[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6454292,"mediaKeyId","5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a","parentId",5861627,"title","Live Oak council approves $149,331 Economic Development Corporation grant for kayak launch at main city park over one dissent","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",594000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a&start=594&end=594","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a/thumbnail_594000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454292/Live-Oak/Bexar-County/Texas/Live-Oak-council-approves-149331-Economic-Development-Corporation-grant-for-kayak-launch-at-main-city-park-over-one-dissent","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454292-8eb40f6aa2a27fde1b1535616be4ddf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775493342&Signature=NQtyO28YXvl~a8g52ZGit5YNDfI90FcFzOwXlIJ-HoYItML6K2ZcXo3EBA0wPFcNyZ8aIgntJ7O62PvfUmEmNRzSZXRUa2F6LJY-MUqDE~bPl3gmVUuEYHJZwMqYyCSTgQj9ffwbJiyyg8Tp~4UlJFPQoCScqUknG0HsYQvUov0x-7OlLQ64IOc9a1khH85ZvhfSHNN0CuYY1Bl3CnkxZAbtDP~avCV6I3QJWf2JSOgU8C8wedhtPwwY8ktyuAcbhZXtxDZyU9~ZOIW6kO5RFxOoIRrwLOWneZTOpbEq6E8i8ij~3LOvzXfaspog0wohqxk-qyRbjcc3twfDcGf-dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Live Oak","date","2025-09-30T00:00:00Z","article","The Live Oak City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing a $149,331 contribution from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) funds for a kayak launch as part of main city park improvements.

Council considered the resolution during the Sept. 30 meeting. The motion to authorize the expenditure passed by a 4-1 margin. Councilman Simmick stated during discussion that he could not support the EDC expenditure because he believed the kayak launch would benefit only a \"select group\" and opposed spending EDC funds on the project.

The staff presentation described the expenditure as \"a contribution to the Kayak Launchpad project for the main city park improvements.\" The motion on the floor (resolution authorizing expenditures of $149,331 from EDC funds) was seconded by Dr. Perez, according to the meeting record.

Why it matters: The EDC contribution directs economic-development resources toward park amenities. Councilman Simmick's objection framed the decision as a choice about whether EDC funds should target a broad public benefit or a narrower recreational amenity.

Clarifying details: The resolution’s funding source was Economic Development Corporation funds; the amount authorized was $149,331. At least one councilmember publicly objected on the record; the motion carried 4–1. No ordinance number or additional contract details were provided during the meeting minutes presented.

Context: The item was discussed after council pulled it from the consent agenda for separate consideration. Councilman Simmick spoke against the expenditure before the council voted.

Ending: The council approved the EDC contribution; staff and the EDC will move forward with the kayak launch project as funded by the authorized EDC contribution.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Live Oak - City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved a $149,331 contribution from Economic Development Corporation funds to build a kayak launch at the main city park; Councilman Simmick voiced opposition, saying the project benefits a select group and he could not support the expenditure.","taxTitle","Live Oak, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",69408,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454295,"Judson ISD deputy superintendent outlines proposed voter-approved tax-rate election to raise $21 million for operations",50,355000,405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a&start=355&end=405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a/thumbnail_355000.jpg","/articles/6454295/Live-Oak/Bexar-County/Texas/Judson-ISD-deputy-superintendent-outlines-proposed-voter-approved-tax-rate-election-to-raise-21-million-for-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454295-bfcc15378706e31055ac16e61cf4d2ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1775493342&Signature=bFnjechKBMcqSmWLhlbwbzo1dYEJrhh4Erbi6wovz~gmnx7FSq8eqZhkV-gyd9tjng2lWADE6plPQ3kipAoTu2A3Q3FFO7ZO7zll2eBz8IP4WHmVQC8hF~htCCtXS~5XeBkEkLdQkikh0hD4PCubkoWwMglc47YNmEz2gRkVj6haWTEwocFuRVC17Wrs8il1cXEUklkY7mJj~zAndg2fVxcXJSK7FX~Hz~QqgmDzgWZP-8BNfXGcB-HIrAetUjejV9vyRVNaEZyxIliAXmg40-hBqGZ~tdqQLpjs6ypN5fwm1~tD4kRKk~UfQppmO9tesyegVQOkgc9EM2nz2MToPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A deputy superintendent for Judson Independent School District spoke to the Live Oak City Council on Sept. 30 to explain a proposed voter-approved tax-rate election that the district plans to put before voters this fall.

