New Braunfels | October 2023

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11 OCT. 11NOV. 3, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

Leann Yutzy, a second grade teacher at Veramendi Elementary School, teaches a math lesson to students.

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Ocials: Tax rate change would prevent shortfall

Chief Financial Ocer Paul McLarty said NBISD would face a $4.5 million shortfall if the measure does not pass. That could require reductions in sta positions and academic programing, he said.

If approved, the voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, would provide additional funding that will go toward maintenance and operations in the district, 80% of which is dedicated to teacher and sta compensation.

BY SIERRA MARTIN

To balance the district’s budget, the New Braunfels ISD board of trustees voted Aug. 21 to call a Nov. 7 election for voters to authorize the addition of 3 cents to the district’s tax rate.

CONTINUED ON 12

Also in this issue

Impacts: Johnson Furniture earns Texas Treasure award (Page 6)

Government: Citylooks to add to and retain workforce (Page 9)

Election: Sample ballot, state propositions (Pages 1011)

Events: Dia de los Muertos Festival slated for Oct. 28 (Page 25)

LEARN ABOUT HOW OUR PLANS IMPACT YOU!

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October 28 noon-10pm

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

Now open

306

GRUENE LAKE RD.

337

1101

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

2 Coee on the Knox The locally owned coee drive-thru oers an assortment of iced, blended and hot coee along with Red Bull Energizer drinks. Aside from coee, Coee on the Knox also oers tacos, scones and bagels. • Opened Aug. 21

ISLAND

• 513 Business I-35, New Braunfels • Facebook: Coffee on the Knox

337

1044

3 Kats Scrap Box The woman- and veteran-owned crystal shop is located inside The Red Rooster Antique and Design Center. • Opened Aug. 20

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• 971 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.instagram.com/katsscrapbox

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4 Pic-n-Pac Convenience Store A new location of the local convenience store chain opened in New Braunfels. The business sells food, drinks, novelty products and fuel. • Opened in August • 2156 FM 1101, New Braunfels • www.pic-n-pac.com

chilis, queso birria, autas and pork rinds. • Opened Sept. 2 • New Braunfels ER & Hospital, 3221 Commercial Circle, New Braunfels • Facebook: Food Coma

Now open

1 Food Coma The food truck oers Southern-style food fused with Mexican avors, such as hot chicken fused with Mexican

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Coming soon

Now open

5 Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard The franchise sells Italian ice cream made with fresh fruit, frozen custard, milkshakes and custard cookie sandwiches among other items. Some of the hand-scooped custard avors include mint chocolate chip, blue raspberry and

Florida orange. • Opened Sept. 1 • 2009 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.ritasice.com

8 Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery The San Marcos-based kolache bakery is expanding to New Braunfels, owned by brothers Chase and Seth Katz. There will be a drive-thru and a walk-up window. The bakery is known for its homemade Czech and Texas kolaches, such as poppy seed, apricot,

hatch chili, and sausage and cheese. In addition to its kolache menu, the bakery also oers a variety of coees and teas as well as smoothies. • Opening in irst quarter of 2024

• 1164 FM 306, New Braunfels • www.dosgatoskolaches.com

6 Wild Bloom Market The shop sells a range of wellness products, home goods, handmade pottery, jewelry, clothing, and natural skin care and bath products. • Opened Aug. 3 • 189 E. San Antonio St, Ste. 189, New Braunfels • Facebook: Wild Bloom Market 7 Westside Library Branch The city’s second library branch held a grand opening celebration for its 8,800-square-foot location Sept. 16. The new branch features a teaching garden, four study

create a ring, bracelet, anklet or necklace, which is then sized to the customer’s liking and welded closed. • Relocated in August • 2339 Gruene Lake Drive, Unit A, New Braunfels • www.linked-por-vida-permanent-jewelry.square.site

Coming soon

9 Michael’s The arts and crafts supplies store is slated to open a location in the New Braunfels MarketPlace. • Opening TBD • 651 N. Business I-35, New Braunfels • www.michaels.com

