Commissioners approve fiscal year 2026 Capital Improvements Program after staff recap and Q&A

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the fiscal year 2026 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) after a staff recap and extended discussion of priorities, timing and public input.

Tony Bettis of the Capital Improvements Program presented a recap of the project-selection process, noting the CIP is a multi-year plan that generally uses an evaluation matrix to score projects across categories such as operational capacity, economic development, public safety and quality of life. Bettis said projects must typically meet minimum criteria including an estimated cost of at least $200,000, be nonrecurring, and provide a minimum five-year benefit; the office uses a planning horizon of five to ten years and compiles project worksheets showing scope, schedule and anticipated funding sources by fiscal year.

Bettis described funding options and partnerships that influence prioritization, including special funding streams (for example, ARPA, TxDOT or other grant sources), and noted the need to coordinate timing across projects to avoid overlapping construction impacts. He cited the LOMAR process and related ecological and permitting reviews as examples of factors that can extend design schedules.

Commissioners asked substantive questions. Commissioner Landryp said commissioners would have preferred the packet earlier and suggested prioritizing water, transportation and public safety; she questioned why golf course maintenance and clubhouse work ranked relatively high and was told a hazardous materials assessment elevated the maintenance barn project due to staff health and safety concerns. Commissioner Morales asked why new fire stations did not appear higher in the ranking; staff explained land availability constraints and ongoing efforts to identify sites. Morales also asked whether the city solicits public surveys for CIP input; staff said public input normally occurs during earlier master planning stages rather than at the CIP list stage.

Several commissioners stressed transportation projects such as San Gabriel extensions, Crystal Falls Parkway and upgrades to FM 2243 as priorities that may require reevaluation of timing; staff said the office continuously reassesses rankings and coordinates with developers and regional agencies such as Williamson County and TxDOT when appropriate. Commissioner Mahan noted the golf course generates revenue for the city, which factors into prioritization.

After questions and comments, Commissioner Morales moved to approve the FY 2026 CIP; Commissioner Landryp seconded and the motion passed. Commissioners and staff noted the CIP is a planning document and funding and schedules remain subject to change based on design, permitting and funding availability.

Staff said project worksheets and the draft CIP book outline project scopes, estimated expenses by fiscal year and likely funding sources; follow-up will occur through departmental implementation and finance coordination.