New Braunfels Edition | October 2024

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 11 OCT. 6NOV. 5, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Navigating New Braunfels’ growth

A new elementary is under construction in the Veramendi area to accommodate local growth patterns.

JEREMY PROCTOR, CENTRAL TEXAS AERIALSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

City’s rise in housing developments pushes its infrastructure, services

“We have water availability reports that all the public water companies submit, and they demonstrate that [we] have necessary water for full build-out over the next 20 years,” Boyd said.

local infrastructure, particularly water services. Comal County Engineer Robert Boyd said there are several ways the county assesses infrastructure needs, such as water availability reports and road standards.

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

New Braunfels is approaching full build-out within its city limits, with numerous developments reshaping its landscape, leading to questions of the sustainability of this growth and the capacity of

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

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Education: New Braunfels, Comal ISDs approve lower property tax rates; see where each district landed (Page 17)

Transportation: Work on connecting, nishing Common Street sidewalks continues (Pages 2021)

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

1101 participants to solve puzzles and find clues to escape within 60 minutes. The venue will also feature a bar. • Opened Sept. 6 • 133 Hampe St., New Braunfels • www.escapenb.com 3 The Haus Escape Room The immersive entertainment venue challenges 4 New Schibolo Nails The nail salon offers a range of manicures, pedicures, waxing, eyelash extensions and facials. The salon can also accommodate private events like corporate events and bridal showers and birthday parties. • Opened Aug. 18 • 1050 FM 306, Ste., 108, New Braunfels • www.newschibolonails.com 5 The Salty Crow The tattoo shop offers a wide range of tattoo work, including color, portrait, realism, black and gray and other designs. • Opened in July 2024 • 105 Schumanns Beach Road, Ste. 1102, New Braunfels • www.thesaltycrowtattoo.com 2 Endeavor Physical Therapy The outpatient physical therapy clinic specializes in physical and hand therapy for patients with musculoskeletal injuries. • Opened in early August • 3016 Independence Drive, Ste. 201, New Braunfels • www.h2health.com/locations/endeavor 6 Spirit Halloween The Halloween retail store offers a wide selection of costumes, makeup, animatronics and more. The store is located in the former Burkes Outlet building. • Opened in September • 155 I-35 S., Ste. 157, New Braunfels • www.spirithalloween.com 7 Tejas Birria The food truck chain specializes in birria tacos and is set to open its New Braunfels location next to Wildside, a new bar currently under construction at

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coffee drinks, smoothies, teas, including its signature energy drinks. • Opened Aug. 28 • 1934 Hwy. 46 W., New Braunfels • www.dutchbros.com

Now open

1 Dutch Bros The Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain opened its second location in New Braunfels. Dutch Bros offers

345 S. BUSINESS 35 NBMATTRESS.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THALIA GUZMAN & SHAHERYAR KHAN

399 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. Tejas Birria has locations in Buda, Austin and San Antonio. Following the announcement of its New Braunfels opening on Instagram, Tejas Birria also confirmed a location will be opening in Houston in the near future. • Opening Sept. 27 • 399 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Instagram: Tejas Birria 8 Texas Thai The food truck serves traditional Thai street food with a twist in downtown New Braunfels. The menu features beef and pork skewers, mango sticky rice and bingsu, a milk-based shaved ice with sweet toppings. • Opened Sept. 5 • 312 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: Texas Thai TruBlue Home Service Ally The mobile company offers senior home modifications such as doorway widening for wheelchair access and ramp installations. Services include deck building, bath and kitchen repair, yard maintenance and more.

• Opening tentatively in November • 134 Meadow Crest, New Braunfels • www.littleunicornscdc.com

In the news

11 Matador Grooming The barbershop will open a location in Creekside. The salon’s services include precision haircuts, hot towel treatments, scalp massages, facial shaves, beard trims and specialized treatments. • Opening November • 190 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels • www.matadorgrooming.com 12 Kinnor Coffee and Cocktails The new location will be serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, said owner Aaron Brown. The original location is operated out of 5 Stones Artisan Brewery, at 11335 FM1863, New Braunfels, and is open on the weekends, Brown said. The new location was previously occupied by Stave Beer & Wine House, which closed its doors on Aug. 25. • Opening mid-November • 540 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • Facebook: Kinnor Coffee

15 Heritage Society of New Braunfels The nonprofit organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Oct. 25. The Heritage Society of New Braunfels is committed to preserving the 19th century heritage of New Braunfels, Comal County and Texas through the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture and Heritage Village.

