Fredericksburg council approves annexation, opioid-resolution opt-in, denies STR appeal and awards pay increase; TIRS tabled

The Fredericksburg City Council took several formal actions during its Dec. 20 meeting.

Annexation ordinance 2024-43: Council considered and adopted Ordinance 2024-43 to annex portions of Catholic Cemetery Road and the westernmost portion of West Travis Street (right‑of‑way only). Staff said the action does not extend the extraterritorial jurisdiction and that the city would assume maintenance of the annexed roadway right-of-way. The motion to approve was made by a councilmember and seconded; the item passed on a voice vote.

Opioid settlements resolution (Resolution 2024-16): Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute on Fredericksburg’s behalf any future opioid‑litigation settlement offers negotiated by the state attorney general. Staff explained Fredericksburg previously opted into the coordinated litigation and that adopting the resolution preserves the city’s ability to receive future distributions; the vote was unanimous.

Short-term rental vested-rights appeal (510 Mueller #6): Property owner Jordan Sale appealed a staff denial of a vested-rights determination for a short-term rental permit. Staff recorded that the owner acquired the property in May 2023 but did not apply for a conditional-use permit before the Jan. 2024 ordinance changes that removed the STR-condo use. Council voted to deny the appeal.

Municipal-judge pay increase: After an executive-session performance review, council approved an immediate pay increase for the municipal judge (council discussion indicated a change from 7% to 8% or a 7½–8% increase; council approved the increase in open session).

TIRS follow-up: The council tabled the proposed downtown TIRS (50% increment over 25 years as presented) to April 1, 2025 to allow staff to provide additional information and peer-city examples (tabling vote was 4–1).