Northeast San Antonio Metrocom | July 2025

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Northeast San Antonio

Metrocom Edition VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 JULY 15AUG. 13, 2025

2025 Home Edition

Home values rising Northeast San Antonio property taxes, property values on the rise

The Northeast San Antonio area has seen a rise in property values, increasing residents’ property tax bills. (Tyler Fox Media/Community Impact)

Schertz, the median property tax increased by 32.95% from 2013 to 2023. Rising values mean a greater tax bill for area homeowners; however, this number can be alleviated through state legislation and the home appraisal protest process.

according to the Texas Comptroller. Property tax is measured by the value of a property, with governing bodies of each taxing entity determining rates on an annual basis. Local taxes go toward everything from schools and roads to hospitals and re departments. The Northeast San Antonio area’s property values have increased by varying amounts. In

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Northeast San Antonio has become a desirable place to live, but that has led to higher property tax bills and more home appraisal protests. With Texas’s status as a state without income tax, local governments and other taxing entities rely on property tax collection for services,

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue Impacts: Read about a new Max & Louie’s New York Diner coming soon to Cibolo (Page 5)

Premium sponsors

INSIDE

Government: Learn about Universal City rate increases for Schertz EMS services (Page 6)

Front-Load Dumpsters Ideal for restaurants, schools and other commercial businesses that produce more waste than what fits into standard carts. Trash, Recycle and Compost Options Flexible Collection Frequencies Delivered to You

WHAT IS AN AUDIOLOGIST? Primary hearing healthcare professionals found in private clinics, hospitals, and schools.

Available in over a dozen types and size options.

WHAT WE DO

Evaluate and diagnose hearing and balance disorders. Can help people living with tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Licensed to prescribe, fit and dispense hearing aids and other assisted listening technology for patients of all ages.

Get your quote today! 210-651-6633 | TexasDisposal.com

Scan the code for more information.

A level of care that’s truly next level Above-and-beyond service is where we start.

DR. PHALLON DOSS

THE DOSS AUDIOLOGY TEAM

ASHLEY PIÑA, AU.D. CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST

JENNY BLANCO-DOE, AU.D. CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST (HABLA ESPAÑOL)

STEPHEN WILLIAMS, M.A. CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST

Visit FrostBank.com or call (800) 51-FROST.

Scan for more info

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE PLANS! FLORESVILLE 1605 US Highway 181 N, Ste A Floresville, Texas 78114 830-542-8957 SCHERTZ 645 Woodland Oaks Dr, Ste 350 Schertz, Texas 78154 210-819-5002 WWW.DOSSAUDIOLOGY.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Andrew Creelman Parks Kugle Thomas Leer Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Nic Delgadillo Alissa Foss Chelsea Peters Managing Editor Sierra Martin Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

Kayla Brooks General Manager

Amira Van Leeuwen Editor

Heather Demere San Antonio Market President Note to our readers:

Beginning this month, you’ll no longer see Texas Monthly content featured in Community Impact. We’re grateful for the partnership and proud to continue focusing on original, impactful reporting from our own CI journalists across Texas. As always, thank you for trusting us to keep you informed about what matters most in your community.

16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1 Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

Proudly printed by

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact nemnews@communityimpact.com nemads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Press releases

Advertising

83% of Texans take action after reading Community Impact—and 76% say our ads help them discover new products and services. Contact us! ads@communityimpact.com Want results like that for your business? Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Garden Ridge

Impacts

Coming soon

5 Thera Nails Lab The nail salon is owned by Anh Nguyen. Thera Nails Lab will offer traditional manicures, pedicures and waxing. • Opening December • 1347 FM 1103, Ste. 131, Cibolo • 806-471-2227 6 KPOT A nationwide Korean restaurant chain offers a unique mix of Korean-style BBQ options along with classic Korean Hot Pot dishes. • Opening August • 7741 N. Loop 1604 E., Live Oak • www.thekpot.com

3009

Selma

1103

RETAMA PKWY.

1604

Universal City

Cibolo

3 AGORA PKWY.

CORONADO BLVD.

S. MAIN ST.

UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.

1518

What’s next

Live Oak

465

W. BYRD BLVD.

7 Synergy Refrigeration The industrial refrigeration company is planning to build a second building on its property in Universal City, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • Opening TBD • 848 W. Byrd Boulevard, Universal City • www.synergyrefrigeration.com

Schertz

1604

LINNE RD.

