Antonio Randolph pays the organization to keep an ambulance on site at all times. Schertz EMTs and paramedics also receive 25% of call volume in Guadalupe County, helping to cover the county alongside Seguin Fire Depart- ment and EMS, San Marcos EMS, Wilson County Emergency Service District No. 3 and Caldwell County Emergency Service District No. 5. How it happened Mabbitt said he reached out to local fire chiefs and city staff earlier this year to ask for the amendment changes, with Schertz EMS projected to end FY 2024-25 with a negative cash balance of $794,917. The main expense increases were related to staffing, both in adding positions for 12-hour shifts and adding additional compen- sation. EMS services for three ambulances have gradually been changing to 12-hour staffing, which requires six new positions to be added. Additional compensation for staff came after a 2024 Schertz Classification and Compensation Study found that EMTs were paid 29.41% below local market value, and paramedics were paid 21.08% below value. Schertz EMS invested $780,000 to address the compensation disparity, bringing salaries in line with similarly populated units. Mabbitt said rising ambulance and equipment costs are the “new normal,” and several new

Schertz EMS interlocal agreement funding

Annual city contributions to Schertz EMS vary based on population, along with several non-city agreements.

Santa Clara: $14,138.64 Marion: $21,742.32 Comal County ESD #6: $163,225.11 Selma: $213,095.76 Live Oak: $290,411.52 Guadalupe County: $340,162.79 Universal City: $356,549.52

Cibolo: $662,028.24

Joint Base San Antonio Randolph: $694,653.74

Schertz: $791,273.28

pieces of state legislation added to the expendi- ture increases, necessitating revising agreements with cities two years into a five-year contract. What’s next Mabbitt said he will continue to present to city staff and councils through the remainder of the summer, including Live Oak, Selma and Schertz.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Schertz issues $56.4 million in bonds for 7 projects On July 15, Schertz City Council unanimously approved issuing $56.4 million in bonds for various capital improvement projects. Of the $56.4 million, $28.8 million will go

I-10 business park rezoning approved The city of Cibolo will be rezoning approx- imately 270 acres from a mixed-use regional employment district to a light industrial business park along I-10 East. The overview In a 4-2 vote, Cibolo City Council approved the rezoning July 8, following a unanimous recommendation by the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission on June 11. Council members Joel Hicks and Norma San- chez-Stephens were the dissenting votes. The city-initiated rezoning is part of the Future Land Use Map adopted in September. Potential uses for the park include automo- tive services, professional offices, warehous- ing and light manufacturing.

Bond-funded projects in Schertz The city approved issuing $56.4 million in bonds to fund general and utility projects. Main Street improvements $6M

toward general fund projects while $27.6 million will go toward utility fund projects, according to Schertz Financial Advisor Andrew Friedman. Why it matters According to agenda documents, projects selected to be funded through the debt issuance include improvements to Main Street, Kramer Farm Road and the Buffalo Valley South neighborhood. James Walters, the city’s finance director, said that funding of these projects would likely not have any impact on the city’s Interest & Sinking tax rate, part of the city’s property tax rate specif- ically related to paying off debt. The current I&S rate in Schertz is $0.3326 per $100 taxable value. “The bonds were structured in a way to not raise taxes. This is within our allotted capacity, so we believe the tax rate will remain the same even after this sale,” Walters said. What else? The funds are expected to be delivered on August 13, Friedman said. Selma OKs contract for fire station remodel The Selma Fire Department is one step closer to increasing operational efficiency at Selma Fire Station No. 1, located at 9375 Corporate Drive. Selma City Council approved a construction contract with Field Construction for the loft to bunk remodel on July 10. A loft to bunk remodel is the process of converting the station from single loft beds to dual bunk beds, allowing for more employees to stay in the location. The details The contract has a maximum price of $314,154 and a price not to exceed $329,861, which is a 5% contingency for potential added construction costs. Digging deeper Funding is part of the 2024-25 fire department

$4M

2025 Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM) projects

$1.6M

Boenig Road reconstruction

$1.4M

Kramer Farm subdivision rehabilitation

$1.1M

Elevated storage tank pipeline replacement

$400K

Generator replacement at East Oak pumping station

$100K

Schertz Parkway waterline replacement

NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE AND DOES NOT INCLUDE PRIOR EXPENDITURES MADE BEFORE BOND ISSUANCE. SOURCE: CITY OF SCHERTZ/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SANTA CLARA RD.

