Northeast San Antonio Metrocom | April 2026

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Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7 APRIL 15MAY 13, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

SCUCISD bond election

By Jarrett Whitener

$295.1M bond looks to fund facility improvements

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD voters will consider three bond propositions totaling $295.1 million in the May 2 election. If approved, the bond would not result in a tax rate increase in 2026-27. This is the rst bond the district has called in a decade, and will be focused on upgrades and renovations to general facilities across the district, alongside stadium improvements and technology purchases, Finance Director Brian Moy said.

CONTINUED ON 18

Lehnho Stadium

Schertz

Steele High School football players at Robert & Glenda Lehnho Stadium. Should Proposition B of the 2026 bond be approved, the district will update the stadium. (Courtesy SCUCISD)

Also in this issue

Impacts: Read about a locally owned hardware business opening in Cibolo this spring (Page 4)

Government: Learn about a proposed data center in Comal and Guadalupe counties (Page 8)

Voter guide: See who is on the May ballot in Northeast San Antonio (Page 10)

77% of Guadalupe County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

Last year in Guadalupe County, 77% of residential properties (63,825) didn’t protest their property taxes, meaning many homeowners may have paid more than necessary.¹

For those who did challenge their assessment, 58% won a reduction. ¹

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¹ ownwell.com/results/texas-protest-vs-non-protest • ² ownwell.com/results/texas-property-tax-protest-results-agent-performance

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Impacts

including piadas, chopped salads, customizable past bowls and more. • Opened March 25 • 18430 N. I-35 frontage road, Ste.100, Schertz • www.mypiada.com/locations/schertz-station 5 Restaurant Depot The store sells a wide range of wholesale supplies and goods for business owners. Products include bulk storage supplies, cooking oils, condiments and more, according to the company’s website. • Opened April 1 • 11711 N. I-35, Ste. 105, San Antonio • www.restaurantdepot.com 1996 Coee Co. The Cibolo-based coee cart—co-founded by Jared and Kelsie Tooker—oers a curated selection of lattes and cold brew. 1996 Coee Co. also caters events, parties and corporate happenings. • Launched Jan. 4 • Serving San Antonio, New Braunfels and surrounding areas • https://www.1996coffeeco.com

Garden Ridge

482

3009

1103

465

Marion

Selma

318

1604

2252

Cibolo

1103

AGORA PKWY.

1518

Live Oak

Coming soon

MAP NOT TO SCALE

6 Ace Hardware The hardware store—owned by Shannon and Mike Ecklund—will oer hardware essentials as well as Ace Handyman Services, which include technicians that help with home improvement projects. • Opening May 5 • 813 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 166, Cibolo • www.rivercityace.com 7 EōS Fitness The gym will feature 24-hour member access, a lap pool, tness classes, recovery room and more. • Opening TBD • Intersection of Loop 1604 and I-35, Live Oak • www.eositness.com Starbird Chicken The West Coast chicken chain restaurant will be opening

Schertz

1976

• Opened February • 700 FM 1103, Cibolo • www.orderanthonyscibolo.com 1518

Now open

1 True Dental The oce—led by Stacy Trieu—oers teeth cleanings and llings. True Dental also oers implants, tooth extractions and teeth whitening services, according to its website. • Opened Jan. 28 • 5009 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 2, Schertz • www.truedentaltx.com 2 Anthony’s The food truck serves burgers, hot dogs, fried seafood and more. 1604

3 Honey Flutters Teas and Books The business—owned by Melissa Swift—is a tea room dining experience and bookstore. Honey Flutters Teas and Books oers an assortment of curated teas and a handpicked selection of books. • Opened March 8 • 18771 FM 2252, Bldg. 23, San Antonio • www.teasandbooks.com

4 Piada Italian Street Food The restaurant serves fast-casual Italian dishes

Sunday Services • Traditional, 8:30am • Bible Study (All Ages), 9:45am • Contemporary, 11:00am • Celebrate Recovery, 5:00pm Saturday • Service 5:00pm

5500 FM 1103 Schertz, TX • 210-658-0525 • www.cibolovalleychurch.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

new locations in San Antonio after ocials with Starbird signed a 36-unit franchise agreement with the Houston- based Mac Haik Restaurant Group, according to a news release. Starbird serves a variety of chicken-based entrees and sandwiches. • Opening 2027 • Locations TBD in San Antonio • www.starbirdchicken.com

is headquartered at 630 S. FM 465 in Marion, the company serves residents throughout Northeast San Antonio, including Cibolo, Schertz, Selma and Live Oak.