In the news

11 Johnson Furniture Co. The business received the Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission and was presented the award Sept. 14. The award honors businesses operating for more than 50 years in the state. • 283 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.johnsonfurnitureco.com

Relocations

rooms and more. • Opened Sept. 16 • 2910 I-35, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/library

10 Linked Por Vida Co-owner and welder Mia Gomez said the business relocated to grow further in Gruene. Customers can

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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Government

BY ZARA FLORES & ERIC WEILBACHER

City budget focuses on competitive staffing, pay New Braunfels City Council adopted the city’s operating budget Sept. 11, which focuses on employee compensation, public safety and capital improvement projects. The tax rate was approved Sept. 25. While the tax rate continues a downward trend— the rate was nearly 8 cents higher in 2020—city officials estimate the taxes will effectively raise by 8.6% due to rising values of property appraisals. The tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year is set to be $0.4089 per $100 valuation. The details Earlier this year, the city’s executive leadership team and City Council outlined the following goals and priorities for the fiscal year 2023-24 budget: • Develop competitive compensation packages • Invest in technology and equipment that reduces the need for other resources • Invest in aging infrastructure • Maintain strong financial reserves The takeaway Improving employee compensation for city staff has been a work in progress since 2015, Assistant City Manager Jared Werner said, when the city lagged behind other surrounding cities in compen- sation by almost 25%. Now 32 new positions have been created, mainly in public safety, he said. Other notable highlights from the new budget include capital funding to complete projects from the 2019 bond and a fourth consecutive tax rate decrease. This year’s proposal is a balanced budget with

Comal County adopts $167.85M budget While conceding taxes will be slightly higher in the coming year, the Comal County Commissioners Court unanimously passed a $167.85 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and a property tax rate of $0.27515 per $100 valuation Sept. 7. That new rate is almost a penny less than the FY 2022-23 rate of $0.284715 per $100 valuation. However, due to rising home and commercial property values, the adopted tax rate will still translate to higher taxes for the average home owner. The background The preliminary proposal for the new tax rate linked to the budget was for the rate to remain at the current level, but in the budget amending process, commissioners removed some items to lower the rate some. Commissioner Scott Haag and Commis- sioner Donna Eccleston brought up amend- ments to add county positions into the budget that were approved unanimously— one for adding an assistant road superinten- dent to the county engineer’s office and one to add an additional clerk to the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office. What they’re saying Commissioner Kevin Webb proposed reducing the tax rate by putting a “pause” on some road projects. “It’ll reduce that line item by [$2.5 mil- lion] dollars and then the tax rate by about nine-tenths of a cent,” Webb said.

New Braunfels tax rate history

The city has gradually lowered its tax rate each fiscal year since FY 2019-20. Rates shown are per $100 of valuation.

Maintenance and operations rate Interest and sinking rate

Taxes in cents

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

Fiscal year

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

equal revenue and expenditures, both slated at $419.55 million with a 19.1% increase in revenue from last year. Revenues include the city’s sales and property taxes, permitting fees and unspent funds from prior budgets. The revenues are broken down as follows: • Revenue: $198.07 million • Beginning capital reserves: $151.25 million • Beginning fund reserves: $70.23 million

Grant could make way for downtown improvements

E. SAN ANTONIO ST.

The downtown TIRZ is around 180 acres. About the program Grant funding can be sought for the following types of projects within the TIRZ: • Renovation of a building’s exterior • Public infrastructure • Streetscapes • Conversion of property from residential to commercial

New Braunfels officials are looking ahead at the state of its downtown to make improvements with the proposed Business Improvement and Preservation Grant Program. If approved, funding will come from the city’s downtown tax increment reinvestment zone. Terms to know A tax increment reinvestment zone, also known as TIRZ, is a type of taxing district utilized by cities to fund projects within the bounds of the zone.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Election

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Voter Guide

2023

Christ Our King Anglican Church 115 Kings Way, New Braunfels Westside Public Library 2932 S. I-35, New Braunfels Fire Department Training Room 424 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels New Braunfels Public Library 700 E. Common St., New Braunfels

