Concerns about legislative priorities to reduce property taxes, keeping residents and visitors safe and a sidewalk project are among the topics taking center stage during Thursday’s State of the City address.
Attendees at the luncheon, sponsored by Liberty Capital Bank at the Cana Ballroom in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, received updates on city finances, growth and infrastructure from Mayor Frank Ritchie, Mayor Pro Tem Ty Wolosin and City Manager Ben Thatcher.
During the Oct. 29 gathering, Thatcher told the audience the daily cost of providing core municipal services dropped by 42 cents to $5.98 per capita.
The city recently approved a nearly $164 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
However, he also addressed concerns surrounding property taxes. Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term with elections Nov. 3, has said he wants to reduce or revamp property-tax collections by local governments.
“There’s the political talk about we need to do away with property taxes,” Thatcher said. “We shouldn’t be held prisoner in our own home. I get that; I’m right there with you. I would prefer not to pay property taxes as well.”
However, Thatcher pointed out those daily contributions help fund city services.
“You understand why we have to make the right decision,” Thatcher said. “And what we are providing and at what level we're providing those because there is a daily cost, and we do not get any state revenue.”
Ritchie also attributed the 42-cent decrease to the City Council's fiscal conservatism.
“There’s nothing in Boerne or surrounding areas where you will get a better bang for your buck,” Ritchie said.
Public safety promise
The mayor went on to highlight public safety as one of the city's top priorities.
“Public safety for us is one of our key issues that we want to make sure that we stay on top of for the city of Boerne,” he said. “You want to make sure that you feel safe in this community and make sure that we provide top-notch services for this community.”
He also thanked the city's public safety departments.
“If you’ve ever been at work in Boerne in the middle of the day, you hear that fire siren going off two or three times a day,” Ritchie said. “Or the police lights going on. That’s just a reminder of the services that they do. And their efforts every day for you, for the community; the fire, public safety and even our animal control services do an amazing job of making this a wonderful community.”
Infrastructure update
City leadership also emphasized the importance of strengthening infrastructure and encouraging participation by residents.
Wolosin highlighted a $2.6 million sidewalk grant project through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, where he serves as a city representative.
“This project is going to make our city much more walkable,” Wolosin said.
Ritchie also announced plans for the city to move forward with Fire Station No. 2 in Esperanza, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.
He also discussed the need to expand animal services, noting the current facility is “busting at the seams.”
“We’re going to provide top-notch animal services for our community because there is a need – not only because we serve Boerne, but we also have an agreement with Fair Oaks (Ranch),” Ritchie said.
Adler Road, bridges, library
Attendees also received an update on the Adler Road project, which Thatcher reported was nearing 90% completion in its design phase.
A public engagement meeting for Adler Road will be held Nov. 18 at Curington Elementary School, 601 Adler Road.
Wolosin praised community members for volunteering to serve on local municipal boards and commissions before discussing a citywide bridge grant assessment.
“This is another grant we got, and kind of sounds exactly what it is,” Wolosin said. “We're going around and assessing our bridges so to make sure they are safe and to see if they need any work. We’ve done a great job of going out and looking at funding opportunities whenever we can.”
Thatcher also provided an update on improvements at the Patrick Heath Public Library, which partnered with the Mellon Foundation to secure funding from a grant. The library has received a new information desk and is expected to see new study pods and carpeting.
“We’ve got a lot of cool, exciting stuff to keep that library space modern and highly usable by all those that love coming here,” Thatcher said.
City leadership closed the address by announcing a biennial community satisfaction survey would be distributed before Thanksgiving to gather feedback from residents and the community at large.
“You don’t have to be a resident,” Thatcher said. “You can be out in the greater community. We listen to everything.”
Smoke on the Hills BBQ provided lunch, which was served by the Boerne High School culinary class.
Comment
Comments