1976

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 DXL Big + Tall The men’s clothing store specializes in large-fitting apparel and wear for men. • Opened June 28 • 8352 Agora Parkway, Ste. 140, Selma • www.dxl.com 4 Einstein Bros. Bagels The bagel and sandwich restaurant chain has opened in Universal City, with the location serving as the 87th in Texas, according to the company website. Einstein Bros. Bagels serves classic and signature bagels, egg sandwiches, deli sandwiches and a selection of juices and coffees. • Opened July 1 • 3142 Pat Booker Road, Ste. 130, Universal City • www.einsteinbros.com 10

Now open

Relocations

1 Slim Chickens The nationwide chain restaurant specializes in Southern- style chicken. • Opened June 9 • 7022 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • www.slimchickens.com 2 Ink & Ivy Tattoos The artist-operated tattoo parlor is locally-owned by Megan Taylor. Ink & Ivy Tattoos offers custom and flash art tattoos, with both appointments and walk-ins available. • Opened June 6

8 Hill Country Dermatology The clinic—owned by board-certified dermatologists Vicente Quintero and Danielle Brown—relocated from 5000 Baptist Health Drive, Ste. 116 to 17331 I-35 N., Ste. 107 in Schertz. Hill Country Dermatology offers treatments for acne and eczema, botox and filler injections. • Relocated May 20 • 17331 I-35 N., Ste. 107, Schertz • www.hcderm.com 9 Texas Violin Shop The Texas Violin Shop relocated from 10119 Trappers

• 100 S. Main St., Cibolo • Facebook: Ink and Ivy

YOUR # 1 SOURCE FOR CBD, THC, AND HEMP BASED PRODUCTS IN UNIVERSAL CITY

BEST HEMP FLOWER IN TEXAS

Buy 2 Get One FREE on all products, except �lower Exp. 08/15/25. Cannot be combined with another o�fer.

20% OFF Purchase on all products, except �lower

CBD DISPENSARY - STATE AND FEDERALLY LEGAL THC

Exp. 08/15/25. Cannot be combined with another o�fer.

VOTED #1 CBD STORE! 613 Pat Booker Rd • (210) 236-5661 • www.gruenebotanicals.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANDREW CREELMAN & THOMAS LEFFLER

12 Retama Park The track celebrated its 30-year anniversary on April 8. Retama Park has live quarter horse racing and dining options at Clubhouse 95 and Terrace Dining Room. • 1 Retama Parkway, Selma • www.retamapark.com Universal City Public Information Channel Universal City launched its own public information called UC TV on Spectrum Channel 1306 on June 6. The channel has been in the works for five years and features local content from artists, businesses and filmmakers, according to a news release. • Launched June 6 • www.universalcitytexas.gov

Ridge in Converse to 924 Coronado Boulevard in Universal City. The violin shop, owned by Samantha and Estefan Cortez, offers instrument lessons. • Relocated May 14 • 924 Coronado Boulevard, Universal City • www.texasviolinshop.com

Coming soon

In the news

10 Methodist Hospital Northeast Methodist Hospital Northeast celebrated its 40-year anniversary June 16. The hospital campus was acquired by Methodist Healthcare in 1995 and offers a wide range of healthcare services, including advanced cardiovascular care, neurosurgery and joint replacement surgeries.

• 12412 Judson Road, Live Oak • www.sahealth.com/locations/ methodist-hospital-northeast

13 Max & Louie’s New York Diner The San Antonio diner is owned and founded by Drew Glick. Max & Louie’s New York Diner offers a classic East Coast style diner experience, according to its website. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. • Opening summer 2026 • 18124 I-35, Cibolo • www.maxandlouies.com

Worth the trip

Duck & Dumpling The Chinese restaurant serves steamed or boiled dumplings and a full-course Peking duck complete with all the traditional sides. • Opened May 19 • 3003 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio • www.duckndumplingtx.com

11 TruLight127 Ministries This nonprofit organization celebrated its 10 year anniversary in June. Headquartered in Seguin, TruLight provides adoption and fostering services plus care for children and families throughout Bexar and Comal counties. • 3925 Linne Road, Seguin • linktr.ee/trulight127

Let’s Get Vaccinated When it comes to vaccines, it's important to get the facts. The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District knows that life moves fast and the last thing you want is to miss out due to an illness. Vaccines are safe and help your immune system fight off serious disease that can stop or change your plans. They protect you, the people you love and can prevent you from getting sick.

Let’s get vaccinated—because when it comes to your health, it’s time to get real about vaccines and get the facts.

For more information, visit SA.gov/Health

Scan the QR to find the nearest pop-up clinic near you.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

Universal City approves 20% rate increase for Schertz EMS services Universal City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Schertz EMS on June 3, allocating an additional $182,553 in funding to local emer- gency management services for the next three fiscal years after economic factors put the provider at a negative cash balance, according to agenda documents. Schertz EMS provides emergency medical services and ambulance transportation to the greater Randolph Region, according to the city of Schertz website. In FY 2025-26 and 2026-27, rates will increase by 20%, followed by a 5% increase in FY 2027-28. What’s happening Schertz EMS is estimated to lose $796,917 in FY 2024-25 due to rising costs in EMS equipment, hiring

Cibolo council OKs on- call services for EDC In a 5-2 vote, the Cibolo City Council approved four master service agreements to consultants on May 27 for on-call economic development services. Economic development services can include business retention, expansion and recruitment according to agenda documents. The total combined annual expenditure for services is not to exceed $75,000, paid for by sales tax funds under the Cibolo Economic Development Corporation, or CEDC, budget, Economic Development Manager Clancy

