San Marcos meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

San Marcos council to weigh tax rate, budget; recent agendas include airport project, alcohol permits

San Marcos city officials are set to consider a proposed property tax rate of 65.15 cents per $100 of taxable value and the fiscal year 2026-27 budget at the Aug. 18 City Council meeting. The council also will hold a work session that day to review the budget and emergency medical services billing. Recent council and planning commission agendas included an airport construction contract, water impact fees, and three alcohol permit requests.

City Council to consider tax rate, budget

The council’s Aug. 18 regular meeting includes Resolution 2026-140R, which would set a maximum proposed tax rate of 65.15 cents per $100 of taxable value. The resolution also schedules public hearings on the FY 2026-2027 budget and tax rate for Sept. 1 and 15, 2026.

The consent agenda includes several items:

• Resolution 2026-130R: a $218,369.55 increase for the Hilltop Substation Transformer, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $1,900,716.55.
• Resolution 2026-131R: a $600,000 one-year extension for Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Licenses with SHI Government Solutions.
• Resolution 2026-145R: a $1,762,476 pass-through to Texas State University for Bobcat Shuttle vehicles.

The council also will hold a public hearing and first reading on Ordinance 2026-34, which would amend the Downtown TIRZ No. 5 project plan to increase funding for downtown operations.

Council work session on budget, EMS billing

A separate Aug. 18 work session will feature staff presentations on the FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget and the city’s Emergency Medical Services billing practice setup. The council may provide direction to staff. The agenda also lists an executive session to discuss the City Manager’s duties related to the Meet and Confer process. No final votes are scheduled.

Recent council agenda items

At its Aug. 5 regular meeting, the council was scheduled to consider:

• Ordinance 2026-29: updating water and wastewater impact fees (first reading).
• Ordinance 2026-33: ordering a Nov. 3 general and special election for Mayor and Council Places 3, 4, and the Place 6 vacancy.
• Resolution 2026-129R: a $2,192,315 construction contract to Harper Brothers Construction for the Airport Taxilane Project.
• Resolution 2026-126R: a $900,000 engineering agreement with Plummer Associates for the Hunter Water Main Extension Project.
• Ordinance 2026-28: levying special assessments for the River Bridge Ranch Public Improvement District.

Also on Aug. 5, the council held a work session to receive staff presentations on the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and follow-up on advertising of the San Marcos River. No formal votes were expected.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission met Aug. 11 and held public hearings on three conditional use permits for on-premise mixed beverage consumption:

• CUP-26-16: renewal for One Time Tavern, 1700 S IH 35.
• CUP-26-37: new permit for Saloon 1904, 1904 Old Ranch Road 12, Suite 107/108.
• CUP-26-40: amendment for Hat Creek Burger Co, 4206 S IH 35.

The commission also considered approving the July 28, 2026 meeting minutes. No other substantive items were on the agenda.

Coming up

• **Aug. 18, City Council regular meeting** – tax rate, budget, TIRZ amendment, and consent agenda contracts.
• **Aug. 18, City Council work session** – FY 2026-27 budget and EMS billing discussion.

San Marcos City Council to consider $2.19M airport contract, election order; planning commission holds procedural meeting

The San Marcos City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission met in late July and early August, with agendas covering a $2.19 million airport construction contract, a November election order, water impact fees, and other items. No decisions have been published yet; all meetings are listed as agenda-only, meaning minutes have not been released.

City Council regular meeting (Aug. 5)

The council's regular meeting agenda included several items for consideration:

• **Ordinance 2026-29** – first reading to update water and wastewater impact fees.
• **Ordinance 2026-33** – ordering a Nov. 3 general and special election for mayor, Council Places 3 and 4, and the Place 6 vacancy.
• **Resolution 2026-129R** – a $2,192,315 construction contract with Harper Brothers Construction for the Airport Taxilane Project.
• **Resolution 2026-126R** – a $900,000 engineering agreement with Plummer Associates for the Hunter Water Main Extension Project.
• **Ordinance 2026-28** – levying special assessments for the River Bridge Ranch Public Improvement District.

These items were on the agenda; no votes or outcomes have been reported.

City Council work session (Aug. 5)

The council also held a work session the same day to receive staff presentations on two topics: the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and follow-up on council direction regarding advertising of the San Marcos River. The agenda indicated no formal votes were expected.

Planning and Zoning Commission (July 28)

The Planning and Zoning Commission met July 28. The agenda included approval of the June 23, 2026 regular meeting minutes via consent agenda. Public hearings for items #2 through #5 were listed, but no details were provided in the agenda. The meeting was largely procedural.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

San Marcos meetings: 643-acre development, $60M PID expansion on City Council agenda; minutes not yet published

San Marcos boards and commissions covered a wide range of items in the first half of July, from a proposed 643-acre development agreement to downtown infrastructure funding and park designs. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes — including whether items were approved, tabled, or voted down — are not yet available. What follows reflects what was on each agenda.