Schertz Mayor to seek re-election During a July 15 city council meeting, Schertz Mayor Ralph Gutierrez said he will be seeking re-election this November. In a nutshell Gutierrez was sworn in as Mayor in November 2019. He previously served as a City Council member from 2016 to 2019, and has been a Schertz resident since 1991, according to the city’s website. Council also approved a resolution on July 15 ordering a joint election with Comal, Bexar and Guadalupe counties on Novem- ber 4. The positions of Mayor, council member Place 1 and council member Place 2 will be on the ballot, with winners to be elected for a term to expire in November 2028, according to agenda documents.

operating budget. The project will accommodate the fire department’s addition of fire battalion chiefs, including a dedicated chief’s quarters with an additional bunk room, new bathroom and shower facilities. Next steps City Manager Johnny Casias said construc- tion will begin no later than 45 days from the contract signing and will be complete within 120 days, or in mid-November.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Judson ISD approves 2025-26 budget with over $37 million shortfall

The options Judson ISD provided three options with its 2025- 26 projected budget: one without a voter-approval rate, one that maintains the current rate of 3.5 disaster pennies and a voter-approved rate with all disaster pennies available to the district.

After finalizing a litany of cost reductions, the Judson ISD board of trustees approved its 2025-26 budget on June 26 with $234.16 million in total revenues and $271.38 million in total expenditures. The estimated total fund balance, according to agenda documents, will fall from $80.35 million to $43.12 million by June 2026. The shortfall and fund balance numbers presented do not account for a voter-approved tax rate election, or VATRE. What you need to know Three different budgets were presented to the board, one without extra revenue from a VATRE, one with the current revenue amount of 3.5 disaster pennies and one with all disaster pennies currently available under a VATRE. According to the Texas American Federation of Teachers,

disaster pennies allow school districts to generate supplemental revenue by levying property taxes beyond a maximum compressed rate. Board President Monica Ryan said she voted for the budget despite her reservations. “This is not the budget that’s going to help Judson ISD long-term ... but I am going to push the yes button because I have confidence and hope that we have started a path where we are looking across the entire district at efficiencies,” Ryan said. Trustee José Macias Jr. said his hope comes from the community considering approval of a VATRE. “I’m hopeful that our community will consider, in the future, a VATRE to increase revenue in our district,” Macias Jr. said. The district intends to call for a VATRE on Aug. 6 meeting, after press time.

No VATRE VATRE with 3.5 pennies

VATRE with all pennies

$234.1M

$247.1M

$256M

$36.3M

$23.2M

$14.6M

$44M

$57M

$65.8M

SOURCES: JUDSON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, 2023-24 TEXAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY THOMAS LEFFLER

$5.94M considered for SCUCISD special projects Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD is planning for several potential capital projects in the district’s 2025-26 scal year budget. During a July 10 budget workshop, Chief Financial Ocer Brian Moy broke down proposed expenditure increases for the SCUCISD 2025-26 budget, $5.94 million in what he said were “over- due deferred operating costs,” and $5.58 million in capital expenditures for safety. The expenditures are contingent on the district receiving revenue from a voter-approved tax rate election, or VATRE, Moy said. Latest update The majority of overdue costs would be in the SCUCISD ne arts department, including a $3.1 million allocation toward band instruments on multiple campuses. Athletics costs would be mainly in equipment

SCUCISD hires 7 new assistant principals At its June 3, June 24 and July 10 meetings, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD board of trustees approved seven new assistant principals starting in the 2025-26 school year. At a glance Andre Sierra and Joshua Lawyer-Jeer- son were hired as assistant principals at Byron P. Steele High School. Jenny Wray was chosen for the assistant principal role at Samuel Clemens High School. Robyn Pryor and Elvira Garcia were selected as assistant principals at Rose Garden Elementary School. Rita Garcia will serve as assistant principal at Wiederstein Elementary School. Kayme Tims will serve at Jordan Interme- diate and Rebecca Sprouse was chosen for Wilder Intermediate.