• 1370 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels • www.texashandmadefurniture.com

• Opened Sept. 3 • 830-465-3100 • www.trublueally.com/hill-country

Relocations

Coming soon

13 Love Story Boutique The women’s apparel store will be moving from its current location in Gruene Lake Village. Love Story Boutique sells clothing, shoes, gifts, accessories and home decor. • Relocating tentatively October • 111 South Union Ave., New Braunfels • Facebook: Love Story Boutique 14 The Sparrows Collective The business is a holistic therapy practice that supports wellness practitioners in their work. The Sparrows Collective relocated from San Marcos and is owned by Candace McArthur who offers individual therapy, yoga

9 Dovetail Condominiums The 62-unit residential complex in Freiheit Village will feature floor plans ranging from studios to three- bedroom units and include amenities such as an off-leash dog park, an outdoor kitchen and a swimming pool. GBMC Communities held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 12. • Opening in 2026 • 630 Central Parkway, New Braunfels • www.dovetailnb.com

Expansions

16 Monterrey Furniture The family-owned business from San Antonio has opened a new showroom in New Braunfels. Monterrey Furniture offers imported pieces from Mexico and Texas-made options, including handcrafted items and customizations. • Opened Sept. 13 • 3702 I-35 S., Ste. 110 New Braunfels • www.monterreyrustic.com

10 Little Unicorns Child Development Center

and other services. • Relocated July 8

• 647 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.thesparrowscollective.com

The education based learning center will offer full-time childcare for infants, toddlers and school-aged children. The facility will offer TEKS-based enrichment programs and a nutrition program.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Government

New Braunfels’ FY 2024-25 budget, tax rate approved

Comal County budget, tax rate approved Comal County Commissioners Court approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, along with the tax rate. The county forecasts a 2.8% increase in total property taxes over last year’s budget, or $2.55 million. Property tax revenue raised by new prop- erty added to tax rolls is expected to add $4.14 million, according to county documents. The approved budget totals $162.06 million. The breakdown The recent decision on the FY 2024-25 budget includes a revised tax rate, reflecting adjustments from previous rates.

New Braunfels City Council approved a $322.6 million budget—with a property tax rate of $0.408936 per $100 valuation for fiscal year 2024-25—Sept. 9. The update Council approved the budget, setting a tax rate slightly above the no-new-revenue rate, which will result in a 2.7% increase in property taxes for residents, said Carrie Cook, budget manager for the city. For homeowners, this is an increase of approxi- mately $7.17 for every $100,000 of property value, Cook said. By the numbers Despite the increase in expenditures, the budget is expected to exceed last year’s revenue, as previously reported. “This is a structurally balanced budget,” City Manager Robert Camareno previously said.

Tax rate history

Fiscal year

Maintenance and operations rate

Interest and sinking rate

$0.205 $0.2 $0.205

$0.2089 $0.2089 $0.2039

2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 *2024-25

$0.2552 $0.2474

$0.228 $0.228

* THE FY 2024-25 TAX RATE HAS NOT BEEN FORMALLY ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS.

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“...recurring revenue is either greater than or equal to recurring expenditures.” More than $3.13 million will be raised in total property taxes than last year, or about a 6.4% increase, according to city documents.

No-new-revenue rate Voter-approval rate $0.264 per $100 $0.378 per $100

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

$4.5M incentive for Co-Op redevelopment gets initial approval The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation approved a $4.5 million incentive to redevelop the Producers Co-Op site downtown. The plan includes creating an urban park with a splash pad, seating areas, and performance spaces, as well as a public marketplace to support local businesses and host community events. The details Inspired by The Pearl in San Antonio, the project addresses the community’s need for more public space and economic stimulation. Jeff Jewell, the city’s director of economic and community development, said the $19 million project will also help resolve parking issues with new facilities and over 110 additional parking spaces. The EDC’s incentive includes $2 million for

Downtown NBU property update

Co-Op redevelopment

New Braunfels officials provided an update on the redevelopment of the historic New Braunfels Utilities downtown property, which the utility is vacating. The details Plans include turning the site into a mixed-use destination with a hotel, restaurant, and parking structure, said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development.

public improvements and a $250,000 annual pay- ment for 10 years to maintain the park and market. The project aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan to collaborate with public and private sectors for innovative park development. The proposal now moves to the city council for review. Additionally, the project will help address parking issues by adding new parking facilities, coinciding with the relocation of Old City Hall, 202 N. Seguin Ave., which will free up over 110 parking spaces, Jewell said. The EDC’s approval now moves the proposal forward to the city council for further review.

