[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511283,"mediaKeyId","5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273","parentId",5332792,"title","Council debates use of venue tax, golf course funding and $80,000 billboard lease","audioSeconds",687,"startMs",4436670,"endMs",5123820,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273&start=4436&end=5123","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273/thumbnail_4436670.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511283/Universal-City/Bexar-County/Texas/Council-debates-use-of-venue-tax-golf-course-funding-and-80000-billboard-lease","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511283-a0cbaf70d4833f829118e41e1e28ba4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771075894&Signature=jCx3pdO~~3ZW3YQijV~x7VqgWrYt0BR7mxpi7PuPoB2Gi7gqbJbOC~yXQWEO2zQzsKyNd8xUN2ipONnBqmAaKbNBtKQ1~oE1Edv2QK9prVM-DV7GrrRZ~qRVUYAq~m9~dEYv2TliAgwOm5Dka99QCxFXU2eCU0kMMMhMSKTWAZTT1HQgM2AiX4Vn59A2BfPY-wMHczIzi-C2tT4bKJkxbOKLebUU-K8lg~XAuxp40GhvpvTctn5MkAC5qN30aQQa6Jwxv~cegVmaPTlXRrGn8Zn~-DmL7dH14bJXqN3Y2gZCivT2Xpskb6qxMRGUUGqzjU7UF4zaoMqde5idaKvnXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Universal City","date","2025-07-08T00:00:00Z","article","A lengthy council discussion at the July budget workshop centered on how to use venue (hotel/occupancy) tax revenues, the golf course budget and an $80,000 annual billboard lease.

Staff presented the venue-tax plan for FY2026 showing total venue tax receipts budgeted at about $1.9 million, a $1 million transfer to the general fund to help offset parks costs, a $101,800 transfer for golf-course capital (golf carts) and an $800,000 reserve set aside in the venue-tax fund for future golf-course capital projects subject to council approval. Staff said the golf-course architect will present recommended capital improvements (greens, bunkers, irrigation, tees) on Aug. 5.

Marketing and sign revenue: Staff showed a $225,000 marketing budget for the golf course funded from the hotel/occupancy tax. Councilmember concerns focused on two items: (1) whether the $80,000 per-year billboard lease (the city\u000027s leased frontage-road sign) should be credited to the golf course or moved to the general fund, and (2) whether the city\u000027s allocation method for general‑and‑administrative charges to the golf course should be changed.

Councilmember discussion split: Several councilmembers (including Mr. Goldby and council members who spoke in favor) argued the billboard lease revenue should remain with the golf course because the golf course lost the original highway signage when parts of its property were repurposed for hotel development and the sign helps \"heads to beds\" marketing for golf tournaments and regional guests. They also argued providing marketing support to the golf course could reduce its dependency on venue tax over time and free venue tax to support parks.

Other councilmembers (including Councilmember Vaughn) urged returning the billboard receipts to the general fund, arguing the general fund has pressing public-safety and pedestrian-safety needs. A separate point of contention was a staff-recommended reduction in the golf course\u000027s internal administrative fee (a cost-allocation change) that some councilmembers said reduces general-fund support for the course without a compensating cost reduction.

Operational notes: Staff said the golf course projects to cover most operational costs from earned revenue but still expects some transfers from venue tax for capital and replacements. The golf course manager (Sal) and staff presented a five-year capital/asset schedule that includes a plan to replace the full fleet of golf carts in about three years to standardize fleet retirement and reduce staggered purchases.

Next steps: Staff proposed holding a focused meeting to resolve remaining questions about golf-course financing and the billboard revenue allocation; the golf-course architect visit and a detailed capital plan are scheduled for Aug. 5. No formal vote on venue-tax allocations, billboard receipts or the administrative charge change occurred at the workshop; council members asked for additional information and a follow-up meeting.