$900K

SCUCISD proposed 2025- 26 department funding

$882K

$3.57M

Fine arts

Athletics CTE Technology

$600K

SOURCE: SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

replacement, which encompasses items like bleachers, scoreboards, uniforms and wrestling mats, Superintendent Paige Meloni said. The majority of Career and Technical Education costs would be used for vehicle replacement. Technology needs are concentrated in instruc- tional and non-instructional devices, Moy said. Other items include Steele High School light poles, re alarm system replacements and band towers for Steele and Samuel Clemens High Schools. What’s next The board will likely call for a November VATRE election on Aug. 18, Deanna Jackson, communi- cations and community engagement executive director, said in an email to Community Impact. Judson ISD board reinstates powerlifting program after cuts Judson ISD voted to reinstate the district’s high school powerlifting program after the elimination of the program in June. In a 6-1 vote on July 31, the board approved bringing back the program for the 2025-26 school year. Board President Monica Ryan, who was the lone dissenting vote, said that since powerlifting is not UIL sanctioned, it should be a club that a school chooses to oer based on the demand of students. She said any dollars not spent on the item could go toward academic advancement. How we got here According to agenda documents, powerlifting has been oered at district high schools since 2021-22. A total of 87 students were part of the program in 2024-25. Powerlifting is not a University Interscholastic League, or UIL, sanctioned sport according to agenda documents, with the programs at each high school funded via stipend. The total cost

Principal named for Elolf STEAM Academy

1 Veterans Memorial 2 Judson 3 Wagner High schools

A new principal has been named at a Judson Independent School District campus for the 2025-26 school year. The gist On July 28, the Judson ISD board of trustees approved Tiany McHugh as the new

410

1604

Tiany McHugh

principal of Elolf STEAM Academy, which is located at 6335 Beech Trail Drive in Converse. McHugh previously served as an assistant principal at Elolf. District sta said McHugh believes in creating a positive and supportive school environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. "We're looking forward to the leadership and vision she will bring to our campus," district sta wrote on the Elolf webpage.

of programs at Veterans Memorial, Judson and Wagner High Schools is $42,493. The initial elimination of the program was part of cost reductions approved by the board June 23, part of the 2025-26 scal year budget process. Next steps With the program now reinstated for 2025-26, the approved motion will allow the district to re-evaluate the future of the program past 2025-26. “Hopefully, it will be able to grow and be larger, and hopefully we don’t have to cut it in the follow- ing year,” Trustee Stephanie Jones said.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

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Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

60,000 square-foot business center coming soon to Cibolo

A new development called Cibolo Business Center, located at 280 Weil Road, is looking to bring more commercial space to Northeast San Antonio. The overview The project—which Zlatony Properties is devel- oping—sits on a 20-acre tract of land near Steele High School and will oer 60,000 square feet of ex and build-to-suit spaces once completed. Owners and developers Anthony Moore and Marietta Hill originally purchased the property in 2014. They began Parking Solutions—which is now Cibolo Parking Solutions—as an RV/boat/18- wheeler/open storage and parking lot with the intention of expanding their parking operations and building a larger commercial development. “After much planning, we broke ground on Cibolo Business Center in March,” Moore said in an email to Community Impact.

Digging deeper In the rst phase, there will be ve 1,500 square-feet spaces and three 2,500 square-feet spaces; however, the business center can accom- modate tenants looking for up to 7,500 square- feet, Moore said. Cibolo Business Center is being constructed in four phases, consisting of 15,000 square feet per phase. Once the rst phase of construction is complete and fully leased, construction will begin on the second phase, Moore said. The timeline Phase 1 construction is estimated to be com- pleted by the end of July or in early August, Moore said. However, spaces are available for pre-leasing along with parking spaces for trucks and RVs.

