Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kerrville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with critical priority
Downtown Facade Improvement Grant Program
The TIRZ grant programs for exterior upgrades, parking lot improvements, and mold remediation will now accept applications until the money runs out instead of closing on a deadline. Staff heard from business owners who missed the old deadline simply because they were too busy running their businesses.
Establishment of Municipal Stormwater Drainage Utility System
The city is considering creating a stormwater drainage utility to fund much-needed flood mitigation projects. Property owners would pay a monthly fee based on impervious surface area, starting at $2 per ERU in January 2027.
Emergency Management and Flood Response Planning
The city may tap a federal 75/25 cost-share program for riverbank stabilization and voluntary buyouts of flood-prone riverfront homes — bought properties would never be built on again. Formal agreements come back to council later.
Substance Use Recovery Support and Housing Services
The coalition is reviewing vital recovery support systems, including peer support coaches, outpatient services, and MOUD housing through Project Homes, to strengthen local addiction recovery resources.
Infrastructure and FEMA Flood Recovery Projects
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country provided a comprehensive update one year after the devastating floods, reporting $82 million in total grants. These funds have supported housing, small businesses, mental health, and $10 million in direct investments in City of Kerrville projects.
2026 Flood Recovery and Infrastructure Repairs
City officials provided updates on ongoing repairs to roads, water lines, bridges, and parks following the 2026 floods. Staff emphasized the meticulous documentation required for FEMA reimbursements and highlighted community volunteer efforts.
FY 2027 Municipal Budget and Property Tax Rate Adoption
The board reviewed and approved the proposed FY 2027 budget, which sets property tax revenue projections based on a proposed tax rate of $0.5846 per $100 of assessed value. Strong growth in commercial property values has pushed revenues higher than originally anticipated.
July 16, 2026 Flood Recovery and Disaster Declaration Extension
The Community Foundation updated the council on its one-year flood recovery efforts, noting $82 million in grants distributed, 100+ families returned to permanent housing, and ongoing support for small businesses and mental health.
TIRZ #1 Flood Recovery Grants and Program Amendments
The TIRZ #1 board overhauled its exterior and parking lot grant programs to help local businesses rebuild after severe flooding. By dropping the matching fund requirement, extending application deadlines to October 30, and adding $50,000 to each grant pool, the city is making it much easier for storm-damaged businesses to get financial help.
FY2027 Proposed Budget and Flood Recovery
The city is facing a tight budget for fiscal year 2027 compounded by over $30 million in estimated infrastructure and property damages from recent flooding. Council members and staff discussed the possibility of considering a disaster tax rate and reallocating funds while struggling with state-imposed property tax caps.
Post-Flood Small Business Financial Relief
The economic board debated whether to allocate up to $1 million—ultimately settling on $500,000—to help flood-damaged businesses rebuild through the Global Empowerment Mission. Supporters argued that keeping local storefronts open is vital for tourism and community survival, while opponents pointed to a tight city budget and massive overall flood recovery costs.
Flood Recovery and Infrastructure Assessment
Recent severe flooding has caused over $55 million in estimated damages to city infrastructure, particularly at Town Creek, far exceeding local funding capacity and requiring state and federal assistance.
Employee Health Insurance and Self-Funding Feasibility
Kerrville is facing a massive 31.7% increase in health insurance premiums from Blue Cross Blue Shield. To avoid these skyrocketing costs, city leaders are looking into a self-funded model that could save millions over five years while keeping local doctors in-network.
Water Infrastructure and Reuse Grant Application
Citizens raised concerns during public comment regarding the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and permitting status of city water reuse projects and their relationship to community growth.
Quinlan Creek Interceptor Sewer Line Improvements
The EIC approved nearly $491,000 to fund design engineering for the Quinlan Creek sewer line. This project will support future commercial and residential growth and position the city to apply for federal grant funding.