The deputy superintendent said a voter-approved tax-rate election would allow the district to access an additional $21,000,000 in funding annually for maintenance and operations if approved by voters. She described the measure as distinct from a bond because it does not create new debt but instead raises operating funds.

She outlined the district's stated spending priorities for the new revenue: strengthening student academic programs, student services and staff salaries. The speaker also explained tax-effect details: because the homestead exemption this year is increasing from $100,000 to $140,000 and the average home value in the district is about $283,000, homeowners who have claimed a homestead exemption would still see a net savings under current conditions, the speaker said. The proposed tax rate was cited as 1.0796, described as roughly a 4.5% increase from the previous year.

The deputy superintendent reminded residents that the last day to register to vote is Oct. 6, early voting begins Oct. 20, and the election day is Nov. 4.

Why it matters: If voters approve the measure, the district would be authorized to collect the additional operating revenue noted above; the speaker framed the funds as targeted to classroom and staff needs rather than capital debt.

Clarifying details: The speaker identified the proposed tax rate as 1.0796 and an increase of approximately 4.5% from last year; she identified the estimated additional funding as $21,000,000 annually. The homestead exemption change cited by the speaker was from $100,000 to $140,000 and the speaker gave an illustrative average home value of about $283,000 for Judson ISD.

Context: The presentation took place during the council’s citizens-to-be-heard period. The school official’s remarks were informational; no formal action by the council was requested or taken at the meeting.

Ending: The speaker encouraged registration and provided the district’s election schedule to Live Oak residents.","A Judson ISD deputy superintendent briefed the Live Oak City Council on a proposed voter-approved tax-rate election that the district says would provide about $21 million annually for maintenance and operations; she summarized likely tax effects for the average homeowner and upcoming voter registration and election dates.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454298,"Live Oak business owner accuses city officials of unnecessary meter conversion that delayed reopening",37,140000,177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a&start=140&end=177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a/thumbnail_140000.jpg","/articles/6454298/Live-Oak/Bexar-County/Texas/Live-Oak-business-owner-accuses-city-officials-of-unnecessary-meter-conversion-that-delayed-reopening","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454298-989fd3ca0adc2be347ebecb6b383f401/orig.mp4?Expires=1775493342&Signature=WsHMopamWwkUuEYOUA-oilAOPeAqix-qBKVja4gnR~AxEpKZf5l0DrhnfBdzwza3Ws6d7yzzzLmWkGunUZLUy5jefN2njhkGKXhbMl7V9xHaiIMwFvx38DXnYnGADHKEBYx4il~JPrEpicGqB0GTjvQbZbN9DqpD83neVau5WCu8tXZmLwN~BfKdkZRLuXkA-FQPZhYiv0-gTFAE7lu9g8EVpwe0O5HaVNU8A-kK011eQ~BLG3GSet-X5VWriVyZMSSlSy8ZvzLq4LLnLS14ZhM2a~gULPOsnfNc0vL4YYRzrq53S8QlhWri1~KsIwaP3S2YK5o3C2SwSolQzKoiPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christina Lichtenberg, owner of Belladonna and Company, told the Live Oak City Council on Sept. 30 that interactions with city staff nearly destroyed her small business and delayed its opening.

Lichtenberg said city officials initially cited a safety issue and, after about two months of delays, told her that a costly \"$30,000 meter conversion\" was necessary and \"the only option.\" She said that when she pressed staff for a meeting she learned the actual solution “was actually free. Simply mark your meters, label your breakers.”

The complaint was delivered during the council’s citizens-to-be-heard period. Lichtenberg said the city's actions created “financial hardships” for about a dozen employees and their families and said the process reflected “a flagrant abuse of power by some of your city officials.”

Why it matters: Lichtenberg urged the council to explain how citizens can hold the city accountable and asked elected leaders to reassess how the administration interacts with small business owners and invests tax dollars. She said she has tried for five months to secure a meeting with city officials and that, after adversarial interference, her business will move forward.

Council members did not take action during the meeting on Lichtenberg’s allegations; the remarks were part of the public-comment portion of the agenda. Lichtenberg closed by urging the council to \"uphold the integrity\" of public office and saying she would personally hold officials accountable.