Dates to know

Polling locations

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Polling locations vary between early voting and Election Day. Early-voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. Early voting

Comal County Comal County Elections Office 396 N. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels Comal County Offices, Goodwin Annex 1297 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels

Comal ISD Support Services 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels

Where to vote

New Braunfels Christian Church 734 N. Loop 337, New Braunfels Eden Hill 631 Lakeview Blvd., New Braunfels Gruene Methodist Church 2629 E. Common St., New Braunfels River Chase Clubhouse 436 River Chase Way, New Braunfels Guadalupe County New Braunfels ISD Transportation Building

Comal County and Guadalupe County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.co.comal.tx.us/elections.htm for polling locations in Comal County and www.co.guadalupe.tx.us/elections/index.php for polling locations in Guadalupe County.

Guadalupe County Redemptive Grace Ministries 2240 FM 725, New Braunfels Election Day

Sample ballot

Comal County Comal County Elections Office 396 N. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels Comal County Offices, Goodwin Annex 1297 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels Comal County Senior Citizens Center 710 Landa St., New Braunfels Freedom Fellowship Church 410 Oak Run Point, New Braunfels Vintage Oaks Amenity Center 1250 Via Principale, New Braunfels

New Braunfels ISD voter-approval tax rate election Proposition A Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.0419 per $100 valuation in New Braunfels Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 14.6328% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $10,813,002. There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 11.

2621 Klein Way, New Braunfels Redemptive Grace Ministries 2240 FM 725, New Braunfels

NOTE: ONLY POLLING LOCATIONS IN EACH COUNTY THAT ARE WITHIN NEW BRAUNFELS’ CITY LIMITS ARE LISTED.

Real Life Community Church 1615 FM 1044, New Braunfels

SOURCES: COMAL COUNTY, GUADALUPE COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. ballot

Texas voters will find 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state affairs, Rottinghaus said.

Proposition 10

Proposition 5

SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. Officials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.

HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.

Proposition 11

Proposition 6

SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.

SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.

Proposition 2

Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to offer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.

Proposition 7

Proposition 12

SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.

HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s Office. If approved, other county officials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes effect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.

Proposition 3

HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.

Proposition 8

Proposition 13

HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.

HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.

Proposition 4

HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.

Proposition 9

Proposition 14

HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat inflation, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.

SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Officials: Tax rate would prevent shortfall From the cover

The backstory

What you need to know

Cost to taxpayers

If the VATRE is approved by voters in November, the tax rate for FY 2023-24 will be a $0.1535 reduction from the tax rate approved by the board last year, compared to an $0.1835 reduction if voters reject the proposition. Because lawmakers decided to compress, the taxpayer will see an average decrease of 14.63% on their tax bill, according to the district. “The decision to call for the VATRE did not come lightly,” NBISD Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury said. “Without the additional three pennies, the district would have a $4.5 million budget deficit if we continued to offer at least the same level of educational programming for our students.”

Since the adopted tax rate for fiscal year 2023- 24 of $1.0419 per $100 valuation exceeds the voter-approval tax rate by 3 cents, New Braunfels ISD is required to hold an election for the new tax rate adopted by the board of trustees. The state had a record budget surplus this legislative session that was partially used to fund reductions in school district tax rates and a proposed increase in the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000. According to district officials, school district tax rates were compressed—or reduced—by as much as $0.18 per $100 valuation across the state.

Average taxable home value

Average tax payment to NBISD

2022-23

$316,508

$3,784

2023-24 with no VATRE

$2,824 -25.37%

$279,045*

2023-24 with VATRE

$ 2,907 -23.18%

$279,045

*NBISD ESTIMATES AVERAGE TAXABLE HOME VALUE WILL REDUCE BETWEEN 2022-23 AND 2023-24 DUE TO EXEMPTIONS APPROVED BY STATE LAW

Reason for the election New Braunfels ISD is slated to have a $4.5 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2023-24. To offset the projected shortfall, the board called for a voter approval tax rate election, or VATRE, on Nov. 7.