In the news

• 630 S. FM 465, Marion • www.kdjinsurance.com

Closings

10 The Cookshack The Texas-based chicken chain served fried chicken entrees, ribs, chicken tacos and more. • Closed as of February • 8211 Agora Parkway, Ste. 112, Selma • www.thecookshack.com 11 Outback Steakhouse The steakhouse closed its location at The Forum at Olympia Parkway after its lease expired, Elizabeth Daly, director of corporate Communications for Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., said in an email to Community Impact . Outback Steakhouse served a variety of steakhouse fare, burgers and seafood. • Closed March 15 • 8131 Agora Parkway, Selma • www.outback.com

Relocations

8 Clear Choice Automotive The discount car dealership relocated from 3803 San Pedro Ave., near Hwy. 281. Clear Choice Automotive sells a range of new and used vehicles from various

makes and models. • Relocated Jan. 21

12 Rapid Plumbing The plumbing business—owned by local Adrian Villegas—celebrated its 15-year anniversary April 3. Rapid Plumbing oers residential and commercial plumbing services. • 10789 FM 1518, Schertz • www.rapidplumbingtx.com

• 11150 N. I-35 frontage road, San Antonio • www.clearchoiceautosales.net/about-us

In the news

9 KDJ Insurance Agency, Inc. The insurance agency—led by President and CEO Jewell Davenport—will be celebrating its 45-year anniversary throughout 2026. KDJ Insurance Agency, Inc. oers insurance for home, auto and ooding. While the agency

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

PROP C TECHNOLOGY DEVICES $9.1 MILLION Prop C would fund the replacement of student and staff technology, such as computers, iPads, and Chromebooks. $9.1 MILLION Prop C would fund the replacement of student and staff technology, such as computers, iPads, and Chromebooks. Prop C would fund the replacement of student and staff technology, such as computers, iPads, and Chromebooks. Prop C would fund the replacement of student and staff technology, such as computers, iPads, and Chromebooks. PROP C TECHNOLOGY DEVICES $9.1 MILLION PROP C TECHNOLOGY DEVICES $9.1 MILLION PROP A GENERAL FACILITIES $230.7 MILLION $230.7 MILLION Prop A addresses facilities, including safety and security improvements, classrooms and learning spaces, fine arts and athletics purchavses, and facility infrastructure and systems. Prop A addresses facilities, including safety and security improvements, classrooms and learning spaces, fine arts and athletics purchavses, and facility infrastructure and systems. Prop A addresses facilities, including safety and security improvements, classrooms and learning spaces, fine arts and athletics purchavses, and facility infrastructure and systems. Prop A addresses facilities, including safety and security improvements, classrooms and learning spaces, fine arts and athletics purchavses, and facility infrastructure and systems. PROP A GENERAL FACILITIES $230.7 MILLION PROP A GENERAL FACILITIES $230.7 MILLION PROP B STADIUM FACILITIES $55.3 MILLION STADIUM FACILITIES $55.3 MILLION PROP B STADIUM FACILITIES $55.3 MILLION Prop B includes renovations to Lehnhoff Stadium. This proposal also includes stadium turf replacement at Steele High School and stadium turf installation at Corbett Junior High. Prop B includes renovations to Lehnhoff Stadium. This proposal also includes stadium turf replacement at Steele High School and stadium turf installation at Corbett Junior High. Prop B includes renovations to Lehnhoff Stadium. This proposal also includes stadium turf replacement at Steele High School and stadium turf installation at Corbett Junior High. Prop B includes renovations to Lehnhoff Stadium. This proposal also includes stadium turf replacement at Steele High School and stadium turf installation at Corbett Junior High. PROP B STADIUM FACILITIES $55.3 MILLION

Detailed descriptions of the projects in each propositions is available at bond.scucisd.org Detailed descriptions of the projects in each propositions is available at bond.scucisd.org Detailed descriptions of the projects in each propositions is available at bond.scucisd.org Detailed descriptions of the projects in each propositions is available at bond.scucisd.org

CALLS MAY 2 SCHOOL BOND ELECTION SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD SCHOOL BOND ELECTION SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD CALLS MAY 2 SCHOOL BOND ELECTION SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD SCHOOL BOND ELECTION SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD

Based on the recommendation of the parents, staff and taxpayers who served on the Community Advisory Committee, the SCUC ISD Board of Trustees has called a three-proposition school bond election, totalling $295 million , for Saturday, May 2, 2026. SCUIC ISD residents will have the opportunity to cast a vote in each of the three propositions separately. Based on the recommendation of the parents, staff and taxpayers who served on the Community Advisory Committee, the SCUC ISD Board of Trustees has called a three-proposition school bond election, totalling $295 million , for Saturday, May 2, 2026. SCUIC ISD residents will have the opportunity to cast a vote in each of the three propositions separately. Based on the recommendation of the parents, staff and taxpayers who served on the Community Advisory Committee, the SCUC ISD Board of Trustees has called a three-proposition school bond election, totalling $295 million , for Saturday, May 2, 2026. SCUIC ISD residents will have the opportunity to cast a vote in each of the three propositions separately. Based on the recommendation of the parents, staff and taxpayers who served on the Community Advisory Committee, the SCUC ISD Board of Trustees has called a three-proposition school bond election, totalling $295 million , for Saturday, May 2, 2026. SCUIC ISD residents will have the opportunity to cast a vote in each of the three propositions separately.