MAIN PLAZA

NBU current headquarters

W. SAN ANTONIO ST.

Upgrades on last public exit for Comal River to begin The Last Tuber’s Exit project on the Comal River is set to begin construction in November, with an updated cost of $1.4 million. The update The project, approved by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation, will improve Completion is expected by March 2025, pending weather conditions, aiming to reduce congestion and enhance safety for river users. The project’s final design was funded with

$162,000 in January 2023, construction funding was initially $1.2 million, but after bids came in higher, the total cost rose to $1.4 million, with an additional $252,000 secured through the city’s FY 2024-25 budget to cover the gap.

safety and accessibility with features like new underwater stairs, a wider landing, and handrails.

The Last Tuber’s Exit project is set to begin construction this November following approval.

SHAHERYAR KHAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Any voter in Comal County or Guadalupe County can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.co.comal.tx.us/elections.htm or www.co.guadalupe.tx.us/elections/index.php for polling locations.

Election

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

U.S. House of Representatives, District 28 D Henry Cuellar* L Bailey Cole R Jay Furman U.S. House of Representatives, District 35 D Greg Casar*

R Monica De La Cruz* U.S. House of Representatives, District 21 D Kristin Hook

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Federal elections U.S. House of Representatives, District 15

L Bob King R Chip Roy*

D Michelle Vallejo L Arthur DiBianca

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BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Local elections Comal County Sheriff

L Clark Patterson R Steven Wright

R David J. Schenck Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 7 D Nancy Mulder R Gina Parker Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 8 D Chika Anyiam R Lee Finley State Board of Education, District 10 D Raquel Saenz Ortiz L Gerald W. McAlexander R Tom Maynard* State Senator, District 25 D Merrie Fox R Donna Campbell* State Representative, District 44 D Eric Norman R Alan Schoolcraft State Representative, District 73

D David Williams R Mark Reynolds* Comal County commissioner, Precinct 1 D Julie P. Sanders R Doug Leecock Comal County commissioner, Precinct 3 D Tanya Marroquin R Kevin Webb* Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector D Jesus Trinidad Jr. R Daryl W. John* Guadalupe County commissioner, Precinct 1 D Nahomie Alanis L Nolan Schmidt R Jacqueline “Jackie” Ott New Braunfels ISD board of trustees, District 4 Will Moravits John Tucker

State elections Texas Railroad Commissioner D Katherine Culbert G Eddie Espinoza L Hawk Dunlap R Christi Craddick* Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 2 D DaSean Jones R Jimmy Blacklock* Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 4 D Christine Vinh Weems R John Devine* Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson R Jane Bland* Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — presiding judge D Holly Taylor

D Sally Duval R Carrie Isaac*

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, COMAL COUNTY, GUADALUPE COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

To helping working families make ends meet, we must fairly tax top earners and make sure big corporations pay their fair share of taxes. With a fair tax system, we can fully fund health care, child care, schools, and good jobs for all Americans. What is the most important issue facing your constituents and how would you address it?

Our federal government should invest in more affordable housing options, flood infrastructure, and public transit where development is being concentrated. The people who work in our community should be able to afford to live and thrive here. How would you address the challenges of urbanization and development?

U.S. Congress, District 35

Greg Casar* Occupation & experience: U.S. representative, District 35 www.casarforcongress.com

Inflation, public safety and the border are the top three issues currently facing the concerns in this district. Strong economic policies that promote small business, tax cuts and restructuring the current tax plan that is expiring in 2025. ... The Border needs to be secured to control the trafficking and out of control mass migration while encouraging legal migration through legal crossing points.