City Council — July 7

The San Marcos City Council had the busiest agenda of the period, with multiple meetings scheduled the same day. The most consequential items up for consideration included:

• A development agreement with JLCB 710 Investments for 643 acres near SH 123 and FM 1978, including a city-owned tract for a water reclamation facility.
• An amendment to the River Bridge Ranch Public Improvement District that would reduce boundaries and increase estimated costs from $10 million to $60 million.
• An application for a $23 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board for the Blanco Vista Elevated Storage Tank.
• A change order for the Dunbar Water and Wastewater Improvement Project totaling $7,397,390.
• Sale of a used 2014 Spartan aerial ladder truck to Austin Community College for $321,000.
• A cooperation agreement for the Riverstone apartments involving a $100,000-per-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) with a 2% annual increase.

A separate work session agenda included a presentation on an $80,000 community branding initiative, an update on water and wastewater impact fees, and draft preliminary designs for the Riverfront and Eastside Regional Park. Executive sessions were scheduled on the appointment of a new Municipal Court presiding judge, litigation involving Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9, and a June 26, 2026 officer-involved shooting.

TIRZ No. 5 Board — July 6

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 5 Board, which covers downtown, was scheduled to consider approving $1,569,687 for FY27 Main Street projects. The agenda listed intersection and sidewalk infrastructure improvements, downtown maintenance and personnel funding, engineering services for a downtown flexible festival street, and aesthetic improvements related to lighting and landscaping. The board was also set to discuss amending the TIRZ #5 Project and Financing Plan.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 9

The commission was scheduled to hold public hearings on two Certificates of Appropriateness: HPC-26-02, installing seating in Kissing Alley (100 Block East Hopkins Street) as part of a pedestrian-oriented alley conversion, and HPC-26-06, replacing stucco skirting with brick-style galvanized metal at 617 West Hopkins Street. An update on the Dunbar School Home Economics Building restoration was also listed.

Main Street Advisory Board — July 15

The board was set to receive an update on the July 6 TIRZ 5 meeting, including FY27 budget and project approval. The agenda listed FY27 annual operating requests totaling $153,500 for maintenance contracts and proposed one-time projects including $245,000 for sidewalk improvements and $100,000 for tree lighting. The board was also scheduled to discuss changing its regular meeting time.

Other Boards — July 15–16

The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee was scheduled to review quarterly shelter statistics, discuss progress on a new Kyle animal shelter, and review state laws covering animal shelters and rabies quarantine facilities.

The Convention and Visitor Bureau Board was set to review financial reports through July 2026, hear an Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel update, and discuss feasibility studies for sports facilities and cultural districts.

The Citizens Utility Advisory Board was scheduled to receive a presentation on the FY2027 budget and rate modeling, with a vote on a recommendation to City Council.

The Zoning Board of Adjustments was set to hold public hearings on sign variance requests for Mendez Elementary School at 1805 Peter Garza St. and a Home Depot location in the 3000 block of S IH 35.

Coming up

The Arts Commission meets July 22 to discuss the 2026 SMarts Awards and a Downtown TIRZ-funded public art project, and will receive a staff report on the 2027 Arts and Cultural Grant process.

San Marcos roundup: Council weighed 643-acre development, $60M PID expansion; TIRZ board eyed $1.57M downtown projects

San Marcos boards and commissions met over the past two weeks to weigh major development, infrastructure, and historic-preservation items. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, this roundup reflects what was on each agenda; confirmed outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available.

City Council — July 7

The City Council had the busiest agenda of the period, with several high-dollar items scheduled for public hearings and possible action.

• **643-acre development agreement:** Public hearing on a development agreement with JLCB 710 Investments for 643 acres near SH 123 and FM 1978, including a city-owned water reclamation facility.
• **River Bridge Ranch PID:** Proposed amendment to expand the Public Improvement District's estimated costs from $10 million to $60 million, with a boundary reduction.
• **$23M water storage loan:** Consideration of a Texas Water Development Board loan application for the Blanco Vista Elevated Storage Tank.
• **Dunbar project change order:** A change order for the Dunbar Water and Wastewater Improvement Project totaling $7,397,390.
• **Equipment sale:** Sale of a used 2014 Spartan aerial ladder truck to Austin Community College for $321,000.
• **North Side water design:** Contract with BGE Inc. for the North Side 12-inch Water Connection Project design at $500,000.