SOURCE: NBISD, COMAL COUNTY TAX OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Understanding the ballot language

An $18 billion tax relief package was passed by Texas lawmakers July 13 through Senate Bills 2 and 3. As a result of this, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the average homeowner will save around $1,200-$1,450 on their 2023 tax bill. Voters will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment in the plan—Proposition 4—in the Nov. 7 election. “While the tax rate has been reduced, NBISD has not seen an increase in school funding and, with inflationary impacts, is facing a deficit,” NBISD Board President Eric Bergquist said. “If the VATRE passes, the revenue generated will help maintain current academic programming and retain and attract high-quality staff.”

• The proposed tax rate of $1.0419 is 3 cents above the maximum rate without voter approval, and will fund staff raises and student programs. • The legislature’s $18 billion tax relief package will allow taxpayers to see a 14.63% decrease in their tax bills, even though legal language of the ballot requires the wording to include “will result in an increase.” • Because NBISD has not seen an increase in school funding and due to inflation, the district is facing a shortfall.

FY 2022-23 tax rate: $1.1954

Difference: $0.1535

Proposed FY 2023-24 tax rate: $1.0419

Difference: $0.03

Allowable tax rate without an election: $1.0119

Budget shortfall if VATRE fails: $4.5 million

Anticipated shortfall if VATRE passes: $2 million

Difference: $2.5 million

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY SIERRA MARTIN

Put into perspective

What’s next?

Voting locations and information about the Nov. 7 ballot can be found on Page 10 of this edition of Community Impact . More information on the VATRE election can be found at www.nbisdnews.org/elections. “It’s important to remember that in this voter-approval tax rate election, we’re giving the choice back to our stakeholders,” NBISD Board Secretary Steve Minus said. “We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming election.”

shortfall for the current 2023-24 fiscal year, a mea- sure they do not plan to make on an annual basis. “The district would need to consider options to reduce expenditures or find alternative revenue sources going forward if the state does not pass a school funding bill in a future special legislative session,” McLarty said. If the local VATRE passes: • The district will still see a $2 million shortfall. • The district will propose the use of the general fund’s balance to meet the financial gap for FY 2023-24, according to the district. • It would provide funding for educational programs, including programs originally paid for with COVID-19 funding, according to the district.

State lawmakers have dedicated $12.7 billion to reduce school district maintenance and operations taxes, which make up the majority of the tax bill. Schools will receive funding from the state to ensure they do not lose revenue as tax rates fall, but NBISD is asking voters to approve an addi- tional 3 cents to close the gap in their budget. “Lawmakers have not raised the basic allotment, which is the minimum amount of funding per student that school districts receive from the state, since 2019,” NBISD Chief Financial Officer Paul McLarty said. According to McLarty, the district will still see a $2 million shortfall for the 2023-24 budget if the VATRE passes. The district would propose to use the general fund balance—or funds left over from the previous school year—to meet the financial

If approved

• Proposed tax rate: $1.0419 • Decrease in the average NBISD tax bill per month compared to last year: $73 • Revenue raised by the district: $2.5 million

New Braunfels ISD tax rate Interest and sinking: money spent on debt service, including new construction, renovations and technology. Maintenance and operations: funding goes toward staff salaries, utilities, programs, among other operational costs.

$1.37

FY 2018-19

If denied

$1.30

FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 if denied FY 2023-24 if approved

• Tax rate in the district: $1.0119 • Decrease in the average NBISD tax bill per month compared to last year: $80 • Budget shortfall for 2023-24 school year: $4.5 million

$1.22

$1.20 $1.20

$1.01

$1.04

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$0.1

$0.2

$0.3

$0.4 $0.5 $0.6 $0.7 $0.8 $0.9 $1 $1.1

$1.2

$1.3

$1.4

$1.5

Tax rate

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Preschool guide

2023

Brilliant Starts Learning Academy Ages served: 6 months-5 years After-school care: none Enrollment: 70 Tuition: $986.15-$1,118.15 monthly (dependent on age) • 2101 FM 1101, New Braunfels • www.brilliantstarts.com Little Einstein’s Academy Ages served: 6 weeks-5 years old After-school care: none Enrollment: 71 Tuition: $700-$810 monthly (dependent on age), $150 registration fee • 2797 N. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels • 830-620-5453