Because increasing supply should help make housing more affordable, I am generally in favor of changing zoning regulations so that more houses and apartments can be built. I would also propose that apartment owners be required to pass along savings from reduced property taxes to the renters. What policy solutions are you exploring to deal with housing shortages in Texas? I think it is important to look forward as far as possible and having a comprehensive infrastructure plan mandated by every state for each congressional cycle should be a good start. We see limitations on electricity needs and better transportation and even having a threat assessment included for sensitive facilities. This will cause the states to evaluate their needs as well and partner with Congress for future needs or inadequate policy.

Steve Wright Occupation & experience: retired deputy sheriff, Hays CISD bus driver. www.stevenwrightforcongress2024. com

Sally Duval Occupation & experience: Manager, Coltex Petroleum, Inc.; consultant; accountant; investment analyst; State representative, District 73

The most important issue is the cost of living. I would propose lowering the sales tax rate to a percentage that will leave Texas with a modest surplus rather than the enormous surpluses seen in recent years. Cutting the sales tax rate will lower costs for all Texans. What is the most important issue facing your constituents and how would you address it?

assistant bank examiner www.sallyfortexas.com

A secure border and fair elections are essential to our nation’s sovereignty. I support funding the border wall, enhancing security with razor wire and water buoys, and transporting illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities. I also back precinct voting, paper ballots, and closing the gap between early voting and Election Day.

I will work to reduce regulations and fees that raise housing costs and continue to urge local governments not to increase property taxes. I support ending subsidies that drive up energy costs and impact everything. Market reforms are needed to promote affordable, reliable energy and lower the cost of living.

Carrie Isaac* Occupation & experience: Elected State representative 2023; member, House Appropriations Committee; member, House Business and

Industry Committee ISAACforTexas.com

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BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Comal County Commissioner Precinct 1

The consensus from the majority of constituents I’ve spoken with thus far is our issue with WATER. Our local water resources are dwindling at a rapid pace and with all of the projected growth, our already limited resources will become even more scarce. We have to come together and find a solution. What is the most important issue facing your constituents and how would you address it?

When it comes to infrastructure projects, the growth is already here and doesn’t show any signs of tapering off. With Comal County being in between two major cities, I believe we’d benefit greatly from a railway system. It would dramatically cut down on unwanted traffic, pollution, and so much more. Are there any specific infrastructure projects you believe are crucial for the county?

Julie P. Sanders Occupation & experience: Compliance specialist. Property mgmt for HUD subsidiary; insurance agent; account executive juliesanders4cc.com

The impact of significant growth in Comal County requires Commissioners to effectively work along with local and state partners to respond by strategically planning to implement solutions for county services, facilities, roads, and water. Where applicable, it is critical that we all partner to implement water conservation measures.

Population growth necessitates us to expand services that law requires us to provide as well as respond to the number of vehicles on our roadways. The West Connector project, the jail expansion, JP Court remodels, and annex facilities being discussed by the Planning Committee are of utmost importance.

Doug Leecock Occupation & experience: semi- retired active community servant. Operations management focused businessman www.leecockforcomal.com

Comal County Commissioner Precinct 3

Much of the infrastructure, either currently under development or consideration, is overwhelming the community. These projects, while some may be beautiful, it is too much too fast. Are there any specific infrastructure projects you believe are crucial for the county?

The rapid growth in Precinct 3 has led to unsafe road conditions and overuse and depletion of our natural resources. This will be addressed by ensuring developers have done their due diligence by providing an environmental impact document and using smart environmental practices. What is the most important issue facing your constituents and how would you address it?

Dr. Tanya Marroquin Occupation & experience:

Science teacher. I care about our environment and the impact it has

on our community. https://rb.gy/s4wbfl

Our challenges result from rapid growth: public safety, infrastructure, workforce retention, rapid development of rural lands, and maintaining who we are as a people and community. We work daily on all these issues and just this year we’ve updated our Facilities Plan, Parks and Open Space Plan, and Strategic Plan.

We’re working with TxDOT on the intersection of I-35/Hwy. 46 and Hwy. 46 corridor between Boerne and Seguin; planning updates of the tax and elections offices, JPs 1 and 4, court buildings, and jail; and working with our partners to preserve some of our rural natural areas before they’re lost to development.