Schertz EMS interlocal agreement rate increase

EMS Director Jason Mabbitt presented two payment options to Universal City Council that look to help fund Schertz EMS needs. Annual cost of services

Option 1

$427,859 $356,550 $513,431 $539,103 $356,550 $481,342 $505,409 $530,679

FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28

+20% +20%

+5%

Option 2

FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28

+35% +5% +5%

SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Hardin said. What’s next

additional employees and pay increases, according to a presentation by EMS Director Jason Mabbitt. Schertz EMS will present the same financial options to all of its interlocal agreement partners, including Schertz, Cibolo, Selma and Live Oak.

Each agreement has a five-year term, with funding subject to annual CEDC and city budget availability, agenda documents state.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Olympia Hills adds $8M annually to economy Universal City’s Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center, located at 12900 Mount Olympus, con- tributes approximately $7.94 million to the local economy each year, according to a new report from the National Golf Foundation presented to

Olympia Hills economic contributions to Universal City

Golf facility operations Non-local patron spending Capital investment Residential housing impact

SANTA CLARA RD.

$5M $4M $3M $2M $1M $0

Cibolo holds hearing for business park Cibolo City Council held a public hearing to rezone approximately 270 acres from a Mixed Use Regional Employment District to a Light Industrial business park for a development along I-10 East on June 24. Why it matters Potential uses for the park include automotive sales, hospital services, light manufacturing, offices and warehousing, according to agenda documents.

City Council on June 17. What you need to know

Direct

Multiplier Effects

Total Output

Out of the estimated $7.94 million generated each year, $5.33 million is derived from direct facility spending, such as golf operations and capital investment, as well as non-local visitor spending and impacts on residential housing. The remaining $2.61 million comes from multiplier effects, which are indirect and induced impacts such as labor income. Non-resident spending contributed an estimated $720,000 to Universal City’s economy in 2024, with 90% of Olympia Hills patrons not considered locals,

SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

according to the report. “As an outsider looking in ... to me, I really don’t see much with Universal City other than an exit on I-35, some retail establishments along there and this golf course along with your housing. I think it’s a really important piece of the Universal City brand,” said Richard Singer, senior director of consulting services with NGF.

Cibolo council approves $83.5K park design contract

SPRINGTREE BLUFF

1103

Superintendent David Howard presented potential improvements for Veterans Park, including a play- ground shade structure, multi-purpose field reno- vation and resurfaced basketball court, according to agenda documents. Potential improvements to Niemietz Park include sports field renovations and the addition of two walking trails. Kimley-Horn & Associates Architect Austin Pow- ers said the plan will be complete by early winter.

Cibolo City Council has taken the first step toward improving two local parks. Council unanimously approved an $83,500 contract with design and consulting firm Kim- ley-Horn & Associates for master planning services at Veterans and Niemietz Park on June 24. How it happened At the March 25 council meeting, Parks

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

NIEMIETZ PARK

LIVE MUSIC FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY LIVE PBR BULLRIDING ACTION

FREE KIDS

TICKET

PASSCODE: PBRKIDS

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

SCUCISD passes over $6 million in raises, including HB 2 mandates

The backstory

The district’s 2025-26 compensation plan matches the HB 2-mandated raise, either $2,500 or $5,000, for teacher-scale employees with at least three years of experience, at a $430,000 cost to the district. On June 10, Moy presented two options: the one chosen by the board to match HB 2 raises and an option to give a 2% raise to those not covered by HB 2. The second option would have cost the district $338,000, according to the presentation. Trustee Dan Swart said that if the 2% option was what the district could afford, the district could then commit to another future raise on top of the 2% if a voter-approved tax rate election, or VATRE, were to pass in the fall. “The people who are only getting 2% have a commitment from us that when the money is available, a chunk of it will be earmarked for them. I think that would address the issue of us not making promises we can’t keep, but still being able to make a contingent promise assuming certain monies come our way,” he said during a June 10 meeting.

Statewide HB 2 investments $4B for teacher and staff pay

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD incorporated the signing of House Bill 2 in its annual compensation plan for employees, giving raises across the board. At its June 24 meeting, the SCUCISD board of trustees passed the 2025-26 district compensation plan, increasing the pay of all district employees with total expenditures of $6.32 million by the district. The plan included raises for roughly 80 employees on the SCUCISD teacher pay scale, not included in mandated HB 2 raises. Teachers with two or fewer years of experience gained a 3% raise in the compensation plan, while all other employees also had a 3% pay increase. HB 2 was signed in both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives on June 1 and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 4. The $8.5 billion investment in public education will provide SCUCISD with $4.49 million in funding for classroom teacher raises, according to agenda documents. The bill mandates a $2,500 raise for classroom teachers in SCUCISD with three to four years of experience, as well as a $5,000 raise for classroom teachers with five or more years of experience. However, HB 2 uses the Texas Education Code definition of the term “classroom teacher,” defined as an educator who “teaches in an academic instructional setting or a career and technology instructional setting” for at least four hours each day on average. This leaves out positions like librarians, nurses and instructional coaches who are on the teacher pay scale.