Tuition: $145-$230 per week • 311 FM 306 Building 2, Ste. B, New Braunfels • 830-626-8440 Lolli’s Daycare and Preschool Ages served: 12 months-4 years After-school care: ages 5-12 Enrollment: 82 Tuition: $100-$300 per week • 984 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.lollisdaycare.com/contact-us Ms. Debbie’s Darlings Preschool Ages served: 2-5 years old After-school care: none Enrollment: 12 Tuition: $850-$950 • Operates from private residence • 830-708-7503 This list is not comprehensive.

New Braunfels

Triple L Ranch Child Development Ages served: 6 weeks-pre-K After-school care: 6 weeks-fth grade Enrollment: 200 Tuition: •$326 (after-school care)-$950 (infant) monthly • 737 W. County Line Road, New Braunfels • Facebook: Triple L Ranch Child Development

A Creative Learning Center Ages served: newborn-12 years old

After-school care: yes Enrollment: open, 200

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & SIERRA MARTIN

Staff at local child care facilities have been working to overcome and persevere through the hurdles experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now an expiration in American Rescue Plan Act funding could prove to be the next hurdle in the industry. As part of the ARPA signed into law in 2021, the federal government allocated $24 billion in grants to child care providers to help create financial relief through the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas alone received a little over $4 billion through the Child Care Stabilization Program—funded through the American Rescue Plan Act—but with the end of fiscal year 2022-23, that funding was cut off Sept. 30. Child care cliff: Funds run out

The big picture

The cost of care Local data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau shows an almost $2,000 rise in the cost of care in Comal County between 2018 and 2023. Median yearly price in 2018: $8,666 Median yearly price in 2023 (estimated): $10,200 Childcare price as share of median family income: 9.8%

According to the White House website, the stabi- lization grants were used to help small businesses stay open by providing funds to pay rent, improve facilities and/or retain employees. In Texas, the stabilization program served 836,000 children with 10,790 child care pro- grams in the state receiving support from the government. Estimates show that without financial support: • Nearly 4,000 child care programs could close statewide. • Over 300,000 children could be left without care in Texas. • Total cost of turnover and loss of productivity in Texas is nearly $1 billion . • Nationwide, the foundation reported more than 70,000 child care programs will likely close, and about 3.2 million children could lose their child care spots.

Comal County demographics

Women's labor force participation rate: 67.4% Women's median earnings: $30,194 Median family income: $88,431 Percent of families in poverty: 5.7%

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next?

7 ballot to create targeted property tax cuts for child care centers. Senate Bill 1145 prohibits the exemption from being less than 50% of the appraised value. If the constitutional amendment passes in November, counties and municipalities can adopt the exemption effective Jan. 1.

care,” Kofron said. “The remaining centers will have to either lower wages or increase tuition. Neither of those are good choices.” During the 88th Texas Legislative Session, a $2.3 billion House proposal for child care was left out of the final budget. However, a joint resolution was passed to put a constitutional amendment on the Nov.

Kim Kofron, senior director of education for Children at Risk, a Houston-based nonprofit advocacy group, said she has already begun to hear stories of longtime day care centers beginning to close. “We already have child care deserts, [and] with the impending child care cliff, we are anticipating even more closures, and because of that it will be even harder to find child

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Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Technical college looks to future in the New Braunfels area

