[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6167122,"mediaKeyId","5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0","parentId",5412550,"title","Council backs Cibolo Fest subsidy, approves facility renovation funding request and asks for vetting of $50,000 federal grant consultant","audioSeconds",568,"startMs",3192000,"endMs",3760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0&start=3192&end=3760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0/thumbnail_3192000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6167122/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/Council-backs-Cibolo-Fest-subsidy-approves-facility-renovation-funding-request-and-asks-for-vetting-of-50000-federal-grant-consultant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167122-b8b244f6d971634cc1b122a02b16d8c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=IGTNyTF4sdVA17DOSHIlNTUmnjwmk-IEAzDUTlXrP~vcAkgcJH-Oo1DCWW9Zt~WmEAbTvLhtDnuycdXBDRXjbKmt8TnwpdcGV6YsgzHHmQtGegPvk6LTAGqhHUsEzQAtdojtMGjr3l5ZDFQo8PI43ktXBs96z3lSEynHF9s2C9IX3v25KdLgjPYDt5m4JcDregSidJdt566OYiftYp5iZOqUjJGhYv7L7QgRNjFssgcdKWft3YOL0Kq5XwfM57o5H7JvjpLDwK4kAm9UE8fv6aiUyfaTF6SXWdwf4RFSVmTwMqD89KOEFabtf6R4IyZ3k89UBlF8CDR0s31iKaBJmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Cibolo TX","date","2025-07-16T11:49:03Z","article","At the July 15 budget workshop, staff presented FY26 special revenue fund items including the special events fund and the Cibolo Public Facility Corporation. Council supported a recommended $10 wristband price for Cibolo Fest and a $30,000 general fund subsidy to bring the event to a breakeven point; staff said that booth rentals and sponsorships are separate revenue sources and that the suggested wristband price increase is within the range seen at comparable regional events.

The council also reviewed the Cibolo Public Facility Corporation balance (about $2.5 million after acquisition and renovation of the Noble Event Center). Staff proposed $250,000 in FY26 for phase‑2 renovations at the facility — creating office space, a break room, secure entryways, a production green room, furniture/fixtures and HVAC improvements — and noted the fund earns approximately $100,000 annually in investment income. Council indicated support for the phase‑2 funding.

Separately, staff described a proposed $50,000 set‑aside to hire a federal grant consultant who would pursue federal funding (including congressionally directed spending) for a range of projects such as broadband, water, public safety and sports complex improvements. Councilmembers asked staff to obtain a focused list of five to 10 specific candidate projects and to vet the consultant's experience, noting that the consultant's client list is largely California cities. One councilmember raised budgetary caution given tight funds; others suggested pursuing federal flood‑mitigation opportunities given recent regional flooding.

Council asked staff to provide a short prioritized list of projects for the consultant to pursue and to check for relevant in‑state experience before committing funds. No contract was executed at the workshop; staff said the funding would come from the Cibolo Public Facility Corporation if council later approves the consultant engagement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Cibolo City Council Budget Workshop - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council supported a $30,000 general fund subsidy and a wristband price increase for Cibolo Fest to achieve break‑even, approved $250,000 for phase 2 renovations of the Noble Event Center from the Public Facility Corporation fund, and asked staff to vet a proposed $50,000 federal grant consultant and provide a short list of candidate projects.","taxTitle","Cibolo City, Guadalupe County, Texas","taxId",55596,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167128,"Cibolo EDC proposes larger small‑business grants, parks master plan and strategic plan funding in FY26",186,316000,502000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0&start=316&end=502","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0/thumbnail_316000.jpg","/articles/6167128/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/Cibolo-EDC-proposes-larger-smallbusiness-grants-parks-master-plan-and-strategic-plan-funding-in-FY26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167128-4415e77b53060082c789631afcfbd52b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=oIAkuV2uVEOCCRcJNN6xcc9oKQxa6VDV4X7dvfUkRme9LDJAJCRGkK5NfNtigkmvvpfbX4QnG5uAjM~2z-F4Y5m0WzQmNDXPkkDPy2V6rWbrfzua76MDvZNuAmTrwFQk57A-AeZw8hxJML1nicmwM83z6Bdr9e-cYrL-jD2BYiMtvzjsZjfdQDsppmo0uUAXbbCxmtV--elouycRH52qL6Sw5ZQQa30e4aaaRORmZAGyUiTtrvT391-SuJ1zGEqHe6nzd9N3b4joHYEwg873ymmg2lsDhAVXae2dAWsWa2HwxP~-1Z0iRDzelDkdQrS5hseKHjZQ0eubPQwqfuofdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) representatives presented the proposed FY26 EDC budget at the July 15 budget workshop. The EDC — a voter‑authorized 4B corporation funded by a quarter‑cent sales tax first approved in November 2006 — projects approximately $1.5 million in revenues and $1.2 million in expenses for FY26, which staff said would add more than $300,000 to the EDC fund balance and project a year‑end balance above $3.1 million.