The project is being built at 280 Weil Road, in Cibolo.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Transportation

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

• Timeline: March-December • Cost: $2.94 million • Funding source: Fiscal Year 2024 General Fund Capital Improvement Budget 4 Deer Creek Boulevard Project: Roadway construction began on Deer Creek Boulevard between Cibolo Valley Drive and Cordero Drive on May 12, according to the city’s website. Roadway reconstruction will include adding over 24 inches of new stabilized material, roadway surface and new pavement markings, according to the Cibolo Capital Improvements webpage. Update: During construction, Deer Creek Boulevard will be closed to southbound traffic. Detours will be in place southeast on Brush Trail Bend and from Deer Creek Boulevard to Cibolo Valley Drive. • Timeline: May 12-September • Cost: $1.9 million • Funding source: FY 2025 CIP 5 Cibolo FY 2025 Street Maintenance Package 2 Project: 5A Firebird Run, Silver Wing and 5B Town Creek Road will be reconstructed by adding new pavement and rehabilitating sidewalks, curbs and gutters, according to Cibolo City Council agenda documents. Update: Cibolo City Council approved a $3.1 million

rehabilitation, in the Buffalo Valley South neighborhood of Schertz. Selected streets for the project, those being Mill, 1st, 2nd, Dowman, Lee, Church, Zuehl and Wuest, were chosen from Pavement Condition Index scores that assess local pavement for needed repairs. Update: A new water main on Zuehl Road and a new sewer main on the west end of Church Street are now complete, according to July 1 Schertz City Council agenda documents. • Timeline: March-winter 2026 • Cost: $5.3 million • Funding source: American Rescue Plan, Schertz SPAM funding 3 National Boulevard/East Langley Boulevard Project: The project consists of removing existing pavement, then rebuilding the pavement along with new curb, gutter and driveway approaches. Update: Public Works Director Randy Luensmann told Universal City council on June 17 that the first two phases of the project, National Boulevard from Pat Booker Road to East Langley Boulevard were complete with new blacktop now laid down. The third phase of the project is ongoing at East Langley Boulevard from Pat Booker Road to Trudy Lane. The project will then finish with a fourth phase from Trudy Lane to East Langley Boulevard.

contract with D&D Construction for the work on July 8. • Timeline: August-May 2026 • Cost: $3.1 million • Funding source: Fiscal Year 2025 Certificate of Obligation Bonds 6 Schertz 2024 SPAM Rehabilitation Project: The project involves removing existing pavement from the surface of several roads, cement stabilizing the existing base underneath and placing a new layer of pavement on the surface, agenda documents state. Roads on the project are 6A St. Andrews, 6B Maple Drive, Dove Meadows, Spicewood, 6C Silvertree Boulevard, Idlewood, Grey Feather, White Wing and Mourning Dove. Update: Construction is expected to begin in early August, according to agenda documents. • Timeline: August-Winter 2025 • Cost: $3.23 million • Funding source: General fund, City Bonds

Upcoming projects

ST. ANDREWS

DEER CREEK BLVD.

1 Schertz 2025 SPAM Resurfacing Project: The project is the latest phase in annual street rehabilitation in the city, consisting of applying a slurry seal or new driving surface in several neighborhoods, according to Schertz City Council agenda documents. Focus of the project will be in the Rio Vista, Woodbridge and The Village subdivisions. This includes 1A Woodbridge Way, 1B River Road and 1C Curtiss Avenue among other streets. The Jonas Woods subdivision will also see prep work done, with future resurfacing based on available funding. Update: Schertz City Council approved an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates to design the project on June 17. • Timeline: October-Spring 2026 • Cost: $1.28 million • Funding source: General fund, Certificates of Obligation

SILVER WING.

WOODLAND OAKS DR.

CIBOLO VALLEY DR.

GREENWOOD

FIREBIRD RUN

GREENWOOD

SILVERTREE BLVD.

Schertz

COLONY DR.

1518

CURTISS AVE.

Universal City

RIVER RD.

Ongoing projects

MILL ST.

This map has been edited for length and clarity. For a detailed version, visit communityimpact.com .

2 Buffalo Valley South Project: The Buffalo Valley South Resurfacing, Rehabilitation and Utility Replacement project includes water and sewer main replacements, along with street

WIEDNER RD.

