Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Comal County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Emergency Services District Board Nomination Policy
The court will address leadership changes on local Emergency Services Districts #1 and #3 by accepting resignations and appointing new commissioners to unexpired terms.
Grant Applications for Specialty Courts and Juvenile Programs
The county is reviewing multiple state grant awards totaling over $230,000 to support local specialty courts, including the Accountability Court, Mental Health Court, and Challenge Felony Drug Court programs.
Subdivision Regulation Updates
The county approved a new replat to meet septic requirements and accepted road and drainage infrastructure in major developments like Mayfair and Steelwood Trail into the county road system. These actions ensure proper residential growth and long-term county maintenance of public roads.
Conservation Land Acquisition
Comal County is pursuing a $30 million low-interest loan and grant package from the Texas Water Development Board to acquire conservation easements and protect critical aquifer recharge zones. Dozens of residents and environmental advocates voiced strong support, highlighting rapid growth and water scarcity, while Commissioner Scott Haag opposed the move due to potential property tax burdens and uncertain recharge verification.
Youth Sports Park Improvements & Funding Swaps
Local tennis advocates urged the court to fund additional tennis courts at Jumbo Evans Park to meet surging community demand and eliminate waitlists.
Sheriff's Office Vehicle Fleet Expansion
The court approved funds to upfit five replacement patrol vehicles following accidents and upgrade their in-car camera DVR systems.
Jail and Tax Office Capital Projects
The county is experiencing rising inmate populations and nearing jail capacity, prompting commissioners to evaluate multi-story tower options to expand bed capacity through 2055.
2027 County Budget Planning
The county is reviewing its proposed 2027 budget, balancing essential services, employee pay adjustments, and infrastructure needs while keeping the tax rate flat at $0.305015.
Canyon Lake Boat Ramp Access
The county is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expand parking areas at Boat Ramps 7 and 8 at Canyon Lake to improve public recreation access.
Property Exchange for Sattler Road Annex
The county approved a land exchange on Sattler Road to acquire property for a future county annex facility, replacing an aging lease.
Truancy Prevention and SAFE Program Grant
The county accepted a $30,000 state grant to continue counseling and support services for families and students.
County Surveillance and Federal Coordination
Following a new Texas law (Senate Bias/SB 8), the county approved joining the ICE 287(g) Warrant Service Officer program, which trains jail and corrections staff to serve warrants and process immigration notifications.
Comal Elementary #22 Plat and Infrastructure
The county approved final platting and road and drainage bonds for Comal Elementary #22 in Meyer Ranch, accommodating new school construction.
Johnson Way Road Dedication and Assessment
The county initiated the legal process under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 253 to accept a portion of Johnson Way into the county maintenance system, supported by $175,000 in developer contributions.
2026 Comal County Budget and 2025 Property Tax Rate Adoption
The County Judge unveiled an $181 million budget for 2026 that includes a proposed 4-cent property tax increase to support growing infrastructure, law enforcement pay scales, and flood control improvements. Commissioners discussed balancing taxpayer burden against critical capital needs like jail expansion and bridge safety.
Outdoor Burn Ban
Due to extreme summer heat and lack of rainfall pushing drought indices higher, the Fire Marshal recommended implementing a countywide burn ban.
Mental Health Grant Administration
The county is shifting the administration of a mental health grant to a specialized regional center to better support jail inmates.
Public Improvement District Assessments
New Braunfels is landing a major win with Lefko USA moving its U.S. headquarters to town. This is a big deal for our local economy and means more professional job opportunities right in our backyard.
Subdivision Plat Corrections and Cancellations
The court addressed plat amendments and set a public hearing to cancel lots in Stallion Springs, helping property owners combine parcels and clear up historical zoning or septic issues.
Mental Health Facility Construction Acceleration
The county approved a massive $578,000 foundation redesign for the new mental health facility to handle expansive clay soils and protect underground plumbing. Officials also set a strict timeline to use up remaining federal ARPA funds before the end of the year.
Executive Recruitment for County Administrator
The county is moving forward with hiring a recruitment firm to find a replacement for the outgoing County Administrator.
Road Improvement Program
Comal County is moving forward with an engineering study to prepare a comprehensive road improvement plan. With population projections far outpacing original estimates, officials want to establish clear transportation priorities and explore funding alternatives.
Road Infrastructure
Severe weather led to active flooding and numerous road closures across Comal County, prompting emergency operations center activation and public safety warnings.
Jail Staffing and Overtime
The county renewed its inmate medical care contract, replacing EMTs with LVNs to ensure staff can perform necessary forensic blood draws.
