Helotes council approves B3 zoning for 6.71‑acre parcel, OKs low‑water crossing repairs and accepts FY2024 audit

Helotes City Council on March 13 voted to set zoning to General Business District (B3) for a 6.71‑acre parcel, approved an interlocal agreement for low‑water crossing and road repairs that will require short‑term detours, and accepted the city—s fiscal year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

The zoning action applied to two voluntarily annexed tracts totaling about 6.71 acres near the intersection of FM 1560. The applicant was listed as Shamefield CSW LP and the parcels were identified by tax IDs 236168 and 236169. Council Member Merchant moved to approve the zoning designation as presented; Council Member Greg Sanders seconded the motion. Council members emphasized that the vote established only the official zoning classification and did not approve any specific development plans, which will be considered later through permitting and site‑plan review. The motion carried on a voice vote; a roll‑call tally was not specified in the meeting record.

Council also approved an interlocal agreement to fund and carry out repairs to low‑water crossings and related sections of road where erosion and washouts have occurred. Council Member Greg Sanders described the item as "a no brainer for me," and staff reported that the most affected segment of the Circle A trail would be closed for repair roughly from April through September and require a detour routed from Rockingham to Barracks Trail and then to Douglas Park. Staff said Paragon Street will also receive erosion repairs. City staff noted the work will be funded from a dedicated sales‑tax portion held for street maintenance; the council earlier approved the funding amount in a separate action. The motion to approve the interlocal agreement was moved by Sanders and seconded by Merchant; the record shows the motion carried by voice vote with no roll‑call tally provided.

Finally, the council accepted the City of Helotes— and the Helotes Economic Development Corporation—s FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The auditor reported an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements and noted routine year‑end journal entries and nonmaterial findings. The audit presentation said general‑fund revenues rose in FY2024 driven by property and sales taxes, court fines and higher interest income; general‑fund expenditures also increased, mainly for police and fire salaries and some equipment repairs. The auditor reported a positive change in the general‑fund balance of about $2.4 million, leaving an ending general‑fund balance of roughly $11.0 million, which the presenter said equated to about 16.1 months of average operating expenditures as of Sept. 30, 2024. The Economic Development Corporation reported a positive change in fund balance of about $262,000 and an ending fund balance around $4.0 million. The council moved to accept the report (motion by Merchant; second by Sabrina); the motion carried on a voice vote.

Votes at a glance: - Item 4 (consent agenda item 4): approved (motion by Greg Sanders; second by Merchant). Voice vote; tally not specified in record. - Item 5 (rezoning of 6.71 acres to General Business District B3 for Shamefield CSW LP; tax IDs 236168, 236169): approved (motion by Merchant; second by Greg Sanders). Voice vote; tally not specified in record. - Item 6 (interlocal agreement for low‑water crossing/road repairs): approved (motion by Greg Sanders; second by Merchant). Voice vote; tally not specified in record. - Item 7 (acceptance of FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the City and EDC): approved (motion by Merchant; second by Sabrina). Voice vote; tally not specified in record.

Why it matters: The zoning decision sets the official land‑use classification for the parcels and clears the way for later site plans or permitting by the city; the interlocal agreement will trigger construction that will temporarily close and reroute local trails and roads; acceptance of the audit documents the city—s fiscal position, available reserves and ongoing ARPA spending and informs upcoming budget workshops and tax‑rate decisions.

The council adjourned after the actions were taken.