218

1518

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322

Supporting local From the cover

Explained

October. Expected tenants include restaurants like Chipotle, Cava and Jersey Mike’s. “A lot of places don’t have the sales tax that Schertz does. This latest win was our rst major retail win in 20 years, but of course, before that, we had the center where Walmart is, we had the center where H-E-B is, and everything up on [I-35] is a tremendous contribution for sales tax,” Wayman said.

in Northeast San Antonio is Schertz, increasing by 106.82% from 2013 to 2024, according to comptroller data. Wayman said this growth will continue with the introduction of Schertz Station in the fall, which is approximately 257,000 square feet of retail and commercial space surrounding EVO Entertainment. Wayman said the rst tenants of Schertz Station are expected to have openings in September and

As the local economy in Northeast San Antonio has grown, so has sales tax revenue, according to Texas comptroller data, which shows a consistent increase for each of the ve major cities since 2013. Live Oak sales tax revenue has grown 98.06% from 2013 to 2024, while the rest of the cities have at least doubled, including a 495.54% increase in Cibolo. The city with the most sales tax revenue generated

Northeast San Antonio sales tax revenues

The five cities in the area have consistently grown in their sales tax revenue intake over the past several years.

2018 2019 2020

2021

2022

2023 2024

$25M

+59.10%

$20M

+51.20%

$15M

+61.84%

+51.01%

+145.95%

$10M

$5M

$0M

Schertz

Cibolo

Universal City

Live Oak

Selma

SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A closer look

What they’re saying

Another city that relies heavily on sales tax revenues is Selma, with City Administrator Johnny Casias estimating that 60% of the city’s budget is attributable to sales taxes. “We’re in a unique position where we have a lot of sales tax that’s generated from our business,” Casias said. According to the city’s 2024-25 budget docu- ment, sales tax collections stalled in 2024 due to increased inflation and general concerns about the economy; however, growth was still seen in the retail sector at The Forum at Olympia Parkway. General fund revenues for Selma in FY 2024-25, including the $9.77 million from sales taxes, went toward new and existing employees. According to the city budget document, general fund expendi- tures for 2024-25 included a 4% salary adjustment for all city employees and a 5% increase to health insurance premium costs. Other projects aided by sales tax revenue were a fire station remodel and remodeling the evidence room in the Selma Police Department building.

“Supportin the services in the community … that oes back to

Selma general fund revenues Over half of the city’s general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 is from sales taxes, allocated to various city projects.

the tax base, which then supports our infrastructure.” MAGGIE TITTERINGTON, PRESIDENTCEO, THE CHAMBER

Fines/Forfeitures: $448,080 Permits: $562,500 Interest income: $800,000 Charges for services: $991,000 Franchise fees: $1,173,340

Ad valorem taxes: $1,750,233

Miscellaneous income: $2,020,485

“A strong sales tax base allows Live Oak to maintain and improve services without relying

heavily on raising property taxes.” DONNA LOWDER, LIVE OAK ECONOMIC

Sales tax revenues: $9,772,000

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

SOURCE: CITY OF SELMA/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Why it matters

One more thing

Although larger retailers account for much of the sales tax generation in Northeast San Antonio, local dollars have a greater impact in supporting local economies. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, dollars spent at locally owned businesses recirculate through the local economy two to four times more than money spent at nonlocal companies, a phenomenon known as the “local multiplier effect.”

when it comes to special sales, including partnerships between businesses. “When I go to a business and a business recommends another business to me, I’m going to trust that because I’ve already trusted [that business] for my initial purchase,” she said.

The retail trade industry, which generates sales tax revenue, accounts for between 10% and 20% of employment in Northeast San Antonio cities. Titterington said a retail trade trend she’s seeing is more “thinking outside the box”

Northeast San Antonio retail trade employment Percentage of employment from retail sector (2023)

Remaining employment

First round Second round Third round $1.2K

9.92%

13.1%

12.3%

19.5%

13.9%

$1K $800 $600 $400 $200 $0

Universal City

Schertz

Cibolo

Live Oak

Selma

90.08%

86.9%

87.7%

90.5%

86.1%

SOURCE: DATAUSA/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Local business National business

$1,000 spent

SOURCE: AMERICAN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY ANDREW CREELMAN & THOMAS LEFFLER

August

Groovy Cookie Decorating Class Participants will learn how to decorate cookies with styles and designs from the ‘60s and ‘70s using different techniques. Individuals will be able to design 6 cookies and take home the recipe. Parents must be present for children under the age of 18. • Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m. • $40 (admission) • Schertz North Center, 3501 Morning Drive, Schertz • www.schertz.com Owl Prowl Participants can take a night stroll with Guadalupe Master Naturalists and see which animals come out at night. Individuals will learn about soil, plants, mammals and birds. Preregistration encouraged, but not required. • Aug. 24, 8:30-9:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12805 West Schaefer Road, Schertz • www.schertz.com/calendar

Monster’s Vale Park Days This weekly event—hosted by Amtgard CK—will allow participants to play in a Dungeons and Dragons-style

• Free (admission) • Schertz North Center, 3501 Morning Drive, Schertz • Facebook: Amtgard CK: Monster’s Vale

September

role-playing game. • Aug. 30, 12 p.m.