How would the May 2026 Bond impact my taxes? How would the May 2026 Bond impact my taxes? How would the May 2026 Bond impact my taxes? How would the May 2026 Bond impact my taxes?

How can I take part in the May 2026 bond election? To participate in the May 2 bond election, you must be a resident of the district, 18 years of age or older on election day and registered to vote. The deadline to register is April 2. Early voting takes place from April 20 through April 28 at any voting location in your county of residence. Election Day is May 2. vote. The deadline to register is April 2. Early voting takes place from April 20 through April 28 at any voting location in your county of residence. Election Day is May 2. vote. The deadline to register is April 2. Early voting takes place from April 20 through April 28 at any voting location in your county of residence. Election Day is May 2. vote. The deadline to register is April 2. Early voting takes place from April 20 through April 28 at any voting location in your county of residence. Election Day is May 2. Homeowners Over 65 This election does not include a tax rate increase for any taxpayer. Residents age 65 or older are protected by an “Over 65” homestead tax ceiling. State law freezes school taxes at the amount paid the year a homeowner turns 65, unless significant home improvements are made. If you are 65 or older, you may file for a homestead exemption at any time. or older are protected by an “Over 65” homestead tax ceiling. State law freezes school taxes at the amount paid the year a homeowner turns 65, unless significant home improvements are made. If you are 65 or older, you may file for a homestead exemption at any time. or older are protected by an “Over 65” homestead tax ceiling. State law freezes school taxes at the amount paid the year a homeowner turns 65, unless significant home improvements are made. If you are 65 or older, you may file for a homestead exemption at any time. or older are protected by an “Over 65” homestead tax ceiling. State law freezes school taxes at the amount paid the year a homeowner turns 65, unless significant home improvements are made. If you are 65 or older, you may file for a homestead exemption at any time. How can I take part in the May 2026 bond election? To participate in the May 2 bond election, you must be a resident of the district, 18 years of age or older on election day and registered to How can I take part in the May 2026 bond election? To participate in the May 2 bond election, you must be a resident of the district, 18 years of age or older on election day and registered to How can I take part in the May 2026 bond election? To participate in the May 2 bond election, you must be a resident of the district, 18 years of age or older on election day and registered to Homeowners Over 65 This election does not include a tax rate increase for any taxpayer. Residents age 65 Homeowners Over 65 This election does not include a tax rate increase for any taxpayer. Residents age 65 Homeowners Over 65 This election does not include a tax rate increase for any taxpayer. Residents age 65

Currently, SCUC ISD does not anticipate an increase to the district’s 2026-2027 tax rate. Currently, SCUC ISD does not anticipate an increase to the district’s 2026-2027 tax rate. Currently, SCUC ISD does not anticipate an increase to the district’s 2026-2027 tax rate. Currently, SCUC ISD does not anticipate an increase to the district’s 2026-2027 tax rate.

For information about the proposal, financial impact, and detailed project descriptions, scan the QR code or visit bond.scucisd.org . For information about the proposal, financial impact, and detailed project descriptions, scan the QR code or visit bond.scucisd.org . For information about the proposal, financial impact, and detailed project descriptions, scan the QR code or visit bond.scucisd.org . For information about the proposal, financial impact, and detailed project descriptions, scan the QR code or visit bond.scucisd.org .

EARLY VOTING When: April 20-28 EARLY VOTING When: April 20-28 EARLY VOTING When: April 20-28 Where: Any voting location in your county of residence Where: Any voting location in your county of residence Where: Any voting location in your county of residence Where: Any voting location in your county of residence EARLY VOTING When: April 20-28

When: May 2, 2026 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. ELECTION DAY When: May 2, 2026 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. ELECTION DAY When: May 2, 2026 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. ELECTION DAY When: May 2, 2026 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. ELECTION DAY

Ad paid for by Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD. Ad paid for by Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD. Ad paid for by Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD. Ad paid for by Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD.

Government

$500M tax cut for proposed data center CloudBurst denied

water per day, according to the meeting presen- tation. The data center would also generate $1.22 billion in tax revenue for Guadalupe County, according to the presentation. Thompson said they are also having conversa- tions with Texas State Technical College and Texas State University on training programs. She also said they try not to strain community resources. “We will not be pulling from the local grid, so all of our generation will be behind-the-meter using both turbines and fuel sales,” Thompson said. “The generators we use, use no water.” What they’re saying Kutscher said the data center could have an overarching benefit to the county and he does not think it should be denied. He also said counties are regulated by the state and do not have land-use authority like cities do. “We do not get to pick and choose what we want to see on a property,” Kutscher said. “We have been inundated with residential development as one of the fastest growing regions in the state of Texas and in the country for some time now.” Kutscher also said counties were not allowed to put moratoriums on development. Precinct 4 Commissioner Stephen Germann said he could not support a tax abatement for the proposed data center until he saw the amount of water the data center would use in writing. “We are out of water,” Germann said. “If anyone wants to argue with me, talk to the farmers about their wells going dry.” Precinct 1 Commissioner Jacqueline Ott said she is not anti-AI data center, but it was concerning not to have all the information before the meeting