Ending: The question of routing the $80,000 billboard lease and the appropriate marketing level for the golf course was left to further council discussion and a planned Aug. 5 agenda item with the golf-course architect.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Universal City - Special City Council - Jul 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A lengthy council discussion at the July budget workshop centered on how to use venue (hotel/occupancy) tax revenues, the golf course budget and an $80,000 annual billboard lease.","taxTitle","Universal City, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",69407,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511277,"Universal City launches targeted alley reconstruction and partners with CPS on vertical tree clearing",566,1695520,2261745,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273&start=1695&end=2261","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273/thumbnail_1695520.jpg","/articles/6511277/Universal-City/Bexar-County/Texas/Universal-City-launches-targeted-alley-reconstruction-and-partners-with-CPS-on-vertical-tree-clearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511277-1033b6ad4654605bd4bc692dfad44eac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771075894&Signature=Q8ff6sPywzTW0A1VReKXL4bOcPA0VZSgVgpWMIcM6AtMwgCqj4SKgMlmNTSC~cSSS-D5iaKnJi8ItfmM9cKrnzUoLiJwglGdgJmWaHEra3Iv3OqX7hfH2S9gQ11wAweeip1C14XrG9MJJ2upuEADp2Cehm8THP52XHwW82BiP6Icf2FY2wjsCcewoCjRnaQI-jWLBjlCtz4NAQFcRxSxcDBCcLRJrA0HET51DUl3JTjUyO3Zdf-XHKxtOy6FehrkNsmN2nbJ9yaH28oh91gg0K1lqHYZhtoD2hgPK8McKStmTf5CbDFRM4lrE6h3CunGKf5ZoH6uj-GJ51coCC0ijg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers discussed a newly budgeted annual alley-reconstruction program and a joint effort with the local electric provider (CPS) to clear vertical vegetation near powerlines.

Funding and scope: Public Works staff said the FY2026 program includes funding to reclaim hardened, paved alley segments and cited a near-term project that would cover roughly one alley block with approximately $600,000 in budgeted construction funds for reclamation and re-laying of asphalt. Staff said the annual program will focus on alleys that provide utility access and on segments historically used for alley garbage pickup.

Maintenance responsibilities: Public Works staff and council clarified that responsibility for alley upkeep generally falls to adjacent property owners, who are responsible for the half of the alley that abuts their property (\"owners are responsible for half the alley\"). The city said it will perform maintenance where alleys provide utility access or when stormwater or drainage impacts adjacent private property. Staff noted the city had limited capacity to take over all alley maintenance and that providing routine, full alley services would require additional personnel.

CPS partnership and scope of work: Staff said they are working with CPS on a multi-year vegetation management and \"vertical clearance\" program tailored to areas with overhead power lines. Staff reported an initial meeting with CPS representatives was scheduled and said the joint program will prioritize tall trees and limbs (\"tree trimming at eight feet and above\") that threaten utility reliability during storms. The city said CPS crews will cut vertical hazards and Universal City crews will follow to remove cut material and perform debris pickup. Staff estimated the full program could take about five years to complete depending on priorities and available resources.

Drainage, I&I and alleys: Council also discussed alleys that contribute to drainage issues. Staff said they will continue to respond where alley washout affects private property and noted that some alley reconstruction projects are coordinated with sewer and street work when pipes are being replaced.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to implement the multi-year alley program, coordinate with CPS for vertical clearance work prioritized by risk to electrical infrastructure, and bring project schedules and contracts to council for approval as needed.","Councilmembers discussed a newly budgeted annual alley-reconstruction program and a joint effort with the local electric provider (CPS) to clear vertical vegetation near powerlines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511292,"Universal City reviews proposed FY2026 general fund budget, explains audits and schedules tax-rate steps",2436,143880,2580660,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273&start=143&end=2580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273/thumbnail_143880.jpg","/articles/6511292/Universal-City/Bexar-County/Texas/Universal-City-reviews-proposed-FY2026-general-fund-budget-explains-audits-and-schedules-tax-rate-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511292-271169c1a2ae93bb7ede93758473a12b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771075894&Signature=DkDo9YfAIkgNSHIrtPoDto9wvfCUpYbI427cm6fmFvm9kS~v3OQ~xM6r5XM9BpOxyufEpW1OWY7ePw7BF-H60COKzjcpKbmChG6Lot3En5UFXTQ~zow3Yo9filXPnSby1b7pBEa6FAHUr9yu4oa7WZAa7U~qq5U8-7wjChlDRmsSEGsGMbWxtB0fs85Z5hQ3KlY9t1vsei9ktrNHldXDEkprzrqs88zWqbTnd~~x5ws11XnPXhz94LPhPQq9A5elnAtcViyMSgaZc8~qP4fLFxNW5LGHvOmniUSsJvpnvRNpFj1CyIjs2cEGF95jnV0z2sRhgMo38jbVqfg7Oyb2hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Universal City council members met in a July budget workshop to review the proposed FY2026 general fund, hear a citizen\u000027s questions about past audits and set the schedule for finalizing the tax rate.