raises and expansion of the Teacher Incentive Allotment $1.3B for school operational costs $834M for special education reforms $648M for improving early literacy and numeracy $430M to increase school safety allotment $318M additional funding for small and rural schools $153M to expand career and technical education

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE TEXAS GOVERNOR/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SCUCISD compensation plan options Position Option 1 Option 2

At a May 22 budget workshop, Chief Financial Officer Brian Moy said teachers who’ve asked to be instructional coaches “should probably get a raise.” He also said at a June 10 meeting that the specific education code definition is a consistent philosophy among state legislators. “Every time there’s a bill, even if they won’t admit it, in the backroom, there’s always someone to say, ‘How can we write the bill to fit the dollar amount we can afford?’” Moy said.

Teacher and teacher scale employee raises Instruction aides and campus paraprofessionals Other campus professionals and administration

$430,000 $338,000

$193,000 $193,000

$112,000 $112,000

Non-campus admin and paraprofessionals

$292,000 $292,000

Custodians and auxiliary

$123,000 $123,000

SOURCE: SCUCISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying

SCUCISD 2025-26 employee pay raises

continue workshopping the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, according to a presentation by Superintendent Paige Meloni. The board will approve a budget and tax rate on August 18. As of June 10, the projected 2025-26 general fund has $161.27 million in revenues and $171.99 million in expenditures, a shortfall of $10.72 million. This budget does not account for a potential VATRE.

Board President Edward Finley said figuring out where the legislature was heading had been a challenge for the district. “I know it’s been a hard thing to go through this year with all the changes, waiting on the legislature to make their final determination and then all of a sudden having to step up and make all those calculations,” Finley said. With compensation taken care of, the SCUCISD board’s next order of business is to

Matching other teacher scale employees with 3+ years experience: $430K

HB 2 mandate: $4.47M

3% raise for teachers with up to 2 years of experience: $340K

3% raise for all other employees: $1.08M

SOURCE: SCUCISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Judson ISD approves four new principals The Judson ISD board of trustees approved four new principals for the 2025-26 school year, hiring the roles at Judson High School, Judson CARE Academy, Metzger Middle School and Hartman Elementary School. On May 15, Lakisha Valentine was named the new principal at Hartman Elementary and Ebonisha Davis was named in the role at Metzger Middle. On June 5, the board approved Eric Pawkett and Elizardo Hernandez to serve at Judson High and Judson CARE Academy, respectively. In a nutshell Valentine will take over as Hartman principal from Monica Rodriguez. Davis will be the new principal of Metzger Middle, replacing Loretta Davidson.

Judson ISD board takes first step toward potential VATRE The Judson ISD board of trustees has taken the first step toward potentially seeking a voter-ap- proved tax rate election, or VATRE, this fall. At the June 5 board meeting, the board voted 6-1 to approve Moak Casey to conduct an efficiency audit, a district financial analysis mandated by the Texas Education Code, before holding a VATRE. Board member Lesley Lee was the lone dissenting vote, stating that she disagrees with the district potentially seeking the VATRE process. The big picture A potential VATRE, according to agenda docu- ments, would keep the district’s Maintenance & Operations tax rate at $1.0346, which has been the rate during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.

Judson ISD Maintenance & Operations tax rate The district has steadily lowered its M&O tax rate since being at $1.4700 during the 2016-17 school year.

$1.50

$0.50

SOURCE: JUDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

As of the June 26 budget approval, the 2025- 26 district budget without the VATRE has total revenues at $234.16 million, while an approved VATRE at the $1.0346 rate would reduce the proposed budget shortfall from $36.32 million to $23.29 million. If approved, the board will call the election on Aug. 18, agenda documents state.

Love God, Love Others, Reach the World Sunday Services • Traditional , 9am • Bible Study (All Ages) , 10:15am • Contemporary , 11:30am Celebrate Recovery , Sundays, 5:00pm C IBOLO V ALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH 5500 FM 1103 Schertz, TX • (210) 658-0525 cibolovalleychurch.org CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OTHER SERVICES

Advertise in the Education Edition

COMPETITION WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL JUDGES r a g

Middle and High School Age Students Only Audition Submissions Due Sept 3

ADS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES | DIRECT MAIL

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Dining

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Demetric and Cherise Herron own The Purple Pig.