A separate work-session agenda listed an $80,000 community branding presentation, water and wastewater impact fee updates, and draft preliminary designs for the Riverfront and Eastside Regional Park. Executive session items included appointment of a new Municipal Court presiding judge, legal advice on the Hays County ESD No. 9 lawsuit, and discussion of a June 26, 2026 officer-involved shooting.

TIRZ No. 5 Board (Downtown) — July 6

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 5 Board was scheduled to consider a $1,569,687 funding request for FY27 Main Street projects, including intersection and sidewalk improvements, downtown maintenance and personnel funding, engineering services for a downtown flexible festival street, and aesthetic upgrades tied to lighting and landscaping. The board was also set to discuss amending the TIRZ No. 5 Project and Financing Plan and approving previous meeting minutes.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 9

The commission held public hearings on two Certificates of Appropriateness:

• **HPC-26-02:** Installation of seating in Kissing Alley (100 Block East Hopkins Street) as part of a pedestrian-oriented alley conversion.
• **HPC-26-06:** Replacement of stucco skirting with brick-style galvanized metal at 617 West Hopkins Street.

The commission also received a progress update on the Dunbar School Home Economics Building restoration and considered approval of the May 7, 2026 meeting minutes.

Educational workshop and community meetings

On June 29, members of the City Council, Arts Commission, Convention & Visitor Bureau Board, Main Street Advisory Board, and Human Services Advisory Board were invited to a Hotel Occupancy Tax educational workshop led by Texas Hotel & Lodging Association President Scott Joslove. No official city business or voting was scheduled. On June 30, the San Marcos Police Department hosted a Sector 4 neighborhood conversation for residents of East Guadalupe, Hunter's Hill, Rio Vista, and Victory Gardens; council members could attend but no action was taken.

Coming up

• **July 15 — Main Street Advisory Board:** Possible vote on changing its regular meeting time, plus an update on the TIRZ 5 Board's July 6 meeting and review of FY27 operating requests totaling $153,500 for maintenance contracts, $245,000 for sidewalk improvements, and $100,000 for tree lighting.
• **July 15 — Animal Shelter Advisory Committee:** Review of Kyle animal shelter progress, state shelter and rabies laws, and 2027 meeting planning.
• **July 15 — Convention & Visitor Bureau Board:** Financial reports through July 2026, Embassy Suites update, and discussion of sports facility and cultural district feasibility studies.
• **July 16 — Citizens Utility Advisory Board:** FY2027 budget and rate modeling presentation, with a vote on a recommendation to council.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Adjustments:** Public hearings on sign variances for Mendez Elementary School at 1805 Peter Garza St. and a Home Depot location at the 3000 Block S IH 35.

San Marcos roundup: Council to weigh 643-acre development deal, $60M PID expansion; recent meeting outcomes still pending

San Marcos boards and commissions held a busy stretch of meetings in late June, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them — so outcomes from those sessions are not yet confirmed. The most consequential items on the horizon are scheduled for the July 7 City Council meeting, where members will consider a development agreement covering 643 acres, a $23 million state loan for water infrastructure, and an expansion of the River Bridge Ranch Public Improvement District from $10 million to $60 million.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no confirmed outcomes

All 16 meetings between June 22 and June 30 are listed as "agenda only" with minutes not yet published. That means the items below were scheduled for discussion or votes, but the public record does not yet confirm what was decided.

City Council (June 25) held a budget workshop on the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. Agenda materials noted a hiring freeze affecting 24 positions and a retirement incentive eliminating 28 positions, saving $2.7 million annually. Council also scheduled a special meeting to interview and deliberate on candidates for Municipal Court Judge.

Planning & Zoning Commission (June 23) was set to consider renewing the master plan for the 471.94-acre Cottonwood Creek development at Rattler Road and Highway 123, and hold public hearings on conditional use permit renewals for Bluebonnet Copacking at 110 E MLK Dr Suite 130 and Valentino's at 110 N LBJ Dr.

Housing Authority (June 23) was scheduled to vote on adopting a Personnel Policy Manual (Resolution No. 2026-06.23.001), approving Colonial Life employee benefits effective July 1, 2026, updating the Public Housing Utility Allowance Schedule, and new virtual meeting attendance procedures (Resolution No. 2026-06.23.002). An executive session was listed for Riverstone and Texas Housing Foundation negotiations.

Economic Development Board (June 24) was set to discuss amendments to Chapter 312 and 380 incentive agreements, fee waivers, and incentive criteria, along with updates to targeted industries and policy definitions.

Arts Commission (June 24) listed a discussion on the 2027 Arts and Cultural Grant process and a potential Eco Art Project. A financial report showed FY 2026 budget utilization at 25.01%.