Songbird Hunting Event with Kirk House This event features a hunt and concert. Country artist Kirk House will be performing. VIP packages and suites are available. • Sept. 1, 5 p.m. • $25 concert only, $195 full event • Lonestar Premier Outdoors, 857 Haeckerville Road, Cibolo • www.lonestarpremieroutdoors.com

Bricker Band. General admission seating will be first come, first served. Free parking will be available. • Sept. 6, 9-11:30 p.m. • $6.65 (admission) • Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road, Selma • www.bluebonnetpalace.com/events-calendar Paws in the Pool All dogs must be on a leash outside the pool facility and wear a collar they can swim in. Owners must show proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations at the gate and clean up after their dogs. Two dogs per person allowed. • Sept. 7, 12 p.m., 2 p.m. • $3 per person, preregistration and payment is required • Pickrell Park Pool, 703 Oak St., Schertz • www.schertz.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=6588

• Selma Fire Department, 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma • Facebook: Selma Fire Department

Real Life 5K/10K Participants will race on the same turf as the horses at Retama Park. Event proceeds will benefit Real Life Community Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to food assistance, vocational training and youth programs in underserved neighborhoods. • Sept. 6, start times vary • Free (admission) • Real Life Center, 16765 Lookout Road, Selma • www.runsignup.com Lane Bricker Band This event will feature a live performance by Lane

Selma Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy

Participants will learn essential fire safety skills from professional firefighters. The academy will provide weekly hands-on training including live fire extinguisher training, driving a fire truck and CPR certification. The

CPR certification will be held Sept. 27. • Sept. 4, 11, 18; Oct. 2, 9, 21; 6-9 p.m. • Free (admission)

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Owner Cyndi Grome (right) and her daughter Hannah Brook are part of Grome’s multi-generational ownership.

Multi-needled sewing machines is one of many brands and styles of machines oered at Grome’s.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Grome’s Sewing Machine Company sews community Grome’s Sewing Machine Company has been in San Antonio and within the Grome family since its beginnings all the way back in 1950. The backstory

Grome’s oers an array of sewing classes and workshops throughout the year.

What they oer Not only does Grome’s oer name-brand sewing machines like Pfa, but the shop also oers everything else that sewists could need for their creations, Grome said. “We’re a one stop shop,” Grome said. The shop carries fabrics like quilting cotton, polyester, rayon and suede, Brook said. “We carry a little bit of everything to accommo- date every dierent type of sewist,” Brook said. Why it matters Brook said Grome’s Sewing Machine Company isn’t just a business, but a place where art, friend- ship and community can thrive.

Cyndi Grome took ownership of the sewing shop in the early 1980s at their original location at 4719 Manitou Drive in San Antonio. Since then, they’ve opened a second location in Universal City at 2040 Universal City Blvd. Now, her daughter, Hannah Brook, is the fth generation in the family to work full-time at the shop, which Grome said makes them stand out. “Being a family is what separates us from everyone else,” Grome said. “As a whole, we know enough to be able to help everybody.”

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2040 Universal City Blvd., Universal City www.gromes.com

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Dining

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Mango Lassi ($4.99) is a traditional Indian smoothie served at Tandoori Grill.

The classic lamb tikka masala ($17.95) is complete with rice and a creamy tomato onion sauce, served with garlic naan ($3.50) .