In a 3-2 vote, Guadalupe County Commissioners voted against a $500 million property tax abate- ment for a multibuilding data center campus with CloudBurst Texas on Feb. 24. Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher and Precinct 2 Commissioner Drew Engelke voted in favor of the tax abatement. A Chapter 312 tax abatement was the tax break under consideration by commissioners. The tax abatement is an agreement between a taxpayer and a tax unit that exempts increases in property value taxation for up to 10 years. It is an economic development tool available to counties, cities and special districts to attract new industries, accord- ing to the Texas comptroller’s website. What we know The data center would be about 220 acres. Approximately 142.5 acres are in Guadalupe County, and the remaining 77.5 acres are located in Hays County, according to agenda documents. The data center campus would be composed of 12 artificial intelligence buildings across 3 million square feet, said Cynthia Thompson, co-founder and executive chair of CloudBurst, during her presentation to the commissioners. “We’re a small company trying to build a data center here, locally in Texas,” Thompson said. The data center’s unnamed tenant would sign a 15-year lease agreement with the option to renew the lease for an additional five years. CloudBurst officials were seeking the Chapter 312 tax abate- ment to close out their funding and sign their tenant, Thompson said. If approved, the data center would provide 480 jobs at full build-out and use 24,000 gallons of

Proposed CloudBurst data center

New Braunfels

Seguin

1101

Cloudburst data center impact

480 jobs at full build-out

24,000 gallons of water per day

$1.22B economic impact

SOURCE: CLOUDBURST TEXAS LLC/COMMUNITY IMPACT

presentation. Charles McDonald, a small-business owner and farmer in Seguin, said he had concerns about the data center’s water usage. “Over the past few years, we’ve consistently seen our well drop, and it’s not been rising back up; it keeps going down and down. I have had sev- eral neighbors have their wells go dry and needing to have new wells put in,” McDonald said.

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BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Universal City annexes 74-acres into city limits A new single-family subdivision is one step closer to being constructed in Universal City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Sorting out details Universal City’s City Council approved the annexation of a 73.67-acre property for a proposed single-family development March 17. The dais also approved a change in about 4 acres of the property’s land use designation from community commercial to medium density. The property’s zoning was changed from large-lot residential to Planned Unit Development, or PUD, district, according to agenda documents. The ordinance changes were approved on first reading and are anticipated to return to council for a second and final reading on April 7, after press time. The proposed subdivision—named Whispering Creek—will be owned and constructed by the sin- gle-family residential developer Meritage Homes. Whispering Creek is anticipated to have between 276 and 285 homes constructed in three phases with a playground, community pool and Schertz City Council names 8.83-acre park Schertz City Council approved the name “Meadow Run Park” for a new 8.83-acre park in northern Schertz March 17. The overview The park’s name—recommended to council by the city’s parks and recreation advisory board—was inspired by the area’s “openness” and “meadow-like qualities.” Meadow Run Park will feature amenities including a playscape, two pickleball courts and a picnic pavilion.

Universal City to change trash services Universal City’s City Council approved an ordinance awarding a five-year contract to Frontier Waste Solutions for solid waste services on first reading March 17. What residents should know Frontier Waste Solutions would provide trash services twice a week, recycling services once a week, bulk and brush pickup once a week and household hazardous waste pickup once a week. The contract with Universal City’s current waste service provider, WM, expires Aug. 1. Frontier Waste Solutions would begin serving the city Aug. 3, if council approves the ordinance on second and final reading April 7, after press time.

Whispering Creek subdivision

Universal City

1518

Cibolo receives recycling service update In the first several months of servicing Cibolo, Waste Connections of Texas staff have collected 18,503 pounds of household hazardous waste. The impact The most common items being thrown away by residents are latex and oil-based paints, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, computers, televisions and other electronics, according to a March 10 council presentation. “We’ve had over or around 300 individual pickups, and the average pickup is 62 pounds,” said Zach Ryan, district manager for Waste Con- nections of Texas. Of the 18,503 pounds collected, approximately 16,649 pounds have been recycled, which is a higher diversion rate than standard recycling, according to the meeting presentation. Waste Connections also provides brush and bulk pedestrian trails, according to agenda documents. Digging deeper There will be a Traffic Impact Analysis, or TIA, completed and submitted as part of the construc- tion plan review. The TIA will include contributing traffic from future developments in Schertz and commercial development at the southeast corner of FM 1518 and Maske Road. A portion of the property is located in Joint Base San Antonio’s Accident Potential Zone 2. JBSA officials requested that the neighborhood amen- ity center be located outside the zone, agenda documents state.

WM rate

$28.07

-0.78%

Frontier Waste Solutions rate

$27.85

Cost to the city annually: $3.67M

SOURCE: UNIVERSAL CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Common items being thrown away Paint and other materials are the largest category of items being thrown away by residents.