Cemetery Commission (June 24) was scheduled to receive a staff report on the cemetery expansion project, which agenda materials said has been delayed due to water restriction changes.

Library Board (June 22) was set to vote on a new meeting room policy and review website accessibility updates.

Several other entries were notices of potential quorums at ceremonial or educational events — including a public art dedication at the Price Center (June 25), a Hotel Occupancy Tax workshop led by Texas Hotel & Lodging Association President Scott Joslove (June 29), and a police neighborhood conversation for Sector 4 residents (June 30). No actions were scheduled at any of these.

Coming up

TIRZ #5 Board — July 6: Will consider approving $1,569,687 for FY27 Main Street projects, including intersection and sidewalk improvements, downtown maintenance, and engineering services for a flexible festival street. The board will also discuss amending the TIRZ #5 Project and Financing Plan.

City Council — July 7 (work session): Presentations on an $80,000 community branding initiative, water and wastewater impact fee updates, and draft preliminary designs for the Riverfront and Eastside Regional Park. Executive sessions are scheduled for the Municipal Court judge appointment, Hays County ESD No. 9 litigation, and a June 26, 2026 officer-involved shooting.

City Council — July 7 (regular meeting): Public hearings and possible votes on a development agreement with JLCB 710 Investments for 643 acres near SH 123 and FM 1978 including a city-owned water reclamation facility; a $23 million Texas Water Development Board loan application for the Blanco Vista Elevated Storage Tank; sale of a used 2014 Spartan aerial ladder truck to Austin Community College for $321,000; a $7,397,390 change order for the Dunbar Water and Wastewater Improvement Project; and an amendment to the River Bridge Ranch PID increasing estimated costs from $10 million to $60 million.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 9: Public hearings on HPC-26-02 (seating installation in Kissing Alley, 100 Block East Hopkins Street) and HPC-26-06 (skirting replacement at 617 West Hopkins Street), plus an update on the Dunbar School Home Economics Building restoration.

San Marcos City Council to vote on 643-acre development, $23 million water loan

No final decisions were made at recent city meetings, but the San Marcos City Council is set to vote Tuesday on a series of major items, including a development agreement for 643 acres near Highway 123 and FM 1978 and a $23 million loan for a water storage tank.

Recent meetings: budgets and permits discussed

The Planning and Zoning Commission met June 23 to consider renewing a master plan for a 472-acre property at Rattler Road and Highway 123. The commission also held public hearings on renewing conditional use permits for alcohol sales at Bluebonnet Copacking (110 E MLK Drive) and Valentino's (110 N LBJ Drive). No votes have been published; the meeting minutes are not yet available.

The City Council held a budget workshop June 25. Council members reviewed the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 financial update and discussed the preliminary FY 2026-2027 budget, giving direction to the City Manager on fiscal priorities. No formal action was taken.

Tuesday: development, water projects, and fire truck sale on consent agenda

The City Council's July 7 regular meeting includes a consent agenda with several notable items. The council will consider a development agreement with JLCB 710 Investments for 643 acres near SH 123 and FM 1978. The city would convey a tract for a water reclamation facility as part of the deal.

Also on the consent agenda:

• An application for a $23 million Texas Water Development Board loan for the Blanco Vista Elevated Storage Tank.
• An amendment to the River Bridge Ranch Public Improvement District that would reduce its boundaries but increase costs from $10 million to $60 million.
• A cooperation agreement for the Riverstone apartments low-income housing project, providing a $100,000 annual payment in lieu of taxes with 2% annual increases.
• Sale of a used 2014 Spartan aerial ladder truck to Austin Community College for $321,000.

Public hearings on short-term rentals, housing tax credits

Public hearings are scheduled for several items, including:

• Short-term rental payment processing fees.
• The major development agreement for the 643-acre property.
• Low-income housing tax credits for the Riverstone project.
• The River Bridge Ranch PID amendment.

Park designs, impact fees, and executive sessions

The council will receive presentations on the city's community brand, an update on water and wastewater impact fees, and draft preliminary designs for Riverfront and Eastside Regional Park. Council members may provide direction to the City Manager on the park designs.

In executive session (closed to the public), the council plans to discuss:

• The appointment of a presiding judge for San Marcos Municipal Court.
• Legal advice regarding a lawsuit by Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9 against San Marcos/Hays County EMS concerning EMS asset distribution.
• A recent officer-involved shooting.

Coming up

• **San Marcos City Council** – July 7 at 6 p.m. (or as posted), City Hall. The full agenda is available on the city's website.
• No other meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days beyond Tuesday's council session.