Clarifying details: Lichtenberg described the originally cited remedy as a $30,000 meter conversion and said the eventual remedy she learned about was to mark meters and label breakers. She said the interference lasted “about six months” overall and affected roughly a dozen employees.

Context: The remarks were made during the citizen-comments portion of the Sept. 30 council meeting and did not prompt an immediate staff report or formal council direction that evening.

Ending: Lichtenberg said she will continue pursuing accountability and asked the council to consider changes in how administration staff handle small-business issues.","Christina Lichtenberg, owner of Belladonna and Company, told the Live Oak City Council her business was nearly destroyed after officials cited a safety issue and required what she said was a $30,000 meter conversion; she says the actual fix was free and is asking the council to hold city staff accountable.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454287,"Votes at a glance: Live Oak City Council actions, Sept. 30, 2025",130,520000,650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a&start=520&end=650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861627-7f2c8235d5b63f67fd168af3298f508a/thumbnail_520000.jpg","/articles/6454287/Live-Oak/Bexar-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Live-Oak-City-Council-actions-Sept-30-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454287-13029710c7dbae48285ad91284b07a49/orig.mp4?Expires=1775493342&Signature=HAlUxY7vl2uF5BmT~qrbZSdg8wBFGbPemRBOda7h2j7PM-rf85Huu25Y5ZdDtLVq9u7SuDUsvrsQeYP7I8a-Sh9BTMB01VghpggWd6kghNfYqY-BabN0m3ZhbntBKAPu2d6~dnkoAY6gSf0zZO7b8KC2f78-WJXR2SjKAPiJt4Nq-W8HqpsK-ue8yHQA9DGndxP3jFSexCxD8E9qzXHPATL0haU3CZA0p39HvNcqKU0TNCAVEt1YA9D3CSpVOecy5Mooby5y25fR6mhnjyj7CxNULZybKE8IZjinBv3GxdogUuN4DmW-2ijjB0ycYNMDbixVOfgtNLijslF3d6mBOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Sept. 30 meeting, the Live Oak City Council took several formal actions. Key outcomes recorded in the meeting minutes are summarized below.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (minus item G): Motion to approve the consent agenda excluding item G passed 5–0.

- Item G (EDC contribution for Kayak Launchpad): Resolution authorizing expenditures of $149,331 from Economic Development Corporation funds for the Kayak Launchpad project at the main city park — approved 4–1 (one recorded no vote by a councilmember who said he could not support the expenditure).

- Surplus and disposal of fixed assets (police Tahoe and front-end loader): Council approved disposal of identified fixed assets (items with original cost $5,000 and over); vote recorded as 5–0.

- Ordinance adopting City fee schedule (with two items pulled): Council approved the ordinance adopting the fee schedule with the exception of two line items related to failure to obtain a certificate of occupancy and working without a permit; vote recorded as 5–0. Staff will return with the pulled items for further review.

- Boards and commissions appointments (multiple appointments): Council approved appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions as presented; vote recorded as 5–0.

- Economic Development Corporation appointment: Rebecca Koshin was appointed as a citizen director to the Live Oak EDC; vote recorded as 5–0.

- Ordinance amendment to city code, Chapter 15 (offenses and miscellaneous provisions), Section 15-19 (offender definitions): Council adopted the presented amendment to correct an omitted conjunction in a prior revision; vote recorded as 5–0.

Notes and context: Several votes were unanimous. The EDC kayak-launch funding drew a single dissenting vote; during discussion the dissenting councilmember said the expenditure appeared to favor a select group. The fee-schedule item had two subitems pulled for later consideration and was approved in amended form.

Ending: Council members also made ceremonial proclamations and received informational presentations (including a Judson ISD briefing on a voter-approved tax-rate election). The items summarized above represent the formal actions recorded in the Sept. 30 meeting minutes.","The council approved multiple routine and substantive items — including disposal of surplus assets, a fee-schedule ordinance (with two items pulled), board and commission appointments, an amendment to city code, and the EDC contribution to a kayak launch — with vote tallies recorded where available.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Live Oak council approves $149,331 Economic Development Corporation grant for kayak launch at main city park over one dissent

Judson ISD deputy superintendent outlines proposed voter-approved tax-rate election to raise $21 million for operations

Live Oak business owner accuses city officials of unnecessary meter conversion that delayed reopening

Votes at a glance: Live Oak City Council actions, Sept. 30, 2025