The proposed general fund revenue for FY2026 is listed in the presentation as $20,000,532.29, with tax revenue representing about 78% of that total. The administration proposed a $1 million transfer from the venue (hotel/occupancy) tax into the general fund to offset parks-related operating costs.

City Manager (unnamed) summarized the staff\u000027s approach to the draft: no new full‑time positions were requested for FY2026; several capital requests were deferred after one-on-one council meetings. Specific items deferred include a space needs assessment, Summit Park and Skate Park planning ($90,000), and a Versa-Lift bucket truck ($180,000) with staff noting rental as an alternative. The fire department deferred purchase of a larger utility vehicle, opting for a smaller vehicle to reduce the immediate price tag. The presentation also lists planned street and alley work and the debt-service needs for the coming year.

Why this matters: Finance staff said the city maintains a 12-month fund balance policy to protect operations from revenue volatility and emergencies. During the workshop, Finance staff (Ms. Green) and the City Manager told council that the city\u000027s auditors are comfortable with the accounting and that differences between budgeted and audited figures reflect timing and accounting treatment (for example, how ARPA receipts were deferred in audited statements), not malfeasance.

A resident who signed up for public comment, Ken Metz, raised concerns after reviewing eight years of audit materials and suggested the general fund had been \"over budgeted\" in prior years. Ms. Green replied that year-to-year variances in the presentation resulted from timing differences, deferred ARPA accounting, and conservative budgeting practices (holding budgeted positions open in payroll even if vacancies persist). She presented side-by-side slides of budgeted versus audited revenues and expenditures and said most years were within single-digit percentage differences. She reiterated the council\u000027s policy of conservatism and offered to meet with residents who had questions.

Capital projects and debt: The presentation lists FY2026 street projects (Churchwood, Crosswood Drive, Gamblewood, Inkswood, Longswood, Medicine Rock, Old Converse Road, Persia Drive, Travis Drive and the West Wright 6100 block) and CDBG-funded street work. Council and staff said they plan to work with the city\u000027s financial adviser to prepare for a proposed $6 million bond issuance anticipated in the 2027 budget cycle; staff said any issuance timing will be driven by market conditions and council direction. The packet showed debt-service needs for the coming year of about $2,167,631 with estimated interest (based on current rates shown) at roughly $53,500.

ARPA and positions: Finance staff noted that ARPA funds awarded earlier to the city are near exhaustion; the budget contains two ARPA-funded mental-health officer positions now but, because ARPA payouts run out after FY2026, those positions would need to shift to general-fund support in FY2027 unless council directs otherwise. Staff advised council that will be a known \"pinch point\" for next year\u000027s budgeting.

Process and next steps: Staff said the final certified tax rolls will be received July 25 and the council will see a tax-rate projection at the August 5 meeting. The formal public notice and final budget materials will be posted on July 31. Council will be presented tax-rate options August 5 and a required budget hearing and recorded vote on the tax rate will be held August 19.

No formal votes or ordinance adoptions occurred during the workshop; the session was informational and preparatory for the August decisions.

