Universal City Council aims for 0.53 tax rate, designates two reinvestment zones and approves several capital projects

Universal City City Council on July 8 directed city staff to advertise a proposed overall tax rate of 0.53 and took a series of actions on capital projects, economic incentives and planning while hearing presentations on wastewater rates, a golf course renovation study and five‑year crime trends.

The tax‑rate guidance came after several hours of budget review. City staff said a 0.53 tax rate supports the fiscal 2026 proposed budget, while a one‑cent change in the rate would shift about $200,000 in revenue citywide. “For every penny up or down it’s equivalent to approximately $200,000,” the city’s finance presentation said. Council voted to direct staff to publish a 0.53 rate to start the public hearing process.

In other fiscal and capital items, council approved bids and authorizations for street and waterline work on Flintstone Drive, accepted final public improvements for Cibolo Crossing Unit 2, and approved multiple consent items. Council also authorized staff to expend $105,000 to hire a golf‑course architect to prepare design and bidding documents for renovation work at the municipal course; council discussion clarified that the money could come from venue‑tax funds already budgeted to the golf course.

Council designated two reinvestment zones — the Reunion District Reinvestment Zone No. 1 and the Aviation District Reinvestment Zone No. 1 — allowing the city to consider tax abatement applications within those areas in the future. City staff reiterated that designation alone does not grant abatements; any abatement would require a separate application and council approval.

Staff reports…