38%: Paint and other materials

31%: Chemicals 28%: Electronics 3%: Other

SOURCE: WASTE CONNECTIONS OF TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

collection services to city residents. Ryan said they have been collecting an average of 100 tons of bulk and brush per month. More details City Council approved a five-year agreement and one five-year extension with Waste Connections of Texas in April 2025, as previously reported by Community Impact . Curbside waste and recycling pickup began July 28.

IOLAS WAY

PARKLANDS WAY

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 20: First day of early voting, last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or 7 p.m. deadline for non-postmarked ballots)

Residents in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe Counties can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. A full list of polling locations can be found at www.guadalupetx.gov/page/elections.home, www.bexar.org/2177/voting-in-bexar-county or www.comalcounty.gov/193/elections- voter-registration.

SOURCE: CITIES OF SELMA, UNIVERSAL CITY AND LIVE OAKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

Proposition C The $9.06 million proposition will fund the technology replacements.

SCUCISD 2026 Bond Proposition A The $230.7 million proposition will fund school facility upgrades. Proposition B The $55.3 million proposition will fund school stadium renovations.

Universal City Council Member, At-Large Bernard Rubal* Lori Putt*

KEY: *Incumbent

Sample ballot

Andy Garza III Mark Dunlop

Local elections Selma City Council, Place 3

Note: Universal City voters will have the opportunity to cast ballots for none, three, two or one candidate, according to the city website.

Live Oak Mayor Mary M. Dennis* Christina Lichtenberg

Becky Harris* Cori Mitchell

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BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Live Oak Mayor

KEY: *Incumbent

Christina Lichtenberg Occupation & experience: Small Business owner est. 2006 www.facebook.com/p/Elect-Christina- Lichtenberg-61564188462965

Mary M. Dennis* Occupation & experience: Retired SAISD-SPED Department; Live Oak Mayor, Live Oak Planning and Zoning, Texas Municipal League, AACOG ... www.facebook.com/YourMayorMary/#

For years, we politely knocked on the doors of City Hall asking for transparency, only to be ignored. I’m running because the time for asking is over. It’s time to take the keys back. I’m running to return the power of the Mayor’s oce directly to the people. Why are you running for oce?

I’m running for reelection to keep our city strong, safe and well-managed. We’ve made steady progress on infrastructure, public safety and supporting local businesses. I want to improve on that work, protect our community’s values and ensure our neighborhoods remain places we’re proud to call home.

My rst act will be to Unlock the Books with a full forensic audit. I’ll prioritize Total Transparency, making every city contract searchable online, and Abolishing Backroom Deals. We are ending the “insider-only” culture and ensuring that public funds are spent on public needs, not private interests. What would your top priorities be if elected? The biggest challenge is Institutional Corruption disguised as “growth.” I will address this by implementing a “Glass House” policy. Every meeting, every budget line and every developer agreement will be laid bare for the public. If the city can’t justify an expense to a watchdog, we shouldn’t spend it. What is the biggest challenge Live Oak faces in ve years? How will you address it? We lack Accountability Infrastructure. We need an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee with subpoena power over city departments. We don’t need more “committees” that rubber-stamp the status quo; we need a system where the taxpayers have the ultimate “key” to approve or veto major city expenditures. What resources do you think Live Oak is lacking? I’m not here to join the “Good Ol’ Boys” club; I’m here to dismantle it. I’ve spent years as a watchdog because I believe the truth belongs to you. I’m not asking for a seat at their table—I’m bringing the table back to your front door. What is one thing you want the community to know about you?

My priorities are keeping Live Oak strong through safe neighborhoods, better infrastructure and ecient services. I support local businesses and use tax dollars wisely. With 24 new businesses recently welcomed—12 being small—my commitment to a thriving economy and our community remains clear.

Live Oak must address water stability and state-mandated property tax reductions. I am committed to protecting our water supply and stabilizing city revenue while minimizing nancial pressure on you. Together, we will ensure a high quality of life for every family and business—putting Live Oak rst.

Live Oak’s growth brings opportunities to continue strengthening our resident’s quality life. Through upcoming community conversations, residents and businesses can share ideas and priorities on the issues that matter most to them. By working together we will continue to enhance services that support our families, businesses and local economy.

Serving Live Oak for 15 years is an honor. I remain committed to hard work, accountability and accessibility. Together, we’ve built a strong community, and the best is ahead. Live Oak is a great place to live, work and play—I’m proud to call it home for 30 years.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Election

Selma City Council, Place 3

KEY: *Incumbent

Becky Harris* Occupation & experience: Retired; served on the Selma City Council since 2019 210-260-5040

Cori Mitchell Occupation & experience: Renewables Compliance Analyst; Background in audit, accounting and compliance 210-526-1929 www.facebook.com/p/Cori-Mitchell-for-Selma-City- Council-2027-61574451372932

I love serving the community and feel I still have a job to do! Why are you running for oce?