Texas State Technical College will be able to build a campus in Comal or Guadalupe county following the approval of House Bill 4997. Representatives from the technical college spoke to business professionals in the area during the Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation quarterly luncheon July 25. “Thanks to the leadership of [Rep. John Kuempel] and [Sen. Donna Campbell], the bill that passed this session allows TSTC to operate without restrictions in Comal and Guadalupe counties,” foundation Executive Director Greg Lutz said. “This is a signifi- cant win for our region.” The big picture According to the presentation, service-area jurisdiction rules prevented the technical college from providing its programming without an estab- lished district community college first declining to serve as the educational provider. The new law gives the technical college the ability to bring new

programs without going through the process of offering a right of refusal each time. Texas State Technical College has 10 campuses throughout the state and offers over 40 programs and degrees through two-year courses and certi- fications. Programs focus on high-demand fields, including engineering and manufacturing, aviation, information technology, and health care. The specifics “TSTC is different; we get paid if and only when we put the student in a job,” said Gail Lawrence, Texas State Technical College deputy chancellor. “So we’re hyperfocused on the job. And we get paid what’s called a commission rate. ... We don’t focus on programs where there’s not high placement.” According to the presentation, funding for the college has two variables: student employment outcomes and a funding rate. The technical college acts like a placement agency; a graduate’s salary determines the commission the college receives.

Creating the college The Texas State Technical College is looking for the perfect location to build its local campus. 6-7 buildings on campus Nearly $268M total project budget At least 100 acres of property in Comal or Guadalupe county

SOURCE: TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We’re never gonna tax you; we don’t have the authority to levy a tax,” Arnold said. “We’re paid by the state of Texas. Once you make the invest- ment and it’s on the ground, there are no more local tax dollars being taken from you.” The next steps for the technical college are to organize stakeholders, raise capital from donors and identify property in either county for a campus.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Real estate

Transportation

BY ZARA FLORES

New Braunfels city staff has spent the last several months working on diversifying the city’s public transit options and preparing a draft of the new Transit Development Plan, which will be presented to City Council for action at the end of October. How we got here City Council approved a contract with Alliance Transportation Group in February to provide services and direction for the plan. Project management and initiation began in February, followed by public engagement and an analysis of existing conditions through the summer, according to a presentation Aug. 21 by Garry Ford, the city’s transportation and capital improvements director. City staff honing transit plan

Number of homes sold

August 2022

August 2023

What else?

Residential market data

Fixed route: a bus, van or other vehicle service that has a predetermined route and schedule Complementary Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit: required by the ADA and is complementary to fixed routes for those whose disabilities prevent them from using fixed-route options Demand response: a non-fixed- route system that is curb to curb and requested ahead of time Microtransit: a flexible, on-demand service that is app based and service zone based Supporting options include commuter bus, vanpool, carpool, ride-sharing vouchers, and integration with other transit systems and modes.

78130

Median home prices and the number of sales differed year over year across both New Braunfels ZIP codes in August, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors. The median home price in 78130 increased by 6% year over year, and in 78132, the median price dropped by 31.4%.

Through an online survey, the city was able to gather feedback from nearly 1,000 residents on how they feel about the current transportation options and preferences for future transit possibilities. When asked about why they didn’t use public transportation, respondents primarily said service is not provided where they live or need to go; they are unsure which public transit system they are eligible to use; and service is not available at the desired times. Overall: • 54% of respondents favored the fixed-route service system. • 24% favored microtransit. • 22% favored other on-demand services. City staff is also factoring in land use, population density and employment density regarding the different options.

+42.1%

78132

-5.5%

Median August home sales price

2022

78130

2023

78130

78132

+6%

$371,000

$350,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY THE AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

78132

-31.4%

$505,000

$736,789

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969

NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434

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

YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

Trish Engle , REALTOR CENTURY 21 The Hills Realty tengle.engle@c21thehills.com 210.843.6260

I can assist you with buying, selling, or building your home. With additional experience in investment properties and Land & Ranch, I am here to help you with all things real estate.

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Dr. Emily Briggs

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Know Your Water Stages

New Braunfels Utilities monitors the Edwards Aquifer level and implements water restrictions to encourage conservation and protect natural resources in times of drought. Drought status follows a series of numbered stages, each with unique water use guidelines.