Key FY26 highlights are an increase in small‑business grant funding: staff proposed expanding the EDGE program (Economic Development for Growth and Enhancement) by $25,000 to bring total grant funds to $100,000 (up from $75,000 in FY25). Staff described EDGE as similar to the existing BIG grant but with broader eligible costs that may include permits and fees. The budget also allocates $75,000 for strategic plan implementation and $250,000 for a parks master plan funded through the EDC.

EDC board members attended the meeting; Marcus Madeline, who introduced himself to council, said he had no additional comments but offered to answer questions. Councilmembers indicated support for the three primary items (additional grant funding, parks master plan, strategic plan implementation) when asked by staff.

Staff noted that master professional services agreements had been established in FY25 to support strategic plan work. No formal EDC action or ordinance was taken at the workshop; council feedback was recorded as consensus to support the EDC program and projects as presented.","The Economic Development Corporation's FY26 budget projects $1.5 million in revenue, adds $25,000 for EDGE small‑business grants, $75,000 for strategic plan implementation and $250,000 for a parks master plan; council indicated agreement with the priorities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167133,"Cibolo staff propose water acquisition set‑aside, 2% wastewater pass‑through for FY26; council hears debt impact estimates for South Plant expansion",613,839000,1452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0&start=839&end=1452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0/thumbnail_839000.jpg","/articles/6167133/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/Cibolo-staff-propose-water-acquisition-setaside-2-wastewater-passthrough-for-FY26-council-hears-debt-impact-estimates-for-South-Plant-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167133-3f8b8f7de2b25d41ee0524c9b15f99a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=Ex3TBhGgz~aTFyS-dqXVGIjLgGXa0Z6KNf-9oWYpd0NBQBcY1rW-37S8D-ocaOxDNA50LyShmZad6Y8MMkKM6FkiZxZc7jgGgjsyvftwDoXh6rppHTmwJftbN43sjdpMi~Yn6DK2TBMumGHeKhYbuWmp2rnu-khl41Es10aDhROe1tIGM4Vp2ZB3R7kF-NCq64HGqo9ni0~ILoIOj126DVrCBelQpLZaeSktOoiwRCXJSVbC09Zar8B1QtX6ZVqzDjSI6hMfTqmWDqk67P2gfkWDEtgYw08obRtN7w8mehN3JKe5JnVRm5ExH6mh7pVFXftIfBNmp~AM6yvAlIK4RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the draft FY26 utility fund budget at the July 15 Cibolo budget workshop, recommending a $1,000,000 set‑aside for future water acquisition, $100,000 for a water‑specialty consultant, and a recommended 2% wastewater rate increase that would be a pass‑through of a 2% increase from the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority (CCMA).

Staff said the city is waiting for results from a contracted utility rate study (Willdan Financial Services) before proposing broader water rate changes, but recommended the wastewater pass‑through now because CCMA is increasing its rates. The presentation noted reduced FY25 revenue expectations in the utility fund due in part to rainfall‑driven lower consumption and to a new commercial solid‑waste franchise arrangement that moves commercial dumpster/compactor billing to Waste Connections; the city will instead record a franchise fee from that contractor.

Staff outlined a set of upcoming external cost pressures from the Canyon Regional Water Authority (CRWA) budget: a proposed 5% raw water cost increase set by the Guadalupe‑Blanco River Authority, 3% merit and COLA for CRWA staff, and large planned increases in repair and replacement funding passed through to members. The presentation said CRWA plans major capital items in FY26 (for example, a Lake Dunlap strainer project and an emergency generator) that will be allocated to member cities.

On the proposed CCMA South Plant expansion, staff presented a worst‑case estimate under CCMA's larger debt option: if the debt were spread only across the city's existing customers (11,556 customers at present), the added cost could equal roughly $18.49 per month per customer in a high‑year scenario; allocating the debt by consumption would equate to about $2.74 per 1,000 gallons, or about $16.47 monthly for a customer with a 6,000‑gallon monthly usage. Staff noted CCMA may use impact fees to offset some costs and that these are worst‑case estimates that assume no growth.