The Purple Pig serves a rib tip plate ($17.50), paying homage to Midwestern-style barbecue.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The Purple Pig serves up Midwestern-style BBQ Demetric Herron began his culinary career after serving in the United States Army, working his way up from food tents to food trucks before opening The Purple Pig with his wife Cherise in November 2021. The background

“It’s a lighter smoke avor rather than a heavier smoke avor,” Herron said. The restaurant’s rubs are also inuenced by the Midwest and sauces are made in-house. Customers can build a BBQ plate with pulled pork, chicken, brisket, sausage and Purple Pig Ribs and Rib Tips. Each plate comes with a side like creamed corn, baked mac and cheese and cole slaw. Herron said that the Purple Pig is a place where friends can meet and the community can relax. “Everyone can just chill out and enjoy,” Herron said. “To have a place not just to eat, but have fellowship.”

The restaurant has outdoor seating.

Herron grew up learning the Midwestern craft from his great-uncle in Indianapolis, Indiana. “I remember looking at ribs that were the size of me when I was a little kid,” Herron said. What’s on the menu The Purple Pig specializes in Midwestern-style BBQ which is smoked in a Pecan-fueled pit, Herron said.

537 Main St., Schertz www.thepurplepigbbq.com

Texas Public Education Funding in 2025

Thank you, Texas Lawmakers, for HB 2. Let’s keep going!

New funding provided in House Bill 2

#FundOurSchools

Needed to keep up with inflation since 2019

Needed to match the national average in per-pupil spending

RaiseYourHandTexas.org

Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas®

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Jeremy Tucker owns Elite CrossFit + Personal Training.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Workouts at Elite CrossFit + Personal Training can include wall balls.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Locally-owned CrossFit gym oers functional tness

Fitness has always been a part of Jeremy Tucker’s life. At the age of 12, Tucker got his rst gym mem- bership. He played college football and worked the front desk at Ray Wilson Family Fitness and GNC, before landing his rst job as an assistant high school football coach. After becoming a personal trainer he began training collegiate teams at the University of Incar- nate Word before making the decision to open his own gym. Tucker opened his rst gym—called Elite CrossFit + Personal Training—in San Antonio at 18347 Redland Road near North San Antonio in 2008.

What they oer The gym oers multiple one-hour group CrossFit classes throughout the day. CrossFit uses functional movements at high-intensity intervals, Tucker said. The gym’s group classes are priced at $200 a month. Personal training sessions range from $75- $100 an hour. Elite CrossFit + Personal Training also has a $25 drop-in fee. “There’s a starting point for anybody who wants to try this,” he said. Aside from tness classes, Elite CrossFit + Per- sonal Training oers three types of sports massage modalities: cupping, scraping and dry needling.

The gym oers 1-hour group classes daily.

COURTESY ELITE CROSSFIT + PERSONAL TRAINING

281

1604

Join San Antonio’s Premier Youth Choir!

18347 Redland Road, San Antonio www.elite-crosst.com

Kids ages 5–18 are invited to sing, grow, and make joyful music with CCSA.

Now enrolling for the 2025-2026 season

Scholarships and Financial Aid are available

Join San Antonio’s Premier Youth Choir! Kids ages 5–18 are invited to sing, grow, and make joyful music with CCSA Learn more at www.childrenschorusSA.org • Now enrolling for the 2025-2026 season • Scholarships and Financial Aid are available

Learn more at www.childrenschorusSA.org

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

San Antonio’s largest transportation project has passed the halfway mark, according to Texas Department of Transportation ocials. What you need to know Marco Galindo, TxDOT alternative project deliv- ery supervisor, said the I-35 NEX Central project is now at 55% completion and is estimated to be nished by fall of 2027. The $1.5 billion project aims to add capacity to I-35 by constructing elevated lanes between main lanes and frontage roads, Galindo said. Project limits are between I-410 North in Northeast San Antonio and FM 3009 in Schertz, impacting 9.5 miles of I-35. The I-35 NEX Central project has made progress I35 NEX project over halfway completed

• July 26, 6-10 p.m. • $50 pre-sale, $75 day of event (admission + 1,000 in casino game chips) • Mikulski Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway, Schertz • www.cars4coil.org

July

I35 NEX Central elevated lane elements

Music and Movies in the Park Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and refreshments for a screening of the movie “Elf.” • July 25, 8 p.m. • Free (admission) • Wendy Swan Memorial Park, 4601 Cherry Tree Drive, Schertz • www.schertz.com/519/Music-Movies-in-the-Park Mini Golf at the Library The Schertz Public Library will be transformed into a mini golf course set up by a professional mini golf company and library volunteers. The library will be closed for business this day. • July 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Schertz Library, 798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz • www.schertz.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=5187

WURZBACH PKWY.

Portions of the elevated lanes are under construction, and range from 7% to 52% complete. According to ocials from the Texas Department of Transportation, the overall project is 55% complete and is projected to be nished by late 2027.