Kevin Webb Occupation & experience: County commissioner, insurance/securities representative, NBHS/Texas A&M graduate, born and raised in Comal County www.vote4kw.org

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

U.S. Congress, District 21

Chip Roy* Occupation & experience: Incumbent third term Congressman, Fmr Chief of Sta

Kristin Hook Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond

Bob King Occupation & experience: Retired nancial executive, nonprot executive and consultant, and taxpayer 713-824-6488 www.bobkingfortexas-21.org

info@chiproy.com www.chiproy.com

Candidate did not respond In federal matters, the most pressing issue is reining in massive corporate subsidies and federal spending that distorts markets and allow otherwise non-viable projects to move forward. What specic policies or initiatives would you propose to address the challenges of urbanization and development?

State and local leaders know better than the Feds what’s best for them. We need more federalism, allowing each state to resolve their issues. Let California be California, let Texas be Texas ... What policy solutions are you exploring to deal with housing shortages in Texas? We need more housing, from apartments to homes. Texans pay some of the highest property insurance premiums in the US because lobbyists have more power than citizens. We must keep institutional buyers from out-competing rst-time buyers, and restore the ability of local communities to decide how and where growth occurs. In this legislative district there is an explosion of residential construction. If there is a shortage, it is because the builders simply cannot build faster. Basic economics says when demand is this high, the cost of lumber, concrete and everything else goes up, thus driving up the cost of the house. The better question is, what are we going to do about problems created by this growth, such as our highways, power grid and water supplies not being able to support all this growth.

State representative, District 44 Eric Norman Occupation & experience: Small business owner (shoemaker), master’s degree (University of North Texas), nonprot board member, Eagle Scout. www.ericfortx.com

What is the most important issue facing your constituents and how would you address it? Our schools are critical to our local economy. They create jobs, educate tomorrow’s workforce, and graduate engaged citizens. Vouchers will devastate public schools and balloon state spending. Jobs will be lost. Programs like athletics, technical education and ne arts will suer. I’d defend public education and vote against taxpayer-funded vouchers. The most important issue facing Texas is the mass invasion of foreign nationals across our southern border. Texas is currently spending several billion dollars each year providing education, health and other services to them. The most eective way to address this is to require every employer to use the Federal eVerify system to verify their employees are legally in this state. If this requirement had sti penalties against the employers who employ illegals, it would immediately close the job market ...

Alan Schoolcraft Occupation & experience: CEO/ business owner, attorney, former state representative www.alanschoolcraftfortexas.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Guadalupe County Commissioner Precinct 1

The most important issue facing my constituents is rapid growth, which impacts infrastructure and services. To manage this growth and ensure future generations can live comfortably, I will advocate for sustainable zoning, enhance public facilities, and engage residents in planning to create a balanced community that meets everyone’s needs. What is the most important issue facing your constituents and how would you address it?

Yes, several infrastructure projects are crucial for the county’s development. First, we need to urgently improve the connection of our roads to I-10 and I-35, especially since that project is set for completion in 2028. Additionally, investing in modern public facilities and improving water and waste management systems is essential for sustainable growth. Are there any specific infrastructure projects you believe are crucial for the county?

Nahomie Alanis Occupation & experience: Technician student, photographer for elected officials, member, Guadalupe Progressive Coalition https://linktr.ee/ nahomie4guadalupe

There are families with individuals with special needs out there who want the help for their children and adults who have a disability. If elected, I aim to assist in the creation of an outreach program to connect these families with local nonprofits aiming to assist them.

Several of the county roads had damage for years, and the caveat is that it costs money to repair them. I would like to assist in the creation of a countywide voluntary crowdfunding based system (like GoFundMe) that focuses on getting our roads fixed without the need of tax money.

Nolan Schmidt Occupation & experience:

Substitute Teacher, SD21 SLEC Representative, and Vice Chair of the Libertarian Party of Guadalupe County www.nolanhenryschmidt.com

Public safety! With dedicated, hard work. We must prioritize funding to enable law enforcement and first responders to do their jobs effectively, and quality roads for everyone’s efficient transport. Swift response to issues that arise, open communication with the public, county departments, and staying up to date with available technology.