To learn more about community water stages, visit nbutexas.com .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Environment

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

A legal back-and-forth over whether a rock quarry can move forward excavating materials near the Meyer Ranch and Vintage Oaks subdivisions in New Braunfels is heading to the Texas Supreme Court. Since 2017, Vulcan Materials has been in a legal dispute with community activist groups such as Preserve Our Hill Country Environment, which brought a legal case against the quarry due to air quality concerns. The lawsuit counters the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s determination that the proposed plant’s crystalline silica emissions would not negatively impact human health. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble agreed with the plaintiffs in March 2021. Last September, a retired judge presiding Quarry draws local resistance

What’s next?

The specifics If the quarry ultimately proceeds forward, according to Vulcan Materials, it would total 1,500 acres located within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, including:

On July 31, the community groups in opposition filed a petition to the Texas Supreme Court to review and reverse the 3rd Court of Appeals decision that overturned the trial court’s judgment. According to the Texas Supreme Court’s schedule on their website, the case was forwarded to the court Aug. 29. “The panel showed no regard for relevant legal issues raised by Texans living and working in the area and essentially concluded Vulcan’s claims seem fine,” PHCE Communications Director David Drewa said in a statement. TCEQ Media Relations Specialist Ricky Richter said in a statement that due to the fact the permit is being litigated, th TCEQ does not have a comment at this time. Vulcan Materials also did not return calls for comment.

600 acres or more of buffering and nonmining areas No more than 50 acres mined in the first decade of operation 80-year estimate on the life of the mine before it’s depleted

SOURCE: VULCAN MATERIALS, PROTECT OUR HILL COUNTRY ENVIRONMENT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

on behalf of the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals— Judge J. Woodfin Jones—reversed the March 2021 ruling, writing “substantial evidence supports the commissioners’ determination that the proposed plant’s crystalline silica emissions will not negatively affect human health or welfare,” according to the ruling.

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PROGRAMS AT THE HEADWATERS

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Development

BY SIERRA MARTIN

1 Bainbridge at Creekside Project: The garden-style apartment homes will feature walk-in closets, 9-foot ceilings and quartz countertops. The development will also offer a resort-style pool with a sundeck and a clubhouse with social areas, a television and firepits. Other features of the property include a state-of-the-art fitness center and pet park. • Location: 770 Barbarosa Road, New Braunfels Project: The triplex and fourplex townhome community will be built on 10 acres adjacent to Mission Hill Park along Independence Drive near West Hwy. 46. The developer, Grocapitus Investments, is producing them as two-, three- and four-bedroom rental units. Each unit will have a driveway and a garage. Update: The development has changed its design plans to accommodate for additional units, increasing the total from 108 to 128. • Location: The address will be along Independence Drive next to the entrance of Mission Hill Park. • Timeline: spring 2023-TBD • Size: 128 units ranging from 1,032-1,425 square feet each 3 Gateway to Gruene Apartments • Timeline: July 2022-May 2024 • Size: 14.02 acres total, 291 units 2 Equinox Townhomes Project: The development will feature luxury apartment units in one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. The community will feature a resort-style pool, a state- of-the-art fitness center and a dog park, among other amenities. Update: Vertical construction of the 13 buildings of the apartment complex is underway. • Location: 2400 block of Common Street • Timeline: August 2022-summer 2024 • Size: 227 units ranging from 575-1,400 square feet each 4 New Braunfels Commerce Center Project: The industrial complex by developer CLX Ventures will provide warehouse space in the 46.7-acre development. Each building will feature 32-foot clear

INDEPENDENCE DR.

306

337

1101

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

LANDA PARK DR.

ISLAND

337

LAKE DUNLAP

725

1044

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

5 Farias-Spitzer Elementary School Project: The newest Comal ISD elementary school can accommodate up to 850 students in pre-K to fifth grade. The school is named after former CISD students Marine Sgt. Thomas Spitzer and Marine Lance Cpl. John Farias, who were killed in action in Afghanistan.

• Location: 1475 Hwy. 46 S., New Braunfels • Timeline: April 2022-August 2023 • Size: 96,000 square feet

heights with rear-load configurations. • Location: Goodwin Lane near FM 306 • Timeline: April 2023-spring 2024 • Size: four buildings, 651,010 square feet

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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