1604

7th Annual Selma Police Department Junior Police Academy

There will with presentations and activities with Schertz EMS CPR and First Aid, Live Oak PD Dispatch and 9-1-1, Selma Fire Rescue. There will also be Selma K9 Maverick demonstration. Ages for enrollment are 8-12 years old. • July 28 - August 1, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Selma Police Department, 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma • www.facebook.com/SelmaPDTX Splash Bash The last Cibolo Summer Nights event of 2025 will have water activities like a bubble machine, inatable water games and the Cibolo Fire Department spraying the eld. Attendees are encouraged to bring sunscreen and wear swimsuits. • August 1, 6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Multi Event Center, 210 South Main Street, Cibolo • www.cibolotx.gov/community/ special_events/cibolo_summer_nights.php

410

Complete

Remaining

Drill shafts bridge foundation Bridge columns

Bridge bent caps

Bridge decks

Steel bridge girders

25%

52%

26%

30%

Weenie Dog Races Dachshunds will race in between horse races, with the winner of each dog race to compete in a nal race for the chance to win $500 in cash. Children 5 and under get in free. Parking is free. Only dogs that are racing are permitted into the park. • August 16, 6:15 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.) • $5-$50 • Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway, Selma • www.retamapark.com/events

70%

75%

58%

93%

74%

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1st Annual Cars4COIL Casino Night and Silent Auction

on bridge elements for the elevated lanes. Bridge bent caps are half pre-cast o-site and half tradi- tionally done on-site. Pre-cast caps are brought to the project site and placed overnight, whereas some caps are too big to be shipped to the project, which

is one of the main transportation issues the TxDOT crew faces. To address road closures throughout Northeast San Antonio, TxDOT has tried placing beams over the weekends to minimize trac impacts, Galindo said.

Cars4COIL, or Center on Independent Living, will hold its rst annual casino night and silent auction. There will be items to bid on and professionally ran casino. The nonprot xes and gives cars to families in need.

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

NOWPRESELLING in MONTBLANC

Model coming soon! Just 1 mile off I Top rated schools in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

FIND YOUR HOME

criselda.balderas@highlandhomes.com |

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Home Edition

2025

Howdy neighbors! In this year’s Home Edition, we’re digging into property taxes—what’s driving them up and how homestead exemptions and new state laws might bring some relief to homeowners. We’re also looking at how xeriscaping is gaining traction in Northeast San Antonio as a water- saving, low-maintenance landscaping trend that supports conservation. A heartfelt thank you to our advertisers and sponsors for making this kind of local coverage possible, and to you for reading and staying connected to what’s happening around town.

Premium sponsors:

Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com

Mayfair mayfairtx.com 8302516791 A new community coming to life in New Braunfels with a variety of homes now selling and models open daily.

GVEC gvec.org 8336823800 Expert AC/heating, solar and battery, and electrician solutions from a Cooperative rooted in your community.

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Xeriscaping becoming popular yard conservation practice drainage, as xeriscaping can change the direction of drainage and potentially send water to the house. Mullins said not changing the natural water ow of the home is key, although maintenance is still required. She advised to apply a herbicide such as vinegar or another organic product every six to eight weeks, and pull out weeds as needed. Planting between spring and fall seasons is

Homeowners looking to conserve resources and be creative can do both through the process of xeriscaping—a method of using plants and shrubbery that do not take much, or any, water to maintain. What you need to know Making a front or backyard setup with dry plants is an increasingly common method, both to conserve water and spruce up a home’s look with less required maintenance. Nadia Mullins, owner of DNS Landscaping in San Antonio, does xeriscap- ing work across the state and has seen an upward trend in the method since she started DNS in 2015. “It’s getting more popular than 10 years ago [when] it was more green and more grass. But now with all the water restrictions that we’re getting, [there is a] tendency of going more [to] xeriscaping because of the water savings,” Mullins said. For homeowners looking to start with xeriscap- ing, important things to assess are the home’s

acceptable, though she did not recommend begin- ning in the winter due to the risk of plant death. The upward trend in xeriscaping will continue in the future, with one caveat. She said a struggle can be homeowners associations only allowing for partial xeriscaping in yards. “While the city is restraining the water with water restriction stages, grass is dying or strug- gling over summer, the HOA does not allow that homeowner to do xeriscaping. It’s a struggle for the city of San Antonio to do that full conversion,” Mullins said.

Adding dry plants to a yard through the process of xeriscaping conserves water while adding aesthetic value to the home.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY JARRETT WHITENER

What to know about San Antonio home insurance changes Over the last few years, Texas homeowners have seen increases in insurance rates, with an average increase of over 20% in 2023, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. 21.1% Homeowner average insurance rate change

18.7%

From 2013 to 2021, average home insurance rates had single-digit percentage increases. In 2023, the average rate doubled from the previous year, and in 2024, the rate increase dipped slightly from what it was in 2023. Average increase

While the 2024 average saw a smaller increase at 18.7%, severe weather coverage and other home insurance challenges continue to drive up premi- ums across the state. In the San Antonio area, the most prominent coverages include fire, flood and wind and hail, said Lisa Smith, personal team lead at Miller &

