City Council Work Session - March 3, 2026

The City Council work session for the City of San Marcos on March 3, 2026, focused primarily on the status and reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Staff presented an update on the allocation and spending of ARPA and Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), highlighting that all ARPA funds had to be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. The council discussed reallocating approximately $320,000 in available ARPA funds to existing home rehabilitation programs operated by Operation Triage and Mission Able, with additional funding proposed to continue these programs. Council members requested more detailed data on program deliverables, geographic and socioeconomic distribution of beneficiaries, and the selection criteria to ensure equitable service delivery. There was also discussion about allocating funds to rental and utility assistance programs and a potential $5,000 allocation for a pet food pantry, with council members seeking clarity on funding sources and usage. The council agreed to gather additional information before voting on the reallocation resolution at a future meeting. Additionally, a brief citizen comment addressed transparency and public participation, and an executive session was held regarding a competitive power purchase agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority, unrelated to data centers.