Ending: Staff asked council members to provide any further directions before the packet\u000027s finalization. Finance staff offered to meet with any residents with follow-up questions about the audited figures or budget assumptions.","Universal City council members met in a July budget workshop to review the proposed FY2026 general fund, hear a citizen\u000027s questions about past audits and set the schedule for finalizing the tax rate.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511287,"Utility consultant recommends no water, wastewater or stormwater rate increases for FY2026",879,353565,1232740,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273&start=353&end=1232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332792-2eea084e3a5517b4ab72883830865273/thumbnail_353565.jpg","/articles/6511287/Universal-City/Bexar-County/Texas/Utility-consultant-recommends-no-water-wastewater-or-stormwater-rate-increases-for-FY2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511287-87dedc992b8dd8242c3cae4111c1c68f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771075894&Signature=gHqQm1y9bSa0s4RJDMpu6ZbkgaqSM2YiKExS3aDro9mo7Sxqqii6yIYnqlDSAQ9u3AqmouN3FuGoJKkbzAaWGU0I1w8DNzzxq2hbsef375kzU-zanwIhCzyCwiZwHddR9eyD4PCGJEbPLUTN~ENNrb7hzY7ie1vpJFWRrkkJn8JhwBL8CKpZ2N64lVP-7KiZ5Aj9KLISvMacRlSc~4yN1Pq1FhJ~ugKcQToDLfoRK8cVHPdroPCYbrg-sKG5H0aVvXQQ3jkPfsPfSe8BqBuUcUpyKaHeSIeLZYo-i2CRvBwduBk2K5JRGgvaEBXkJfEVaxSGracqyKQEuun3vL0ygQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grady Reed, the city\u000027s utility rate consultant, told the council at a July budget workshop that staff do not recommend raising water, wastewater or stormwater rates for FY2026.

Reed said the water program faces increased costs tied to a planned purchase of groundwater rights, two tank repainting projects (plants No. 8 and 9) and ongoing water-rehabilitation projects. He described a 2012 debt issue that retires in the current fiscal year and will be replaced in 2026 by new debt payments of about $530,000; the retired debt payment was about $360,000. Reed said the new 2026 debt service is being apportioned roughly half to water and half to wastewater.

On wastewater, Reed said residential sewer charges are modeled to increase about 5% in the short run, with commercial charges modeled at smaller initial increases. He projected that treatment-related expenses (including regional wholesale treatment providers) could increase roughly $410,000 across the planning period, equivalent to about a 24% rise in treatment costs over the period modeled; wholesale CCMA treatment costs were modeled to increase about 10% across five years. Reed emphasized these increases are spread over the planning horizon, not all in the coming fiscal year.

Capital projects and funding: The presentation lists a FY2026 wastewater rehabilitation CIP item of $562,600, declining to $315,000 in 2027 and rising to $365,000 by 2030. Reed said other projects (including water tank repainting at Plant 9 in 2026) will be cash-funded from utility fund balance and from tower rental revenue that the city reserves for tank maintenance. Reed stated the city does not plan to take on additional utility debt across the five-year plan beyond the 2026 public‑works-related issuance already described.

Reserves and rate strategy: Reed told council the combined water and wastewater fund balance is currently higher than the model projected, which allowed staff to recommend no rate increases in FY2026. He said the city is drawing down reserves in a controlled manner to avoid a single large rate spike later: ‘‘We don't want to pull down that fund balance too fast, because that creates a lot of momentum... and in order to stop that ball rolling down, you basically have to have a very large rate increase,'' he said. Reed said operating reserves currently approximate eight months for the combined water/wastewater utility (the city\u000027s target being six months for those funds) and about three months for stormwater (stormwater is modeled with lower variability).

Stormwater: Reed said the last stormwater rate increase occurred in 2023 and that stormwater expenses have declined in part because some vehicle lease costs expired and engineering costs have fallen. He identified FY2026 stormwater capital needs that include projects at the Cibolo Creek property, Oak Meadows drainage and brush clearing; no stormwater rate increase was recommended for FY2026.

Sewer inflow and infiltration (I&I): City staff described the ongoing I&I program and surveys. Reed and Public Works staff said the targeted projects will address higher-priority segments identified in earlier surveys and that some pipeline replacement work will be coordinated with street reconstruction projects.

No formal rate ordinance was adopted at the workshop. Staff said they will return to council with the formal ordinance language and pricing so ordinances remain current in advance of any future rate decisions.

Ending: Reed offered to answer further questions and told council he will continue to update the rate model and monitor weather-driven revenue variability for the water utility.","At a Universal City budget workshop, utility-rate consultant Grady Reed presented the water, wastewater and stormwater five-year plan, recommending no rate increases for FY2026 while identifying planned capital projects, reserve targets and projected treatment-cost pressures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council debates use of venue tax, golf course funding and $80,000 billboard lease

Universal City launches targeted alley reconstruction and partners with CPS on vertical tree clearing

Universal City reviews proposed FY2026 general fund budget, explains audits and schedules tax-rate steps

Utility consultant recommends no water, wastewater or stormwater rate increases for FY2026