10.8%

6.6%

Miller Insurance Agency. What you need to know

5.9%

4.8%

4.2%

3.7%

3.8%

2.6%

Home insurance premiums are dependent on various aspects of a property, including the appraised value, the age of the home, the proper- ty’s location and other factors. Smith said that some insurance agencies have stopped covering homes in the area due to concerns about wildfires. While the area has not experienced a wildfire recently, the ongoing drought has led to increased risks of fire, and some homes are within the areas marked as the highest risk. Aside from fire, Smith said the most common claims in the area are due to wind and hail. Smith said the average claim will cover around 2% of a property’s value for wind and hail damage, but homeowners should be wary of what is filed for a claim. “Insurance is for those really big moments,” Smith said. With an increase in hail-related claims and increasing roof replacement costs, agencies have also become more strict about the type of roof

2019

2013

2015

2020

2018

2014

2021

2022

2023

2024

2016

2017

NOTE: INCLUDES RATE CHANGE FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED HOMEOWNERS, TENANTS, CONDOS AND HOMEOWNERS POLICIES

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

coverage included in a premium, often meaning homeowners will have to cover most roof repairs out of pocket. Breaking it down Statewide, insurance rates increased by sin- gle-digit values year over year until 2022, when rates increased by 10.8% on average. Between 2022 and 2023, the average increase saw a 10.3 percentage point jump to around 21.1% before decreasing to an 18.7% increase in 2024. While rates are trending down compared to 2023, insurance rates continue to climb, according to TDI data.

The takeaway TDI officials recommend that consumers regu- larly shop for coverage to get the best rates. Homeowners are encouraged to carefully select their deductibles. Policies with higher deductibles generally have lower premiums, but require home- owners to pay more out of pocket for a claim. To help homeowners get the best rate or information on home insurance, TDI helped create policy comparisons for Texas insurance companies at www.helpinsure.com. Smith said talking to local agents can also help get the best rate, since local agents usually have the most up-to-date knowledge and information on a specific region.

River of Life Christian Ministry Cathedral

We Are a Community Dedicated to Seeking God & Serving People Seeking People

Join us

River Women’s Day: Every 5th Sunday Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. via Zoom Personal ID# (943 373 7269)

Sunday School: 9:00 A.M. Sunday Worship: 10:30 A.M.

Presiding +Bishop Michael J. Springs PhD, Dmin

Pastor Evangelist Dr. Mary L. Springs

Holy Communion: Every 1st Sunday

5624 Randolph Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78233 • 210-773-4430 TheRiverSA.Com • msprings@satx.rr.com

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Home values rising From the cover

The big picture

Median property taxes in Northeast San Antonio cities Schertz, Universal City, Live Oak and Selma have all seen an increase in property taxes from 2013-2023.

Schertz

Cibolo Universal City

Live Oak

Selma

Property values in Northeast San Antonio cities have fluctuated over the past five years, but are mainly on a slight upward trend. Fred Wulff, a realtor with RE/MAX Corridor in Schertz, said a rise in value specifically took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot of people transitioned from working in an office to working in a home, so that caused a rise in the need for homes, and then of course, when there’s a short supply, that means prices go up,” Wulff said. Wulff said Bexar County residents are hit with higher rates than homeowners in Guadalupe and Comal counties. Bexar County’s 2024 tax rate was $0.276235 per $100 valuation, compared to $0.2627 in Guadalupe and $0.264230 in Comal.

$15K

$12,068

$8,865

$10K

$3,777 $4,403

$5K

$2,345

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: DATA USA/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What residents should know

What’s new?

and have never put in for a homestead exemp- tion, which could have saved them a whole lot of money,” Andersen said. Abbott said the bills tackling exemptions were one of his legislative priorities. “A lot of Texans are facing an affordability crisis. Last session, we slashed your property taxes. But for many Texans, those were wiped out by local taxing authorities that hiked your property taxes even more. That must end this session,” Abbott told Community Impact. SB 23 would give homeowners 65 and older, or disabled, a $200,000 exemption on taxes lev- ied by public schools. House Bill 9 exempts up to $125,000 of a business’s personal property.

Selma City Administrator Johnny Casias said property taxes go toward various city projects. “A portion of our property tax goes towards the general fund, the other portion of our property tax goes towards debt service. Debt service is basi- cally long-term debt that the city issues to fund a variety of projects, so for us it’s been water system improvements, buildings like our police depart- ment, some road improvements,” Casias said.

In November, Texans will vote on three amendments after Gov. Greg Abbott signed them into law on June 16. Senate Bill 4 would raise the homestead exemption on taxes levied by public schools from $100,000 to $140,000. A homestead exemption, according to the Texas Comptroller, exempts a portion of a home’s value from taxation. The exemption has been raised from $15,000 to $100,000 in the past decade. Comal County Taxpayer Liaison Officer Kurt Andersen said homeowners can benefit from a homestead exemption if they apply for it through the appraisal district. “Many times we’ve run into people who have been living in their homes for many many years

Combined tax rate for each city The combined tax rate factors in taxing entities like cities, counties and school districts.