Selma has a strong foundation, and I’m running to build on it with thoughtful, community-focused leadership. As our city grows, we must stay focused on infrastructure, quality of life, and connection. I’m committed to listening, working together and helping ensure Selma continues to thrive for everyone who calls it home.

My top priorities would be water resources, keeping the taxes low and planned business growth. What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

My priorities are to listen to our residents, support safety and protect the quality of life that makes Selma a great place to live.

The biggest challenge facing the city of Selma is managing rapid industrial and commercial growth within a limited geographic area. We would manage it through Economic Development. What do you think is the biggest challenge Selma faces in the next ve years? How do you plan to address it?

Selma’s biggest challenge is keeping our infrastructure and services aligned with the needs of our community while preserving our quality of life. I am committed to listening to residents, focusing on practical solutions and making thoughtful decisions that help move our city forward in a way that supports everyone.

Continued transportation options and improvements. What resources do you think Selma is lacking?

Selma has a strong foundation, and we have an opportunity to be more proactive. We should focus on planning for infrastructure and services before demand increases, while also investing in community spaces that bring people together and keep residents connected.

I was born in New Braunfels and have lived in this area my entire life. In 2019 I lled my husband’s (Ken Harris) unexpired term. What is one thing you want the community to know about you?

I want the community to know that I’m ready to build on the strong foundation we have in Selma. I’m committed to listening and helping move our city forward in a way that continues to support our residents.

Our schools and our students are so much more than one test on a single day. Let’s Measure What Matters in our Texas public schools.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Universal City Council, At-Large

KEY: *Incumbent

Lori Putt* Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond.

Bernard Rubal* Occupation & experience: Retired from the Data Analysis and Research section of the Cardiology Service at Brooke Army ... www.rubal4uc.com

Mark Dunlop Occupation & experience: Retired; Successful business executive, program manager, USAF Officer, community volunteer, Masters

Andy Garza III Occupation & experience: Candidate Owner of Argus Solar & Construction

and owner of POOCHTIDES 210-332-3769

Degree: Public Administration 210-710-0737

Why are you running? I’m running for reelection because steady, common-sense leadership matters. I’ve shown up, done the work, and focused on results—not noise. I care deeply about this community and want to continue moving it forward with thoughtful decisions and a commitment to the people who live here.

There is a need for a minority voice on Council that gives a voice to our hard- working and fixed-income residents. By a majority, our Council increased property taxes, rejected defining the prioritization of budgetary needs and failed to allow residents the right to vote on venue tax use.

Public service an important focus for me. I’ve learned a lot of lessons through my career that I can bring to the table and make a quick impact. I want to do all I can to continue making Universal City a vibrant, family-friendly place where folks want to live.

Universal City isn’t just where I live; it’s where I’ve raised my family. I am running for office because I care deeply about our community’s future. My goal is to ensure the same high quality of life that we’ve enjoyed is here for our grandchildren to enjoy as well.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected? Protecting quality of life, being

Safety, infrastructure and improvements in the budget process to include measurable performance standards.

My number one priority is growth. We have to focus on attracting businesses that last, provide good jobs and help improve the city. Redevelopment efforts like the Aviation District will help us continue to modernize the Universal City, and let folks Shop, Dine and Play in UC first.

I want to bring strong, transparent leadership that listens to its residents and focuses on practical solutions. My goal is to support smart growth, strengthen our local economy and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.

responsible with taxpayer dollars and keeping services reliable are my top priorities. That means strong public safety, smart growth and listening to residents. The best decisions aren’t rushed—they’re informed, balanced and centered on what works for our community.

What resources do you think Universal City is lacking? Growth is coming—the challenge is getting it right. We must balance development with infrastructure and services so we don’t lose what makes our city special. I support thoughtful planning, asking the right questions and making decisions that hold up long after the moment passes.

We need to utilize our sales tax revenues to address basic service needs of our community without increases in property taxes. We need an effective street maintenance program. We must ensure that future development costs do not exceed our service capacity, and residents are spared from development costs.

What we don’t lack is people who are interested, willing to put their time and effort into making UC a great place to live. Space is an issue, so redevelopment is important. Water is a challenge, and the city must continue to source new access for our future.

Universal City is lacking commercial development and entertainment options. Like many bedroom communities near major metros, Universal City functions as a suburb of San Antonio, meaning residents often travel elsewhere for nightlife, destination retail and cultural venues.

What do you think is the biggest challenge Universal City faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address it? We need stronger communication.

Competition in securing resources! The growth of I-35 and I-10 corridors strains the ability of Universal City to compete for everything from water rights to qualified personnel. Our infrastructure deficit (deferred maintenance) further reduces our ability to compete for critical resources. We must prudently spend every penny of tax revenue.

I think the biggest challenge we face is not letting short-term desires derail our larger strategic goals. We have to pay for roads, public safety, etc. and still have funds for our parks, the library and community events that make our city special. Growth is key to our success.

The biggest challenge is infrastructure and transportation pressure such as aging streets, increased traffic along the main corridor and utility capacity risks. These can be addressed by long- term capital improvement plans tied to growth, pursuit of state and federal funding along with expanding sidewalks, trails and multimodal passenger travel.

