Balcones Heights withdraws statewide radio grant; council authorizes personnel investigation and adopts interim resolution

Balcones Heights city officials said March 9 they must withdraw a pending application for grant 5913401, which sought funding for a Motorola radio system through a regional applicant, after notification from the governor’s office that the city does not qualify because its operations are within Bexar County.

"As of today we have to withdraw our grant," the police chief said, adding staff had worked on the application but were informed by state officials that the city did not meet qualification criteria tied to cross-county activities.

Council members said the denial was disappointing and urged staff to be more timely on future grant submissions. No action was taken in open session on the grant after the chief’s announcement.

After moving into closed session and then reconvening, the council voted to authorize an investigation into "personal allegations made known to the city manager" and directed that personnel allegations be forwarded to the city administrator for investigation. The motion to authorize the investigation passed five to one.

The council then moved to approve and adopt Resolution 2026-07-R, which the motion states will remain in effect until the personnel investigation is completed or until the council acts further; the measure carried with five votes in favor. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at approximately 8:40 p.m.

The meeting record does not identify the person or persons who made the allegations, and the council did not publish additional details at the meeting. The motions and resolution instruct staff to investigate and report back in accordance with personnel procedures.