Cibolo

$1.9526

Legislation

Impact

Status

Schertz

$1.9436

Extends refund for municipalities disproportionately affected by Disabled Veteran exemptions

House Bill 2894

Effective Jan. 1, 2026

Selma (Guadalupe County)

$1.6415

Facilitates property owners receiving tax refunds without application

Signed into law by governor on 6/20, effective Sept. 1 Signed into law by governor, subject to Constitutional Amendment election Nov. 4 Signed into law by governor, subject to Constitutional Amendment election Nov. 4 Signed into law by governor, subject to Constitutional Amendment election Nov. 4

Senate Bill 850

Selma (Bexar County)

$1.9657

Raises statewide home exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for taxes levied by public schools Gives homeowners over 65 years old that have a disability a $200,000 home exemption for taxes levied by public schools Exempts up to $125,000 of business' personal property from taxation

Senate Bill 4

Universal City

$2.2922

Senate Bill 23

Live Oak

$2.1486

House Bill 9

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLO, CITY OF SCHERTZ, GUADALUPE COUNTY TAX OFFICE, BEXAR COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Next steps

Keep in mind

presenting evidence and arguing a case should not get personal, as neither the appraisal review board nor appraisal district set an individual’s property taxes. If an individual is not satisfied with the appraisal review board’s findings, the decision can be appealed to the state district court. The petition to review with the district court should be made within 60 days of receiving an appraisal review board written order, and an individual may ask the district court to have an appeal resolved through arbitration, a jury, a judge or a settlement. Guadalupe County Chief Appraiser Peter Snaddon said another thing to keep in mind is Texas’ status as a non-disclosure state, meaning the sale price of a property does not need to be disclosed to any government agency. Property owners typically seek out local real estate agents to obtain market sales for support of their opinion of value he said.

One way homeowners can change their tax bill is to protest a property appraisal. Protests can be initiated online, by mail or through a dropbox in Guadalupe, Bexar and Comal counties. In 2024, a total of 185,780 protests were submitted in Bexar County, with 26,208 submitted in Comal and 25,133 submit- ted in Guadalupe. As of press time, the number of homeowners who protested this year’s May 15 deadline was not available. If an informal resolution with an appraisal district cannot be reached, an appraisal review board will hear a protest. The comptroller website states that an individual or a representative, as well as an appraisal district representative, has the opportunity to present evidence contesting a property value. Examples of evidence include property photographs, receipts or estimates for

Each year follows a similar schedule, beginning with appraisals through April followed by the protest process.

2025

Event

Jan. 1

Property appraised at its value

Jan. 1- April 30

Appraisal districts complete appraisal

Taxes due to local taxing units or county assessor Local units begin charging unpaid tax bill penalty

Jan. 31

Feb. 1

Appraisal district send notices of appraised value

April-May

Protests from property owners begin to be heard

May 1

July 25 Appraisal districts certify current appraised values Aug.-Sept. Local taxing units adopt tax rates Oct. 1 Local units begin sending bills to property owners

repairs and sales price documentation. The comptroller website states that

SOURCE: GUADALUPE COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Deploy to a home of your own with a VA loan. $0 DOWN. * NO LENDER FEES.

From buying property to managing cash flow and accepting payments, RBFCU keeps your business moving forward. • Commercial Real Estate Loans – fund expansion • Business Checking – keep cash flow simple • Merchant Services – ACH, payroll, POS systems and more Power Up Your Business

GET STARTED AT JeffersonBank.com/Qualify OR CALL (210) 736-7700 . OUR LOCAL TEAM OF MORTGAGE LENDERS IS AT YOUR SERVICE.

Visit rbfcu.org/business or call 210-945-3800

Federally Insured by NCUA Membership eligibility required. To open a business account, RBFCU personal accounts of all principal owners must be in good standing. Programs and fees subject to change. We do not offer Money Service Businesses (MSB) accounts. Business lending rates and terms subject to change and offered with approved credit. Restrictions may apply. RN4160818

All loans subject to credit approval. *Must meet eligibility requirements.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Real estate

Year over year, the number of homes sold increased in the 78154 and 78233 ZIP codes, according to recent data compiled by the San Antonio Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

May 2024

May 2025

+41.86%

-1.28%

-21.74%

+15.91%

78154

78108

78148

78233

Median home sales price

1604

May

2024

2025

78154

$339,000

$374,990

78154

78233

78108

78148

$356,601

$399,439

78108

$277,000

$283,995

78148

$267,000

$290,000

78233

Average home price in the last 6 months

Average days on market

78154 $367,405

-7.5%

-14.71%

+7.35%

+17.19%

78108 $242,555

78154

78108

78148

78233

78148 $299,582

Homes sold by price point in May

78154

78108

78148

78233

$900,000+

78233 $291,626

$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

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

communityimpact.com