Residents deserve to be informed, heard and included. When people understand what’s happening and why, trust grows. And when trust grows, so does the strength of our community and the quality of the decisions we make.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Transportation

BY JARRETT WHITENER & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Cost of Schertz project balloons to over $3M The cost of Schertz’s 2025 Street Preservation and Maintenance, or SPAM, Resurfacing Project has more than tripled due to streets deteriorating more rapidly, city ocials said. What’s happening Construction costs for the city’s 2025 SPAM Resurfacing Project were initially budgeted at about $1.1 million. Now, construction is antici- pated to cost almost $3.4 million , according to a March 3 City Council meeting presentation. The streets within the resurfacing project have begun deteriorating more rapidly than anticipated. The amount of base repair and asphalt repair has also doubled from budget assumptions, according to the meeting presentation. City Engineer Kathryn Woodlee said the scope of any SPAM or street project often changes during and after the survey and design process due to

Pat Booker Road repairs on the way Universal City and the Texas Department of Transportation held an open house Feb. 26 to inform residents about upcoming changes to Pat Booker Road. The details A section of the road will undergo safety improvements in early 2027. Construction will be conducted by TxDOT. The project is slated to be completed by late summer or early fall, city sta said.

occupancy vehicle lane. Update: Weekly lane closures will continue from Loop 410 to FM 3009. • Timeline: June 2022-fall 2027 • Cost: $1.5 billion • Funding source: TxDOT 3 FM 1518 Project: About 5.6 miles of FM 1518 will be reconstructed by widening the existing roadway. Update: Trac on FM 1518 between I-10 and the Woman Hollering Creek bridge will be shifted beginning March 19 until winter 2026. • Timeline: spring 2024-spring 2028 • Cost: $72.78 million • Funding source: TxDOT, city of Schertz

Schertz 2025 SPAM Resurfacing Project

3009

WILLIAMSBURG DR. CURTISS AVE. RICHMOND DR.

1103

WURZBACH PKWY.

WIEDNER RD.

BENTWOOD RANCH DR.

1604

BENTWOOD RANCH DR.

RIVER RD.

410

1518

LOWER SEGUIN RD.

368

RITTIMAN RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

active deterioration. The project is part of the city’s capital improvement projects. Dierent streets are identied for the year to be resurfaced or rehabilitated. Project design is almost complete. City sta will evaluate funding options to proceed with the planned work this year. If work is delayed by a year or more, the streets identied in the project will fall into the “rehabilitation” category, resulting in additional cost increases, the presentation states.

Completed projects

• Timeline: fall 2026-fall 2027 • Cost: $18.2 million • Funding source: city of Schertz

Upcoming projects

4 Wiedner Road Project: Asphalt was replaced to improve sections of Wiedner Road. Update: City sta began roadwork March 16, expected

1 Lower Seguin Road Project: The city of Schertz is creating preliminary plans for reconstruction and environmental clearance so federal funding can be secured. Update: An additional grant has been identied for water line relocations needed for the project.

Ongoing projects

to last through March 30. • Timeline: March 16-30 • Cost: TBA • Funding source: city of Cibolo

VILLAGE GREEN

2 I35 NEX Central Project: The Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, is constructing two mainlanes and a high-

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

Excellence! JUDSON ISD IS PRODUCING

JUDSONISD.ORG LEARN MORE AT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JANELLE DE JESUS & JARRETT WHITENER

SCUCISD approves policy for out-of-district transfers

Judson ISD bond project cost increases The Judson ISD board of trustees approved a change to a construction services contract for Cibolo Creek Middle School on March 26. The project includes roof modications, painting four re hydrants and more, according to board documents. What you need to know The contract change is being funded by the district’s 2022 bond. The contract would add $641,000 to the project, bringing the total cost to $81.21 million. It will expire once all work is completed, according to board documents. The original project cost was $80.32 million, but in June 2025, trustees approved an additional $250,000 for contingency costs, increasing the total at the time to $80.57 million.

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD is planning a new initiative to increase enrollment for students living outside of the district. On March 26, Executive Director of Elementary Education Sarah Dauphinais gave a presentation on limited enrollment for out-of-district transfers to schools with lower enrollment. The program will begin during the 2026-27 school year. The details Dauphinais said out-of-district transfers allow SCUCISD to strengthen enrollment at under-ca- pacity campuses and attract families seeking “high-quality learning environments.” The program will be open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade at ve participating campuses. To qualify for the program, students must demonstrate strong academic and behavioral records. Program applications will be open until April 24, and will be reviewed in the order they are submitted.

Supplementing enrollment SCUCISD is allowing out-of-district transfers to the following campuses in the 2026-27 school year.