County Administrator Reorganization
The county restructured the County Administrator position to prepare for a retirement, elevating its salary grade, adding budget officer duties, and consolidating department supervision.
Wastewater Permit Concerns
Residents raised concerns about the proposed Canyon Juniper Ranch wastewater permit renewal, warning that effluent could impact local aquifers and private water wells.
Virtual Court Program
District Court is successfully utilizing video hearings for inmates incarcerated elsewhere, saving over $167,000 and keeping local jail beds available.
Water Availability
A resident raised concerns that proposed updates to county subdivision regulations omitted recommended improvements for water availability reports, urging the county to engage stakeholders before finalizing changes.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Facility Renovation
Comal County is moving forward with architectural and engineering services for renovating the JP3 facility, hiring Triton Design and Construction LLC for $120,000.
Independence Day Road Closures and Public Safety
The county approved temporary road closures for the 4th of July holiday, including a section of Sattler Road for the VFW celebration and traffic management for lake fireworks.
Emergency Alert System Implementation
Scammers are impersonating Comal County deputies to trick you into handing over cash or private data. Remember: real law enforcement will never call you to demand payment, so just hang up if you get one of these calls.
Railroad Crossing Safety Upgrades
A resident raised safety concerns regarding visibility and rolling stops at the Orion railroad crossing following a fatal accident.
Summit Estates at Fischer Lot Cancellation
Dozens of residents from Summit Estates at Fischer spoke out against a pending property cancellation application that would remove two lots from their subdivision. Residents fear the cancellation is intended to clear the way for a large Texas Water Company water treatment plant expansion at their entrance.
Constable Appointment Transparency
Public comments and staff reports addressed transparency and background check compliance surrounding a recent Precinct 4 deputy constable appointment.
Data Center Regulation and Water Conservation
Amid rising local concern over massive water and power consumption by data centers, the commissioners adopted a resolution asking the state to study environmental impacts, mandate closed-loop cooling systems in water-constrained areas, and review sales tax exemptions.
City Attorney Termination
New Braunfels just fired its city attorney following a chaotic mayoral election. This sudden leadership change could stall ongoing legal projects and shift how the city handles future policy decisions.
Canyon Lake Water Quality Protection
The county is seeking up to $30 million in state financial assistance to acquire property rights for land conservation and potential flood control structures.
New Sheriff's Office Substation in Canyon Lake
The county renewed its agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide extra police patrols around Canyon Lake parks, boosting public safety during peak recreational seasons.
Public Health Clinic Security Upgrades
The county approved funding to install automatic door closures on six badge-access doors in the public health clinic to improve building security and protect clinical operations.
Temporary Budget Administrator Position
To bridge a gap during the county auditor's retirement and prepare for upcoming budget cycles, the county created a temporary part-time Budget Administrator position.
Mayfair Parcel E-9N Road Acceptance
The county accepted Mayfair - Maytown Drive roads into the county road system for maintenance after inspections and city close-out documents were received.
Mental Health Facility Project Change Order
The court approved a $52,261 change order for the Comal County Mental Health Extended Observation and Crisis Residential Unit. Officials noted ongoing challenges with expansive local soils, plumbing, and refrigeration code updates.
Pre-Trial Release Bond Supervision Program Impact
Adult probation officials reported that the pre-trial bond program successfully supervised 524 defendants in 2024, saving taxpayers millions in jail incarceration costs while maintaining community safety.
Septic Permit Fee Waiver Policy
The court debated the fairness and precedent of waiving septic permitting fees for individual property owners caught in historical property boundary errors.
County Financial Audit and Fiscal Health
The county received a clean financial audit report (ACFR) for 2025, highlighting healthy reserves of over nine months in the general fund and a compressed audit schedule that benefits taxpayers.
Rural Sheriff's Office Salary Assistance Grant
Comal County accepted a $500,000 state grant to support law enforcement salaries and department operations.
Seasonal Law Enforcement Agreements with WORD
The county approved annual agreements with the Water Oriented Recreation District to fund supplemental law enforcement patrols on waterways and recreation areas during peak visitor seasons.
Public Safety Communication System Maintenance
The Sheriff's Office acquired 19 Motorola NEXT radios and console upgrades while locking in seven-year SBITA smart services and mapping software fees using surplus manufacturer pricing.
Flying W Unit 1 Subdivision Development
Developers received final approval for a 102-lot subdivision off FM 1102, which includes road and drainage bonds and variance approvals.
Appointment of New County Judge
Following a vacancy, the Commissioners Court appointed Kristen Hoyt as the new Comal County Judge to lead the county government.