City Council Work Session - October 7, 2026

At the City of San Marcos City Council work session on October 7, 2026, staff reviewed the transit partnership with Texas State University and sought direction on unnegotiated Federal Transit Administration funds. Council expressed support for a proposed allocation giving Texas State approximately $9.3 million in 2024–2026 Small Transit Intensive City funds, while the city would retain approximately $5.3 million and receive about $1.8 million in remaining CARES/ARP funds; Texas State would also provide about $160,000 over two years toward the city’s interurban express service match. Staff will prepare an addendum to the funding agreement. The city plans to reprogram remaining CARES/ARP funds for current-year use, which staff estimated could save the general fund about $1 million. The transit development plan will guide service coordination and future capital needs; two city buses are on order, and Texas State has ordered hybrid-electric diesel buses with grant support. Its fleet replacement needs, including 37 buses nearing the end of useful life, were discussed.

The council also reviewed the utility payment assistance program, including an existing $85,000 CDBG allocation for weatherization. Council supported adding financial hardship as an eligibility criterion, while asking staff to refine the scope of proposed fee waivers for customers receiving assistance and return with further detail; no final fee-waiver decision was recorded. Earlier, a resident raised safety concerns at the public library, but no related procurement action was discussed.