Development Agreement, $60M PID Expansion Lead City Council Agenda
The San Marcos City Council will take up a sweeping development proposal covering 643 acres near SH 123 and FM 1978, a $60 million expansion of the River Bridge Ranch Public Improvement District, and a $23 million loan application for a water storage tank when it meets July 7. Public hearings are scheduled on the development agreement and a low-income housing tax credit application, while a work session the same day will address water impact fees, park designs and a new municipal court judge.
City Council set for major votes
The July 7 regular meeting agenda includes a public hearing on a development agreement with JLCB 710 Investments. The 643-acre tract north of the SH 123 and FM 1978 intersection would include a city-owned water reclamation facility. The council will also hold a hearing on an amendment to the River Bridge Ranch PID, increasing estimated costs from $10 million to $60 million, and consider a resolution authorizing a $23 million application to the Texas Water Development Board for the Blanco Vista Elevated Storage Tank.
Other items on the consent agenda include the sale of a 2014 Spartan aerial ladder truck to Austin Community College for $321,000, a $500,000 design contract with BGE Inc. for a North Side 12-inch water connection project, and a $7.4 million change order for the Dunbar Water and Wastewater Improvement Project.
Earlier in the day, a council work session will cover a community branding presentation, updates on water and wastewater impact fees, and preliminary designs for the Riverfront and Eastside Regional Park. An executive session will follow to discuss appointment of a presiding judge for the municipal court, legal advice on a lawsuit by Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9, and an officer-involved shooting from June 26, 2026.
Recent meetings
Library Board
The Library Board met June 22 to vote on a new meeting room policy for library facilities. Agendas also listed approval of May minutes and a review of website accessibility updates and performance metrics. Minutes have not yet been published.
Housing Authority
The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners gathered June 23 to adopt an updated personnel policy manual and approve a Colonial Life employee benefits package effective July 1. The agenda included a revised public housing utility allowance schedule and new procedures for virtual meeting attendance. An executive session addressed negotiations involving Riverstone and the Texas Housing Foundation.
Planning & Zoning Commission
The commission met June 23 to renew the master plan for the 471.94-acre Cottonwood Creek development at Rattler Road and Highway 123. Public hearings were held on renewals of conditional use permits for on-premise alcohol sales at Bluebonnet Copacking (beer/wine, 110 E MLK Dr Suite 130) and Valentino’s (mixed beverages, 110 N LBJ Dr). An executive session covered legal advice on conditional use permits.
Arts Commission and Cemetery Commission
The Arts Commission discussed the 2027 Arts and Cultural Grant process and a potential Eco Art Project on June 24. The same day, the Cemetery Commission received updates on an expansion project delayed by water restriction changes.
Economic Development Board
The Economic Development Board convened June 24 to discuss amendments to economic development policy, including Chapter 312 and 380 agreements, fee waivers, and targeted industry updates. No action items were scheduled; the board heard reports on business retention and outreach.
City Council budget workshop
A June 25 budget workshop focused on the FY 2026-2027 preliminary budget. Staff reported that a hiring freeze covering 24 positions and a retirement incentive eliminating 28 positions are saving $2.7 million annually. Council provided direction ahead of an Aug. 18 budget submission. A special council meeting that same day considered the appointment of a municipal court judge, and a joint workshop on hotel occupancy tax took place June 29.
Other upcoming meetings
TIRZ #5: Downtown funding
The TIRZ Number 5 Board will meet July 6 to approve a $1.57 million funding request for FY27 Main Street projects, including intersection and sidewalk improvements, engineering for a flexible festival street, downtown maintenance and aesthetic upgrades. The board will also consider amending the Project and Financing Plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 5.
Historic Preservation Commission
On July 9, the commission will hold public hearings on two Certificates of Appropriateness: installation of seating in Kissing Alley (100 Block East Hopkins Street) to convert it to a pedestrian-oriented alley, and replacement of stucco skirting with brick-style galvanized metal at 617 West Hopkins Street. An update on the Dunbar School Home Economics Building restoration is also on the agenda.
Coming up
- **July 6:** TIRZ Number 5 Board – $1.57M downtown project funding and plan amendment.
- **July 7:** City Council work session (9 a.m.) – community brand, water impact fees, park designs, executive session for judge and legal matters.
- **July 7:** City Council regular meeting (5:30 p.m.) – development agreement, $60M PID, $23M loan, consent items.
- **July 9:** Historic Preservation Commission – Kissing Alley and West Hopkins street certificates.
- **July 7:** Human Services Advisory Board – notice of potential quorum at council meeting (no action).
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.