Maintenance and development of well-maintained roads are crucial for ingress and egress as our county continues to develop at a rapid pace. This is crucial not only for emergency responders to reach citizens in times of need, but for our quality of life on a daily basis.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ott Occupation & experience: Attorney and judge; property, real estate and business law attorney; former assistant Guadalupe County attorney; www.Ott4Texas.com

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.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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Education

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

New Braunfels ISD approves lower 2024-25 tax rate

Comal ISD approves lower tax rate The Comal ISD board of trustees approved the district’s tax rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year on Aug. 22, setting it at $1.0869 per $100 valuation, with the maintenance and operations tax rate at $0.7369, and the debt service tax rate at $0.35. The takeaway The total tax rate of $1.0869 per $100, which was proposed in June, is divided into the maintenance and operations rate and the interest and sinking tax rate. That total rate is $0.0023—or about 0.21%—lower than the $1.0892 rate for fiscal year 2023-24. The district is focusing on addressing its expanding student population— which is projected to exceed 30,000 students this year, said president of the board Russ Garner.

Tax rate history

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved the district’s tax rate for the 2024-25 school year during a special meeting Aug. 21, setting it at $1.0377 per $100 of taxable value. This represents a slight decrease from the previ- ous year’s rate of $1.0419, according to an Aug. 26 news release from NBISD. The breakdown The new total tax rate of $1.0377 per $100 valuation includes a maintenance and operations rate of $0.6969 and an interest and sinking rate of $0.3408. This total rate is $0.0042 lower than the $1.0419 rate for the 2023-24 school year. The reduction in the M&O rate became possible after the district received certified property values from the Comal and Guadalupe Appraisal Districts, according to the release. Also of note The board’s decision to adopt the lower tax rate

Fiscal year

2023-24 $0.7011 $0.3408

2024-25 $0.6969 $0.3408 $1.0377

M&O

I&S

Total tax rate $1.0419

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

aims to provide some financial relief to taxpayers while maintaining the district’s educational stan- dards and programs, said NBISD Chief Financial Officer Paul McLarty in the release. “We had an opportunity to take advantage of a lower tax rate to provide some relief to our constituents, so we felt it was necessary to do just that,” he said. The district’s $104.8 million balanced budget for the upcoming school year remains intact, accord- ing to the release, ensuring that educational qual- ity and programming will not be compromised.

CISD outlines legislative priorities for 89th session

Comal ISD’s top priorities The district’s priorities as set by board of trustees.

meeting, which were developed in collaboration with superintendents and state education leaders across the state. The primary goal is to address funding short- falls while advocating for critical improvements to safety and accountability in Texas schools, Chapman said.

Comal ISD’s board of trustees approved key legislative priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session, focusing on securing more funding, enhancing campus safety, and improving teacher recruitment and retention efforts. The gist Comal ISD Superintendent John Chapman outlined the district’s priorities at a Sept. 19 board

Safety and security

Funding

Teacher recruitment and retention

Advocate accountability

SOURCE: COMAL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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The Great Pumpkin Patch FALL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY & SUNDAY | OCT. 19- 20 10AM - 6PM Join us for this wonderful, family-friendly fall festival at La Cima, where you can enjoy loads of fun with the family and pick out your favorite types of pumpkins to bring home! We’ll have plenty of activities for the kids and gorgeous family photo opportunities. While you’re here, you can drop by any of our beautiful builder models and learn about new home opportunities at La Cima. Come by and enjoy the fun! LA CIMA AMENITY CENTER 301 Central Park Loop (San Marcos 78666)

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Transportation

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Ongoing projects

1 Road improvements on FM 725 at I-35 turnaround Project: On FM 725 from Zipp Road to FM 78 in McQueeney, the Texas Department of Transportation is working to widen the road from two to four lanes and install a median, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Update: Although previous reports indicated ongoing roadwork, the project appears to have been completed or paused, though official updates remain unavailable. Meanwhile, construction on the turnaround from south to northbound I-35 at FM 725 is still in progress. • Timeline: December 2021–TBD • Cost: $10.38 million • Funding source: TxDOT 2 FM 306 at FM 1102 safety improvement project Project: This safety improvement project focuses on enhancing traffic flow and safety at the intersection of FM 306 and FM 1102, according to the city’s website. The improvements include lane modifications, adding turn lanes, and upgrading traffic signals to reduce congestion and accidents. Update: The project is in its development phase, with key design elements being finalized. The improvements are designed to handle increasing traffic volumes due to population growth in the New Braunfels area and the surrounding communities. • Funding sources: TxDOT; City of New Braunfels 3 Loop 337 at River Road interchange reconstruction project Project: This reconstruction project focuses on improving the interchange at Loop 337 and River Road to enhance safety and traffic flow, according to the city’s website. It includes the redesign of lanes and the addition of bike lanes, turn lanes, and a shared-use path. Update: The project began in February 2021 and was completed in November 2022. However, TxDOT is working on an interchange by the intersection, according to the TxDOT project tracker. • Timeline: February 2021-TBD • Cost: $16.38 million in total expenditures, including • Timeline: August 2023-TBD • Cost: Approximately $5 million