PHOTOS BY ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Tandoori Grill oers North Indian cuisine in Schertz Hailing from Punjab, India, Davinder Kaur and her husband moved to the United States at the turn of the century in 2000. After owning several hotel franchises in and around San Antonio, Kaur said she wanted to pursue her passion of cooking. Now, they own and operate the Tandoori Grill in Schertz, serving traditional North Indian cuisine “done the right way,” Kaur said. On the menu Tandoori Grill oers classic dishes like butter chicken and lamb tikka masala. my in-laws were making, that’s what I wanted it to taste like,” Kaur said. Other traditional dishes to choose from include goat and lamb curry, biriyani and specialized naan, a traditional Indian baked bread. Tandoori Grill also serves lassi, a traditional Indian smoothie made from an assortment of fruity avors. What else? Join San Antonio’s Premier Youth Choir! In the future, Kaur said she wants to continue not only her love of cooking, but also make sure community members are enjoying her home country’s favorite dishes. “Every day, you learn something dierent,” Kaur said. “I just want to keep doing the best I can.” Kids ages 5–18 are invited to sing, grow, and make joyful music with CCSA. Kaur said she and her chefs cook meals from her own recipes that she learned while growing up in Northern India. “Whatever my mother was making, whatever

Davinder Kaur and her husband took ownership of Tandoori Grill in May 2024.

1256 FM 78, Ste. 113, Schertz www.tandoorigrillsanantonio.com

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas lawmakers vow to fund warning sirens after Central Texas floods

On the agenda

Beginning June 21, Gov. Greg Abbott asked lawmakers to look into:

Improving early warning systems and emergency communications

In the wake of flooding that killed at least 137 people in Central Texas over the July 4 weekend, state lawmakers have proposed allocating funding for early warning sirens along the Guadalupe River and other flood- prone areas. A previously scheduled special legislative session began July 21. While meteorologists say Central Texas is prone to flash floods, some officials said they were caught off guard by the flooding in Kerr, Travis and Williamson counties. “We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like what’s happened here,” Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly told reporters July 4. The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts related to the storm and declared a “flash flood emergency” for Kerr County around 4 a.m. July 4, Community Impact reported. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he thought

the flooding was so deadly because it “came while everyone was sleeping.” “Some didn’t wake up. They never heard the storm was coming, and they lost their lives,” Patrick said in a July 8 interview. A bill that would have provided funding to help local governments acquire emergency alert systems stalled during Texas’ regular legislative session, which ended June 2. “That bill would not have gone into effect until Sept. 1 of this year, so it would not have helped this current disaster,” Rep. Drew Darby, R-San

Helping communities prepare for future disasters

Providing funding for communities impacted by the floods

Abbott’s 18-item special session agenda also includes congressional redistricting, THC regulations and new property tax rules.

Angelo, said in a July 9 interview. “But the time to respond is now, in order to prevent disasters in the future, or at least try to limit them.”

SOURCE: TEXAS GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Next steps

On July 23 in Austin, a bipartisan panel of Texas House and Senate lawmakers heard from at least 17 state and local leaders about their response to the July 4-5 floods. A second committee hearing was scheduled for July 31 in hard-hit Kerrville. “The broken hearts and the shattered dreams [are] not something we can fix in a hearing today,” committee co-chair Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said July 23. “But we can sure show we have compassion and empathy for that loss and that we’re there walking with them.”

Frequent floods

A large stretch of Central Texas is known as “flash flood alley” due to its unique geography and weather patterns that make it susceptible to intense flooding.

Key:

Flash flood alley

Colorado River

The Guadalupe River basin has been deemed “one of the three most dangerous regions” in the nation for flash flooding.

1 Austin 2 Brady 3 Dallas 4 Kerrville

5 San Antonio 6 San Marcos 7 Uvalde 8 Waco

Guadalupe River

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCES: ACCUWEATHER, GUADALUPE-BLANCO RIVER AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Year over year, the number of homes sold rose in the 78233 ZIP code but fell in 78108, 78148 and 78154, according to data compiled by the San Antonio Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

June 2024

June 2025

-22.22%

-25.6%

-22.22%

+15.62%

78154

78108

78148

78233

Median home sales price

1604

June

2024

2025

78154

$351,450

$377,500

78154

78233

78108

78148

$368,990

$384,990

78108

$295,750

$281,500

78148

$267,500

$260,000

78233

Average home price in the last 6 months

Average days on market

78154 $366,445

-1.51%

+55.07%

+22.58%

+17.14%

78108 $394,638

78154

78108

78148

78233

78148 $304,162

Homes sold by price point in June

78154

78108

78148

78233

$900,000+

78233 $285,889

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY THE SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF REALTORS • 9110 W. I10 2105931200 • WWW.SABOR.COM

<$299,999

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

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