Councilman Kanape advocates for budget workshop to address street maintenance and impact fees

The Fulshear City Council meeting on August 18, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding street maintenance and utility rates, highlighting the need for a comprehensive budget workshop. Council members expressed concerns about the lack of street maintenance since the city's last Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating in 2019, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue to maintain infrastructure quality.

Councilman Kanape and other members discussed the city's high impact fees, which are currently being used as leverage in development negotiations. While lowering these fees could attract more businesses and generate additional sales tax revenue, it raises concerns about potential increases in water rates. The council acknowledged that reducing impact fees could lead to higher costs for residents, necessitating careful consideration of any changes.

Additionally, the council noted the necessity of raising water and wastewater rates due to outdated fee structures from previous years. The discussion referenced a 2022 study that adjusted impact fees for new developments, but existing agreements have not yet reflected these changes. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing development incentives with the financial implications for residents.

The council agreed that a dedicated workshop session would be beneficial to explore these issues in depth and develop strategies that address both infrastructure needs and fiscal responsibility. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on these pressing topics in the near future.