8-17-26 CC Special Meeting

The City of Bandera held a special City Council meeting on August 17, 2026, primarily focused on budget discussions and related procurement matters. Key procurement topics included the review and reconciliation of the fee schedule, budget allocations for city-sponsored special events such as Nightmare on Maple and Country Christmas in the Park, and the financial arrangements for renting the Methodist Church parking lot. The council discussed the funding sources for these events, noting that much of the funding came from donations and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) contributions rather than direct city tax dollars. Personnel compensation and salary ranges were also a significant topic, with council members debating competitive wages and benefits to retain skilled staff, including discussions on retirement system costs and certification pay. Additionally, the council reviewed contracts and rates related to waste management services with Republic, expressing concerns about high administrative markups and considering rate adjustments. Capital improvement projects and grants were discussed, including funding and planning for water and sewer infrastructure, sidewalks, and flood infrastructure, with emphasis on grant and loan details and coordination with the EDC. The meeting also addressed scheduling for upcoming budget finalization and tax rate hearings. No formal votes were taken during this workshop meeting, but several action items were identified for follow-up, including gathering more detailed budget information and preparing for future meetings to finalize the budget and tax rates.