Cities & Counties
City Council approves SAWS’ updated rate hike plan
By Edmond Ortiz A delayed and slightly adjusted four-year series of water and wastewater rate increases for San Antonio Water System customers will be implemented at the start of 2027. What you should know City Council voted 8-3 Oct. 8 to adopt SAWS’ new rate hike plan, which council rejected last June. That is when…
Neighborhood group questions redevelopment plans for Sunset Ridge apartments
By Edmond Ortiz The Terrell Heights Neighborhood Association’s next meeting will focus on a rezoning request and redevelopment plans targeting the renowned Sunset Ridge apartment property. Morningside Group, a Chicago-based company that owns and runs the Sunset Ridge of Alamo Heights complex, filed a rezoning request with the city of San Antonio in late September….
Live in one of these suburbs? Here’s how their new 2027 budget, tax affects you
By Edmond Ortiz Oct. 1 marked the start of Fiscal Year 2027 in 19 San Antonio suburbs, most of which adopted tight budgets and property tax rate hikes in response to a slump in taxable value growth, as well as escalating costs, and declining or expiring revenue sources. Here’s a glance at approved budgets and…
A look at potential bond projects, water rate changes in 2027
By Edmond Ortiz Fresh off a contentious budget cycle, San Antonio’s top leaders now look to 2027 when voters could face a bond focused on drainage improvements, and when San Antonio Water System customers may see delayed rate hikes. A preview of a potential bond issue City Council was briefed by city staff in a…
News Briefs (Sept. 30): San Antonio airport secures $43M in grants; San Pedro Park group launches; city invites public comment at neighborhood meets
By Edmond Ortiz This early fall edition of News Briefs is all-San Antonio, where two newly awarded and historic federal grants will advance large-scale airport projects, and where an advocacy organization has formed toward helping to preserve and maintain the nation’s second oldest public park. Also, the city is introducing a series of public meetings…
Hill Country cities keep budgeting for growth despite fiscal challenges
By Edmond Ortiz Leaders of four Hill Country cities are striving to address escalating needs of their growing populations while confronting increasing budgetary headwinds. Officials in Boerne, Bulverde, Fair Oaks Ranch and New Braunfels share economic and other concerns that are dogging numerous local governments that have adopted an operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027,…
New fire station opens up on Far West Side
By Edmond Ortiz A western Bexar County fire department has now fully replaced a smaller facility with a larger, state-of-the-art station. Officials with Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 2, based in the middle of the growing Alamo Ranch neighborhood, announced Sept. 23 that a newer, bigger version of Fire Station 125 is fully operational…
Bexar County begins construction on animal care complex on Far West Side
By Edmond Ortiz Bexar County has kicked off construction on a $11 million animal care facility in the county’s Far West Side. A Sept. 22 ground-breaking ceremony was held at 6841 Cagnon Road, involving county leaders and other special guests. Catamount Constructors is the lead contractor on the project to build a 17,000-square-foot structure that…
‘Challenging’ finances a common thread in Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall’s new budgets
By Edmond Ortiz While Fiscal Year 2027 budgets have been adopted in Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall counties, officials in these growing counties have voiced concerns about tough fiscal decisions that lie ahead, especially when it comes to rising expenses. Comal County Commissioners unanimously approved a total $214 million budget Sept. 17 that contains a $150…
News Briefs: Fire, police stations to help lost pets; East Side Boys and Girls Club averts closure; railroad safety money awarded in 3 cities
By Edmond Ortiz This edition of News Briefs highlights how San Antonio fire stations and Boerne police can help to reunite lost pets and their owners, and how three cities plan to spend newly awarded federal funds to upgrade motorist safety and mobility at four railroad crossings. Also, the city of San Antonio and local…