Key:

Current enrollment

Remaining capacity

Cibolo Valley Elementary 560 Green Valley Elementary

478

467

265

Watts Elementary

463

276

Paschal Elementary

191

513

Wilder Intermediate

673

182

SOURCE: SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

IT STARTS HERE PUBLIC HEALTH

National Public Health Week is April 6 - 12, 2026 The 2026 theme, " Ready. Set. Action! " calls on every person in our community to look back at the progress we've made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future. Every year during the first full week of April, communities across the country join the American Public Health Association (APHA) to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW). City of San Antonio Metro Health remains dedicated to its vision of "Healthy People Thriving in a Healthy Community."

Join Metro Health for our annual Public Health Fest featuring information of programs and resources. Enjoy food samples, fresh produce bags, music and more at no cost.

Rosedale Park 303 Dartmouth St.

Thursday, April 9th 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Scan for more info

Ready. Set. Action

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

$295.1M bond looks to fund facility improvements From the cover

The overview

SCUCISD bond breakdown

Total cost: $295.11M

Prop C Prop B

Prop A

Since late 2024, district staff and committees have been consolidating a list of infrastructure needs for facilities, featuring more than $500 million in identified needs. Beginning in September, members of the Community Advisory Committee, or CAC, have presented bond recommendations to the board of trustees. CAC is a committee made up of parents, community members and district representatives for each high school feeder zone. Using recommendations from CAC, trustees narrowed the projects down to a total cost of just over $295 million. Chief Operations Officer JD Mosley said the committee also considered enrollment projections, campus capacity and how well facilities currently support student programs. Because not all identified projects could be included in a single bond, they were prioritized based on condition and timing, impact, and available bond capacity as part of the district’s long-range planning process. Proposition A is the largest proposition in the bond, covering facility improvements. If approved by voters, Mosley said elementary and intermediate schools will receive new play areas, including equipment, turf fall areas and shade structures. Steele High School will see renovations to Career and Technical Education, or CTE, and Fine Arts areas. Samuel Clemens High School will receive safety and security upgrades, including a new student parking lot and an expanded cafeteria to increase indoor seating capacity. Clemens will also see the renovation and replacement of the physical education buildings. The largest project in Proposition B is the $50 million expansion to Lehnhoff Stadium. Other needs for the stadium include more separation

Proposition A: $230.74M

1 Mechanical system replacements: $50.2M 2 Clemens Physical Education Building: $31.07M 3 Steele CTE renovation and additions: $19.51M 4 Steele Fine Arts renovation and additions: $17.85M 5 Safety and security improvements: $15.54M 6 Building envelope/roofing replacements: $14.36M 7 Dobie campus refresh: $11.06M 8 Fire alarm system replacements: $10M 9 Bond contingency: $10M 10 Play areas: $8.32M 11 Transportation replacements: $8M 12 Clemens cafeteria expansion: $7.95M 13 Learning environment equipment: $7.4M 14 Toby Conner improvements: $6.09M 15 Learning environment improvements: $4.38M 16 Paving repairs: $4M 17 Technology infrastructure: $3.78M 18 Plumbing/drainage improvements: $1.23M

7 8 9

Proposition B: $55.3M

Proposition C: $9.07M

1 Lehnhoff Stadium: $51.06M 2 Corbett Junior High turf: $2.7M 3 Steele/Clemens turf: $1.54M

The replacement of student and staff computers, iPads, and Chromebooks to meet district replacement cycles of four to six years.

SOURCE: SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Scott Lehnhoff said the stadium needs increased seating capacity. Lehnhoff told trustees the stadium holds around 6,500 attendees and cannot accommodate both district teams.

between spectators, participants and officials; added security fencing; and turf replacement and installation. This project has been identified as a need since October 2024. In March 2025, Athletic Director

SCUCISD tax rate

The impact

The FY 2026-27 tax rate is not expected to increase if the bond is approved. The M&O rate covers general expenses, while the I&S rate pays district debt.

$165 million in the summer, $65 million in 2027 and $65 million in 2028. The actual issuances are subject to change based on the finalized project timelines and bond market interest rates, Moy said. For the projects that were not included in the 2026 bond package, Moy said, as the district pays debt off and property values increase, the debt capacity will increase, allowing the district to consider future funding opportunities for proj- ects. Mosley said the district is not anticipating future bonds or debt until the completion of the 2026 bond projects.

Moy said the bond proposal is not anticipated to increase the 2026-27 tax rate, despite being called a tax rate increase on the ballot. “While there are several factors that can influ- ence the interest and sinking [I&S] tax rate—such as changes in property values, market conditions, when bonds are issued and legislative changes to tax exemptions—the district’s intent is to keep the rate at or below the 47 cents level that was in place from 2021–22 through 2024–25,” Moy said. The bond funds, contingent on voter approval, would be issued as needed, Moy said. The assumption is that the district will issue

Maintenance and operations

Interest and sinking

2020-21 Fiscal year

$0.9509 $0.45974 $0.8995 $0.47

2024-25 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2025-26

$0.8546

$0.47

$0.6692

$0.47 $0.47

$0.6669 $0.6669

$0.41

SOURCE: SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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