Council members asked staff about cutting expenses and funding sources; staff reiterated that some reductions are one‑time (equipment purchases and set‑asides) and that rate study results will inform final recommendations. Council voiced concern about future bond/debt needs tied to South Plant construction and asked staff to continue analyzing billing and allocation alternatives so that only impacted customers might bear appropriate shares of debt service. No formal rate change ordinance was adopted at the workshop; council discussion focused on analysis and next steps.","City staff proposed a $1 million set‑aside for future water acquisition and recommended a 2% pass‑through wastewater rate increase tied to the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority; council received estimates of potential customer impacts if CCMA's larger South Plant debt option proceeds.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167137,"Cibolo council agrees to study drainage-fee changes after storage-owner complaint",886,1766000,2652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0&start=1766&end=2652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5412550-f812b2b5c8c6f380c85d4edc1157b3d0/thumbnail_1766000.jpg","/articles/6167137/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/Cibolo-council-agrees-to-study-drainage-fee-changes-after-storage-owner-complaint","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167137-77f094472550d6ad8a15b530a21f4013/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=E6BppcrGFREWC96HA3ZP064vcD3gMg5-QGvnUTDGyYjnTkni~R2~cwYjnRlhhR2Jpp0wmYGXGUYeuw93k3X6r~GrLdJlLovhpl0j0lO~9JtRVin7YPvRoUK2VTcS0dQk5itKo8FAQ-NeT4I7punsFd~RCEs8BV8RBADe0eIm4GbzPza3rjyh7tCq~j66brVlZRmgU8Bz1FzmUZAS6oEex2n17YS7BZwOchRpwpucG7Ndq9YnFjv3nu2ECDIuu~Axg4aM0fstQMksFwMhY2GmHQy8zIxOtaXNa1nyzpze4sKdGUXzUPbH48HGWrtq7XBO-5uxdCvLOMqeS-cjokBYtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gary Woods, owner of Wood Storage in Cibolo, told the City Council during the July 15 budget workshop that the city's method for calculating commercial drainage fees treats his small, land‑intensive self‑storage business like a large retailer and has become financially burdensome. Woods said his monthly drainage bill rose from about $400 to $764.40 and asked council to consider a different fee methodology or a new tier to protect small, land‑heavy businesses. \"Walmart makes more money in 4 days than I do all year,\" Woods said, arguing his property generates little sales tax yet large impervious acreage and should be treated differently.

Council and staff discussed how the drainage fee is calculated currently (equivalent residential units, or ERUs, charged at $7.50 per ERU) and that Woods' property was counted as 102 ERUs. Staff said the city has recently updated impervious cover data in GIS for commercial parcels and that comparable sites with lower impervious coverage pay less. Council members noted the drainage fund is operating at a deficit this year largely because of one‑time capital draws and that any change would have budget implications.

Council gave direction to staff to research possible modifications to the drainage fee structure and bring options back to council. Suggestions mentioned during the discussion included a tiered approach by land use, a temporary cap or waiver program, revenue‑based or land‑use categories, and honoring historical agreements where grading kept runoff on private property. Staff said it would examine other cities' approaches, review Woods' past discount arrangement, and present possible options at a future meeting.

The discussion included balancing small‑business relief against fund sustainability: one councilmember emphasized the drainage fund's current shortfall and the unlikelihood of reducing rates without identifying offsetting revenue or cuts. Another councilmember and multiple speakers urged that the city consider targeted relief to retain longstanding small businesses.

Council consensus was to ask staff to \"look at some possible modifications to the drainage fees and bring back some options,\" including whether discounts or different tiers could apply to properties where runoff is retained on site. Staff committed to return with proposals and cost impacts for council consideration.","A Cibolo business owner told council his storage facility now pays $764.40 monthly under the city's drainage fee method; council asked staff to explore options including tiering or caps and return with proposals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council backs Cibolo Fest subsidy, approves facility renovation funding request and asks for vetting of $50,000 federal grant consultant

Cibolo EDC proposes larger small‑business grants, parks master plan and strategic plan funding in FY26

Cibolo staff propose water acquisition set‑aside, 2% wastewater pass‑through for FY26; council hears debt impact estimates for South Plant expansion

Cibolo council agrees to study drainage-fee changes after storage-owner complaint