Wimberley reviews proposed FY 2025–26 budget, staff presents water‑conservation, alerts, walkability and parks goals

Wimberley — At a special Wimberley City Council budget workshop Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, Mayor Jim Charles and councilmembers heard city staff present four proposed goals for 2025–26 and a preliminary fiscal year 2025–26 budget that staff described as balanced and without anticipated deficits.

The proposed goals presented by staff call for (1) water‑conservation incentives, partnerships and advocacy with an aspirational target to reduce water use by 20% over two years; (2) a comprehensive approach to emergency alerts and communications, including creation of a local/regional task force; (3) increased walkability, connectivity and parking in the downtown commercial district, and exploration of weekend public transportation; and (4) a process to secure resources for acquisition of land and facilities for conservation, education and recreation projects, including collaboration with nonprofit partners and pursuit of grants for the city’s nature center.

Why it matters: the goals would shape near‑term city priorities for utilities, public safety communications, transportation and parks and could affect permitting, partnerships and future capital requests. Staff also presented the city’s proposed budget…