306

1101

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

3009

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

ISLAND

337

LAKE DUNLAP

725

1044

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Timeline: September 2024–TBD • Cost: $1 million • Funding source: TxDOT

$10.9 million for construction and related expenses • Funding source: TxDOT 4 Safety improvements on Hwy. 46 Project: According to TxDOT, the project involves installing traffic lights on Hwy. 46 from FM 3009 to Loop 337. Update: The project is scheduled to commence this September, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.

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Transportation

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Construction began on the Common Street Pedestrian Improvement Project Sept. 3, according to city documents. The background The $1.6 million project, funded by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation and the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, aims to enhance pedestrian ameni- ties along Common Street from Liberty Avenue to Loop 337, according to the release. The key details for the project include: • Installation of 5- to 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of Common Street Construction on Common Street begins

back towards Liberty Avenue. How we got here

• New Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps for accessibility • Enhanced crosswalks • Two new beacons at Central Avenue and East Avenue • Updated driveway approaches for local property owners The approach Drivers should prepare for minor delays due to lane closures from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. each day, accord- ing to the release. Property owners in the projected area have already been notied, as per the release. The construction plan, according to the release, will happen in two phases and will take approxi- mately four months: • Phase 1: Work will start on the south side of Common Street at Washington Avenue and move eastward. The outside lane will be closed for two to three blocks at a time. • Phase 2: Once the south side is completed, construction will shift to the north side, working

Pedestrian improvements on Common Street 1 Northside of Common St. from Washington Ave. to Loop 337 2 Southside of Common St. from Loop 337 to Liberty Ave.

The Common Street Pedestrian Improvement Project is part of a broader initiative to improve transportation infrastructure across New Braunfels. Proposition A, approved as part of the May 2023 bond, allocates nearly $100 million toward eight transportation projects in the city. These projects, representing 71% of the bond, were selected based on community feedback and anticipated growth. “[New Braunfels is] one of the highest-growing cities for the last decade every year. So [we are] trying to keep up with that growth and address the demands of growth on our transportation network,” Ford said in previous Community Impact reporting. In 2022, the National Community Survey highlighted major concerns about transportation and mobility: • 30% of residents rated the city’s infrastructure positively. • 78% of respondents said improving transporta- tion should be a top priority in the next two years.

337

Total project cost $1.6M

The city of New Braunfels began work on the Common Street Pedestrian Improvement Project Sept. 3.

SHAHERYAR KHANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SUMMERWOOD DR.

“We’re connecting into a lot of other improvements and trying to create a multi-modal network, that way there is an improvement to our connectivity.”

GUADALUPE RIVER

GARRY FORD, NEW BRAUNFELS TRANSPORTATION & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DIRECTOR

SAN ANTONIO ST.

New Braunfels

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

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Thursday A

NEW RECYCLING COLLECTION ROUTES Effective September 30 th : Recycling Collection Every Other Week

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Preiss Heights s Preiss H ghts s H gh s

1101 110 10

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OAKWOOD ESTATES A OA

HUNTERS CREEK HUN N EK HUNT

Freiheit Freihe r he t Fr

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New Braunfels Municipal Airport

MISSION OAKS SSION OAKS S

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TOWN CREEK TO O OWN CREEK

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Dittlinger

County Line Memorial Trail y Line orial Trail o County Lin Memo y Lin ori

Monday A

Tuesday B

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Comal

The Bandit Golf Club

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When Is My Recycling Day? Scan the QR code to view a detailed interactive route map or visit our website at www.newbraunfels.gov/trash

Holiday (No Collection) - Trash & Recycling

Holiday Collection Makeup Days

Week A

Week B

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